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Ear infections are one of the most common childhood ailments and after colds, account for the most number of GP visits for babies and young children. So are ear infections just an inevitable part of childhood that must be endured, or can they be avoided or the number of occurrences reduced?
It is natural to want to ease a child’s pain and fever when suffering an ear infection, and so we generally expect to receive a prescription for antibiotics and to be told to give our child paracetamol for pain or fever. However, researchers have now concluded that most ear infections take approximately four days to clear up, with or without prescribing antibiotics. To avoid risk of side effects and a child developing resistance, antibiotics should no longer routinely be given, although in practice they often still are, especially in for children under 2 years of age.
It is natural to want to ease a child’s pain and fever when suffering an ear infection, and so we generally expect to receive a prescription for antibiotics and to be told to give our child paracetamol for pain or fever. However, researchers have now concluded that most ear infections take approximately four days to clear up, with or without prescribing antibiotics. To avoid risk of side effects and a child developing resistance, antibiotics should no longer routinely be given, although in practice they often still are, especially in for children under 2 years of age.
What’s the Alternative to Antibiotics for Ear Infections?
Whilst ‘killing off’ the bacteria causing ear infections, antibiotics do the same to the healthy beneficial bacteria we need, not only in our digestive systems, but also lining the ear nose and throat area. Think of these healthy bacteria as our ‘foot soldiers,’ which together with our immune system, help fight off infections, without the need for drugs. If repeated courses of antibiotics are given, the levels of healthy bacteria are lowered and a child becomes more prone to future ear and other infections.
It is possible to restore a child’s health and increase their resistance to infection, through adjustments to their diet and with carefully tailored supplements. Advice varies depending on individual medical history, number of antibiotics taken, how well they eat (and whether they have any nutritional deficiencies), possible food intolerances and any other symptoms present.
I would suggest the following:
It is possible to restore a child’s health and increase their resistance to infection, through adjustments to their diet and with carefully tailored supplements. Advice varies depending on individual medical history, number of antibiotics taken, how well they eat (and whether they have any nutritional deficiencies), possible food intolerances and any other symptoms present.
I would suggest the following:
- A good quality probiotic placed under the tongue at night
- Boosting the immune system by increasing foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, D, A and E, zinc and selenium and Essential Fats
- Consider reducing or eliminating dairy intake for a time, but ensure calcium intake from other sources
- Allow fever (up to 38°C) to run without medication to help fight infection.
- Hold off antibiotics for four days to allow the body time to heal itself
- A good quality multivitamin and children’s fish oil
The body is an amazing machine, and with the right support will often ‘fix’ itself, so let it have the chance if you can!
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If a fussy eating toddler is making mealtimes a nightmare in your family, rest assured you are not alone. Researchers suggest that problems related to child feeding are extremely common. Whilst ‘picky eaters’ are frustrating and stressful to deal with, in the short term it is unlikely to cause health problems. However, longer-term a poor diet with limited foods being eaten can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Perhaps more significant and difficult to reverse is the psychological wellbeing of both child and parent after months (sometimes even years!) of mealtime battles.
Despite parents good intentions, long term pressure to eat certain foods (usually fruits and vegetables), excessive restriction of sweet and high-fat foods (known to be the foods children naturally prefer regardless of where in world they are); and using food as a reward, have all been found in studies to lead to the exact reverse of what we as parents want – kids that won’t eat fruits & vegetables but will never turn down a cake, toast, chocolate or biscuits!
So what can you do as a parent if this sounds like your toddler?
Its good to remember that fussy eating is not always just about the food but also your toddlers need for independence. Mealtimes can become a battle of wills! The biggest challenge parents of fussy eaters face is the ability to remain relaxed and calm and make mealtimes fun, when in reality you are constantly worrying about whether they’re eating sufficiently, probably feel frustrated and annoyed about wasting time preparing another failed meal and generally at your wits end!
Here are some tips to help you move towards a happier dining table!
Despite parents good intentions, long term pressure to eat certain foods (usually fruits and vegetables), excessive restriction of sweet and high-fat foods (known to be the foods children naturally prefer regardless of where in world they are); and using food as a reward, have all been found in studies to lead to the exact reverse of what we as parents want – kids that won’t eat fruits & vegetables but will never turn down a cake, toast, chocolate or biscuits!
So what can you do as a parent if this sounds like your toddler?
Its good to remember that fussy eating is not always just about the food but also your toddlers need for independence. Mealtimes can become a battle of wills! The biggest challenge parents of fussy eaters face is the ability to remain relaxed and calm and make mealtimes fun, when in reality you are constantly worrying about whether they’re eating sufficiently, probably feel frustrated and annoyed about wasting time preparing another failed meal and generally at your wits end!
