Tune Out Ear Infections for Good!
Chronic and recurring ear infections in children are one of the most common reasons for visiting pediatricians. An ear infection typically occurs when the child’s body is in a state of inflammation; it can cause pain, fever, loss of hearing, dizziness, as well as other less common symptoms.
Conventional medicine’s protocol for alleviating this condition involves prescribing repetitive doses of antibiotics. Although this may sound like the logical solution, excessive antibiotics can lead to the weakening of the child’s immune system, build resistance against certain strands of bacteria, and make the child more susceptible to future recurring ear infections.
To build up your child’s immunity and prevent inflammatory diseases from recurring, there are certain diet and lifestyle changes that are recommended.
1. Fruits and Veggies
Most fruits and vegetables contain immune-boosting substances. These phytonutrients such as vitamin C and A can not only strengthen the body’s self defense mechanism, but increase white blood cells and antibodies that block out viruses and bacteria.
Although a wide array of fruits and vegetables ensure proper nutrition, you may want to focus on orange and yellow colored fruits and vegetables as the source for these nutrients. Yams, carrots, apricots, oranges, and squash are great sources of vitamin C and A. Of course, make sure they are eaten raw or at most lightly steamed.
2. Avoid Sugar and Dairy
In order for bacteria to grow, they need certain environmental factors to be ideal: low immune system, the perfect temperature, the right amount of inflammation, moisture and most importantly sugar. Eliminate all sorts of sugar from your child’s diet; these include corn syrup, sucrose, sweeteners, dextrose, dextrin, lactose and of course regular table sugar. Stay away from foods with artificial preservatives, flavoring, or coloring as they can increase overall inflammation of the body and create that ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
Eliminating dairy products can also play a substantial role in minimizing inflammation and ear infections. Lactose in milk is sugar, and therefore an inflammatory substance. Milk, cheese, and dairy-based products have a tendency to thicken mucus – which clogs up airways, ear canals, and sinuses. Instead try soy milk, almond milk, or rice milk.
3. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Good sources of natural anti-inflammatory substances are Omega-3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids can be found in oily fish such as salmon, as well as hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids can also strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells, enabling them to fight and destroy bacteria.
While antibiotics can be used sparingly to fend off certain bacterial infections that can otherwise lead to health complications, I recommend utilizing the tips in this article to strengthen your child’s immune system. These healthier options will not only help your child fend of disease at an early age, but will make them resistant against disease and sickness throughout their lives.
Preventative measures are the safe, natural, and side-effect-free form of health care. Consult your pediatrician to see what alternatives you have to building a strong immune system and avoid antibiotics for your child.
Author: Dr. Nona Djavid
