By 3 years old, 50-85% of children have been diagnosed with at least one episode of AOM. It is the most frequent reason why children receive antibiotics. Take-home points Prevent ear infections by avoiding tobacco smoke, formula, and minimizing use of pacifiers Reduce risk of infection by providing breast milk, a nutrient-dense diet, plenty of […]
Natural Alternatives to Medication
“First do no harm.” This is a basic principle that we are told when we start medical school. However, after that we proceed to learn all about modern pharmacology for the remainder of our medical career with very little attention paid to lifestyle changes.
Most people think pharmaceutical medications are pretty safe. Otherwise, why would they develop them and sell them to us? The fact is that most medications are overused, particularly our nation’s top two sellers--acid suppression medications and cholesterol medications--although each of those has a large body of scientific studies showing many adverse effects associated with them.
While antibiotics can be necessary and life-saving, their overuse has contributed to a large decline in pediatric health. Antibiotic exposure in the first 2 years of life is associated with increased risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, celiac disease, overweight, obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and learning disorders. (1)
In this series of articles, you will find information on safer alternatives to some commonly prescribed medications in children.