Here are some tips to help you move towards a happier dining table!
Give them some independence. Whilst you are ultimately in charge of what they eat, there are ways to let them feel in control:
Placing food on the table in bowls, allowing them to serve themselves can be surprising successful.
Resist the need to help - just let them get on with it!
Allow them to feed themselves as much as possible with finger foods and cutlery, and try to relax about the mess – it’ll be worth it if they eat….
Get them involved in some simple food preparation.
At lunch let them have a go at spreading cream cheese on toast. At dinner you could let them help chop veggies (mushrooms are a good option with a children's knife) or mash potatoes. Sometimes just letting them sprinkle cheese on top of their meal makes them much more interested in eating it!
Let them 'play' with their food - this is all new to them and they are just exploring this new encounter.
Placing food on the table in bowls, allowing them to serve themselves can be surprising successful.
Resist the need to help - just let them get on with it!
Allow them to feed themselves as much as possible with finger foods and cutlery, and try to relax about the mess – it’ll be worth it if they eat….
Get them involved in some simple food preparation.
At lunch let them have a go at spreading cream cheese on toast. At dinner you could let them help chop veggies (mushrooms are a good option with a children's knife) or mash potatoes. Sometimes just letting them sprinkle cheese on top of their meal makes them much more interested in eating it!
Let them 'play' with their food - this is all new to them and they are just exploring this new encounter.
The good news is that it is very rare for eating problems to continue as children get older, especially once they go to school. One day your child is likely to enjoy a whole range of foods, even if it’s very frustrating now!
The golden rule is to relax and try not to worry or be visibly annoyed to defuse those mealtimes battles! However, if you'd like advice on fussy eating and sometimes it is helpful to have an outsider's perspective on mealtime interactions, then I am available for consultations to discuss in detail your child's eating or to arrange a home visit, perhaps over a mealtime to give you some guidance. For further information see children's nutrition.
The golden rule is to relax and try not to worry or be visibly annoyed to defuse those mealtimes battles! However, if you'd like advice on fussy eating and sometimes it is helpful to have an outsider's perspective on mealtime interactions, then I am available for consultations to discuss in detail your child's eating or to arrange a home visit, perhaps over a mealtime to give you some guidance. For further information see children's nutrition.
I also run Foodie Tots, a pre-schoolers class to encourage children to explore foods away from mealtimes.
For more information visit www.foodietots.co.uk.
For more information visit www.foodietots.co.uk.
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There is often confusion over the difference between food allergies and food intolerance, especially in children, and so they are often referred to together as ‘food sensitivity.’ However, there are some known differences between the two.
A ‘true’ food allergy is when the body mistakenly perceives a food eaten as a ‘harmful foreign invader,’ and activates an inappropriate immune reaction. This causes various, sometimes very serious symptoms, such as swelling of mouth, face and throat, hives or rash, wheezing, fever, vomiting, colic and eczema. If your child has a true food allergy, for example, to eggs, milk or nuts, this is likely to have been diagnosed by your GP, as the speed of the reaction between symptoms and the culprit food usually makes the connection obvious. However, when the symptoms take longer to flare up (eg with eczema), the connection to a particular food may be less obvious.
Unlike a food allergy, a food intolerance does not directly trigger an immune response. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, tummy aches or colic in babies, bedwetting, headaches, constant running nose, glue ear and rash or itchy skin and are more likely to be caused by the body not being able to properly process the offending food. A food intolerance often occurs when there has been an excess of one food combined with a defect in its digestion or absorption, for instance, in lactose intolerance. So whilst a small amount of milk added to cakes may not provoke symptoms, a whole glass of milk may cause digestive problems.
A ‘true’ food allergy is when the body mistakenly perceives a food eaten as a ‘harmful foreign invader,’ and activates an inappropriate immune reaction. This causes various, sometimes very serious symptoms, such as swelling of mouth, face and throat, hives or rash, wheezing, fever, vomiting, colic and eczema. If your child has a true food allergy, for example, to eggs, milk or nuts, this is likely to have been diagnosed by your GP, as the speed of the reaction between symptoms and the culprit food usually makes the connection obvious. However, when the symptoms take longer to flare up (eg with eczema), the connection to a particular food may be less obvious.
Unlike a food allergy, a food intolerance does not directly trigger an immune response. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, tummy aches or colic in babies, bedwetting, headaches, constant running nose, glue ear and rash or itchy skin and are more likely to be caused by the body not being able to properly process the offending food. A food intolerance often occurs when there has been an excess of one food combined with a defect in its digestion or absorption, for instance, in lactose intolerance. So whilst a small amount of milk added to cakes may not provoke symptoms, a whole glass of milk may cause digestive problems.
What causes food sensitivities?
