A Mother's Guide to Raising Healthy Children--Naturally (10 page)

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Authors: Sue Frederick

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Page 51

Echinacea also has a reputation as an immune enhancer. For centuries, herbalists have prescribed it to fight infection. Numerous European studies have shown that the herb boosts immunity by increasing the body's production of disease-fighting white blood cells. Before the discovery of antibiotics, echinacea was one of the most widely prescribed medicines in the United States.

Herbs and vitamins are not the only prescription for a healthy immune system. Natural practitioners agree that you must reduce your child's sugar intake drastically so that his immune system isn't depressed and can fight these viruses. A carbohydrate-based diet is another ticket to lowered immunity. Pasta and cereal don't contain the required nutritional elements, such as minerals, needed by children who are growing rapidly. Children need to eat a minimum of two servings of protein and plenty of fresh vegetables every day.

Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., author of
Parents' Nutrition Bible,
agrees on the importance of a healthy diet. He advises parents not to serve dairy foods to their children during cold and flu season because dairy foods increase mucus production in the body. ''Cow's milk is absolutely the worst food possible for any child who's ever had an ear infection. And numerous studies have made it obvious that the standard American diet, with its processed foods and sugar, depresses the immune system."

Children are smart, and they'll understand when you explain why certain foods are healthier than others. "Tell them that fast food from McDonald's isn't real food," Mindell explains. "You must teach them. They can splurge every now and then. But you, as a parent, must build the foundation of their understanding of food."

Mindell, also an advocate of herbs and vitamin supplements, is disturbed that most pediatricians offer antibiotics instead of recommending natural remedies. His remedies for keeping children healthy, especially through the virus season, include a diet with little or no sugar, a teaspoon of fish liver oil each day, odorless garlic tablets, vitamin C, and a daily multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. He also suggests giving echinacea in tincture form at the first sign of cold or flu.

"When I was a child, my mother gave me a teaspoon of fish liver oil each day, and it contained so many nutrients that boost the immune system," remembers Mindell. "Mothers today aren't doing that, and it's because their

Page 52

pediatricians aren't telling them about its benefits. Even garlic, such a simple, effective remedy, can be given daily in odorless tablets."

Garlic has been shown to have antibiotic properties as well as antibacterial properties beneficial in healing a chronic runny nose. Sugar consumption, especially refined white sugar, dramatically inhibits immune function by reducing the ability of neutrophils, the white blood cells primarily responsible for defense against bacteria, to engulf and destroy bacteria. In fact, studies show that sugar inhibits the lymphocytes' ability to produce antibodies to invading microorganisms.

It's Worth The Effort

Health practitioner Janet Zand encourages parents to boost their children's immunity before school starts. She advocates a blend of herbs including echinacea, goldenseal, and astragalus taken two or three times a week during cold and flu season, in addition to a healthy diet that includes hot vegetable soups, chicken soups laced with astragalus, and adequate mineral supplementation.

To build immunity, Zand also suggests the herb American ginseng, given in liquid form once or twice a week during the winter months. (However, because it is considered a "warming" herb, it should
never
be given when the child has a fever or other signs of an acute infection.) American ginseng is believed to help strengthen the body's overall constitution and relieve fatigue after an illness.

Zand recommends liquid colloidal minerals daily as well as 150 milligrams of vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and one dose of beta-carotene daily during the winter months. She also suggests a no-fried-foods diet, especially during cold and flu season, since those foods have been proven to lower immunity, as do foods high in sugar.

Simple as it sounds, she also advises washing hands regularly, a basic element of good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection.

It's important for parents to understand that their efforts can make a big difference in their children's health. "A small effort made up front to prevent illness saves lots of sleepless nights for everyone later on," says Zand.

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Preventing Colds and Flu: Expert Advice*

Janet Zand's recommendations: