The Dirt Cure: Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil

by Maya Shetreat-Klein

In the tradition of Michael Pollan, Mark Hyman, and Andrew Weil, pioneering integrative pediatric neurologist Maya Shetreat-Klein, MD, reveals the shocking contents of children’s food, how it’s seriously harming their bodies and brains, and what we can do about it. And she presents the first nutritional plan for getting and keeping children healthy—a plan that any family can follow.

New alarming studies show the dramatic rise of chronic disease in children—from allergies and ADHD to mental illnesses and obesity. A traditionally trained pediatric neurologist and a parent herself, Dr. Maya encountered the limits of conventional medicine when her son suffered a severe episode of asthma on his first birthday and began a backward slide in his development. Treatments failed to reverse his condition, so Dr. Maya embarked on a scientific investigation, discovering that food was at the root of her son’s illness, affecting his digestive system, immune system, and brain. The solution was shockingly simple: Heal the food, heal the gut, heal the brain…and heal the child.

Recent changes in growing and processing food harm kids’ gut microbiomes, immune systems, and brains, contributing to chronic disease. Dr. Maya’s plan started with the soil, using fresh foods and nature to heal her son from the inside out and the outside in. Since then, she’s successfully helped chronically ill patients from around the world. Revealing the profound connections between food, nature, and children’s health, Dr. Maya explains how food is constantly changing kids’ bodies, brains, and even genes—for better or for worse. She also shares success stories from her practice and tips as a working mother of three on stocking healing foods (from veggies to chocolate!), reading labels, and getting even picky eaters into the new menu. This paradigm-shifting book empowers you to transform your child’s health through food and ensure the long-term wellbeing of your kids and the entire family.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Parenting, Food, Nutrition, Audiobook, Childrens

384 pages, Hardcover

First published July 14, 2015

Reviews

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

If you’re ready to be absolutely appalled by the food industry then gird your loins!

Sobering, disheartening, I’m all set to buy some acreage and start raising my own livestock and growing enough for a CSA. Any takers to join me in this lofty endeavor?

You can’t unsee the things revealed in this eye opening blistering commentary about our food industry. Read at your own risk!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were interesting parts of this book, and things I agree with (pesticides are probably bad for health, the fda doesn't measure or regulate many things that are probably relevant to health, reading whole foods is superior to processed foods).

However, I felt like she probably overstated what is known about the health benefits of the various micro nutrients, phytonutrients, etc. She cited a lot of studies to support her points, but my experience of science is that it's rarely that black and white. And her proposed solutions seem highly impractical for people living in the 21st century who work and don't want to spend all their free time sourcing and preparing food. I like to cook/bake, but a lot of the ingredients she was touring as staples I've never even heard of. There has to be a middle ground...right?

[Themountainbookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh! This book was hard to read. So many times I looked over at my book and went I don’t wanna 😩(not in my nature I love reading).
The author is great at giving you a heart attack or making you question every decision you’ve ever made. There’s lots of alarmist rhetoric. I wanted to say to the author just the facts.

I also had a misinterpretation of what the book would be about. I thought it would share the importance of being in the dirt, benefits of being outside etc. Instead the book is really a breakdown of our diet and how everything is going to give you cancer 😂 She’s got lots of citations and good research, it’s just also piles on a lot of parental guilt.

If your kid is really struggling then read the book. But if everyone is healthy, probably best to pass on the book.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

”Food—real food—is the embodiment of all the healing properties of nature: rich soil, warm sunshine, fresh air, living water, and diverse microbes. Real food connects our inner terrain to the outer terrain, and aligns them. This alignment makes us well and keeps our bodies resilient.”

“Even though the United States holds only 5 percent of the world’s population, it’s responsible for 75 percent of global prescription drug use. And these prescribed medications have consequences.”

********

While my family already leads a lifestyle very similar to what the author discusses, I found this book to be very inspiring and I found some ways we could improve. I want to pass this book along to everyone who has ever questioned why we eat the way we do or why we buy organic or why we don’t use medications (prescription or OTC).

