by Ellen Valentine, CNC
I’ve always thought it curious that some parents feel the need to run to the doctor with their child every time the baby coughs or gets a bump. The common thing is that these are the children always sick, always running a “fever”.
The reason is simple, medications ruin the body’s defense mechanism. That is putting it simply. Steroids, antibiotics and other meds commonly dosed out to children destroy the delicate balance in the intestinal tract that makes it possible to assimilate nutrition and grow and heal.
Overmedicated children see the world through dull eyes. They may not be able to tell a parent but they are not feeling well even when they are pronounced well. The brief interlude between rounds of drugs is fraught with indigestion, lack of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, dark eyes, and still the sniffles. Why? It is because the foods they eat are not being digested properly and they are literally starving.
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 bandaid on a very deep 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.
Fevers with the young and old should never run too high; and yet the body burns out infection and disease with a fever. If a fever is always suppressed, what message does that give to the body? Let a fever run it’s course was an old saying that quite possibly sounds like grounds for jail time now; however, parents must realize that the body actually knows what it is doing far better than we can understand. It has an Internal and High Intelligence that can turn the tide even in near death situations, and often does.
I cannot make that call for you, the one between letting the bodys fever burn out the infection, running to Med -7 or the ER. I can only give you tips about how the body works and tell you what will work and will not work.
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 theyre well.
Try to get the fever under control a bit even if youve decided to take the trip to the doctors office. Now that weve covered some warm and cozy alternatives to the habitual running to a doctors office, lets go back to reminders why we want to have the courage to teach children how great their body is designed.
Being balanced in regards to health will support health in your child. To know they get well naturally from very normal cleansing illnesses, colds and flu, will make them strong and confident. They will realize how to access their inner strength. Fortify your home today, before illness appears. Make it an arsenal, so to speak, of healthy feel good remedies that stregthen 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. Support children to be healthy strong adults.
Every child is different. Some have more energy, others inquisitive, creative, inventive, and then some may be ill. Those that come in with a low mineral bank account should be supported with minerals and enzymes. Remember that medication destroys the integrity of the intestinal tract to absorb nutrients and after continued use the child is more depleted and now has candida yeast overgrowth and compromised gut or leaky bowel syndrome. Take extra measures to find healthy alternatives while continuing with medication is necessary perhaps. 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, simpe 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.
Being balanced is the key. I am a Nutritionist and Naturopath but I have taken my children and myself to the doctor, only when necessary and not that often. Doctors and hospitals save lives and are necessary in extreme cases, not for colds. Just my opinion.
Stay healthy. Ellen Valentine, NC http://www.valentinewellness.com http://www.babynurserybeddingonline.com