Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience

by Elisa Song

Do you want to know the key to raising resilient kids, from the inside out? In this groundbreaking, evidence-based guide to raising healthy kids in our modern world, Dr. Elisa Song bridges the gap between conventional and holistic pediatrics and delivers a clear roadmap to help kids thrive.

Raising healthy, happy kids shouldn’t be so hard . Yet, despite living in what should be a golden age of medicine, our children are sicker than ever. At least 1 in 5 kids has eczema, and 1 in 10 has asthma, ADHD, or anxiety—and sometimes they have all of the above. Many parents are at a loss for who to turn to for trusted advice—advice that takes a root-cause, holistic approach to whole child resilience, but doesn’t dismiss the value of conventional pediatrics.

Enter Elisa Song, MD, a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained pediatrician, one of the foremost pioneers and trusted experts in pediatric integrative and functional medicine. Drawing on extensive research and over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Song explains why your child’s gut microbiome holds the key to lifelong wellness. She shares her proven and practical plan for building physical and emotional resilience from the inside out. You will discover how

Optimize your child’s microbiome with 5 simple steps.Empower your kids so they want to make healthy choices (and you don’t have to nag).Heal your child’s gut to get to the root cause of their chronic health concerns.Feel calm and confident using safe and effective natural therapies when your kids are sick, with an A-to-Z guide to the top 25 acute childhood ailments.Complete with helpful quizzes, exercises, protocols, and dozens of delicious, gut-friendly recipes, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids is a comprehensive, yet simple roadmap to raising resilient kids in our not-so-simple world. Thanks to Dr. Song, parents (and practitioners) finally have the power to revolutionize the future of children’s health so that their kids can thrive—no matter what life throws their way.

Genres: Parenting, Health, Nonfiction, Science, Food, Nutrition

463 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Racheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting and helpful book incorporating scientific research findings regarding the importance of gut health, tips for a gut-healthy approach to nutrition geared toward little kids, and recommendations for specific health concerns.

I have already done a lot of reading and learning about gut health for myself, so a lot of this information isn't new. I enjoyed hearing from Dr. Song with tips as an integrative medicine pediatrician and mom herself. She has some great recipes along with other homeopathic recommendations (such as natural remedies, etc.).

Please note: I'm hesitant to recommend this book to parents of autistic kids, and as a result, I'm not sure how I feel about recommending it overall. In several places, she mentions how gut health in kids can prevent a range of what she calls the "lousy list" of conditions, including autism (along with asthma, eczema, allergies, obesity, ADHD, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, mood disorders, behavioral concerns, and epilepsy). I'm not certain that research shows this or how helpful this advice is. I would have preferred she talk more in terms of how a gut health diet might help people with autism or other conditions manage symptoms rather than preventing it altogether since my understanding is that research is unclear on causes for and ways to prevent autism. However, this is an area I'm not very informed on; it just made me feel less sure about some of the other advice provided and gives me some pause in recommending the book.

[Chloe Sinnamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a must-read for parents who care about the long-term health of their children! I will be keeping this book as a reference for many years to come. So glad I bought instead of borrowed!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like having my husband’s holistic nutritionist mind and research and my pediatric chiropractor’s expertise between two covers. This offers study-based, must-have info for how our bodies work, how the gut controls it all (almost) and what we can do about it. Plus! Her specific recommendations (herbal supplements, dietary, vitamins, homeopathics, and acupressure) for the top 25 childhood illnesses. I was jotting notes and feeling refreshed to keep fine-tuning our family’s meals and snacks and treatments.

If you have a baby anywhere near me, you might get this book.

[Angie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful resource and information! It has tools to help implement strategies to improve children's health. It teaches kids to be empowered to have control over their choices.

[Launna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great source of general info as well as info specific to different health issues- the most common ailments especially. A very good baseline of knowledge as well as a very handy resource.

[Patty Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! Dr Song gives such great explanations and suggestions for the all kid health issues! I highly recommend every parent with babies to teens to read and re-read!!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good & so eye opening without being judgy. I bookmarked & highlighted so many things because I know I’ll be returning to this one frequently!

