Stress is at an all-time high. Increasingly, the general public and healthcare system are acknowledging ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), and the negative effects early-life traumas have on health.

Sadly, children’s exposure to ACEs are compounded by unavoidable universal traumas. The negative effects of universal traumas such as the pandemic, war, climate change and school/community shootings break all boundaries.  None of us are immune from trauma.

Now more than ever we need to teach kids how to build their mental immunity to help buffer them from their stressful environment.

The solution is multi-layered. It starts with prioritizing professional resources for children that teach them about feelings, inner and outer resources, body signals, thoughts, and how to feel empowered even in the most difficult social and personal challenges. The solution also rests with adults to join children and heal the gaps in their own mental health foundation.

Mind-Body Balance: The Importance of Healthy Outlets

Humans need outlets to purge toxic stress and maintain mind-body balance. When stress levels exceed our outlets for releasing stress, our body sends us signals that we are out of balance.

These signals often present with mood changes such as feeling anxious, overwhelmed or depressed — accompanied by physical symptoms ranging from intermittent headaches and nausea to chronic disease.

When children spend too much time in front of screens, consequently, they spend less time pausing, reflecting and processing information in their own language. Children need to move their bodies and use their imaginations through play in order to learn, process conflict, and make sense of their feelings and environment.

These natural ways kids release stress and find relief are essential to their long-term growth, yet over time these resources have been given less priority. We must shift our focus toward offering kids playful resources with guided treatment frameworks to help them gain confidence and feel in control of a world that often feels out of their control.

A Therapist’s Discovery and Intervention

As a mental health therapist, I immerse myself in thoughts, feelings and behaviors. However, also an adult, I find myself overwhelmed in our stressful world and often forgetting my own mental health self-care and basic foundation.

When I sat down to write my mental health–focused children’s book, I Am Pawso, about a cat who teaches kids ways to turn around difficult situations, I quickly recognized that I wasn’t just writing a book for kids.

I had a lot to learn from Pawso, the cat. I needed refreshers and more practice on my own resources to help me shake off bad feelings and situations and turn them around into something positive and manageable. Like so many adults, I was spinning in a circle of stress, illness (Crohn’s disease) and disconnection.

I had forgotten how to play, discover, and imagine! Immersing myself back into the world of kids reminded me of fundamentals that we all need. Without targeted interventions, adults will continue to consume a diet of stress, which feeds a cycle of inflammation. Meanwhile, adults unintentionally continue modeling to kids that there aren’t any healthy alternatives to this vicious cycle.

Early interventions are key to teaching kids coping skills and building resilience. However, it’s not enough to solely focus on kids. We should not assume that adults already know how to identify and regulate their feelings.

Many adults did not receive healthy modeling in their childhoods for how to express feelings, notice thoughts, self-advocate, and prioritize self-care. Instead, like many other adults, I learned how to overreact, stress out, and hide my pain and low self-esteem in my work and other avoidant strategies.

It wasn’t until I had a raging disease process, complicated by my childhood trauma, that I started to get a picture of the importance of laying a foundation early in childhood. Now, middle aged, I focus on how to nurture that child in me who missed crucial social emotional learning. I have a lot to gain from mental health resources that break down concepts into child friendly basics. After all, adults and children have very similar needs in order to thrive.

Play: Our Natural Re-Calibrator

Adults, like children, need ways to escape from their day-to-day lives and recharge their overworked bodies and nervous systems. Play ignites our imaginations and curiosities — and naturally reconnects us to ourselves and others.

Guided by this important information, I focused on how Pawso, the cat, identifies numerous outlets that help him build resilience, thereby opening the door to helping adults play and interact with their kids through discussion, imagination, exploration, and discovery of their own “shake and turn” tools!

When was the last time you played an instrument, listened to music, danced, used art to create, climbed a tree? When was the last time you sat down and read a story to a child and tried something new together?

An Introduction to Feelings and Thoughts

It is common to feel at the mercy of our feelings rather than in charge of them. When kids and adults don’t have the resources to recognize their feelings or body cues, they cannot access healthy ways to express themselves.

Instead, they find ways to avoid or “stuff” their feelings inside and/or express their feelings through behaviors that are often undesirable at home and school. Adults, similarly, find themselves exhausted, and yelling at others who challenge their viewpoints. We all suffer when we don’t know where our feelings come from, and what to do with this normal emotion explosion.

The crucial role our brain plays in our whole-body processes is at the forefront of wellness. Our thoughts and perceptions have a direct effect on our feelings and behaviors. How we perceive situations and other’s intentions and the meaning we make of our own experiences dramatically affects our thoughts, feelings, reactions, and behaviors.

Too often, these brain-body mental health essentials are missing in our children’s education. Too often, adults, responsible for modeling to kids, also lack an understanding of their own self-talk, triggers or how to calm down.  

How a Children’s Book Is for Adults, Too

When I wrote I Am Pawso, numerous incidents flashed through my mind of times I felt worthless or upset because of something someone said to me or because I thought someone was intentionally being mean to me. Some of my interpretations were true, but often I overreacted and didn’t realize I was in charge of how things made me feel.

Our feelings and thoughts belong to us! That makes us in charge!

If I react so strongly, then kids must experience the same tenfold. Daily kids face bullying, conflict, confusion and peer pressure.  Similarly, when Pawso goes to school, he deals with situations that anger him and cause him to question his self-worth.

Through lessons and activities, he realizes he can react with anger and strike his claws, or he can take charge of this thoughts and shift his perspective. I considered the profound effect this kid friendly I Am Pawso philosophy could have on children throughout their lifetime.

For many years, I did not realize my thoughts affected my mood and symptoms. I focused on trying to “will” myself to think positively without using my body to help me. As I Am Pawso culminated into an integrative treatment approach, I tossed aside my old mantras and began using a new holistic I Am Pawso mantra.

This mantra was born out of my realization that in order to affect my thoughts, I need to move my body. To affect my body symptoms, I need an awareness of my thoughts. My health improved when I identified my inner powers that could help me shake off and turnaround situations to help me feel better.

But for a moment my mind starts to churn.

I can change my thoughts with a shake and a turn!

Today, me and Pawso are on a quest to teach kids and their adults how to identify and use their own “shake and turn” tools. It requires learning, but when we commit to building new habits through practice, we build healthy brain pathways for coping. There’s nothing more empowering than being able to calm down and feel better from the inside out!

Casey Hersch, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, animal rescuer, and health journalist. She uses holistic and resilience-based models to help children and families cope with trauma, stress, and illness. Her mental health children’s book, I Am Pawso: A Cat Teaches Kids Ways to Turn Around Difficult Situations is available on Amazon (2023) and garnering 5 star reviews. She developed a comprehensive I Am Pawso companion treatment guide for parents, teachers and clinicians, available for free download with purchase of the book.

For more information visit: www.caseyhersch.com

At DrAxe.com, Casey has also written about the high costs of healthcare, integrative healing and using integrative approaches for living with chronic illness.

The post Children’s Book Teaches an Integrative Approach to Mental Health Basics appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions requiring medical attention in newborn babies. Approximately 60 percent of term and 80 percent of preterm babies develop this condition in the first week of life, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every newborn be examined for jaundice during routine medical checks after birth.

Adult jaundice is not as common, but it serves as a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Jaundice has to be taken seriously because if it lasts for more than a few weeks and it goes untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. There are warning signs, most notably the obvious skin discoloration, and natural ways to avoid increasing your (or your baby’s) risk of developing this discoloration condition.

What Is Jaundice?

Jaundice (also known as icterus) is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens and the color of stool becomes lighter than normal. This results from the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin and mucous membranes, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia.

Experts say that jaundice can be recognized when the serum bilirubin rises to 2–2.5 milligrams per deciliter, but sometimes yellow skin coloration isn’t noticeable until the serum bilirubin is at least 7–8 milligrams per deciliter.

Bilirubin is a yellow chemical in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen to the blood and serves as a breakdown product of the red cells in blood. As red blood cells break down, our bodies build new cells to replace them, and the old ones are processed through the liver for further metabolism and excretion.

There are two types of bilirubin: unconjugated bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin. Unconjugated bilirubin is insoluble in water and is the term used before the bilirubin has been processed by the liver. Once it is processed by the liver, the bilirubin is then conjugated, which means it is more water-soluble, and it then travels to the gallbladder where it’s stored.

