Another Sick Day...

It doesn't seem that long ago that my baby girl was sick, but got over it pretty quickly on the yogurt, which in turn saved me a trip to the doctor.

I faced the same challenge again, although this cold seemed a little worse, and as always, I was a little bit worried. I pretty well refuse to take my kids to a doctor anymore since all they want to do is give them antibiotics and drugs, which haven't worked for my kids anyway in the past.

So far, for over a year now, we have done great with treating our ills at home the old fashioned ways, and with a big boost from yogurt.

So when she came down with this cold, I just started letting her eat whatever she wanted, as long as it had nutritional value. Spaghettio's is good because it has a full serving of veggies in it, and she loves spaghettio's.

I also bought her some non-medicated saline nose drops for her nose. Last time I talked to my mom, she told me how there is no medication in them, but it seems to be the quickest way she gets over a cold, so thought I would try it this time.

So I have, and even aside from the reassurance that it is drug free, it also really frees up her airways in her nose! Her nose looks really great after I spray some in there and in fact she seems to feel better as well.

So she has been on this regiment for the last 3 or 4 days and is now pulling out of it. Keep in mind, after I started this regiment (including uping her yogurt intake), I closely monitored her to make sure that she got progressively better, not worse. If she had gotten worse, or became lethargic, etc, I would have taken her to a doctor. She never ran a fever with this cold and she got a little better every day.

So, here is her regiment in a nutshell:
1. all the yogurt she wants
2. all the saline nose spray she needs
3. any healthy food she wants (spaghettios, soup, anything with vitamin C)

That's about it for this one! had she been running a temperature I would have given her the proper dosage of Tylenol. If the Fever does not go down with over the counter medication, something else is probably wrong and you should take your child to a doctor immediately. This happened to my son once when the doctor I guess he didn't believe me, so he went on with a 104 degree fever for 4 days and finally checked him out and found that he had Mononucleosis. (yes, the kissing disease) and he contracted this when he was only 2 years old. His doctor said he had never seen mono in a child this young. He contracted it from someone in the daycare (which I pulled him out of), ended up the daycare was on probation for something and when I notified them to tell them to tell the other parents the exposure to mono, they didn't notify anyone.

That is why I am an at home mother now. You can't really trust your kids to anyone. be careful out there!

Here's How to Minimize Your Childs Sick Days

Author: Darrell Miller

Article:
A healthy diet is critical in keeping your children healthy
especially one filled with power foods such as organic yogurt
and whole grain cereals; cooking with spices; drinking organic
orange juice and elderberry; including omega-3 fatty acids from
wild salmon; consuming lots of colored fruits and vegetables;
and avoiding sugary drinks, artificial sweeteners and sweet
candy. Make sure to also add in adequate amounts of rest, as you
do not want to drive children too hard or overload them.
Additionally, try not to pressure your doctors into making
antibiotics their first choice. Although there are times when
they are needed overuse of antibiotics can actually weaken your
child's immune system.

Many recent studies have found that a healthy population of
beneficial bacteria in our children's stomach is extremely good
to their health as these good bacterial strains help to keep our
children resistant to germs carried by their school friends. One
of these studies shows that special strains of probiotics can
reduce daycare-related illnesses. Probiotic milk may also
slightly reduce respiratory infections in these children. In one
study which took place over a seven month winter period, 571
children attending daycare centers in Finland were given milk
with or without a specific probiotic blend. During this study,
parents recorded any respiratory symptoms such as fever, runny
nose, sore throat, cough, chest wheezes, and earache, or
gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and
stomachache. The actual number of days where these symptoms
occurred was much lower in the group of children who received
probiotics, causing fewer absences from school and a smaller
requirement for antibiotic treatment.

Many pediatricians are now recommending the use of age-specific
probiotics to give your children the support they need in
fighting off germs. It seems as if pediatricians are
increasingly recommending giving probiotics to children instead
of prescribing antibiotics. This is partly because 20 percent of
children develop antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD), which is
a severe diarrhea that can cause them to miss even more school
days. Studies show that children given probiotics even during
antibiotic treatment experienced reduced AAD incidence. Giving
your child or teen probiotics is one of the safest and most
beneficial things you can do to support their overall health.
These probiotics safeguard your body from a buildup of harmful
bacteria, yeast, and fungi, while enhancing immune function,
improving gastrointestinal health, and helping to support colon
health.

