Kids hate ear infections and parents do too. The first response of many healthcare practitioners to ear infections is to prescribe antibiotics. While antibiotics are appropriate in some cases, they often cause more harm than good when applied to ear infections.
Dr. Robert Mendelsohn, MD, former professor of pediatrics at the University of Chicago, wrote as follows:
A series of controlled studies have revealed that the use of antibiotics for treatment of ear infections makes no difference in terms of the important outcomes – hearing loss, the spread of infections, or mastoiditis. Their use may slightly shorten the duration of pain and infection, but the trade-off is that the antibiotics also reduce the body’s natural immune response. Consequently, in order to slightly reduce the duration of the infection, you increase the possibility that the child will have new infections every four to six weeks.” Mendelsohn, How to Raise a Healthy Child… In Spite of Your Doctor, p 132)
So, what is the best approach to dealing with ear infections in the long term?
It comes down to a simple formula:
Mucus + Bacteria + Weakened Immune System = Ear Infections
Many children subsist on diets that are heavy in milk, sugar and white flour. These staples seem harmless but are in fact at the root of many of the health problems sweeping the world today, from obesity to cancer to diabetes.
This terrible trio also contributes to ear infections and other illnesses commonly contracted by children.
Therefore, the first step to helping a child fight ear infections is to preferably eliminate, or at least reduce, his or her intake of milk, sugar and white flour. This will tend to reduce excess mucus accumulation while preventing further harm to your child’s immune system.
If you’re concerned about your child’s calcium intake, there are plenty of good substitutes available that won’t contribute to ear infections and other illnesses. Substitutes include:
- Hummus
- Techina
- Almonds
- Green leafy vegetables
- Calcium supplement
The second step is to take measures to boost your child’s immune system. Measures may include:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Certain natural ear drops
- Echinacea
- Other healing herbs
If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 058-400-5547