Finally, the bilirubin makes its way into the intestines, where a portion is excreted in stool and some is metabolized by the intestinal bacteria and excreted in urine.

When the liver cannot metabolize the blood cells as they break down or the bilirubin is not properly excreted from the body, there’s a buildup of bilirubin, which is why the skin may appear to be yellow. Cholestatic jaundice occurs when the bile stops flowing from the liver to the small intestines.

Neonatal jaundice is when newborn babies have a yellow coloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This is usually harmless and disappears on its own within two to three weeks.

Adults can also develop jaundice, and it may be caused by a variety of medical conditions, some of which are serious and potentially life-threatening. Adults who develop it need to have a medical examination in order to determine the cause.

Causes

Neonatal (Newborn Jaundice)

Jaundice is common among newborns because the metabolism, circulation and excretion of bilirubin are slower than in adults. Newborn babies’ red blood cells have shorter life spans than those of adults, and the concentration of red blood cells in newborns is also higher.

Usually, hyperbilirubinemia is harmless in newborn babies, and it only develops because a baby’s liver isn’t mature enough to get rid of all the bilirubin in the bloodstream. In fact, a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that of the 20 percent of newborn babies who are jaundiced, only 2.5 percent of them need treatment.

Sometimes, though, the discoloration is caused by an underlying disease or babies are at risk of developing high levels of bilirubin that can become dangerous.

Neonatal jaundice is the term for the common, usually harmless form of jaundice that’s seen in many newborn babies in the first weeks of life. This is usually labeled a harmless condition, and it improves without any serious issues. However, it’s still important to see your pediatrician because occasionally a rare kind of brain damage known as kernicterus can occur if bilirubin levels are elevated for too long.

Adult Jaundice

Jaundice in adults (or jaundice that isn’t simply physiological) can be caused by a wide variety of harmless or life-threatening disorders that affect the normal metabolism or excretion of bilirubin. There are three phases in adults: pre-hepatic jaundice (before transportation of blood to the liver), hepatic jaundice(when the blood has reached the liver) and post-hepatic  jaundice (when blood has left the liver and will be excreted from the body).

Jaundice caused during the pre-hepatic phase is due to the excessive destruction of red blood cells, which can be due to various conditions, such as sickle cell disease, malaria, thalassemia (a blood disorder), drug reactions, toxin reactions or autoimmune diseases. The increase in bilirubin levels that are present in the bloodstream overwhelms the liver’s ability to properly metabolize the bilirubin fast enough.

During the hepatic liver phase, when the blood has reached the liver, jaundice may be caused by conditions such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, Gilbert’s syndrome, liver disease, liver cancer and autoimmune disorders.

During the post-hepatic phase, it occurs because of an obstruction in the excretion of drainage of the bilirubin in the liver. The obstruction can be caused by certain types of cancer (pancreatic, gallbladder and bile duct cancers), gallstones, pancreatitis, restriction of the bile ducts, cholangitis (a bacterial infection) and parasites.

It’s possible your doctor may advise you to have a procedure known as a endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in order to determine what is causing the obstruction.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Neonatal

The most common symptom or warning sign of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

To check an infant for jaundice, press gently on the baby’s forehead or nose. If the skin where you pressed looks yellow, that’s a sign.

Every infant should be examined for jaundice between the third and seventh day after birth because that’s when bilirubin levels usually peak.

Symptoms or warning signs of severe jaundice include the following:

• Skin becomes more yellow, and it’s noticeable on the abdomen, arms or legs
• Baby isn’t gaining weight
• Baby is feeding poorly
• Baby acts sick or is difficult to awaken
• Baby makes high-pitched cries

Adult

Adults with jaundice will have a yellow discoloration of the skin and may also have yellowing of the whites of the eyes or mucous membranes. The discoloration may be barely noticeable in some adults and very obvious in others.

