Conditions

These youngest humans need special care and attention, especially when it comes to healthy development and growth. Babies under age 1 get most of their nutritional needs from breast milk or formula. Breastfeeding mothers should eat a diet rich in important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, which have been shown to support brain development and lower risk for health problems later on, respectively. Because food allergies are increasingly common among young children, new solid foods should be introduced one by one, waiting until after age 1 for potential allergens such as peanuts.

As children get older, experts recommend feeding them a wide variety of whole foods, mostly the same foods the parents eat; avoid junk foods. Pesticides have a greater relative impact on smaller and developing bodies, so it’s important to choose organic foods whenever possible; drink filtered water; use nontoxic bath products, house cleaning products, and laundry soaps; and avoid using pesticides in your home or backyard. And because obesity is a growing problem for U.S. children, physical exercise should become a daily habit early on.

Caution should be used when giving medicine to babies and young children; many conventional cough and cold medicines have been recalled due to health threats. Because of growing antibiotic resistance (and because antibiotic drugs also kill “good bugs” that help with immunity), experts recommend avoiding the use of antibiotics unless they’re really needed, for bacterial infections such as strep throat and acute ear infections that aren’t getting better. (Always consult your doctor first.)

Safe supplements to boost children’s immunity include a high-quality multivitamin, vitamins C and D, probiotics, elderberry extract, and propolis extract. Other recommended supplements for children include calcium and DHA, an omega-3 essential fatty acid. Gentle homeopathic remedies can also be safe, effective choices for common childhood complaints such as teething or cold symptoms.

Although aging is a fact of life, diet, dietary supplements and lifestyle choices can be used to ward off age-related health conditions, such as memory loss, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer.

Popular anti-aging supplements include resveratrol, sulforaphane, green tea (EGCG), omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin (from turmeric). To lower heart disease risk, top supplements include fish oil (omega-3s), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), plant sterols and stanols, pycogenol (pine bark extract), red yeast rice, niacin, policosanol, and the amino acids proline and lysine. Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and bilberry extract support vision health. Calcium citrate, magnesium, and vitamin D can ward off osteoporosis and boost bone health.

Popular natural anti-aging beauty product ingredients include topical antioxidants such as vitamins C and E (tocopherols), CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, pycogenol, and alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, malic acid, etc.). Nutraceuticals, or supplements intended to promote healthier skin and hair from the inside out, are an up-and-coming trend.

Andrographis» Also known as Indian echinacea, andrographis is a bitter annual plant native to Asia with antiviral,

Immune support becomes top of mind for consumers in the fall.

Three health experts offer their advice on controlling sleep apnea.

Did you know that many children’s paints contain potentially harmful volatile organic compounds? Or that markers and

Looking for more ways to fend off colds and flu? Try this nutrient-rich, deep-sea algae to keep you healthy this season.

Your next holiday party doesn’t have to be mayhem. These simple strategies will keep kids calm so they (and you!) can

The holidays present a seemingly endless parade of parties, concerts, get-togethers—and sugary treats. You can send