Treating childhood infections naturally
By Julie Merrick ND BHlthSc
TREATING CHILDHOOD INFECTIONS NATURALLY.
Throughout childhood, infections are quite common because children's immune systems are still developing. This, combined with poor nutrition from fussy eating and increased use of processed foods, use of antibiotics, and lack of breastfeeding, can make children more susceptible to infections.
So what can you as a parent do to reduce your child's risk of getting sick and help them recover well when they are sick? There are many things you can do, starting with their basic nutritional health and emotional wellbeing, through to using therapeutic foods, herbs, and supplements.
NUTRITION:
I know how difficult it can be to get children to eat well, and with so many tasty snacks and convenience foods on the supermarket shelves and television screens, children these days have so much choice that they can become fussy eaters, causing them to miss out on nutritious food. The younger your children are, the more chance you have of instilling in them healthy eating habits. Try not to fall into the trap of thinking; "I'll give my child white bread because that's what kids like", or assuming they won't like something without trying it first. Kids like what they get used to, and the younger you give them 'adult' type foods the better (healthy adult foods that is!). You have probably noticed at restaurants and cafes that they often have a kids menu which usually consists of chicken nuggets, chips, mini pizzas...etc. Kids like these foods not just because they taste good but because they are always offered to them and so they get used to eating them. For those with older children who have entrenched eating habits, introduce new varieties of healthy food gradually and consistently.
Children (and adults) need protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, water, vitamins and minerals every day. Proteins are needed to make new cells in the body, including cells of the immune system. Include some high quality protein at each of your child's meals (eg: milk, tuna, meat, cheese, nuts (not for very young children), yoghurt, eggs, and legumes. Focus mostly on whole grain carbohydrates such as wholegrain or rye bread, brown rice, oats, and whole grain breakfast cereals. Healthy fats in the diet from foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, provide the body with essential fatty acids that our body must obtain from the diet to form healthy cells and participate in many body functions. Children should be encouraged to drink water, although this can be difficult for some because water isn't that tasty compared to other sweet drinks. Try to encourage water to be the main drink, with a sweet drink like juice at breakfast or dinner (I find natural apple cider good as a treat with dinner, as it is fizzy but contains only apple juice). Children need a varied diet to get all the vitamins and minerals the body needs. Encourage foods in their natural form as much as possible, and reduce the intake of packaged foods and those with many artificial additives. Use garlic, onions, and ginger in cooking, and hide foods like cabbage and carrots in minced meat. For a strong immune system, eat foods high in vitamin C, betacarotene, and zinc, such as; fruits, berries, parsley, orange and green vegetables, nuts and nut spreads, sardines, turkey, chicken, and meat.
POSSIBLE SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT BASIC HEALTH AND IMMUNE FUNCTION:
Multivitamin and mineral formula:
If your child is a fussy eater or doesn't eat a wide variety of foods, they may benefit from a multivitamin and mineral formula. A naturopath can recommend a good one for you that suits your childs needs. If you choose not to give your child a multivitamin on a daily basis, you can use one when they are unwell, as their need for nutrients often increases during sickness, especially if they have a fever.
Probiotics:
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that take up residence in certain areas of the body, especially the digestive tract. They are important not only for digestive functions and synthesis of certain nutrients, but also for the immune system. They can help prevent and treat gastrointestinal infections by preventing the attachment of harmful bacteria to the wall of the digestive tract. Probiotics are also important for immune function throughout the body and may help prevent respiratory infections. (They are also beneficial for allergies, eczema and fungal infections).
The normal balance of bacteria in a child's body can be upset by various factors including; antibiotic use, chronic diarrhoea or constipation, lack of breastfeeding, gastrointestinal infection, and a caesarean birth, so children with any of these factors are especially good 'candidates' for probiotic supplements.
In babies and young children, the probiotic bifidobacterium lactis is the preferred form of supplement, in older children (usually over age 5), a combination of bifidobacterium lactis and lactobacillus acidophilus can be used. Some supplements may also contain fructo-oligosaccharides which help to support the growth of the probiotics.
Glyconutrients:
Glyconutrients are sugars that the body needs to make glycoproteins. Glycoproteins are necessary for the proper functioning of all the cells in the body, including the immune system, and ensure that cells 'communicate' correctly with each other, which is vital for recognising and attacking microbes that have invaded the body. Several of these important glyconutrients are deficient in today's diet because of increased reliance on processed foods and the use of 'green harvesting' which doesn't allow the food to naturally ripen and produce these essential sugars. Supplementing with glyconutrients can improve the function of the immune system and may therefore be useful in the prevention as well as treatment of infections.
The above supplements and dietary recommendations support the bodys own ability to fight off infection by creating an optimal environment for the body to function effectively.
SPECIFIC SUPPLEMENTS FOR INFECTIONS:
As well as supporting a child's general health and immune function, there are more specific treatments that may be of benefit during infections.
