I wanted to share with you another extract about helping support a child’s immune system naturally…
Please refer to the research in the previous post if you are unsure of the risks of commonplace medications.
FOCUS ON COMFORT, NOT MEDICATION
A proactive approach to fevers and coughs and colds is to focus on comforting our child rather than directly trying to reduce their symptoms or their temperature. This includes making sure our children consistently eat a range of the high quality foods (preferably organic fresh produce), that they get ample sleep, filtered water, sweaty exercise, a loving home environment and that their nervous system is fully functioning to govern immune and digestive strength.
MOST FEVERS WILL SAFELY SELF-REGULATE
There is no doubt that a very high fever can impair the immunological response. Interestingly, however in her book Integrative Medicine for Children Dr Loo MD says that “in the absence of exacerbating situations (e.g. dehydration, being in a closed, hot automobile) and in neurologically normal children, the body does not allow fever to rise to a potentially lethal level and produces substances that work to keep the body temperature in a homeostatic balance. Without exacerbating situations, a child’s temperature very rarely exceeds 41.1° C (106° F)”.
NASAL SALINE SOLUTIONS FOR COUGHS AND COLDS
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Nasal Saline Solutions over cough and cold drugs. These are available as solutions, sprays, and irrigations, and can be used for both infants and children to help relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (Bell, 2010). One trial showed that they improve the acute symptoms of colds, reduce the recurrence of symptoms, and reduce the need for other medications for fever or congestion (as cited in Bell, 2010).
CHIROPRACTIC TO IMPROVE IMMUNITY & REDUCE FEVERS
In her book Integrative Medicine for Children (2009), Dr Loo, MD, references a number of studies that demonstrate that “there is ample evidence that the chiropractic adjustments positively affects the immune system”. She adds ”it is not unusual for the fever to drop several degrees within 20 minutes of the chiropractic adjustment.”
FURTHER SUGGESTIONS
- Acupuncture has been shown to be able to reduce fevers by correcting disturbances to the overall balance in the body (Loo, 2009)
- Acupressure can be used for fever management at home (Loo, 2009)
- Homeopathy offers a wealth of different remedies for fever that are specific to your child
- Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body
- Vitamin C can also be used to manage the inflammatory effects of fever
- Echinacea and goldenseal have the ability to boost immunity
- Garlic has antimicrobial properties
- Peppermint tea or oil may be helpful to assist fever reduction naturally (Loo, 2009).
- Honey can be used as an anti-cough agent, and this is supported by research trials (Paul, 2001).
Remember: fevers, colds and flu can actually help your child
Certainly none of us enjoy feeling run down and unwell and it can be especially difficult to see our little ones this way. But we need to remember that colds and flu actually help to build our children’s immunity. A good fever will help your child fight the infection more effectively. As a society we hand out so many pills to our babies and children, believing they are effective and safe. In the case of cough and cold medications and fever reducing medications — this simply isn’t true.
Knowing this we can ask ourselves whether or not the treatments we offer them will support their immune-building process or hinder it. Searching for safer alternatives gives us confidence that we are bringing our children lifelong health.
Wishing you and your children health confidence!
Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani
B.App.Clin.Sci, B.Chiropractic
For more information, please consult Well Adjusted Babies
and download our free eBook “Safe Parameters For Fevers“
Get a free subscription to “Healthy Families” Magazine
