Natural Alternatives for Colds and Flu in Children By Dr. Katie Greeley B.S., D.C. Natural Alternatives for Colds and Flu:
As the leaves start to fall and the sun shines less we find ourselves approaching the cold and flu season. For some kids that
means runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and itchy skin and eyes. While this may sound like an ad for your local over the counter remedy, I am here to express there are some natural alternatives to make this year
possibly an easier one. Allergens and Chiropractic Care:
Let's first get to know how our body reacts to the local allergen. What is an allergy? Our bodies should develop a tolerance to food, pets, dust, etc. when that fails our immune system responds with a
hypersensitivity reaction. This reaction can be anything from digestive problems such as diarrhea, acid reflux, and lack of appetite. Skin reactions in children can come from the following six most common
foods: eggs, peanuts, cow's milk, soy, fish, and wheat. Upper respiratory infection is a general description of a group of conditions, which includes the common cold, runny nose, tonsillitis, earaches, sinusitis, flu,
and bronchitis. The lymphatic drainage route from the head to the neck passes through the muscles along side the neck. Lymph is cleared through the body is known as the "lymphatic pump" by muscular
contractions of the neck. When a bone is misaligned in the cervical spine it can produce a muscle spasm that could then cause a restriction of lymphatic drainage form the head to the neck, which could prevent the body
from clearing the bacteria, or viruses that could lead to chronic respiratory infections1. Antibiotics and Allergies:
In a study conducted at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit states that "Children who receive antibiotics within the first six months of life increase
their risk 1.5 times of developing by age seven allergies to pets, ragweed, grass, dust mites, and 2.5 times more likely to develop asthma. If a child lived with fewer than 2 pets they were 1.7 times more likely
to develop allergies and 3 times more likely to develop asthma and those kids with a mother who had a history of allergies were 2 times as likely to develop allergies." Chiropractic and Improvement in Symptoms: According to Reuter Health news, the use of
alternatives was twice as common among children with chronic illnesses, than their healthy peers. The most common conditions see were respiratory illnesses, strains and sprains, allergies, digestive problems, and
ear infections.According to dynamic chiropractic case reports frequently describe rapid improvement in upper respiratory symptoms following an adjustment of minor misalignments, especially in the neck.
Remedies for Chronic Allergies and Respiratory Infections: So now that
your child has allergies or chronic colds and flu's, what remedies if any can help with children with these chronic allergies and respiratory infections?In chronic skin disorders eliminating the above foods may help
clear up eczema type of reactions. Parents also need to pay attention to the fragrances in soaps and lotions. Just because it is made for children does not mean that it cannot irritate their young
skin. As Parents you want to look for more natural soaps and lotions without a lot of dyes and chemicals. If your child has excessive dry skin removing chlorine from your tap water and bathing with soap with
oatmeal as one of its first ingredients may help. Many children are lacking in the omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 essential fatty acids can support immune health and healthy skin. Natural Herbal Remedies for Allergies and Colds: With seasonal allergies and colds a few
good herbs I have use with many of my patients as well as my own children to help relieve the symptoms are the following:
- Nettles-which is known to have antihistaminic properties for seasonal allergies and hay fever
- Eyebright herb-astringent for mucus membranes peppermint herb-antiseptic and expectorant to open up clogged nasal passages
- Oregon grape root-antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
- Sage leaf-antiseptic, spasmolytic and aromatic to support clear respiration
- Chamomile flowers-sedative and antispasmodic to soothe and calm
- Milk thistle-liver and immune support
- Black Elderberry berries-immune support, especially for viruses
- Echinacea purpurea root-antiseptic and tonic for immune system
- Horehound leaves-expectorant and antiseptic to support easy breathing, wet coughs
- Wild cherry bark-antitussive and sedative to soothe and calm dry coughs.
Consult with a Licensed Health Professional: There are many
companies that specialize in herbal formulas especially for children, so before going to you local whole foods or health store you should always consult with a licensed health professional first who is knowledgeable in
nutrition for children.1. Chiropractic Care for the Pediatric Patient, Peter N. Fysh DC, FICCP, 2002 pgs 169-170 About the Author:
Dr. Katie Greeley is a chiropractor and a mother of two. She has taken extra courses on pediatrics above and beyond the regular doctorate
degree. Dr. Greeley is the owner of the practice United Family Chiropractic is located in Wood Ranch at 1070 Country Club Dr. West #D Simi Valley, Ca. Her office can be reached at 805-522-2324 for further
questions.
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