Common, but NOT Normal.

Some estimates say that nearly 80% of our little ones will suffer from an ear infection before the age of 2, and many of them suffering from multiple infections.  That's a lot of pain, frustration and ... antibiotics.

These types of infections are so common now that many of the parents I meet have a feeling that it is "normal" for their kids to join the ranks and get an infection.  Well, as we see in so many other health statistics in our nation, just because something is common doesn't mean it is normal.

Typical Treatment Options Aren't Working

As a father myself, I understand the horrific idea of a child in pain.  So, when an infection does happen, getting relief is important.  But, the treatment we're doing in our modern world is the same we've done for decades ... treating the effects instead of addressing the cause.  That means waving goodbye to the pediatrician with a prescription of antibiotics.  Have you been there before?

How well is that working out for us?

• Many times ear infections are viral, of which antibiotics have no use!  Did your doctor determine which it is?

• Antibiotics have short term consequences - they increase risks of asthma and allergies by up to 4 fold and encourages recurring infections up to 7 fold.

• Antibiotics have long term consequences - they increase risks of breast cancer and encourage immune system "dependency."

• Despite best intentions, surgical ear tubes carry many risks both during the procedure and the aftermath.

What Really Causes Ear Infections?

This is where things get interesting.  IF we actually ask this question, the story that most parents are hearing is something related to bad luck, bad genetics, or even "bad design" of the Eustachian tubes draining the inner ear to the bad of the throat.  The problem is much bigger than that and we've been caring for kiddos over the last 7 years with these common grounds;

• Trauma or physical tension around the skull and upper neck in the womb or during the birthing process.  This leads to poor alignment and neuro-muscular dysfunction of the ear tubes.

• Less than ideal nutrition - poor prenatal nutrition and/or formula-fed babies have increased inflammation and mucus production.

• Environmental exposure to toxicity in the womb and/or as a baby decreases immune system strength and alertness.

• Misuse and overuse of antibiotics leading to resistance and immune system dysfunction.

What Can I Do?

This one is pretty easy!  It all starts with seeing things differently, being properly armed for prevention, staying calm if an infection does happen.  Here is my list;

1.     Have your child checked by a trained Pediatric Chiropractor for nerve system interference and irritation, specifically at the upper cervical segments.

2.     Clean up common nutrition sensitivities by removing grains, dairy, and sugar ASAP.  We hold a nutrition class called Eat to Live monthly, look to our Facebook page for more details on the next event.

3.     Minimize exposure to toxins in food, drinks, air, cleaning and personal care products.

4.     Limit use of medications by using on an emergency basis only.  That line has gotten very "fuzzy" over the years, so make sure you're getting more than one professional opinion for your little one.

Top Supplements for Ear Infections

We’ve seen the best changes in children that get adjusted. Chiropractic helps the body’s immune system notice problems early and mount the best defense. Otherwise, I figured you'd want a little more of things you can do at home, so here are the top 5 supplements you can give your little one to ease the pain of a current infection.

• Garlic Oil and Tea Tree Oil - Alone, they are effective, but together they are even more powerful.  Use the drops multiple times a day directly in and around the ear, both have researched anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.

• Probiotics - maintenance dosage for babes is about 10 Million CFUs and the healing dosage just goes up from there.  We use Klaire Labs Infant powder or Klaire Labs Childrens Chewable, both easy to use for the little ones.  Make sure to keep it cold and progress to a stronger, wide spectrum product like Prescript Assist as they grow older.

• Vitamin C - maintenance dosage is 500mg taken twice daily for most little ones.  Healing dosage is 500mg taken up to 8 times daily or more.  There are many different brands, but Seeking Health Liposomal C Plus is great. Every body responds differently, if you've done too much vitamin C at one dosage you can expect diarrhea.  Start slow and dose up.

• Vitamin D3 - maintenance dosage  is 2,000 IUs for most kiddo and the healing dosage goes up to 10,000 IUs for short term use.  Ideally, things should be based off serum values with a simple finger prick test.  We use Xymogen's liquid D3 until the kids are eating solid food and then switch to MyKind's liquid D3.

• Herbal Support - when things get ugly with ear infections or other sickness, we usually bring out the Biocidin (an intense herbal natural antibiotic) to give a much needed boost to the body's ability to fight and heal.

• Ear Adjustment - this helps change the pressure in the ear and create some space for the Eustachian tube to drain. It isn ‘t comfortable but it works really well in most cases.

• BONUS - a common reason for outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear) is water stuck in the canal. To help prevent this, make to sure try this after swimming; soak a cotton ball to saturation with isopropyl alcohol, tip head to side and squeeze cotton ball to fill ear canal with the alcohol. Let sit for 30 to 60 seconds and then tip head to let drain. The isopropyl alcohol will get under the water and drain both out. Any leftover alcohol will quickly evaporate instead of leaving liquid in the canal.

LIFEstrength Health Center and Dr. Cade are dedicated to providing the best care to you and your family.  It's important to look at your individual case and put a plan in place to address the cause, correct it and finally make sure it never happens again.

Getting kids and families health again without drugs or surgery is what we do best.  Stop focusing on what is wrong and let us teach you how to build upon what is right with your child.