Why Are So Many Kids Sicker Than Ever Before? | Dr. Ed Sarraf, Pediatrician

Every parent wants to make the best decisions for their child. Yet never before have parents faced so much conflicting information about childhood health, vaccines, ADHD, allergies, asthma, anxiety, autoimmune disease, nutrition, immunity, and preventive care.So how do you know who to trust?In this thought-provoking episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Edmond "Dr. Ed" Sarraf, an integrative pediatrician who has spent more than two decades bridging conventional pediatrics with evidence-informed nutrition, lifestyle medicine, functional medicine, and holistic care.After years practicing traditional pediatrics in hospitals and busy medical practices, Dr. Ed began asking a difficult question:Why were so many children becoming chronically ill despite advances in modern medicine?That question transformed his career—and continues to shape how he approaches children's health today.This conversation isn't about choosing sides.It's about asking better questions.Together, we explore where conventional medicine has transformed pediatric care, where it may still have unanswered questions, and how parents can confidently navigate today's complex healthcare landscape.In This Episode You'll Discover:Why rates of ADHD, anxiety, allergies, asthma, eczema, autoimmune disease, and chronic childhood illness continue to riseAre children actually getting sicker—or are we simply diagnosing more conditions?Why vaccines remain one of the most challenging conversations between physicians and parentsHow trust between parents and healthcare professionals has changed over the past two decadesThe role nutrition, sleep, movement, stress, environmental exposures, and lifestyle play in children's healthWhere conventional pediatrics excels—and where integrative medicine may offer additional toolsHow parents can make informed, thoughtful decisions without being driven by fear or misinformationWhat every parent should know before making important health decisions for their childrenWhether you're a parent, grandparent, healthcare professional, educator, or simply interested in children's health, this episode offers a respectful, balanced conversation about one of the most important issues facing families today.Our goal isn't to tell you what to think.It's to help you ask better questions.About Dr. Edmond "Dr. Ed" SarrafDr. Edmond Sarraf is the founder of Southern California Integrative Wellness Center in Los Angeles. After completing his pediatric residency, he practiced conventional pediatrics before expanding his training in homeopathy and functional medicine. Today, he combines traditional pediatric care with nutrition, botanical medicine, mindfulness, and personalized lifestyle strategies, while continuing to serve as an attending pediatrician.Follow Dr. Ed on:Instagram HEREFacebook: HEREYouTube: HEREWe are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies. Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast