Drew & Haley's Corner
Ear infections can be one of the most common childhood problems. Before rushing to the doctor for antibiotics and tubes that can make the problem worse in the long run, consider the fact that your child is twice as likely to develop asthma if they have been on antibiotics before 6 months of age. If your child seems to have an ear infection, or is getting them more frequently, perhaps it is worth a look at what is really causing the problem. There is a lot of research documenting the intimate connection between the spinal column, nervous system and its affect on the immune system. There are nerves in your neck and middle back that control the immune system and the drainage of waste and bacteria from your body. The Eustachian tubes in a young child do not drain downward, so the nerve connection to the ear is very important to ensure good drainage. If you have a spinal misalignment (what is referred to as a subluxation) in your spine that is creating interference in the nerves mentioned above, proper drainage cannot occur and fluid accumulates in the head and chest. These subluxations can occur from the birthing process as well as from childhood falls and accidents.
Through chiropractic adjustments, subluxations can be corrected and proper nerve function can be restored to those areas of the body previously affected.
Frequently, hidden food sensitivities and/or a variety of nutrient deficiencies are also present that are creating excess mucous and a breeding ground for bacteria. If antibiotics have been given, the immune system is also then compromised because the antibiotic kills off the good bacteria in the gut that keep us healthy. Once some of these other contributing factors are determined, an individual program can be designed and proper healing can begin.
Moms and dads…with all the negative effects of various steroidal, and antibiotic medications used to treat ear infections, isn’t it worth an evaluation to see if subluxations, food sensitivities, or nutrient deficiencies could be the missing link in your child’s health? It’s only natural and may even save your child from future health problems.
Question & Answer
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| Q: |
This has been a bad year for me and my family. We have had a lot of strep throat this past year. It seems as if we just get over it and someone else will get it. I hate giving antibiotics to my children and family. What else can we do, and how can we boost our immune systems to get healthy again? |
| A: |
Assuming you and your family are eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and eating few sweets and processed foods, there have been recent studies showing great benefits in the treatment of strep through the use of zinc lozenges. Zinc and copper in proper balance are very important to having a healthy immune system. It sounds like you and your family could use a little boost of zinc. While swallowing zinc pills will boost immunity, it seems that the lozenges work more immediate as they reach the strep in the throat as you are sucking on them. Do not exceed the recommended dosage as this could depress immune function.
Because antibiotics kill the bad and good bacteria in your body, you need to replace the good ones. The good bacteria (Acidophilus, Lactobacillus etc.) are important for many reasons, one of which is to keep our immune system healthy and keep the bad bugs under control. I generally recommend purchasing these probiotic supplements as they are called in a dairy free form due to the prevalence of dairy sensitivities. They can be bought in capsule or powder forms. Remember they are living, so keep them in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place.
Colloidal silver is a great antiviral and antibiotic too. Taking this should help keep your immune system from going under attack while it is healing. I like using colloidal silver from True Botanica due to the way it is made. Recommended dosages are on the bottle and it can be used for all members of the family.
Some other common sense activities would include hand washing, replacing toothbrushes, wiping down the telephone, and not having anyone share a cup or bottle.
An often overlooked cause of depressed immunity has to do with the nerves coming out of the neck and upper back. These nerves are responsible for control of the immune system. Misalignments in these areas can compromise immune function, leaving the body susceptible to bacteria and viruses. It would be of great benefit to have these areas evaluated and corrected if needed. |
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