Walk into any pharmacy or listen to any school gate conversation, and you'll hear about the latest supplement promising stronger immunity, fewer sick days, and healthier children. But how much of this is backed by science, and how much is clever marketing?

In this episode, Dr Claudia Gray and Christy Herselman tackle the million-rand question every parent faces: Do our children really need immune-boosting supplements, or is a healthy diet and lifestyle enough?

Christy opens up about the debate in her own home—raised on the belief that food provides everything a child needs, while her husband comes from a family that swears by supplements. Together, they dig into the latest research, including recent health warnings about vitamin D overdose and zinc supplements for children.

Claudia explains why toddlers are naturally prone to frequent infections (hint: they're building immunity, not lacking it) and why the basics—sleep, nutrition, outdoor play, and stress management—are the true foundation of a healthy immune system. Claudia also offers practical guidance on which supplements can be genuinely helpful, at what doses, and for which children. She shares a sobering story about the dangers of incorrect dosing and why more is definitely not better when it comes to vitamins and minerals.

Tune in for a conversation that will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to navigate the supplement maze with confidence.

Dr Claudia Gray:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dr_claudia_gray/

Dr Claudia Gray’s Real Parenting and Paediatrics, Quivertree Publications 2025

https://www.takealot.com/dr-gray-s-real-parenting-paediatrics/PLID98849917

Christy Herselman:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thechatdurban/

Books:

https://thechat.co.za/product-category/books/

In our very first episode, we're tackling a question every modern parent grapples with: Is that smartphone in your hand a helpful parenting tool, or is it a trap that fuels anxiety and self-doubt?

Join Dr Claudia Gray and Christy Herselman as they explore the five ways our digital devices are quietly reshaping parenthood. From the overwhelm of information overload to the danger of the comparison trap, they unpack how Dr Google and perfectly curated social media feeds can actually leave us feeling more lost and alone.

Together, they introduce their four S's for spotting sensationalism and discuss what happens when we let our phones become what they call an "intuition obliterator." Most importantly, they remind us why swapping ChatGPT for the authentic GPT—grandparents, parents, and teachers—might just be the connection we're truly craving.

Tune in for a sincere conversation about keeping your village close and your parenting intuition closer in a digital world.

Dr Claudia Gray:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dr_claudia_gray/

Dr Claudia Gray’s Real Parenting and Paediatrics, Quivertree Publications 2025

https://www.takealot.com/dr-gray-s-real-parenting-paediatrics/PLID98849917

Christy Herselman:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thechatdurban/

Books:

https://thechat.co.za/product-category/books/

Expert-led chats on child, teen & parental health and wellbeing brought to you by paediatrician Dr Claudia Gray and journalist Christy Herselman.

Hosted by trusted voices in health and parenting, this evidence-based podcast blends paediatrics, women's health and modern parenting into practical, relatable discussions. From childhood illnesses, development & teens to hormones, peri-menopause and mental load, we connect the dots between caring for your child and caring for yourself.

Dr Claudia Gray is an experienced expert paediatrician, allergist and lifestyle medicine specialist who juggles a busy career with an equally busy family- including 4 teens! Claudia loves teaching and writes prolifically, both for scientific journals and popular press; her most recent book encapsulates 20 years of being a paediatrician and mother, entitled "Dr Gray's REAL Parenting & Paediatrics." Claudia is a trusted, popular voice on radio and television and is passionate about taking complex information and simplifying it into relatable, practical information.

Christy Herselman is an experienced journalist and teacher who is the founder of a movement called "The Chat," the heart of which is to empower parents to confidently tackle big topics with their kids in a natural, open manner. She has written 3 books and divides her time between researching, writing, speaking and being a wife and mom to 3 teens! Her passion is to help cultivate deep family connections and help raise a generation who are secure in who they are and where they are going.