“We’re Seeing an Explosion of Chronic Disease in Children” — Why Healing Modern Kids Means Stepping Outside the System | Dr. Elisa Song

Everyday Ancestral with James Barry

Have you ever heard of Microbiome Magic or thought about kids as the canaries in the coal mine? My guest today is Dr. Elisa Song, a Stanford, NYU, and UCSF trained integrative pediatrician and mom of two thriving kids. She’s on a mission to revolutionize children’s health and to bring a practical, whole-child approach to families everywhere.

Dr. Song and I talk about the rise in chronic disease in kids, the role of the microbiome, and how resilience and daily choices in food, environment, and lifestyle shape lifelong health. She shares insights from her practice and the practical steps parents can take right now to give their kids a better chance at thriving. This conversation reminded me how many levers we actually have to support children today, and it left me feeling both urgent and hopeful about the path forward.

Key Takeaways

The Rise in Chronic Illness - More kids are facing long-term health challenges, and understanding why is the first step toward change.

The Microbiome Matters - Gut health influences immunity, mood, and the foundation for lifelong wellness.

Resilience is the Goal - Supporting children means nurturing their physical, emotional, and immune resilience so they can flourish.

Everyday Choices Shape Health - Food, sleep, environment, and lifestyle create the terrain where kids either struggle or thrive.

Parents Have Real Tools - Simple, actionable steps at home can lower toxic load and strengthen a child’s defenses.

Hope is Possible - With the right approach, families can shift the trajectory of children’s health toward thriving.

Where to Find Our Guest

Dr. Elisa Song’s Website: https://healthykidshappykids.com/

Dr. Elisa Song on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/

Dr. Elisa Song on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrElisaSongMD/

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