Is your little one ready for solid food?

Quinny is finally eating solids! She humbles me as a practitioner because she certainly does not follow any textbook theory on raising children. She is almost 10 months old, and up until now has been exclusively breast fed, thriving at nearly 20 pounds. Rather than worry that she was not taking to solids, I decided to follow her clues and sure enough, this week her body felt it necessary to commence the solid food journey. Even though she is older, I am still following strict food introduction principles. Namely, no grains! I usually get quite a reaction from parents when I explain how difficult grains are on a developing digestive tract. Parents have been wrongly advised to start their babes on cereal grains. It is common knowledge that babes lack sufficient amylase (the enzyme required to digest grains), so it makes sense to wait until a child is at least one to introduce grains, especially wheat. A healthy digestive tract allows for a strong immune system, radiant skin and optimal nutrient assimilation. Many children suffer from later allergies, skin reactions, constipation and other gut related disorders as a result of early grain introduction, because of the inflammation caused at the intestinal wall. Instead, egg yolk, vegetables, fruit and organic meats are ideal. Food introduction is one of the most important milestones of your child's development!