Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy, happy, and full of energy. But today, more and more families are facing a hard reality that many weren’t prepared for: 1 in 3 children in the United States now live with a chronic illness.

That number includes everything from asthma and eczema to anxiety, ADHD, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, allergies, and digestive issues. It’s a shocking statistic—and one we can’t afford to ignore.

So the real question is: Why is this happening—and what can we do about it?

Just a few decades ago, chronic illness in children was rare. Now, it’s not unusual to see classrooms filled with kids carrying inhalers, EpiPens, or dealing with daily medication schedules.

Parents are told it’s genetic… or “just part of growing up”… or something their child will have to manage forever. But here’s the truth:

Chronic illness isn’t random, and it’s not inevitable. It’s a sign that the body is overwhelmed and needs support.

We believe in asking why. We believe in digging deeper—not just labeling symptoms, but finding the triggers and uncovering the root cause of what’s really going on inside your child’s body.

The world our kids are growing up in looks very different from the one we did. Here are a few major contributing factors we see over and over:

From processed foods and artificial dyes to pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals, kids today are exposed to more environmental toxins than ever before, and their developing bodies can’t always keep up. We often hear the phrase “everything in moderation,” but the truth is, moderation doesn’t exist when these exposures are happening all day, every day, from multiple sources. The body isn’t dealing with just one toxin in isolation—it’s dealing with a constant build-up from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the products we use.

Fragranced products like candles, air fresheners, laundry detergents, and body sprays may smell pleasant, but they often contain hidden chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors—compounds that can interfere with hormone function, impact growth, and even affect mood and behavior. Add to that other common household exposures like flame retardants, nonstick cookware coatings, and cleaning products with harsh chemicals, and you have a perfect storm of daily toxic load. Over time, these small, repeated exposures accumulate, placing extra stress on a child’s developing systems.

Antibiotics, poor diet, and even stress can damage the gut lining and microbiome. Since 70–80% of the immune system lives in the gut, this can trigger everything from eczema to allergies to mood struggles. For many kids, it starts early—chronic ear infections often lead to repeated rounds of antibiotics. While necessary at times, these repeated courses wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leaving the gut more vulnerable and less balanced each time.

Constipation is another common issue we see in children, and unfortunately, many are simply handed Miralax as a quick fix. However, Miralax is not designed or approved for long-term use in children, and it doesn’t address the root cause of constipation. Because many doctors lack alternative solutions, the underlying gut dysfunction often remains untreated, allowing digestive issues to persist and potentially worsen over time.

Want real answers about your child’s gut health?
We use the Genova Diagnostic Stool Test—a comprehensive tool that helps us assess your child’s microbiome, digestive function, inflammation markers, yeast, parasites, and more.
It’s non-invasive, easy to do at home, and gives us a clear roadmap for personalized healing.

Call our office to schedule a consult and learn more about how the Genova test could uncover the root cause of your child’s symptoms.

A child can eat “healthy” and still feel miserable if they’re eating foods their immune system is reacting to. These reactions may not cause an immediate allergy but can create inflammation, immune dysfunction, skin issues, and even behavioral problems.

Already have food allergy results? Let’s make them actionable.
We offer a 1-hour Food Education Consultation with Dr. Lena specifically for patients who’ve completed Food Allergy Testing.

During this appointment, Dr. Lena will:

• Walk you through your child’s results in detail
• Teach you how to read labels and plan meals
• Provide a customized food binder
• Send home our Food FAQ and recipe resources
• Help your family feel empowered—not overwhelmed

This is about more than avoiding certain foods. It’s about learning how to support your child’s immune system, calm inflammation, and start true healing.

Many children today are overfed but undernourished. Processed foods and synthetic supplements don’t provide the bioavailable nutrients their bodies can actually absorb, leaving gaps that affect healthy brain and body development. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, even the healthiest foods can’t be fully broken down and utilized, leading to nutrient deficiencies despite an adequate—or even excessive—calorie intake.

A comprehensive stool test can reveal if your child’s gut is struggling to absorb nutrients properly by assessing digestive function, inflammation, and microbial balance. Addressing these root issues helps ensure that the nutrients they eat are truly fueling their growth and development.

The immune system is meant to protect and regulate—but when it’s constantly under fire, it can become dysregulated, leading to chronic inflammation and even autoimmune patterns. Since 70–80% of the immune system resides in the gut, ongoing gut dysfunction can trigger immune overreactions, making the body more likely to develop food sensitivities and allergies. Over time, this cycle of inflammation and reactivity can become a driving force behind many chronic childhood health concerns.

The body was designed to heal—and kids are incredibly resilient. When we remove stressors, support foundational systems (especially the gut and immune system), and give their bodies the tools they need, we often see dramatic improvements in symptoms and quality of life.

We’ve helped families reverse years of symptoms in a matter of months—not with a magic pill, but with:

• Comprehensive testing (not guesswork)
• Custom care plans tailored to your child

Targeted support for nutrition, detox, immune balance, and healing

As your child heads back into the classroom, ask yourself:

• Are they tired more than they should be?
• Do they deal with recurring issues like tummy aches, skin rashes, mood swings, or trouble focusing?
• Have you been told “they’ll grow out of it,” but your gut says otherwise?

You don’t have to settle for “managing” symptoms. You deserve answers. And your child deserves a body that works the way it was designed to.

We partner with parents who are ready to break the cycle of chronic illness and give their child a better future. Whether your child has a diagnosis or is just “not quite thriving,” we’ll help you uncover the why and build a clear path forward.

Book your Food Education consult with Dr. Lena
Or set up a discovery call to see what testing or support is right for your child

The 1 in 3 statistic may feel overwhelming—but it’s also a wake-up call. It means we have to do things differently.

You have the power to change your child’s story—and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.