I was blown away by the examples of cases the author referenced - children on numerous prescriptions due to diet...and how when parents adjusted food and/or ingredients and took charge of their child’s health, medication was no longer needed. Allowing our bodies to do what they’re designed to do - heal without interference (allowing fevers to run their course, etc.) and use food as medicine.

It’s getting back to nature, in the dirt, and eating little to no processed foods. I did, however, skim over the chapters discussing milk, meat, and fish since we don’t consume those foods. I HIGHLY recommend this book to every parent, whether you’re planning to have kids, expecting, or already have kids! Lots of great info and tips! I copied down her tips to introducing new foods and dealing with picky eaters...I will probably hang them up in the kitchen to be a constant reminder!

[Jennifer Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for parents/anyone who are trying to help kids with health issues, developmental issues, and behavioral issues in a natural way. The author goes in to great detail why more and more kids are getting sick through the foods we eat...and we are just trying to medicate their symptoms...not find the underlying issue or cause of their problems. Great for everyone's health really...great read!

[Sezin Koehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So eye-opening and in many ways terrifying to learn the state of food in America. Dr. Maya offers lots of proactive solutions especially for parents with ill children, but this book is useful for anyone who cares about what they put into their bodies. Full review to come.

[Chuckles · Rating 1 out of 5]

TLDR; my “gut” reaction is she’s right about the general premise, but she’s also full of “shit”. All puns intended.


Admittedly I’m not done, “butt”…

She makes a lot of alarming statements seemingly backed by citations, but I looked into literally just one and already found her misportraying the facts.

Chapters 5 page 65
“Previously common childhood viruses like measles and mumps reduce allergy and even teach the immune system to target bad cancer, for example.” 10,11

Citation 10:

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/19/sc...

This article mentions norovirus as having a potentially positive impact on mice with an unhealthy microbiome. No mention of measles, mumps or cancer.

Citation 11:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19255... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16387...

One concludes that getting measles may protect against allergic reaction; other includes anthroposophic lifestyle are associated with reduced allergic reaction.

So 10 doesn’t mention MMR or cancer and 11 doesn’t mention cancer.

I mean I’m obviously still going to try to include more nutritious and varied foods into my kids’ diets, and avoid unnecessary antibiotics. But I’m also not buying into the “food is medicine” story enough to prevent my kids from getting the healthcare they genuinely need.

[Marcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book that goes into the medical and health aspects of soil. It's written by a pediatrician who has the medical and scientific background to talk about why the health of our soil matters and how it affects our health. She also offers important insight into things like how dangerous it is for children to grow up in a sanitized environment filled with anti-bacterial soaps and such that break down our immune system and make us less healthy.

[Andrea Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible. I wish that I had it in paper so I could flip through it afterwards. There was lots to this book, science as well as anecdotal experiences, lists of what to eat and what not to eat. This is a book I wish I had read before having kids.

[Christine Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening facts and tons of helpful information about our food choice and how it effects our health.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So insightful. Brings awareness to the health and goodness of our earth and how to provide healthy food for our families.

[Ruben · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspirerend verhaal gegrond in wetenschap en met een ferme dosis gezond verstand

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested to pick this up after listening to Doctor Maya on the Wellness Mama Podcast. She spoke about how parents should encourage their children to play around in the dirt and that being too clean is not beneficial for kids. That to me was shocking, given that I grew up with eczema and have a been more conscious about germs and bacteria as my condition worsened.

How could it be that getting dirty was the key to reducing our children having chronic conditions they should not have?

But come to think about it, I was less worried about dirt and germs as a child, I only became more conscious later on.

She goes into detail on how everything in American food supply is processed and not nourishing the earth or our bodies from plants, chicken, pork, milk, fish, water and more. Even though I live in Singapore, I found this information useful as we import most of our food. At first, reading all this information is enough to make me get super stressed. It seems like nothing can be eaten or drank!