Other symptoms in adults vary, but individuals may experience:

• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Arthritis
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Swelling in legs or abdomen
• Rectal bleeding
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Pale-colored stools
• Dark-colored urine
• Weakness

Risk Factors

Neonatal

Premature Birth

According to research published in Pediatric Nursing, around 80 percent of preterm infants (born before 38 weeks) develop jaundice. This is most likely because the infant’s liver is not mature enough to get rid of the bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Delivery by Vacuum Extractor

A 2001 study published in Pediatrics evaluated 2,174 infants during their first days of life and indicated that significant hyperbilirubinemia was strongly associated with delivery by vacuum extractor.

Breastfeeding

Breastfed babies are more likely to develop jaundice than bottle-fed babies. This is known as breast milk jaundice.

One reason this develops is because a factor in human milk increases the circulation of bilirubin. Another cause may be that the baby isn’t consuming enough calories as a result of breastfeeding difficulty, and this may increase bilirubin concentrations.

Research shows that optimal breastfeeding practices, which result in minimal initial weight loss and early onset of weight gain, are associated with reduced breastfeeding jaundice.

Poor Weight Recovery

Research has found that newborns born at very low weights are more at risk of developing neonatal jaundice. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics evaluated very low-birth-weight infants born between 1995 and 1998. The incidence of significant neonatal jaundice among these infants was 76 percent, and 37 percent required an exchange transfusion.

Blood Type

When the mother and baby are different blood types and the baby receives antibodies from her mother’s blood through the placenta, the baby’s blood cells may break down more quickly. This creates a sudden buildup of bilirubin in the baby’s blood. This is called incompatibility jaundice, but today it can be prevented by giving the mother Rh immune-globulin injections.

Adult

Although the risk factors for developing adult jaundice vary, some more common examples include:

Hereditary Conditions

Individuals with certain hereditary conditions are at a greater risk of developing it. Some conditions include Gilbert’s syndrome, thalassemia, hemolytic anemia and hereditary spherocytosis.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

According to research published in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, the hallmark of alcoholic hepatitis is jaundice. Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver that’s caused by excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time. Severe alcoholic hepatitis is marked by bilirubin levels over 10–15 milligrams per deciliter.

Exposure to Viral Infections

Exposure to viral hepatitis B, C and E, among other types of viral infections, can increase the risk of development.

Conventional Treatment

Neonatal

Light Therapy

Light therapy, or phototherapy, changes the shape and structure of bilirubin molecules so they can be excreted in the urine and stool. The baby is placed under special lighting that does not emit ultraviolet light. This is a relatively common form of therapy for jaundice, and proper nursing care enhances the effectiveness while minimizing complications.

The baby wears a diaper and soft eye patches in order to protect her eyes from the light. Parents may notice that the baby may have frequent or loose bowel movements that are greenish in color. This is the body removing bilirubin through stool, and it should only be temporary.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin

If jaundice is caused by a blood type difference between the mother and baby, intravenous immunoglobulin is used to reduce the level of antibodies that the baby is carrying from the mother. This may decrease jaundice because the mother’s antibodies were contributing to the breakdown of blood cells in the baby.

Studies show that IV immunoglobulin effectively reduces serum bilirubin levels and the need for a blood exchange transfusion, a procedure that has potential complications and carries a risk of mortality.

Exchange Transfusion

An exchange transfusion serves as an emergency rescue procedure for severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, especially in underdeveloped regions of the world. This treatment involves repeatedly withdrawing small amounts of blood, diluting the bilirubin and mother’s antibodies, and then transferring the blood back into the baby.

An exchange transfusion can be a life-saving intervention in the face of rare but critical jaundice.

Adult

For adult jaundice cases, the treatment plan depends entirely on the underlying cause. This is not a disease that develops on its own in adults. It’s the result of an already existing condition.

For example, in order to treat jaundice caused by alcoholic hepatitis, the individual must first stop drinking alcohol. Jaundice caused by medications or drugs requires the individual to stop using these products.

If the adult with jaundice has an infection, he may be treated with antibiotics. If he has an autoimmune disease, he may be treated with steroids.

If the cause is unclear, the individual receives a laboratory workup that measures blood counts and tests for liver function and infectious hepatitis. If the cause remains unclear, doctors use abdominal imaging by ultrasonography or computed tomographic scanning.

