TALES FROM THE
daRI^® FARM

Your kids are more likely to get sick during winter than any other season; here are four ways to reduce their risk.

Winter is here, and with it comes the onset of dry air, indoor activities, and a potential immune system weakening. The perfect storm, if you will, for cold and flu in the smallest members of your household. Perhaps you’ve taken steps in the past to help reduce your kid’s chances of getting sick – loaded them up on vitamin C, encouraged more frequent hand washing, and limited large gatherings. What if this year, however, you went beyond the obvious and took additional, evidenced-based tactics toward a better immune system to reduce the brewing of that cold and flu storm? Here are four ways to do it.

1. Optimize winter activity – studies show that regular physical activity is critical in supporting a healthy immune system and fighting infections (1). Regular moderate exercise has been linked to (2) reduced incidence of colds, for example, and this is seen in activity of any kind, whether walking, swimming, or jumping roping. You don’t need to run a marathon either; studies (3) show that just 20 minutes of physical activity daily can help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Instead of staying cozy indoors this winter, get the winter coat and boots and head outside. Kids can shovel the driveway, help take the dogs for a walk, snowshoe in the forest, or even host a sledding party (imagine those uphill treks). The key is to do something every day for at least 20 minutes or more. 
2. Embark on a sugar scavenger hunt – Are your kids still munching on leftover Halloween candy? This choice could impact their microbiome – and, ultimately, their immune system (4). A high-sugar diet is a primary culprit in reduced immune function (5) and diminished microbial diversity (6). Kidsmay not respond to a sugar-free plea but often respond to fun. Therefore, a sugar scavenger hunt may be a perfect way to find and replace high-sugar foods in the house. A considerable culprit you may not be recognizing is chocolate milk. Your scavenger hunt may reveal that the chocolate milk in your home could have up to 20 grams of sugar. Replacing this with a chocolate milk option that’s delicious and void of excess added sugar could significantly reduce sugar in your child’s diet. Moo’V™ Chocolate milk has only 8 grams of sugar and is packed with 23 grams of complete protein.

   

3. Upgrade your sleep environment – Adequate sleep is essential to a healthy immune system. A lack of sleep has been shown in studies (7) to negatively impact immune cells, while good quality sleep can help enhance immunity (8). Good sleep starts with a good environment. Sleep experts cite a dark room (to support melatonin), a supportive temperature (about 65 -68 degrees (9)), and a quiet space (with no noise or white noise). Your kid’s evening snack may also hinder good sleep. For example, foods high in fat or fiber too close to bed may cause gastric distress. Chocolate milk, however, can be a perfect sleep-inducing solution if it does not contain excess added sugar!
4. Help your kids find them. OM – We all have stress, including your kids. Whether it’s stress over a playground disagreement, a missed opportunity in sports, or stress from sibling fights. As far as your body is concerned, stress is stress – and the negative impact on the body and immune system is well-documented. Studies show that family stress can also profoundly impact your child’s immune system (10). That’s because family stress is often more likely to be long-term, which can accelerate the impact on immunity. Helping your child with easy ways to manage stress may help. For kids, this may include getting outside more, deep breathing, playing sports, setting routines, or even assisting your child in helping others, which can help reduce stress.

In addition to these tactics, a nutritious diet and reduced processed foods can also help support a healthy immune system. The key to kids is this: make it easy and fun and involve them in the process. After all, they don’t want to get sick either. 

References:

• Nieman DC, Wentz LM. The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system. J Sport Health Sci. 2019;8(3):201-217

• Nieman DC, Henson DA, Austin MD, Sha W. Upper respiratory tract infection is reduced in physically fit and active adults. Br J Sports Med. 2011;45(12):987-992

•  Dimitrov S, Hulteng E, Hong S. Inflammation and exercise: Inhibition of monocytic intracellular TNF production by acute exercise via β2-adrenergic activation. Brain Behav Immun. 2017; 61:60-68

• Zheng D, Liwinski T, Elinav E. Interaction between microbiota and immunity in health and disease. Cell Res. 2020;30(6):492-506

• Jones N, Blagih J, Zani F, et al. Fructose reprogrammes glutamine-dependent oxidative metabolism to support LPS-induced inflammation. Nat Commun. 2021;12(1):1209

• Angarita-Díaz MDP, Fong C, Bedoya-Correa CM, Cabrera-Arango CL. Does high sugar intake alter the oral microbiota? A systematic review. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2022;8(6):1376-1390

• McAlpine CS, Kiss MG, Zuraikat FM, et al. Sleep exerts lasting effects on hematopoietic stem cell function and diversity. J Exp Med. 2022;219(11)

• Martínez-Albert E, Lutz ND, Hübener R, et al. Sleep promotes T-cell migration towards CCL19 via human growth hormone and prolactin signaling. Brain Behav Immun. 2024; 118:69-77

• Sleep Foundation, 2024

• Carlsson E, Frostell A, Ludvigsson J, Faresjö M. Psychological stress in children may alter the immune response. J Immunol. 2014;192(5):2071-2081