It makes sense that over medicating and over cleaning for children can cause them to have immune systems that are not developed or learns how to fight on it's own. If parents keep giving medication at every problem, it stifles the development of these children's body functions and creates dependency which can never be good. What happens when the body becomes immune to the medicine?

I found it interesting how she mentions that it is not the food by itself that is causing so much chronic conditions but the way the food is grown and reared. In this day and age, so much food is demonised and given a bad rep like gluten, dairy, sugar and just about every type of food item.

We are sick because the plants we eat are sprayed with pesticides and the chickens are given antibiotics, low grade and unhealthy food and are stressed.

Alot of the information she mentions at first was things I already knew about. But what was surprising was how diet and lack of spending time in nature can affect not just physical but mental. It could even contribute to conditions like autism, ADHD, epilepsy and more. Most of the ailments she mentions are more mental based and I wishes she mentioned more skin issues. She quotes many research studies and articles but a caveat is that not all have the same sample sizes and may be correlations. But it is still worth noting.

I think it is so important that we pay more attention to what we buy the ingredients and nutrition info and not just mindlessly choose the items and consume them. Food packaging can be deceiving. I make it a point to read the ingredients list and nutritional labels. Even for skincare and makeup. We should be more mindful of what we put on and into our bodies.

I liked how she mentions that diet change is not the only important thing to do but spending time in nature as well. I found it is relaxing to take walks or hikes in areas with greenery and being in the sun feels so good. It lifts the mood and makes me feel more positive. Which is awesome especially since I struggle with a chronic skin condition and always feel uncomfortable.

I do agree that the sun gets a bad rep and I feel it is the cosmetic industry trying to sell more skin care products to prevent ageing.

The sad thing is these problems with the food and environment are often politically related. Big companies have government support to continue their practices.

I feel like this book is more meaningful for parents as the slant of the writing and most of the research quoted is based on children. She has recipes and instructions on how parents can integrate whole foods and growing their own food into their lives. I think this information is more persuasive given the author is a working mother and has had a son who struggled through soy allergy. But this still can be read for those who aren't parents. I found this eye opening.

Her overall message is to be more aware of what we are eating and to protect our environment. This is one of the books I would not mind getting a copy of because it is packed with so much impactful and useful information. I gave this 3 stars as it was good but I needed time to digest it and sometimes so much information can be abit boring. Her recommendations may be daunting to implement but she gives a range of suggestions so fair enough. I can just hear people saying it is too expensive and too much work to get healthy. But overall, the writing was good and easy to read.

[Jess Macallan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book offers a comprehensive, science-backed, common-sense overview of how to feed your child. Topics addressed revolve around the impact on gut health and include food allergies/sensitivities, the role of macronutrients, gluten, dairy, meat, fish, GMOs, cholesterol, and hydration to name a few. The chapter on GMOs alone makes the book worth reading. It's one I'll refer to until science can offer an unbiased perspective (and by that I mean not bought and paid for by Monsanto) on the safety of GMOs.

I appreciate the focus on whole foods, mindful food choices (organic produce, grass-fed, ethically raised meat, etc), hydration, getting out in nature, and gardening. The chapter summaries allow parents to pull out key details so they can make easy swaps immediately. The shopping lists, tips, and meal planning ideas are also helpful. I also liked the ideas for getting kids involved and addressing typical issues parents face when it comes to food.

I would have given this book 5 stars, but the chapter on gluten could have benefitted from information on the role gliadin plays in gut health. Humans can't digest this protein, and it's an important consideration for parents when they're thinking about the best dietary changes for their child's health. I also wish the topic of lectins would have been covered for the same reason--this plant protein isn't well-tolerated by everyone and could be one cause of GI distress for children.