[Laurel G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1 and 2 of this book CHANGED MY LIFE. Highly recommend not only for parents but for adults as integrative medicine is beneficial for any stage of life. Dr. Song brings years of experience and wisdom to her book in an easy to read and understand way. 4 stars because some of her advice isn’t super practical for most families. For example, buying all organic produce (I’m curious what a grocery budget would be for what she recommends) and having kids not ever eat “super sugary frappuccino drinks or bubble teas” and if they do “have them not eat added sugars for the rest of the week.” Not super practical, however Dr. Song advocates for taking small steps and doing the best you can.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience”, Dr. Elisa Song presents a transformative approach to child health that transcends the conventional boundaries of pediatric care. By addressing the alarming rise in childhood conditions such as eczema, asthma, behavioral problems, anxiety, and autism, Dr. Song emphasizes the importance of nurturing resilience through holistic and integrative methods. At the heart of her philosophy lies the gut microbiome, a complex and dynamic ecosystem that profoundly influences a child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through practical lifestyle changes and natural remedies, this guide offers parents actionable steps to foster a thriving gut microbiome, ensuring their children not only survive but thrive in today's world.

Parents frequently face a myriad of concerns regarding their children's well-being. Issues such as irritable moods, digestive problems, disrupted sleep, and sensory sensitivities are often dismissed as typical developmental phases. However, parental intuition often signals that even if these conditions are "normal," true holistic health is not being achieved. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This should be the goal for our children, yet alarming statistics indicate that many children suffer from conditions like eczema, asthma, behavioral problems, anxiety, and autism. Integrative pediatrics emerges as a pioneering approach to achieving comprehensive child wellness. This holistic paradigm emphasizes nurturing resilience as the foundation of a child's ability to recover from physical, mental, and social challenges, enabling them to live fulfilling lives.

Whole child resilience starts with a healthy gut microbiome, which consists of over 100 trillion microorganisms. The gut microbiome influences digestion, the immune system, mood, behavior, and genetic performance. A balanced microbiome promotes optimal functioning of digestion, immunity, hormones, and brain function, while a disrupted microbiome can contribute to conditions like reflux, constipation, eczema, asthma, allergies, ADHD, and autism. Children's microbiomes, especially those between ages 0 and 2.5, are particularly sensitive and crucial to development. Studies show that early antibiotic use can disrupt the microbiome and increase the risk of developing these conditions. However, children's microbiomes are also highly receptive to positive influences, making it possible to restore balance through diet, lifestyle changes, and mindful parenting.

Fostering a healthy gut microbiome involves adopting simple, yet powerful lifestyle shifts. By incorporating these steps into daily routines, parents can nurture their children's gut microbiomes, supporting overall health, cognitive function, and resilience:
1. Diverse, Nutrient-Dense Diet: Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, rich in fiber and phytonutrients, to support a thriving gut microbiome. Introduce fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha, which contain beneficial bacteria and postbiotics that enhance gut health.
2. Stress Reduction: Mindfulness and breathing exercises can improve heart rate variability and reduce stress, promoting a balanced gut-brain connection. Practices like belly breathing and square breathing can be adapted for children.
3. Hydration: Encourage adequate water intake to support a healthy microbiome. Offer fruit-infused water, coconut water, or sparkling water to make hydration appealing.
4. Regular Exercise: Ensure children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Encourage activities they enjoy, such as hiking, biking, or playing sports, to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Despite best efforts, children will inevitably encounter illnesses. A healthy child isn't one who never gets sick, but one who can recover quickly and build a stronger immune system. Antibiotics, while necessary for severe bacterial infections, are often overprescribed and can disrupt the gut microbiome. Parents should:
1. Understand when antibiotics are necessary.
2. Use appropriate home remedies when suitable.
3. Restore gut health after antibiotic use.

Equip children with tools to navigate common ailments with resilience by embracing natural remedies and fostering gut health. For common ailments like ear infections, natural remedies such as Pelargonium sidoides (geranium extract) can provide pain relief while allowing the infection to resolve naturally. Emphasize rest, hydration, and seeking medical attention when needed to support resilience and recovery.
1. Flu Season: Use homeopathic remedies like Oscillococcinum and individualized treatments for fevers, colds, and coughs.
2. Allergy Relief: Address allergies holistically by incorporating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, quercetin, vitamin C, zinc, fish oil, and vitamin D to strengthen the immune system and alleviate symptoms.