Natural Treatment and Prevention

Neonatal

More frequent feedings helps infants pass the the excess bilirubin in their stool. For mothers who are breastfeeding and have a low supply, supplementing with formula may be beneficial until the jaundice is treated.

Symptoms should disappear within one to two weeks, but if they don’t, the infant must see her pediatrician.

According to research published in Pediatrics Clinic of North America, excessive frequency of exaggerated jaundice in a hospital or community population of breastfed infants may be a warning that breastfeeding policies and support are not ideal for the establishment of good breastfeeding practices. Mothers who are breastfeeding need support from hospital staff or lactation consultants, especially in the first few days of an infant’s life. This ensures that the infant is eating enough and able to excrete bilirubin properly.

Adult

In order to avoid the development of jaundice, adults should minimize their alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight, engage in physical exercise, manage their cholesterol and avoid hepatitis infections.

Research reveals that alcohol, for example, has been shown to affect bile acid uptake and secretion, resulting in the reduction of bile flow. Chronic alcohol use may damage the biliary system and result in fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis, all varying levels of jaundice.

Many drugs have been shown to play a role in the development of this condition as well. Certain drugs should be avoided because they’re classically identified with drug-induced liver disease. These include acetaminophen, penicillins, oral contraceptives, chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and estrogenic or anabolic steroids.

Conclusion

• Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens and the color of stool becomes lighter than normal. This results from the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin and mucous membranes.
• Neonatal jaundice occurs in infants who are just days old, and it typically disappears within one to two weeks. It’s more common in breastfed babies than in formula-fed babies, and it’s more likely to develop in preterm infants or infants who are underweight.
• Adult jaundice occurs as a result of a condition or disease that impacts the bilirubin level. If the underlying cause is not discovered and treated, there can be serious or even life-threatening consequences.
• To treat neonatal jaundice, light therapy (or phototherapy) is commonly used in hospitals. More serious and invasive treatments include IV immunoglobulin and exchange transfusion. To treat infant jaundice naturally, mothers should feed their babies more frequently in order to increase the excretion of bilirubin.
• The treatment plan for adult jaundice depends entirely on the underlying cause. Adults can limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight and limit the drug of medications that may lead to liver issues.

The post What Is Jaundice? Get the Facts on Neonatal vs. Adult Jaundice appeared first on Dr. Axe.

We know that inflammation is a natural response to foreign invaders in the body, and we also know that chronic inflammation can cause a host of problems. What has not been fully examined is how inflammation in a pregnant woman affects her child after it’s born.

That’s what new research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in December 2023 sought to find out, and the findings show that “maternal inflammation risk factors may be associated with dysregulation in children,” according a press release from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program at the National Institutes of Health, which funded the study.

In a nutshell, the study authors concluded that inflammation during pregnancy can lead to behavioral and emotional issues in children. That makes it vitally important for pregnant women to control inflammation by following a healthy pregnancy diet and taking the proper prenatal vitamins, among other ways to stay in the best shape for both the mother and child.

Study: Maternal Inflammation and Children’s Health

As noted, the ECHO Program embarked on this cohort study, taking a look at “perinatal factors known to be related to maternal and neonatal inflammation.” The researchers did this by looking at 18 other cohorts “that had both Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) data on children (6-18 years) and information on perinatal exposures including maternal prenatal infections was used.”

Then they examined each child’s “CBCL–Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP),” which includes data on attention, anxiety and depression markers, and aggression.

What did they find? About 13.4 percent of the 4,595 children in the cohort met the criteria for having a dysregulation profile. In other words, those children were dealing with behavioral and emotional issues that could be associated with maternal inflammation. Boys were also affected more than girls.

In addition, 35 percent of youths with CBCL-DP had mothers with prenatal infections leading up to birth, while just 28 percent of the children without CBCL-DP had mothers with prenatal infections.

After analyzing all the data, ECHO found that the following maternal inflammation risk factors were associated with behavioral and emotional dysregulation in children:

• having a first-degree relative with a psychiatric disorder
• being born to a mother with lower educational attainment, who was obese, had any prenatal infection and/or who smoked tobacco during pregnancy

“Addressing factors and treating conditions associated with behavior challenges may help improve outcomes for these children,” said Jean Frazier, M.D., of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and a leader of the study said in the press release.