One amazing fact that most probiotic companies have ignored is
which probiotics you should take depends entirely on how old you
are and your condition. Unfortunately, most companies only offer
a one-size-fits-all probiotic. Babies and toddlers should have a
predominance of Bifidobacteria such as B. infantis, B. bididum,
and B. breve. Adults, on the other hand, should naturally
contain high concentrations of lactobacilli, such as L.
acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum. Those probiotics
that are right for adults are not right for a teen or child, and
once you're over 55, your needs change again. Researchers have
discovered that after age 55 is reached, the populations of
helpful Bifidobacteria start decreasing steadily. Therefore,
adults in their later years will need higher potencies of
Bifidobacteria strains once again.

About the author:
More information on Children's wellness is available at VitaNet,
LLC Health Food Store; your source for href="http://vitanetonline.com/description/PF0321/vitamins/Well-C
hild-Echinacea-Elderberry-Syrup/" target="_b">wellness
supplements.

Antibiotics vs. yogurt: The test

2 weeks ago, my son woke up early crying and holding his ear. I knew what was wrong but of course I asked anyway, "what's wrong baby?" and he cries "my ear hurts!" So I went downstairs to see if I had anything for the pain. I found some Tylenol meltaways for children and gave him a dose of that. 30 minutes later he was calm and said his ear didn't hurt anymore. Since I knew that this was most likely because the Tylenol kicked in, I decided to take him in to see the doctor. They said his ear was slightly red and prescribed Amoxil (antibiotic) to fight the infection.

The day after, his coughing started, but at least he was already started on the antibiotic. I figured he probably caught this cold from me because I had been sick 4 days before he caught it.

1 week later, my daughter started the coughing and the runny nose. I immediately started upping her intake of yogurt (she eats yogurt as a snack everyday anyway, which is the best way to help your immune system). She coughed for a few days and there were a couple times I though I may have to take her in to the doctor, but since she has a bad history with antibiotics, I always make sure that I can't handle it first with yogurt. She didn't get worse, she got better, and her little cough lasted about 5 days and the runny nose lasted only 1.

My son on the other hand was on the antibiotics prescribed by his doctor right away, and he fought his cold for 2 weeks (he did seem like he was getting over it), but 2 days after his antibiotics were used up, he is starting to cough again!

I'm sure you are wondering, "if yogurt works so well for your daughter, why not use it on your son?" I wish it were that easy! :) He is a child that doesn't like the taste of yogurt. My daughter is easy because she eats yogurt like it's her favorite candy! Occasionally, I do buy the Edy's yogurt ice cream which does have yogurt culture in it (talked about in previous posts), but that would get expensive to buy all the time. Certainly though if it works better than antibiotics, it would be worth it.

And I hear on the news they are talking about this "super bug" that is going around", (it has spread into our county where I live). Do you know why they say that this is happening? Because of all of the antibiotics we injest that make the bugs resistant to it! That's why I try to let my kids and I if at all possible, let our bodies fight it ourselves.

Stop the Runs with Probiotics

Author: Ann Stewart

Article:
Diarrhea can show up at the most unsuspected times and places,
often without warning or obvious cause. Yes, there are over the
counter "flow stoppers" available which may work for a while for
some but do nothing to heal the condition.

Some basic causes of this embarrassing
stuck-within-ten-feet-of-the-toilet condition are: stress,
illness, food and water that is contaminated by harmful microbes.

The majority of diseases and infections enter the body through
the bowel. Studies indicate that bacterial imbalances are
associated with irritable bowel syndrome, post-surgical
infections and type 1 diabetes.

It took the medical profession a long time to discover that
antibiotics destroyed the beneficial bacteria as well as the
harmful ones, thus making the body more prone to secondary
infections.

The bacteria in your gut have many functions in the body and are
essential to your health. These microorganisms are collectively
called your gut flora, micro flora, or beneficial bacteria and
are estimated to make up about 3 pounds of your body weight.
They fight off harmful microbes (pathogenic bacteria, viruses,
fungi and parasites), which cause disease.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that a lack of healthy
bacteria can be one of the causes that lead to medical problems
such as: food allergies, bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy,
irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, yeast
infections, intestinal infections, allergies, asthma, genital
infections, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels,
recurrent ear and bladder infections, and antibiotic associated
diarrhea.

So then, what can you do to ensure that your bowel is armed with
more good bacteria than bad ones? The best way is to take a dose
of friendly microbes, known as probiotics.

