5 signs your child might be lactose intolerant and EZ back-to-school recipes

We hope you're enjoying this last month of summer to its fullest while preparing for busy back-to-school season. With an estimated 1 in 10 children being lactose intolerant, back-to-school meals and snacks can put parents to the test. Recipes like Oven “Fried” Chicken Strips and Homemade Ranch Dipping Sauce, give kids and parents an education in tasty, nutritious options that won’t cause tummy aches. 

“Many parents may not recognize the symptoms of lactose intolerance in their kids, often mistaking digestive complaints as illness or stress-related or food avoidance as their kids ‘being picky,’” says Ashley Koff, R.D., celebrity dietician and author of a new book Mom Energy. To help, Koff offers five signs that could mean a child is lactose intolerant:

1. Digestive complaints, especially gas, bloating and belly aches
2. Avoiding or refusing dairy when offered
3. Frequent loose stools 
4. Bad breath despite proper dental care
5. Body odor that isn’t explained by normal activities (i.e., played sports or forgot to shower)

“If you suspect your child is lactose intolerant, you should talk to your pediatrician before making any dietary changes for a complete evaluation,” Koff adds. The good news, according to Koff, is that there are delicious, better quality dairy options that are lactose-free and gluten free, like lactose free yogurt, kefir and sour cream, to use as simple swaps and versatile recipe ingredients in kids’ mealtime favorites. 

For easy meal tips with all of the great taste and health benefits of real dairy but with no lactose, check out http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/8/prweb8684951.htm and visit www.GreenValleyLactoseFree.com for more lactose free recipes.
Also, be on the lookout for a fresh new look from Redwood Hill Farm, the best-selling goat yogurt in the U.S. since its introduction in the mid-80's, now made with organic fruit at no extra cost. On the new product line packaging, “Camellia,” the Bice family’s beloved Saanen goat that’s been featured on Redwood Hill Farm all natural products since 1978, is contrasted against a rainbow of vibrant new background colors complimented for the first time by original, hand-drawn illustrations of the sweet, luscious fruits and high quality ingredients used in its products. Other updates include a new logo for Flourish®, the company’s custom blend of 10 live active probiotic cultures that promotes optimal digestive and immune system health, now featured on the front of Redwood Hill Farm kefirs. Packaging for Redwood Hill Farm artisan goat cheeses is also in the process of being updated.
“This is something consumers have been asking for and we’re thrilled to offer our delicious goat yogurts, now made with organic fruit, at no additional cost,” said Redwood Hill Farm Owner Jennifer Bice. “To celebrate, we’re rolling out our first major product line redesign in over 10 years. It’s a bright new look that focuses on our commitment to use only the highest quality ingredients, starting with 100 percent fresh goat milk, for which we pay the highest price in the industry, and now the addition of premium priced organic fruits giving consumers something truly special.”
Look for new Redwood Hill Farm packaging on shelves now in select stores and nationwide in September. The company also refreshed packaging for its Green Valley Organics line of yogurts, kefirs and new sour cream to emphasize its lactose free benefit and tout Flourish, the custom blend of live and active cultures also found in Green Valley Organics yogurts and kefirs that delivers millions of “good-for-you probiotics” in every spoonful. (all information provided)