Keys to a Healthy Pregnancy

This news emphasizes just how important a mother’s health is to her children. Here are some more tips to combat inflammation while pregnant and to have a healthy pregnancy:

• Eat a balanced diet during pregnancy consisting of high-quality protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
• Don’t go overboard on extra calorie intake, and keep empty calories to a minimum.
• Eat a colorful plate full of fruits and vegetables.
• Stay hydrated.
• Eat organic free-range eggs, wild-caught salmon, organ meats, nuts and seeds, yogurt and kefir, beans, lentils, and grains.
• Take prenatal vitamins like iron, folate, calcium, vitamin D, choline, DHA and probiotics.
• Avoid deli meat, raw or smoked seafood, rare meat, high-mercury fish, raw eggs, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Exercise with pregnancy workouts, such as walking, running, weight training, swimming, yoga, cycling, and exercises like squats, pelvic tilts, bent-over dumbbell rows, standing side bends an dumbbell curls.

Once the baby is born, it’s also important to take the best postnatal vitamins, such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline and DHA, and make sure you feed your children a healthy diet as well.

The post Study Finds Maternal Inflammation Risk Factors Associated With Children’s Behavioral, Emotional Regulation appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Of all food categories, it may be safe to say that ensuring the purity of baby foods and making sure there are no toxic ingredients or heavy metals in baby food should be one that’s a major priority. However, a national investigation in 2019 showed that toxic metals were found in 95 percent of tested baby foods, and an updated study published in 2023 found that, “while the amounts of lead, arsenic, and cadmium in baby foods appear to be getting lower, the overall risk hasn’t changed much in the past five years, according to new tests by Consumer Reports.”

The fact that heavy metals in baby food exist was uncovered a decade ago, but we assumed measures were taken to resolve this major health issue. It’s true that efforts made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with baby food companies and nonprofit organizations, have been working to reduce metal in baby food products.

Although we’ve seen some progress since 2011, we clearly have a long way to go before baby food can be declared completely safe.

What do these studies tell us about the risk of toxic baby food exposure and how it may effect your child’s health? Many parents and public health advocates are demanding answers.

Studies: Heavy Metal in Baby Food

When 168 baby foods made by 61 different brands were tested by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF), toxic heavy metals were found in 95 percent of them.

How many baby foods were contaminated with heavy metals? Researchers found that:

• 94 percent contained lead
• 75 percent contained cadmium
• 73 percent contained arsenic
• 32 percent contained mercury

The report also shows that one in four baby foods contained all four toxic heavy metals. Of the 168 samples:

• 26 percent contained four metals
• 40 percent contained three metals
• 21 percent contained two metals
• 8 percent contained one metal
• 5 percent (only nine samples) contained zero metals

Why were these four metals tested? They all have a unique significance — they are developmental neurotoxins.

These metals can harm a child’s developing brain and nervous system, and metal in baby food may even cause permanent loss of intellectual capacity. Plus, consuming these toxic metals can also cause behavioral problems, like ADHD.

According to this study, the lead and arsenic in rice-based foods alone account for one-fifth of the more than 11 million IQ points that children lose from birth to 24 months old from all dietary sources.

When new containers of 25 foods were sent to a separate lab for heavy metal testing, scientists detected another neurotoxic pollutant in 19 of 25 foods: perchlorate.

Perchlorate disrupts thyroid functions that are crucial to brain development and has also been linked to IQ loss.

As a follow-up of sorts, Consumer Reports (CR) “retested seven baby foods that had concerning levels five years ago” and 14 products overall “representing a mix of fruits and vegetables; meals and entrees; and snacks, such as bars, puffs, and teething wafers.”

The researchers for CR determined that baby food products made with rice, sweet potatoes and carrots pose the biggest risk for heavy metal contamination.

Most Dangerous Baby Foods to Avoid

The HBBF test results show that 15 foods account for more than half of the heavy metal in baby food risk. Here’s a breakdown of the most dangerous baby foods, according to this most recent report:

1. Rice-based foods, including infant rice cereal, rice dishes and rice-based snacks
2. Apple juice
3. Grape juice
4. Fruit juice blend (100 percent juice)
5. Cheerios and oat ring cereal
6. Macaroni and cheese
7. Puff snacks and teething biscuits
8. Soft cereal bars
9. Oatmeal cookies
10. Fruit yogurt
11. Sweet potato baby food

The study authors also point out that choosing organic baby food products doesn’t necessarily mean that it will contain lower levels of toxic metals.