General infections:
For extra support during most types of infections, vitamin C can be taken in divided doses throughout the day, the amount taken would depend on your child's age.
Zinc is needed for immune responses and may be beneficial, especially in the zinc gluconate or zinc sulphate form. You can get a liquid zinc which makes it easier for children to take. Professional guidance with dosage is needed however, because very high doses can actually reduce the bodys immune function.
Herbs can be very useful for children during infections, but should be professionally prescribed. Echinacea is a well known herb, and some studies have shown it to help reduce the duration of respiratory infections such as colds. Cat's claw has antimicrobial effects which help fight off infection, and one of my favourite immune boosting herbs is andrographis, which has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the severity and duration of some respiratory tract infections.
Herbs can be given in liquid form and combined with a sweet drink to reduce the bitter taste, and some herbs are available to naturopaths in powdered combinations which taste nice and are easy to take.
Fever:
If your child has a fever (temperature above 38 degrees C, or 100 degrees F), it is a sign that they are fighting off an infection. Although it can be considered beneficial if only mild, a fever can cause a lot of discomfort and distress for a child, and if severely high, can have major risks such as febrile convulsions, or be a sign of a more serious infection.
You can help bring down a fever by sponging the body with tepid water and giving regular sips of water. A naturopath may also prescribe iron phosphate (known as I.P.) which can be beneficial in the early stages of infection and fever.
If a fever cannot be brought down by these methods or is too high, give paracetamol and take your child to a doctor, especially if they have headache and neck pain and sensitivity to light.
Coughs and infections in the airways:
Cod liver oil can be beneficial due to its vitamin A content, which helps with immune functions and helps the cells in the airways provide a barrier to infection. It also contains some essential fatty acids which help reduce the inflammation associated with a cough.
Herbs which may help reduce irritating coughs and congestion are; german chamomile, hyssop, wild cherry bark, elecampane, and mullein.
Gastroenteritis:
The most important treatment for gastroenteritis is to prevent dehydration by giving regular small sips of water and electrolyte replacement drinks if vomiting and diarrhoea is severe. If the illness is severe or prolonged and nothing can be kept down, seek medical attention as fluids may be needed intravenously, especially in babies.
Probiotic powder can also be given in water to help overpower any harmful bacteria that are present in the digestive tract, and slippery elm powder can be given when the infection starts to settle, to soothe any irritation.
Urinary tract infections:
An adequate fluid intake is essential to help flush away bacteria from the bladder, and cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections and stop existing ones from getting worse. Probiotics are important, and some herbs like marshmallow, couch grass, corn silk, chamomile, and various others may be prescribed to soothe irritation, pain, and help treat the infection.
For children over 5 years of age, a naturopath can provide a tablet formula (can be crushed), that contains a clinically proven combination of chinese herbs that can effectively treat urinary infections and have been shown to be more effective than antibiotics in managing these infections and reducing recurrence.
Some studies have also shown that the natural sugar, or glyconutrient, called D-mannose may help with urinary tract infections by preventing the bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder, and increasing its elimination from the bladder.
Tonsillitis:
The herbs recommended for general infections can also help tonsillitis, especially andrographis, which has been shown to be as effective as paracetamol for the pain of a sore throat and tonsillitis after several days of use. Other herbs that may help include; chamomile, elderflower, myrrh, marshmallow, and mullein.
Ear infections;
Always get ear infections checked by a doctor, and if the ear drum is not perforated and there is no pus in the ear, herbal ear drops can help ease the pain. Get a naturopath or herbalist to make up a mixture of garlic, mullein, calendula, and St John's Wort, and put about 40 drops in 30ml of olive oil. Warm gently and put about 2 drops in the ear as needed. (You can keep this mixture in the fridge so you have it on hand if it is needed again). One study showed this mixture to be as effective for ear pain as local anaesthetic ear drops.
When your child is sick, you as the parent know them the best, so trust your instincts and do what you think is best for them, and don't hesitate to get medical attention if you are unsure about anything.
When using supplements, especially herbs, it is best not to self prescribe. Get professional advice about treatments and dosages so your child has the best chance of getting better and not having any adverse reactions.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact the author.
REFERENCES:
- Braun, Lesley, & Cohen, Marc. 2005. Herbs & Natural supplements, An evidence-based guide. Elsevier Mosby, NSW Australia.
- Elkins, Rita. 2003. Miracle Sugars. Woodland Publishing, Utah, USA.
- McIntyre, Anne. 2003. The Herbal for Mother and Child. Thorsons, London, UK.
- Metagenics Product Guide. 2004. Health World Limited, QLD, Australia.
- Bioconcepts Bulletin, Issue 1 2005. Bioconcepts QLD, Australia.
Julie Merrick ND BHlthSc
Intrahealth Naturopathic Clinic
http://www.intrahealthclinic.com
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