In food allergy, the body mistakenly produces IgE antibodies in response to everyday foods, which, when eaten, trigger the immune system to mount an attack which results in symptoms. The question of why the body has made this mistake is not entirely understood, though allergies often run in families (known as atopy). Instances of food allergy, especially in children, has risen sharply in the last few decades leading some scientists to conclude that changes in the way we eat, less babies being breastfed, more chemicals in the environment, overuse of antibiotics and our children being ‘too clean,’ are all influencing how well our children’s immune systems develop and function.
In food intolerance, overloading the system with too much of one food, for instance, wheat (cereal or toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, pasta for dinner), is thought to be a contributory factor, especially if the digestive system is not as healthy as it could be, with low good bacteria or digestive enzymes. So it is important to keep the diet varied.
If you suspect you or your child is suffering with food sensitivities, try keeping a food diary to log reactions. Consider seeking professional help from an accredited Nutritional Therapist, especially before excluding any foods from a child’s diet, as it’s important to ensure they still obtain all nutrients they need from other sources. If you would like to book an appointment or a free 10 minute call to discuss if I can help.
In food intolerance, overloading the system with too much of one food, for instance, wheat (cereal or toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, pasta for dinner), is thought to be a contributory factor, especially if the digestive system is not as healthy as it could be, with low good bacteria or digestive enzymes. So it is important to keep the diet varied.
If you suspect you or your child is suffering with food sensitivities, try keeping a food diary to log reactions. Consider seeking professional help from an accredited Nutritional Therapist, especially before excluding any foods from a child’s diet, as it’s important to ensure they still obtain all nutrients they need from other sources. If you would like to book an appointment or a free 10 minute call to discuss if I can help.
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Fuelling your child's brain for school
Your child’s developing brain needs a balanced supply of fuel (sugar) and essential healthy fats (the brain is made of 60% fat) to function at its best.
Balancing blood sugar by keeping ‘fast release sugars’ such as sweets, biscuits, cakes, chocolate, refined cereals and white breads to a minimum and ensuring your child eats little and often will ensure the brain receives an even supply of fuel. Too much sugar and your child may be hyperactive and find it difficult to concentrate, whilst too little sugar and they may feel too tired or irritable to concentrate.
Balanced breakfast is a key factor!
It is essential to have a good start, especially in young children, when their more structured learning is mostly carried out in the morning. Without a slow energy release breakfast, they may get too hungry or have inadequate fuel for the brain to concentrate and learn effectively.
Balancing blood sugar by keeping ‘fast release sugars’ such as sweets, biscuits, cakes, chocolate, refined cereals and white breads to a minimum and ensuring your child eats little and often will ensure the brain receives an even supply of fuel. Too much sugar and your child may be hyperactive and find it difficult to concentrate, whilst too little sugar and they may feel too tired or irritable to concentrate.
Balanced breakfast is a key factor!
It is essential to have a good start, especially in young children, when their more structured learning is mostly carried out in the morning. Without a slow energy release breakfast, they may get too hungry or have inadequate fuel for the brain to concentrate and learn effectively.
A healthy balanced breakfast should include a mix of complex or unrefined carbohydrate (porridge, muesli, wholemeal cereals or bread or fruit) and some protein (eggs, baked beans, chopped nuts, seeds, full fat yoghurt or milk).
Great breakfast ideas for your child's brain:
One bowl of sugar-frosted cornflakes can contain nearly 4 teaspoons of sugar!
Brains are made of fat!
Essential fats are vital for brain formation and allowing the cells to communicate effectively. Numerous scientific studies have linked inadequate essential fats in a child’s diet to lower IQ’s and learning or behavioral disorders. So ensure your child is consuming the following on a regular basis:
- Porridge made with whole milk with mashed banana and a tablespoon of ground almonds or flaxseed powder stirred through
- Fresh fruit (banana or berries) and natural yoghurt with a little honey or maple syrup and chopped hazelnuts sprinkled on top
- Wholemeal toast with baked beans or scrambled eggs, or even mashed avocado if your child is adventurous!
- Boiled egg and soldiers
One bowl of sugar-frosted cornflakes can contain nearly 4 teaspoons of sugar!
Brains are made of fat!
Essential fats are vital for brain formation and allowing the cells to communicate effectively. Numerous scientific studies have linked inadequate essential fats in a child’s diet to lower IQ’s and learning or behavioral disorders. So ensure your child is consuming the following on a regular basis:
- Oily fish (Salmon, mackerel, sardines) – good with pasta or in a fish pie or tinned mackerel in tomato sauce in sandwiches or as a quick pasta sauce.
- Nuts and Seeds – given whole as a snack or ground and mixed in cereals, soups or casseroles, chopped nuts added to home-made cakes or biscuits
- Avocado on toast or crackers or made into a dip with breads