I recommend this book to parents who are looking for ways to support their children's growth and development or healing through nutrition.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm kind of disappointed that this book was sitting on our bookshelf for so long without me getting the chance to read it earlier. This book is fantastic and so informative!! It dives right into how food affects our bodies, minds, and even makes epigenetic changes. While the way our food is so manipulated can be really overwhelming and disheartening, I feel the author helps the reader take actionable steps to make positive changes for our children (and us parents as well). While every change won't be possible or realistic for every person, we can all take steps to make the changes we can, as well as advocating for changes. This book was very engaging and motivating and I was sad for it to end. I highly recommend for every parent who consciously wants to nourish their children to the best of their ability. The title and book cover did throw me off a bit as food is the main focus of the book (albeit she does promote nutritious food that is grown in healthy soil and in humane ways). She does spend some time talking about the benefits of being outside and in nature and interacting with soil and their respective benefits, but that is mostly relegated to a single chapter. That said, I still enjoy the topic of food and how it impacts health and development, so I really enjoyed this book!

[Aimee Cooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just happened to see this book on the shelf in the library. I wish every parent and every doctor would read this book and take it to heart. As a former teacher for over two decades, I sat through many meetings where the only option parents were given was to put their child on medicine for behavior issues. Why does our society and government not consider what we are putting in our bodies matters!? Why do we not take into account that we are whole beings that need not just good food, but time grounded in nature?

This book confirms how I raised my now grown sons and am now raising our daughter. The conundrum is I have received more negative feedback from other parents than positive, but I would not go back and change our eating style and neither would my sons. Therefore, I encourage parents who may feel they are going it alone. You probably are, but investing in your child's long-term health is more important than what others think.

I also want to point out the author's advice that any child with a behavior problem should try a gluten free diet. Our daughter falls into this category. She was adopted from foster care with a history of neglect and trauma. Although she is not physically allergic to gluten, our own eating experiments have shown us when she eats gluten, her impulsive behaviors return. It is enough for us to keep her off gluten.

[Emily Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dirt Cure is one of those rare books that pulls together science, common sense, and a deep love for nature in a way that feels truly empowering. As someone who already knew a lot from watching Cowspiracy, I wasn’t expecting to learn much new — but I was pleasantly surprised. Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein doesn’t just talk about what’s wrong with our food and health systems; she offers realistic, meaningful solutions rooted in reconnecting with the earth, real food, and our bodies.

What really stuck with me is the idea that getting outside, playing in the dirt, and eating whole, nutrient-rich food can radically boost our health — especially for kids. The book is filled with helpful insights, science-backed explanations, and practical steps anyone can start applying right away.

If you’re looking for a book that will reinforce what you know and still challenge you to do better for yourself and your family, this is it. A truly inspiring read — 5 stars all the way

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dirt Cure: Growing Healthy Kids with Food Straight from Soil (Hardcover)
by Maya Shetreat-Klein



ordered from the library

heard au on radio https://www.splendidtable.org/episode... heard
from the library computer:
Contents:
Part I. Welcome to the dirt cure. Where true health begins ; Learning to listen to the body : what symptoms tell you ; Healthy body, healthy brain ; Time to clean up -- Part II. Step one: heal. Food allergens and sensitivities : how "healthy" foods can hurt ; Artificial food : flavorings, dyes, preservatives, and other toxic additives ; Sickly sweet food : sugars and sweeteners -- Part III. Step two: nourish. Soil power : organic fruits, vegetables, and plants ; Unlocking seeds : nutritional powerhouses ; Meet your meat ; Milk : pasture-ization over pasteurization ; Knowing the chicken before the egg ; Fish : from the water ; Water : what we drink ; Simple pleasures : healthy sweets, fats, and umami -- Part IV. Step three: put it all together. Healing from the inside out: cooking better food ; Healing from the outside In.

[Charlie Moynahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Shetreat-Klein provides a fantastic literary journey through most of what we’ve seen/heard of in documentaries like Food Inc., or most recently, What The Health. We all know most of what we eat isn’t food, so try to find ways to avoid what we always eat and get back to eating stuff from the ground (preferably, she argues, from your backyard). The coolest part of her slant is that the book is entirely premised with the idea that this information is needed to keep our children safe. I think this book is required reading for all people curious about child safety; teachers and school staff; parents or those expecting/adopting; and social service workers interested in creating a healthy and safe world again for our kids.

