What's Making Our Kids Sick?

Sick has become the new normal for children. But the authors of a new book say that it’s possible to change that trend and dramatically improve kids’ health.

- Melissa Diane Smith

Q.My son has digestive issues, multiple food and environmental allergies, chronic sinus congestion, and behavioral problems. He was recently diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Is it normal to have so many health problems at just 10 years old, and is there anything that can be done to address these different conditions? —Barbara M., Bridgeport, Conn.

a: Unfortunately, having sick kids is incredibly common today. Close to one out of two children now has a chronic disease—defined as a disease that lasts more than three months and isn’t considered curable by conventional doctors. Digestive problems, food allergies, asthma, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are all on the rise. According to the Allergy Kids Foundation, one in three American children has ADHD, allergies, autism, or asthma.