Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Your Child and Antibiotics


Some children see doctors for every sniffle and cough yet are never really well. Have you ever wondered why that is?

Simply put, medications are suppressants that dull symptoms without getting to the root cause of a problem. They also compromise the body's ability to digest foods and ward off the next illness or infection because the intestinal flora is also destroyed, the good body bacteria.

These small children begin to see life as a series of doctors visits; and more than that, they will never get entirely well. Intermittently they will be well enough until the next round of sniffles comes and off they will be rushed to the doctor. Their reality will be a life of sore throats, runny noses, diarrhea that goes into constipation, inability to enjoy food, allergies, headaches, lethargy, apathy, maybe early onset arthritis, and the list goes on. What is the answer?

Colds and Flu are a message to take a break, even for children. And quite frankly, children today have a lot of pressure. Medications only suppress symptoms, they do not cure. Medication does not get to the root of illness; it simply puts a band aid on an ever deepening wound. On occasion, medicines are needed but not for every cough and sniffle. Break out the homeopathic remedies, vitamin C, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas. Unless you have a very ill child, a cold or flu will not kill that child. Have faith in the healing intelligence of the body.

I've raised three children, and it is a tough call between letting a fever break or calling the doctor; however, a fever is how the body burns out infection. That is part of its Internal and Higher Intelligence. When parents study the healing capabilities of the body and support that function, they will weather the tide of simple colds and influenzas much better equipped.

No one but a parent can make the decision between getting to an ER or letting a fever burn itself out; however, vigilance and conscious care should alert when enough is enough in the natural healing arena.

Rest is imperative, and if I can go on record, even from computers and televisions at close range. Those transmissions at close range are detrimental to the immune system. Fresh, hand squeezed, or organic bottled juices are the best thing for sick children. Vitamin C, maybe Ginger, Chamomile or Dandelion & Echinacea tea with stevia or honey will soothe and assist the body to do its job. Sometimes recurring symptoms are a cry for love and attention so give it when a child is sick and again when they are well.

Fresh herbal oils and castor oil packs are soothing remedies for sick bodies. In case you feel the trip to the doctor's office is imperative and in case of a fever, try to get the fever down before you sit in a waiting room, quite possibly for a couple of hours. Your tub with cool water is only steps away. Having covered some warm and cozy alternatives to the habitual running to a doctors office, let us go back to reminders why we want to have the courage to teach children how great their body is designed.

Fortify your home today, before illness appears. Make it an arsenal, so to speak, of healthy feel good remedies that strengthen the body's immune defenses: Echinacea, goldenseal, dandelion, vitamin C (always) herbal teas for children, tuck away organic bottled juice (if you don't juice yourself) and make homemade soups. Help your child feel their own inner strength and realize the healing capabilities of their body early in life. They will have a healthy intestinal tract and good digestion. They will grow to confident adults because they sense the power within them.

Every child is different. Some have more energy, others inquisitive, creative, inventive; yet some children are ill. Those that come in with a low mineral bank account need support with enzymes and fresh raw foods. They may require some medication to have a degree of pleasure with life but take extra measures to find healthy alternatives while continuing with medication. Look for natural healing measures for the ailment, whatever it might be.

As every child is unique, every instance is different. If you have a child that needs medications to stay alive then make sure they get probiotics, vitamins and minerals. So often it is the letting go of harmful habits which make the biggest difference. Help your child stay addiction free from: sugars, soda, and simple carbohydrates with no nutritional value, like chips, fries, etc. Remember that everything in nature is colorful, not white. Anything white is dead. So throw out all your white sugars, flours, breads. You'll feel great about it! And, you'll raise a family of champions.

I am a Nutritionist and Naturopath but I have taken my children and myself to the doctor, only when necessary and not that often. Being balanced is the key. Doctors are necessary and so is thoughtful self care.

Ellen Valentine is a mother and grandmother, nutritionist and naturopath of over thirty years. Organic Baby Bedding Builds the Next Healthy Generation and A Green Earth

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