"Healthy Kids, Happy Kids" underscores the vital role of the gut microbiome in a child's overall health and resilience. Dr. Elisa Song provides a comprehensive roadmap for parents seeking to enhance their children's well-being through integrative and holistic practices. By prioritizing a diverse and nutrient-dense diet, reducing stress, ensuring proper hydration, and encouraging regular physical activity, parents can support a balanced gut microbiome, paving the way for robust immune function, cognitive health, and emotional stability. This book empowers parents to make small yet impactful lifestyle changes, fostering a foundation of resilience that will benefit their children for a lifetime. Emphasizing gut resilience through natural approaches can support overall well-being and recovery from common ailments. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a child's overall well-being, impacting the immune system, brain function, and genetic expression. By making simple lifestyle changes—such as adopting a nutrient-dense diet with fermented foods, reducing stress, ensuring proper hydration, and encouraging regular exercise—parents can nurture a balanced gut microbiome, supporting their children's health, cognitive function, and resilience.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Song is an Integratave Pediatrician, which means she combines both conventional medicine you'd expect from a pediatrician with natural treatments you'd expect from a chiropractor and naturopath. In my opinion, she's the best of both worlds since she is incredibly knowledgable, specifically in gut health and how much of our overall health depends on our gut being resilient. Part 1 discusses all about what a resilient gut looks like and why it's important. Part 2 focuses on the five things every child (and adult) needs to create "microbiome magic" in the gut (getting "microbiome champions in", like fiber and fermented foods; keeping "microbiome mischief makers" (like processed sugar and preservatives) out of the diet; learning breathing techniques to improve the vagus nerve and heart rate variability; hydrating with half your body's weight in water every day, sleeping enough, and daily exercise. Part 3 gives a ton of suggestions of naturalistic things to do when kids are sick with a variety of illnesses and conditions, including the cold, strep, eczema, asthma, ADHD, and anxiety. She also discusses the benefit of fevers and why we shouldn't mask/treat them most of the time. I like that while she dives into very holistic treatments like acupressure points, homeopathic medicines, and essential oils, she still has a very solid understanding and explanation for when a parent should talk their child to their doctor, when antibiotics are most likely necessary, and other wise precautions that aren't "natural" but are needed with riskier illness. I have already used a ton of her recommendations in our home and have been seeing slow but steady improvement in certain health issues. This is an incredible resource and should be available at most public libraries to check out. She also has a IG account where she discusses a lot of these topics

[Sarah Cupitt]

WIP

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This should be the standard for our children, yet the statistics paint a concerning picture:

- One in five children suffer from eczema.
- One in ten children have asthma.
- One in ten children exhibit behavioral problems.
- One in ten children struggle with anxiety, and this number rises to one in three for teenagers aged 13-18.
- One in thirty-six children is diagnosed with autism.
- If this is the new "normal," then something is fundamentally amiss.

Approximately 70-80% of our immune system is located in our gut, specifically in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). When the microbiome is in a healthy state, the GALT can effectively identify which foods, germs, allergens, and toxins are "friends" and which are "foes." However, when the microbiome is imbalanced, the GALT may allow too many "foes" to enter, resulting in recurring illnesses, or it may fend off too many "friends," leading to persistent inflammatory conditions like eczema. In some cases, the GALT can even start attacking itself, resulting in autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

More notes:
- Stress reduction is another crucial factor in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.
- When the vagus nerve is in a relaxed state, we experience healthy heart rate variability (HRV), which indicates optimal health and resilience. Conversely, when the vagus nerve is stressed, our heart rate becomes rapid and steady, triggering a fight-or-flight response.
-

[Jonas Wipf · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience” by Elisa Song is a groundbreaking guide that uses an evidence-based approach to raising resilient kids. It bridges the gap between conventional and holistic pediatrics, providing a clear roadmap to help kids thrive. The book is a treasure trove of practical advice, focusing on simple and effective strategies like good nutrition, quality sleep, active play, and proper hydration. It includes natural solutions for common childhood illnesses that any parent can use with confidence. The book has received high ratings and positive reviews from readers.

However, it’s important to note that it may not cater to everyone’s preferences. The book heavily leans towards a holistic approach, which might not appeal to readers who prefer a more conventional approach to pediatrics. Some readers might find the scientific discussions about the gut microbiome and its impact on health a bit complex to understand. While the book provides a comprehensive guide to raising healthy and happy kids, it might not cover all aspects of child health and wellness in depth. Overall, “Healthy Kids, Happy Kids” is a highly recommended read for parents and pediatric practitioners who are interested in a holistic and evidence-based approach to raising resilient children.