"By definition, a probiotic is any substance containing live
organisms that, when ingested, have a beneficial effect on the
host by altering the body's intestinal micro flora," says
physician Robynne Chutkan, Associate Professor of Medicine at
Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Many probiotics are lactic acid, or milk based, bacteria, such
as lactobacillus or bifidobacterium, but not all probiotics have
the same characteristics and, presumably, not the same efficacy.
Are you lactose intolerant? Well, they reportedly even improve
lactose intolerance! Besides, probiotics are not released in the
stomach but travel through the digestive tract and attach
themselves to the large bowel (gut). After four days of regular
daily intake there are enough probiotics in your gut to start
producing health benefits. Many species of bacteria work
together in the human gut to maintain its normal function.

Known benefits include relief from irritable bowel syndrome,
yeast infections and diarrhea. Furthermore they may improve
bowel function, reduce antibiotic-associated infections, prevent
colon cancer, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve
immune function, reduce inflammation, improve mineral
absorption, prevent growth of harmful bacteria, fight off
diseases like candida and eczema, and much more.

The scientific concept behind probiotics is now accepted, but
clinical trial work has only recently started to test the
ability of probiotic preparations to prevent or treat specific
diseases, like gut inflammation, gut infection or cancer.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate
the growth and function of certain good bacteria in the gut.
Similarly, eating foods or supplements containing probiotics
improves the ratio of good bacteria to bad in the gut. Some
foods that are good for your gut health beside yogourt, are
asparagus and leeks. Both prebiotics and probiotics may help
change poor eating habits, heal ulcers, chronic stomach
inflammations and infections of all kinds, including uro-genital
tract, respiratory and childhood bugs acquires in daycare.
Beside all those, they are said to reduce blood lipids (fats),
treat both irritable bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS), and traveler's diarrhea. They are also known to
fight off skin infections, tooth decay and periodontal disease!

In conclusion, having a balanced intestinal flora greatly
affects the way you feel, and how healthy and energetic you are.
As well as keeping your intestinal flora in perfect balance,
probiotics also help to keep your intestines clean! The most
common probiotic is Acidophilus, or yogurt. They can be obtained
over the counter in your health store or pharmacy in pill form.

Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

All material provided is for informational and educational
purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or
instruction.

It is of utmost importance that you do your own due diligence.
Consult with your physician or a qualified health professional
on any matters regarding your health and well-being.

About the author:
Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach,
shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in
her weekly newsletter, href="http://youthmakeover.com">Youth Makeover

Reverse the Aging Process with Live Foods

Author: Michelle Honda PhD

Article:
As hard as we try, we cannot improve on the foods nature
provides. Vital nourishment is lost through the process of
preserving, pickling, stewing and changing food's natural state.
Devitalized foods cannot build good blood, strong bodies or help
us to maintain a youthful appearance. Disease can develop from
the lack of nutrition in lifeless foods.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FREE RADICAL DAMAGE

Beta-Carotene, for example, is one voracious phytochemical found
in raw yellow and orange fruit and other vegetables. These raw
foods have proven to be beneficial in reducing damage to cells
caused by free radicals. Free radicals work to damage cells,
fueling the aging process through cell mutation and cell death.
One molecule of beta-carotene can kill up to one thousand free
radicals.

Research is also mounting on alpha lipoic acid. As an
antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid is very powerful. For the past
thirty years throughout Europe it has been used to stabilize
blood sugar in treating diabetes. Dr. James B. LaValle, R.Ph.
CCN, ND and author of Cracking the Metabolic Code, recommends
six hundred to nine hundred milligrams daily as an antioxidant.

USE RAW AND WHOLE FOODS TO REVITALIZE HEALTH

Diet is one of the best ways to maintain our youth or reverse
the aging process. The nutrients in raw and whole foods,
accompanied with various supplements, are the chemical elements
used by the body to ward off disease and maintain health. The
combinations of deficiencies of vital nutrients, toxicity from
the environment, and a poor diet contribute to disease. Eating
whole and raw foods may be issues for some people, but for those
who can digest whole foods the benefits are enormous.

People are constantly trying to get life from lifeless food. All
enzymes are destroyed by heat, diminishing the life force in
food. Enzymes are wiped out when temperatures start to reach 118
degrees. Once 140 degrees is reached, enzymes are lost. Our body
produces certain enzymes, but the burden upon our systems would
be greatly lessened with a plentiful supply from our diet. The
body does its best but will eventually fall short without a
replenishing supply.

