Interview with Patricia Murray-Derr, by Gina White

Contact Patricia: p.murray@mindspring.com

Patricia Murray-Derr, a registered dietician who has practiced in Southern New Hampshire for the past twenty five years says, "Although a small subset of our culture is following a simpler, more organic based diet, most Americans still consume the majority of their meals from processed, nutritionally deficient foods." This habit leads to many health issues beginning in the digestive tract. "Basically, if the gut doesn't feel good, the rest of the body doesn't feel well either."

Derr, who specializes in pediatrics with special cases including growth delays, sensory issues like autism, and other medically complex cases, says that within each individual case there are so many aspects to even a single condition that it can be difficult to figure out how to treat the problem. "Unfortunately, the medical community often does not look at diet closely enough in regard to treatment for these disorders but looks to prescription drugs. Although drugs have their place in certain instances, what a child eats is largely attributable to how they feel and behave."

She adds, "For example, there are many children with autism who have improved dramatically on a gluten free /casein free diet." With cases of autism, ADD, ADHD, and food allergies on the rise, one must look for reasons why the numbers are escalating. "You can't help but recognize environmental factors including diet,"states Derr. "Many toddlers are put into daycare during developmental stages and are fed sub-quality foods that are difficult for them to digest."

Poor eating patterns continue into teen years wreaking havoc on adolescent development as well. "I see teens display negative affects from the excess amount of hormones and antibiotics in commercial dairy and meat products, and also from overloading their systems with sodas and so-called energy drinks with devastating results. Coupled with eating in high stress environments and long hours in front of the television or computer, these children are subjected to many factors that induce a state of ill health. We are seeing more and more cases of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, reproductive disorders, and other diseases that were historically seen primarily in adults."

"Unfortunately, children are in multiple activities outside of school, home alone, or in daycare for long hours which has contributed to the epidemic of obesity among them. People are too complacent about the issue instead of making changes within their own lifestyles. Parents need to take the time to prepare dinners comprised of healthy, unprocessed foods and spend quality time with their families while eating them. This should be a time not only for nourishing, but nurturing and connecting as a family."