[Lovelymisanthrope]

I received a copy of this book as a gift.
"Healthy Kids, Happy Kids" is a novel that explores practical ways to integrate a more holistic approach to health into your child's life.
One thing this novel focused a lot on was the connection between the gut and overall health. I really appreciated learning ways to help foster a healthy gut for my daughter and how to help restore her gut health if something happens to it. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary for illness, but they cause havoc on gut health, so I really appreciated how Elisa Song suggested to help restore gut health. Another big focus was on how to encourage a resilient gut, so that your child can bounce back more quickly when things inevitably disrupt their gut health.
This book talks a lot about starting when you can. Just because you did not implement these practices or mindsets from day one does not mean your child is behind. They can still live a happy, healthy life. I think it is so important for people to be encouraged to start where they are at.
This novel does offer some quick remedies for some common childhood ailments, so I think this is a great book to keep on hand throughout all of childhood!
If you are looking to help set your child up for life to be happy and healthy, I highly recommend this!

[Irena Crnčić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kao mama dječaka s nekoliko dijagnoza, među kojima su autizam, mutacija gena, alergije, intolerancije na namirnice - voljela bih da ovu knjigu pročita svaki pedijatar, doktor. Ovo ne govorim samo zato što sam uz ovu knjigu otvorila oči, nego zato što smo upravo zbog navedenih dijagnoza mijenjali puno životnih navika i još uvijek smo na tom putu. Knjigu je napisala doktorica, pedijatrica integrativne medicine - što znači da spaja konvencionalno medicinsko stanje sa homeopatijom, prirodnim pripravcima te prehranom.
Kako vratiti mikrobiom u dobro stanje, kako pomoći djeci prilikom prehlade ili temperature, upale uha, povraćanja... Dr. Song sve to detaljni objašnjava...
Knjiga zaista vrijedna čitanja - vjerujem da ću joj se vraćati kada budem imala potrebu za to i kada budem morala pomoći djetetu da manje pati - što zbog boli, što zbog iritacije alergijama, ali i zbog podsjetnika da je važno usporiti i svijet gledati očima djeteta...

[Jenna Wiltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reviewing Healthy Kids, Happy Kids as a functional nutrition dietitian and mother of 3 children. The book is thorough, evidence-based, and can be used as a reference guide for a variety of audiences including parents, grandparents, and practitioners. I appreciate the mix of education + actionable steps. The book is written in a positive and uplifting tone, with emphasis on making small and doable lifestyle changes. Progress, not perfection. Dr. Song recognizes and empathetically addresses the struggle of making healthy choices in the environment we live in. She speaks on behalf of her role not only as a pediatrician, but also as a mother. Her passion, compassion, and love for children is evident in her writing. Can we just clone her?!

A special thank you to Dr. Song for generously sharing her wisdom as a practitioner and mother.

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still reading this one but thinking about how to use this for my kids!

“Incorporate fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, pickles and kombucha into your child's diet gradually. If your child is a picky eater, try the same-yum, different-fun approach, where you swap out familiar foods with healthier alternatives, such as homemade sweet potato and cauliflower cheese, instead of boxed macaroni and cheese. Stress reduction is another crucial factor in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. The vagus nerve acts as a two-way information superhighway between the gut and the brain. When the vagus nerve is in a relaxed state, we experience healthy heart rate variability, HRV, which indicates optimal health and resilience. Conversely, when the vagus nerve is stressed, our heart rate becomes rapid and steady, triggering a fight-or-flight response.”

*review and rating subject to change.”

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I’ve read this year (the first book I’ve read this year HA!). No, really this book will probably be one of the highlights of this year and past couple years of book reading. It’s an incredible book and an excellent follow up for Dr Casey Means’ book, Good Energy. Every parent should have a copy of this book and feel confident and empowered to take care of their child. Dr. Song teaches about the microbiome, how to care for your child’s microbiome, how the two are related to keeping your child happy and healthy. She goes over gut reset for setbacks and how to specifically care for certain illnesses. The resources in this book are endless and ever changing (she provides links for book updates).

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information about gut health and how it impacts overall wellbeing was presented very clearly and convincingly, and I appreciated Dr. Song’s holistic approach to gut health including nourish, move, breathe, hydrate and sleep.