[Kuan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holistic approach of neuro-pediatrist Shetreat-Klein to food. Gives a lot of advice mosly for parents but also interesting for food conscious readers how and what to eat. Backs it up with scientific evidence, but feels a lot of cherry picking the studies.

e.g. got interested in drinking raw milk, but when i read the studies i'm not that convinced, i dont think the pros outweigh the cons. I think (personal opinion) the health benefits of certain diets are neglible. Organic doesnt always means better, you can still use a lot of natural organic pesticides.

A balanced diet goes a long way, as Michael Pollan puts it: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first section of the book was my least favourite though understandably had value for the overall thrust of the book. When so many studies are cited and descriptions are given of our current understanding of body operations, I find the explanations are outdated in such a short time. Personal anecdotes are powerful, but often hard to translate across the board. Nonetheless, I learned much throughout the book and especially appreciated the third part where she addressed several broad categories of food varieties and gave a how-to eat responsibly. I gained a lot of new insights from this book.

[Rebekah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don’t already hate the American “health” system, this book will make sure you do. Pediatric neurologist Maya Shetreat-Klein makes all kinds of connections between the things we put in our bodies and the rapid increase in things like allergies and ADHD.

Basically, what I learned from this book is that our government is poisoning us for profit and our medical system is merely treating the symptoms instead of fighting for a cure. The Dirt Cure is depressing in the best of ways. I’m so grateful to live in a rural area so my kids can grow up friends with dirt.

[Vivian Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much! The food we eat is incredibly powerful. Though if I were to implement everything recommended it would be my full time job but I'd also need a much higher paying full time job than I currently have to pay for it... But aside from the impracticality of implementing it ALL at once, very useful information about food and how it impacts our bodies! Technically written for parents feeding their kids, but just as useful for adults like me just trying to feed themselves well. Would recommend!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book that deserves a better title. Though the frequent "Dr. Oz" style of over-sensationalism and her way of throwing other physicians unabashedly under the bus are definite detractors, the information is eye opening and often helpful and practical. Read at your own risk though; it's definitely not an uplifting message and it's hard to come away hopeful, particularly in the current political environment.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the title was a bit misleading. She does talk a little about the benefits of playing in the dirt, but I kind of thought that's what the whole book would be about. Nevertheless, I thought she had some good tips in there. I didn't find it necessary to read it word-for-word; there are some helpful cut and dry summaries at the end of each chapter. A lot of what she recommends would not be realistic for the average parent to do (boil astralagus root with ginger, seaweed, etc.?!).

[Chad Nabity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with many of the things the author says. Since it was an audio book I was not able to see source material. I'm not sure how scientific she really is but she doesn't seem to make any statements that are dangerous.

I have read many of the same sentiments expressed in this book in the works of Pollan and Salatin. Maybe that is part of what I enjoyed about this book

This was free book on audible unlimited and worth the time to listen too.

[Dale Cousins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I just scanned this book. Much of the info I knew and more of it is frightening. Sometimes I think the only thing we do right here is eat our eggs from our own chickens! We do drink a lot of water and eat fresh veggies and fruit from the farmer's market but even those things are tricky when you explore the sources from whence they come.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it was like reading several different books in one. The author hits a lot of topics. It is full of great information. She also has practical ideas. It is a great book for any parent trying to feed their family in a healthier way to cure illnesses and just to be healthier.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had a fairly healthy diet. However, Shetreat-Klein has made me reconsider some of my choices. I found the sections on fish, water, and seeds particularly helpful. Although she clearly presents the toxic jungle that passes as our food system, Shetreat-Klein also offers healthy alternatives.

Just a warning - this book isn't for the faint of heart.

[Kelly Studer Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read for anyone, no matter what your level of knowledge in the health/wellness arena. Great information on the healing power of food & nature, the importance of going back to the basics in an over processed world. Simple, easy to use tips for overall health, along with recipes and some meal plans.