FEED YOUR GLANDS TO STAY YOUNG

When the diet is deficient in a particular chemical element
required by a specific organ or gland, our bodies will be
vulnerable to disease. We are only as young as our glands.
Glands need whole foods such as nuts, seeds, sprouts, egg yolk,
and sardines (with the bones), hard cheese, whole grains and
algae. Nuts and seeds are among our most complete foods. They
contain hormone value for both the male and female glands. They
are small but mighty, loaded with glandular elements, vitamins,
minerals and proteins. Almonds are the king of nuts and sesame
seeds are the king of seeds. However, sick people do not handle
cold proteins well. For this reason, nut and seed drinks,
butters, meals and soy milk powders are recommended. Sprouts
contain auxins, a substance which promotes plant growth. A diet
high in sprouts will provide the auxins for cell stimulation and
life force. People from cultures whose diets are plentiful in
sprouts typically retain their youthfulness and vigor well into
their advanced years.

THE HIDDEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF FIBER

Fiber is another whole food highly recommended for stimulating
peristalsis and moving food along our intestines. Studies show
that when bile acids are retained by fiber the body absorbs less
cholesterol. There is growing evidence that fiber in the diet
will lower your blood fats and may protect against degenerative
diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis and diabetes. In
addition, case studies show that a patient's blood sugar is not
as high following a meal of high fiber as compared to a meal of
processed low fiber food. Blood sugar is lowered when the fiber
slows down and smoothes out the absorption of sugars from the
intestine.

JUICING: GREAT SOURCE FOR NUTRIENTS AND ENZYMES

Juicing is another excellent source for supplying the body with
live foods rich in nutrients. If you are tired, sluggish or
stressed, fresh juice will give you a boost. Though it may be
better to eat the whole plant, juicing is the next best thing
for those who have difficulty digesting whole foods, raw
vegetables and citrus fruits. Also, the amount one is able to
consume in a day may be an issue. Fruit juice is a great source
of vitamins and vegetable juice is higher in the chemical
elements which build and tone our bodies.

USE ORGANIC SODIUM TO STAY YOUTHFUL

Organic sodium is one of our "youth elements". It is found in
our joints, ligaments and our stomachs. If we want to stay
youthful and pliable, we need organic sodium. The highest form
is found in whey powder, while other sources are goat milk,
celery, okra, most fruits except for citrus, dark leafy
vegetables, fish, black olives, lentils, dulse, barely and
sesame seeds. Organic sodium keeps calcium in solution,
preventing osteoarthritis and cataracts. This beneficial sodium
should not be confused with table salts, which leach the good
organic sodium from our bodies.

Another consideration to maintain our youth is to keep our
bodies alkaline. Our blood pH is highly alkaline: twenty percent
acid and eighty percent alkaline. For optimum health our diet
should match our blood balance. Organs and glands need alkaline
secretions. Essentially, all vegetables and fruit are alkaline
with a few exceptions. Citrus fruit is acid, although lemons
have an alkaline ash. All starch and protein are acid forming
foods. Dairy products are for the most part acidic. However,
yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, raw milk, whey and acidophilus
culture are considered alkaline.

We should also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables when they
are in season and plentiful - all colors of the rainbow. Fruit
is natures' cleanser and meant to be eaten in more abundance
following a long winter season of heavy food. Chlorophyll, the
green juice found in vegetables and plants has the ability to
clean and heal, inside and out. When it comes to our overall
well-being and state of health, we must look to the source from
which the elements in our bodies come. Foods in their natural
state can heal us, feed us and keep us forever young.

=== IN CONCLUSION ===

Balance throughout the human body is what we seek to sustain in
holistic health. Health is not found in a miracle pill, it is a
way of life. Nutrition rebuilds and regenerates tissue without
poisoning some other part of the body. The right biochemical
elements accelerate health and the reversal process.



About the author:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Michelle Honda is Holistic Doctor (natural and preventative
medicine) in private practice at Renew You Holistic Health in
Ancaster Ontario Canada. She holds a Ph.D. D.Sc. in holistic
health sciences, holds an advanced nutrition degree, is a Master
Herbalist and an IIPA Certified Iridologist. She is available
via telephone for private consultations. For more details visit
http://www.healingmyfamily.com or ht