By Dr Sandra Cabot

Many parents are concerned about the health of their children who suffer with recurrent problems such as respiratory infections, sinus and ear infections, asthma and allergies.

These children may become dependent on frequent antibiotic drugs, and/or inhalers and sprays containing Ventolin and steroids. These drugs temporarily control the symptoms but do nothing to treat the cause and that’s why the problems keep recurring.

The childhood years pass so quickly, and no parent wants to see their child missing out on the magical experiences of childhood because of poor health. The foundation for future health is built during childhood and during these critically important years nutritional medicine is the greatest tool a parent can use.

The human gut microbiome is largely determined during the first 1,000 days of life (conception to age 2). This time period is critical because it influences immune and neurological health. During these 1000 days there is rapid colonization of the gut by microorganisms and profoundly influences long-term health. Antibiotic drugs and steroids severely disturb the development of the gut microbiome which is the collection of microorganisms in the gut.

In the Western world we have these powerful weapons against severe infections, and yet we still have many chronic health problems in our children.

The following childhood problems are very common –

• Asthma and other allergic conditions such as sinus, hay fever, and eczema
• Digestive and bowel problems
• Recurrent infections of the respiratory tract
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Anxiety, hyperactivity and ADHD
• Diabetes of the Type 2 variety that normally occurs in adults, is increasing among children

To overcome these problems, drugs can only play a limited role that is mostly concerned with the control of symptoms. Over the past two decades there have been enormous advances in information in the medical literature linking incorrect nutrition and a disordered gut microbiome to disease states. Most diseases are associated with nutritional imbalances.  Dietary changes and the appropriate use of nutrients will reduce the risk of disease and are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of illness.

How to improve the Immune System

With a few simple techniques you can improve the immune system and help your child avoid recurrent infections, inflammation and allergies which cause sore throats, swollen tonsils, ear infections, sinusitis, cough, wheezing, eczema, snoring and mucous congestion. We need to utilise a combination of diet, exercise, supplements and psychological conditioning.

Immune boosting foods

Parents today often don’t have the time or knowledge to deal with children with bad eating habits or a poor appetite. They often compensate by providing their children with treats and sweets, which can reduce their appetite for healthy foods. It is best to concentrate on the morning and evening meals, because as we all know, a healthy lunch often comes home from school in the lunchbox.

Suggested healthy menu –

BREAKFAST

Start with some fresh fruit

Puffed rice, corn, millet or porridge topped with L.S.A. (ground up Linseed, Sunflower seeds and Almonds) and soymilk or oat milk

Poached or boiled eggs on whole meal or gluten free bread

Pancakes topped with fresh fruit and plain Greek full fat yoghurt or coconut yoghurt

LUNCH

Sandwich or roll with chicken, salmon or tuna and salad

Fresh fruit or dried fruit

DINNER

Pasta or spaghetti with seafood and tomato paste and olive oil

Fresh salad with dressing of cold pressed olive oil and lemon

Lightly steamed or stir-fried vegetables

Roast lamb and vegetables

Stir fry chicken with vegetables and steamed rice

Veal and baked vegetables

Thai curry with seafood or chicken and steamed rice

Make sure some raw salad vegetables or fruit is served with dinner

Drinks

Prepare freshly squeezed citrus juices daily to augment vitamin C intake, which is the most important vitamin for the immune system. Make raw juices with a juice extracting machine (carrot, apple, celery, and beetroot are excellent). Tropical cocktails can be made from coconut cream and fresh pineapple and other fruit pieces passed through a juicer and served with ice.

Helpful hints

• Pass Linseed, Sunflower seeds and Almonds (L.S.A.) through a grinder to produce a fine powder. LSA powder has a nutty sweet taste and can be lightly sprinkled on cereals, vegetables, or indeed any foods. Aim for 1 to 2 tablespoons daily. Make up a bulk supply and keep in the freezer. LSA contains valuable essential fatty acids and reduces constipation.
• Encourage your child to eat more fish, especially of the oily variety such as salmon and sardines. Cod liver oil can be given as a liquid or small capsules and will reduce respiratory infections.
• Try to use fresh garlic in the diet because it is an excellent natural antibiotic. To do this pass two raw garlic cloves through a press or crusher to express their juice and mix this juice in vegetables and stir-fries at the end of cooking.
• If your child is full of mucus, try eliminating cow’s milk and choose soy, oat or coconut milk. Coconut ice cream will not promote mucus. Kelp and canned salmon are high in calcium, and many soymilks are fortified with extra calcium.
• Reduce processed foods as much as possible as they have unhealthy processed fats and often artificial colourings and flavourings.

Supplements to boost the immune system

In children with a weakened immune system there are specific supplements that will increase the resistance to infections and reduce inflammation. If you combine these supplements with a healthy diet, you will gradually see big changes in the general health of your child.

We recommend Cabot Health Children’s Immune Strength Powder as it is formulated with effective doses of the herb elderberry, and the nutrients vitamin C, zinc, selenium and iodine. Many children do not get enough of these essential nutrients, and this makes them susceptible to more frequent infections and inflammation. The Children’s Immune Strength powder is a delicious strawberry-vanilla flavour and can be stirred into water, juices or smoothies. You can also sprinkle it on desserts or mix it with fruit juice and freeze it into popsicles. It is designed to be taken daily for several months or longer as it takes time to improve the immune system.

Vitamin D should also be given especially during the winter months, and if your child is not outdoors enough. Sunscreen reduces the body’s production of vitamin D. Vitamin D reduces infections and inflammation.

Lifestyle

It is important that your child exercises regularly as this helps to eliminate toxins and waste products through the kidneys, skin and mucous membranes. Children today can easily become couch potatoes due to computerised games, the Internet and television. Exercise should be fun – trampoline, bike riding, swimming, tennis, cricket, rollerblading, or as simple as walking the dog. Exercise is a great time for bonding with your children.

Children often copy their parent’s habits and lifestyle behaviours. It may be appropriate for parents to address their eating habits and to avoid having unhealthy foods in the house. Fill the cupboards with healthy nutrient dense unprocessed foods and this will make it easier. The children may not be impressed at first, however when they eventually become hungry they will choose from the selection that is before their eyes. This will also help them to control their weight and prevent diabetes. Fast foods and refined processed foods are full of fat and sugar and increase obesity and diabetes. Over one third of children today are overweight and this increases the risk of fatty liver and diabetes .

In summary

Unfortunately, many children take frequent courses of antibiotics which over the years can damage the gut microbiome. These antibiotics work for several weeks, until another virus or superbug comes along to attack the immune system. We can no longer rely completely upon vaccinations, steroids and antibiotics. With the threat of new viruses, and the evolution of bacteria resistant to the antibiotics we have relied upon for the last fifty years, we are desperately in need of safe and effective strategies that will continue to work in the long term.

With the simple dietary changes and natural remedies discussed in this article you should notice a big improvement over several months in your child’s general health, immune system, and moods.