I only gave it three stars because much of what she recommends beyond those five pillars seems wildly inaccessible and unrealistic for most modern families. My kids eat a variety of real foods and exercise and get good sleep, etc, but I certainly don’t have time to make homemade fermented salsa or essential oil concoctions or titrate supplement wafers for them. Maybe if you are a stay-at-home parent you can implement her recommendations, but I have no idea how she did all this as a working parent.

[Zuleika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healthy Kids, Happy Kids is like a crib sheet for wellness. It takes Dr. Song's vast knowledge about whole child resilience and condenses it to a few hundred pages. In essence, so much stems from the gut and she has created this guide to help raise resilient children. Sometimes, as parents, we say, "I wish I had this when my child was younger," when it comes to certain books or resources. This book falls under that category and with it, I feel empowered to help my child have thriving, resilient health.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristen Nickels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️. I think it’s very difficult for books like this to be perfect, and this one is no exception. That said, I started with the audiobook and quickly went to buy the physical copy, which I have referenced many times already, as well as shared with others. This book is in a league of its own and is an extremely valuable resource that stays true to its aim. There seems to be no agenda here except to help parents/caregivers promote holistically healthy kids. As a healthcare professional, I do recommend (as does the author) that people seek individual advice from a trusted integrative healthcare professional, especially regarding any recommended diet changes.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book! As a mother of a child with chronic food allergies and eczema, I have spent the past 2.5 years working to heal her holistically from the inside-out, rather than simply mask the problem. This book is an excellent resource that reads almost like a reference book to know how to help support your children both prophylactically but also in times of acute sickness and chronic disease. I have been recommending it to all of my mom friends and have started gifting it to new parents, because we all need better tools to tend to the health of our kids. 10/10!

[Sarah Standen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with valuable information on supporting children’s health and resilience in a holistic way. I appreciated the integrative approach, covering everything from nutrition and sleep to emotional well-being. It gave me lots to think about, and I found many practical takeaways I can apply. While I may not implement everything exactly as outlined, there are definitely aspects that could be useful for me. At times, it felt a little overwhelming, but overall, it was an insightful and useful guide that I’ll definitely be coming back to in the future!

[Amanda Goyzueta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I was a child with plenty of gut issues. At the time we did the best we could with the tools we had…but those tools were not very many. I’m thankful to feel well armed to help my own children in their lifelong journey of gut health, and I’m also thankful to feel less helpless during the ins and outs of childhood viruses. Going to buy this book so that it’s a readily available tool kit to keep in my own home!

[Katie Lamb]

LOVED this book. I learned so much and I love the way Dr. Song wrote the book. It was hefty and had so much information but didn’t feel overwhelming. She included so many helpful references and charts. This is one you might want to think about buying because there’s easy to refer to chapters on specific illnesses/concerns. I’ll be referring to it next time the boys are sick for sure! A must read for every parent!

[Jessica Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for parents. I’m pretty well versed on the microbiome, but this was still such an incredible and helpful read. It’s fascinating what can be solved simply through Dr. Songs steps. Even if you just read the first few chapters and nothing else, it will change the way you think about what you and your children consume.

[Bekah Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! It gives parents so much information so they feel empowered to move away from traditional medicine to a more holistic approach. I learned an incredible amount about how to truly help my kids when they are sick (without rushing to the doctor for antibiotics), as well as how to develop health resilience. I wish I could give it more stars!

[Blair Eleazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible read filled with mind opening knowledge on so many ways we can help our kids immune system, mental health and overall wellbeing just being having a happy gut! Great book with an entire reference for common childhood ailments and how to treat using food as medicine, homeopathy, essential oils, and acupressure!

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for a child's overall well-being, impacting the immune system, brain function and even genetic expression. Simple lifestyle changes like a nutrient-dense diet with fermented foods, stress reduction techniques, proper hydration and regular exercise can nurture a balanced gut microbiome in children.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am super passionate about whole child health and wasn't sure how much new information I would take away from this book. Jokes on me- I have pages of notes! I love Dr. Song's approach to whole child resiliency and holistic lifestyle. I originally read this as a library copy but will purchase my own to rewrite my notes in and use for future reference.

[Allison Gerrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me from another health and fitness friend. It has now become my FAVORITE parental health book in my arsenal! I loved Dr. Song’s book and have been using several of her recommendations with my kiddos (and my self) for months. This is a life-changing book in my opinion 💪🏽👩🏻‍⚕️.