Why More Kids Are Getting Sick (And It’s Not Just About Toxins)

Does it seem like each flu season, more and more people are getting sick? Is your family also experiencing an increase in illnesses? Or perhaps you’ve noticed more kids seem to have one kind of disease, condition, or another…

If you’ve found yourself wondering why so many kids today are dealing with serious health issues, you’re not alone. The numbers are hard to ignore—according to the CDC, around 40% of children in the U.S. have at least one chronic illness. Some experts believe that number is even higher, closer to 50% or more.

From digestive issues and autoimmune conditions to neurological concerns like autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory challenges, epilepsy, and depression—millions of families are navigating chronic health challenges every single day. So, what’s going on?

Why Are More Kids Getting Sick?

It’s hard to ignore the rise in chronic illness among children today. While conventional medicine often points to genetics or calls it “just bad luck,” the usual treatment plan tends to involve medications that mask symptoms—sometimes creating new issues in the process.

Even many well-meaning holistic and functional medicine providers can overlook a key piece of the puzzle. Because the truth is chronic illness in kids is rarely caused by just one thing. It’s almost always multiple factors.

Yes, toxins, poor nutrition, and overuse of medications play a role. But what if there’s something even deeper going on? Something that’s hiding in plain sight?

If you’ve done the rounds—seen multiple doctors, tried medications, supplements, detoxes, even alternative treatments like neuroinflammation protocols or hyperbaric oxygen therapy—but still feel like something is being missed, you’re not imagining it. Your gut instinct matters.

Many kids experiencing chronic health challenges have something in common: a “perfect storm” of early life stressors that overload their developing nervous systems. Here are the three most common contributing factors:

1. High Stress During Pregnancy or Fertility Struggles: A mother’s stress levels during pregnancy can directly influence the development of her baby’s nervous system.
2. Birth Trauma and Interventions: C-sections, forceps or vacuum delivery, inductions, and cord complications can place physical stress on a baby’s delicate neurological system.
3. Early Exposure to Medications and Environmental Stressors: Antibiotics, toxins, and other medical interventions can affect a baby’s immune and nervous systems at critical development points.
   

On top of that, today’s kids are exposed to more screen time and digital stimulation than ever before—often before their brains are ready for it. As more research emerges, we’re uncovering that these screens can have profound impacts on development (and it’s not all good).

The One System That Might Be Throwing Everything Off

When a child is exposed to stress early in life—whether physical, chemical, or emotional—it can throw their developing nervous system out of balance. Instead of being calm and regulated, their body shifts into survival mode. The “fight-or-flight” response stays switched on, and their nervous system stays stuck in overdrive.

This kind of dysregulation can show up differently depending on the child’s age. For instance:

• Babies might struggle with colic, reflux, trouble sleeping, or excessive fussiness.
• Toddlers may have frequent meltdowns, tantrums, or difficulty with changes in routine.
• School-age kids often face challenges with focus, behavior, or emotional regulation.
• Teens and young adults may experience anxiety, ADHD, or other diagnosed conditions.
  

When the nervous system is constantly under stress, the body can’t shift into its natural “rest, grow, and heal” state. As a result, development can slow down or go off course. Signs like reflux, constipation, ear infections, or delays indicate that your child’s nervous system may be overwhelmed.

When the nervous system stays stuck in overdrive—a state known as dysautonomia—it starts to disrupt how other key systems in the body function, including:

• The Gut and Digestive System: Chronic stress pulls the body out of “rest and digest” mode, slowing digestion and making it harder to absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, or detox properly. This creates the perfect environment for toxins and harmful microbes to build up.
• The Immune and Respiratory Systems: Ongoing nervous system stress keeps the immune system on high alert, leading to chronic inflammation. This kind of neurological inflammation plays a major role in many childhood conditions, including autoimmune disorders and autism.
• The Sensory and Motor Systems: When the brain and body aren’t communicating properly, it affects movement, coordination, and how sensory input is processed. This can show up as speech delays, motor challenges, and sensory sensitivities.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Your child’s health struggles aren’t just bad luck or genetics. In many cases, the root issue is an overwhelmed, imbalanced nervous system—and that can be addressed naturally without relying on endless medications.

At Highest Health Chiropractic, your Sioux Falls chiropractor is here to help you do just that. Neurologically-focused chiropractic care uses gentle, targeted adjustments to help rebalance the nervous system and restore proper function to the body. Together, we can help your child get the best possible start in life and open a new chapter when it comes to their health. Book your appointment today!