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New Children’s Line: An interview with Dr. Steven Morris, N.D., A.H.G.
Q: You played a key role in the development of several of our new children’s products. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
A: I have spent more than 20 years keeping children healthy. I graduated from Bastyr University in 1986 and was one of the last students of Dr. Bastyr himself. I also served as adjunct professor of Ethnobotany at Bastyr and went on to become Master Herbalist through the American Herbalist’s Guild. I have studied and taught herbal medicine throughout Africa, South America and Central America, including Peru, Belize, Ecuador and Costa Rica. I currently practice at Mukilteo Natural Health Clinic in Washington state and am vice president of the non-profit Northwest Health Foundation and the Student Rainforest Fund.
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Children's Formulas Brochure
Provides detailed information on our children's line. Available online and on our Finished Product Independent Assays CD.
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Q: When and how did you develop your passion for herbal medicines?
A: I have been an organic farmer for the past 30 years. My family grows and consumes our own foods, including fruits, vegetables, and even honey from our own bees. We also cultivate over 200 varieties of herbs. My passion for botanical medicine bloomed after working with Dr. Bastyr and Dr. James Duke, both pioneers and experts in the field.
Q: You have catered to children in your practice for 20 years. What is your focus when it comes to their care?
A: My predominant focus is holistic nutrition. I have always emphasized the importance of common-sense nutrition, including avoidance of artificial sweeteners, preservatives and colors. As much as possible, I recommend certified organic whole foods. The other main focus of my practice is nutritional and botanical supplementation, especially to address the effects of the environment and of the busy and stressful lifestyles our children lead today.
Q: What are some of the greatest challenges for you and for parents when it comes to keeping kids healthy?
A: It has become increasingly difficult to shield children from harsh environmental contaminants. That is why I focus so much on a holistic nutrition approach combined with vitamin, mineral and botanical reinforcement, especially for the immune and gastrointestinal systems. Getting families to understand that adopting healthy nutritional and botanical practices is a way of life, not a temporary fix, can also be challenging.
Q: What products have served as the core of your recommendations over the years?
A: I always recommend a top quality multivitamin along with extra vitamin C and flavonoids daily. This is to supplement the deficiencies that may be occurring in the diet as well as to bolster the immune system. I published a paper in 1987 on deficient soils and the negative impact on nutrition. In that article, I pointed out the lack of selenium, zinc, and B vitamins in soils today as the result of mono crop farming. That’s why multivitamins fill in the deficiencies that occur in even a healthy diet. Essential fatty acids are also of utmost importance when it comes to cognitive and mental function. Unfortunately, poor nutrition (soda, sugar, caffeine, etc.) depletes their stores in the body.*
Q: How can we better help children and adolescents achieve the strong immune support that they need?
A: Lemon balm and elderberry are a consistent theme in my practice. I use them extensively at work and at home and can attest to their direct immune defense properties. I am also a big advocate of bioflavonoids and polysaccharides for their ability to stimulate the immune system. It is equally critical to enhance beneficial microflora as well as the integrity and function of the gut, an important barrier to pathogens and toxins. I strongly believe that healthy gastrointestinal function is key to overall health.*
Q: You are very conscious of the pressures, stresses, and lifestyles of children today – how has this shaped the products developed for this program?
A: I do feel that children are under a lot of pressure academically, athletically and socially. A number of botanicals and nutritional factors support mental function, emotional well-being and relaxation, which is the purpose for Cognitive & Calming. Optimal Immune offers powerful immune defense and includes components that leave children less vulnerable to the effects of physical and emotional stress. Complexion Factors supports healthy skin and helps to address the very real negative impact that noncystic mild acne has on self esteem and sociability. These are just a few examples. In all cases, these products should be part of a healthy diet, physical exercise and emotional support from the parents.*
*Dr. Morris has been retained as a consultant in advising Pure Encapsulations on the development of some of its children’s formulas. He is compensated for this service.
The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please be sure to consult your physician before taking this or any other product. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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