Pediatrics
Children's Immunity
When a child is born the immune system is just beginning to develop. Everything they come into contact with or ingests plays a part in the maturation of their immune system. There are many aspects to the immune system and immune function. White blood cells, immunoglobulins, cytokines, the microorganisms that line the gastrointestinal tract, the lymphatic system etc. All of these things are effected by what we eat, how we feel, and our surroundings. A child is never too old to improve his/her immune function.
Healthy immune function prevents:
- frequent and long lasting colds and flu
- ear infections
- intestinal infections
- respiratory infections
- tonsillitis
- allergies
- Crohn's disease
- Strep throat
Setting up a healthy immune system and a healthy diet as a child will set the stage for a lifetime of good eating habits and immune function. During pregnancy and through breast feeding the child is dependent on his mother for all of his nutrient needs,so a child's good health and diet begin with a mother's good health and diet. A child should be breast fed for her first six months to two years of life. After this new foods should slowly be added. Starting with oat, barley or rice cereal (no puffed rice or puffed products) with watered down breast milk. Then adding in vegetables like pureed greenbeans, peas, pumpkin, squash and sweet or white potatoes. About a month later begin adding in fruits like apple sauce, peaches, apricots, pears, nectarines and plums. At nine months begin adding in more vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus tips, kale, spinach, beets, turnips, carrots, collard greens and tomatoes. When preparing food leave out sugar, salt and fats except EFA's and avocado.
Supplements can be taken during pregnancy, during lactation and added to the diet. The best supplements to be taken during these times are essential fatty acids a multivitamin-mineral and a probiotic. For treatment of a specific condition and to find out which are the best supplements for your child to take a consultation with Dr. Wilson will illuminate the underlying cause to be treated and the best way to strengthen the child's system.
Natural medicine offers safe, nontoxic effective treatment that supports a child's natural propensity toward health rather than suppressing symptoms. Naturopathic doctors are experts in the field of natural medicine and can diagnose and treat your child for complaints such as ear infections, sinusitis, allergies, diarrhea, constipation, colds, flu, tonsillitis, headaches, ADD/ADHD, behavioral problems, weight problems, rashes, colic, eczema, bed wetting etc. Naturopathic doctors can prescribe pharmaceutical medication or costume design natural formulations specifically for your child's needs. With this individual treatment approach the root cause of the problem is addressed. For example when treating children with ADD/ADHD the naturopathic doctor takes a thorough history and physical exam to address areas such as nutrition,social support, allergies, and the overall health of the child. They are then treated with one or a combination of nutrition, homeopathy, botanicals, neutraceuticals, guided imagery/meditation or biofeedback. When the root problem is addressed in this manner your child will begin to feel naturally healthy, stronger, more confident in themselves, calmer, with reduced stress and frustration, and more focused with improve concentration.