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10.9.2024

Moo’V™ Real Milk Expands its lineup of Lactose-Free, High-Protein, Low-Sugar Whole Milk Beverages for Kids’ with a New Chocolate Flavor. Healthy never tasted so good!
Moo’V™, a brand by DARI®, is thrilled to introduce the newest addition to the Moo’V™ Real Milk lineup: Moo’V™ Chocolate Milk, it’s moo-tastic! As part of our mission to deliver delicious milk that supports an active lifestyle and creates lifelong milk lovers, this new flavor combines the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate with our ultra-filtered, lactose-free formula.
Moo’V™,

is revolutionizing the dairy industry with its high-protein, low-sugar milk beverages specifically formulated for kids. Moo’V™ beverages are crafted with natural flavors, offering great taste without the need for added sugars or artificial colors. Each 14oz grab-and-go bottle delivers 22-23 grams of protein and only 1-8 grams of naturally occurring sugars, depending on the flavor.
Understanding the growing demand for healthy and functional drinks, particularly for children, DARI® has developed this line over three years on a 4th-generation family farm. The goal is to provide high-quality, great-tasting, and convenient milk drinks. With a variety of flavors like Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberry Cream, and now rich Chocolate, Moo’V™ offers a delicious alternative to traditional lactose-free flavored milks that often contain unnecessary added sugars.
“Everyone has been loving the taste of the NEW Chocolate Moo’V™,” says Dan Ellsworth, CEO of DARI®. “Parents are thrilled with the lower sugar content compared to other chocolate milks on the market. This is a fun and delicious drink specifically packaged for kids!”
This innovative product has been supported by the Dairy Checkoff and the Center for Dairy Research, leveraging current trends and consumer insights to create a beverage that meets the needs of today’s families.
Availability:
Moo’V™ ultra-filtered, lactose-free, low-sugar milk beverages are now available in Hy-Vee, Rouses, independent grocery stores, and many convenience stores throughout the United States. For more information, visit realdari.com.
Contact:
Dan Ellsworth
e: dane@realdari.com

How do we help kids cultivate and appreciate an interest in what they eat? Food is so much more than nutrients. We eat with our eyes. We smell, taste, touch and chew our foods. Taste, texture, and temperature can help in developing a broader and adventuresome palate.

1. Taste. Offer a wide range of flavors. Sure, sweet is great, but so is salty, sour, bitter, spicy and umami. Not all kids love veggies and that may be because vegetables can taste bitter. Try roasting vegetables to bring out their sweetness or sprinkling a little Parmesan on broccoli to add a savory flavor. A mix of sweet and sour, such as orange juice on chicken, or pineapple added to a stir fry provides the palate with pizazz.  We don’t know what our kids will and will not like until we give them a chance to experiment. Looking for some great resources, check out cooksmarts.com

2. Texture. We all have texture preferences. Some may love raw carrots but cannot eat them cooked. Others may prefer crunchy peanut butter over creamy. Offer various textures to your kids and grandkids which can include both raw and cooked forms of fruits and vegetables. Maybe creamy yogurt with some crunchy granola added. A stir fry of veggies with nuts. Roasted chickpeas or freeze-dried fruit add a crunch to salads and can also be mixed with cereal and nuts for a trail mix. Popcorn is great crunchy snack, and adding some dried cherries or cranberries brings the chewiness as well. Texture brings the excite and delight to each bite. 

3. Temperature. Who would have thought that temperature would play an important role in the foods we enjoy eating? Many people prefer milk cold, but hot milk can also be very soothing. Soups are typically served hot, but a cold fruit soup is very cooling on a hot day. Chicken is delicious as a hot entrée but also works beautifully in a cold salad or sandwich. What about the combo of hot pizza with sauce and cheese topped with raw baby spinach? And let’s also consider the “heat” in what we eat. Spicy foods are great. You may think your kids won’t eat it, but consider spicing up popcorn, or mixing yogurt, salsa and taco seasoning for a spicy savory dip. Or tossing mini potatoes with olive oil and spices and roasting them as a side or a snack. Bringing the thrill of the chill or the heat to what we eat helps to make our meals complete. 

Spice things up with taste, texture and temperature in the glass, bowl or plate for winning meals that everyone will appreciate. 

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, is the Dietary & Nutrition Strategic Advisor at Dari^® and MOO’V™ milk. With over two decades of experience, she is an expert in nutrition with many of Leslie’s blog posts center around active eating and fueling for sport. She is the Head Nutritionist for the Kansas City Chiefs and has been a consulting sports dietitian in the NFL, MLB, and NHL, and worked with Olympic athletes. Bonci has co-authored three books with an active eating focus, is a blogger for US News Eat + Run, and is a sought-after expert for television, radio, print and online media, Bonci speaks regularly on topics including “sciensationalism,” “fuels of engagement” and “communication with conviction” to help influencers and consumers debunk the junk and separate fact from fallacy.