According to HBBF and past studies on metal in baby food, organic standards do not address these contaminants. Heavy metals are naturally occurring in both soil and water, and pesticides, fertilizers, airborne contaminants and industrial operations only elevate these levels.

Of the 61 baby food brands that were tested, some of them were organic brands, including Plum Organics, Beech Nut and Earth’s Best.

This means that organic baby food and even homemade baby food aren’t safe from these heavy metals, unless you use the safest baby foods that are recommended by HBBF and other organizations.

In addition, the CR report found that while some levels of heavy metals went down, other levels of metal in baby food actually went up between the 2019 report and its 2023 report. As the study authors explained it:

For example, in Gerber Chicken Rice Dinner, arsenic levels dropped by 22 percent, and the levels were so low that we didn’t test for inorganic arsenic—the most harmful type. But we detected lead this time, where we hadn’t in our 2018 tests. That may be because the technology for detection of heavy metals has become more sensitive, but the lead we detected in our new tests was enough to change our daily limit from less than one serving per day to less than half a serving per day. (Because we can now measure lower levels of lead than we could in 2018, we can’t say whether the levels of lead in this product increased or decreased.)

Similarly, for Happy Baby Organics Superfood Puffs, Purple Carrot & Blueberry, cadmium levels declined by 34 percent, and inorganic arsenic levels dropped by 45 percent. But those arsenic levels are still comparably high, and lead levels increased by 60 percent. Our daily limit for these changed only slightly, from less than a serving per day in 2018 to less than 1.5 servings a day.

What Parents Can Do (How to Avoid Toxic Metals)

According to the HBBF report, “only a dramatically accelerated pace at FDA and the fruition of the new Baby Food Council’s pursuit of industry-wide change will be enough to finally solve the problem.”

This is an issue that’s been known for almost a decade, and although measures have been taken to limit heavy metal exposure in foods, clearly there’s much more work to be done.

In the meantime, HBBF has made recommendations about what parents can do to make safer baby food choices. These safer choices are said to contain 80 percent less arsenic, lead and other toxic heavy metals than other “riskier picks.”

Here are the five action steps you can take to lower your child’s exposure to heavy metals:

1. Choose rice-free snacks: Opt for diced fruits and veggies or rice-free crackers.
2. Avoid teething biscuits made with rice: Instead of rice biscuits for teething babies, opt for other soothing foods, like chilled cucumber and frozen banana. You can also use a clean, wet washcloth or cold spoon.
3. Opt for multigrain infant cereals, oatmeal, barley and quinoa.
4. Offer filtered tap water instead of fruit juice.
5. Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Consumer Reports offers some more suggestions, including:

1. Vary the types of foods your child eats in general.
2. Serve a rotation of many different vegetables and whole grains.
3. Instead of using packaged foods with rice, make your own rice cooked in a large amount of water (similar to how you cook pasta), which “can reduce the arsenic content by 40 to 60 percent,” according to the FDA.
4. Limit intake of apple and grape juice.
5. Minimize baby snack foods, particularly highly processed ones.

Healthy Nutrition Options

Nutrition for babies is extremely important because this is a time of major development. If there’s one major takeaway from these studies on heavy metal in baby foods, it’s that rice-based foods should be avoided.

Instead of choosing rice-based snacks, offer your child snacks that are rich in nutrients and low in metals. Dicing, mashing or soft-cooking nutrient-dense foods is a healthier option.

It can also be done if you’re using the baby-led weaning method. Try these recommended safe baby foods:

• avocado
• pumpkin
• green beans
• beets
• zucchini
• parsnips
• peas
• apples
• bananas
• berries
• grapes (cut length-wise)
• peaches
• beans
• hard-boiled eggs

Adding meat and high-protein foods to your child’s diet is also important. Some of the best options include:

• turkey
• chicken
• beef
• fish (no shellfish)
• lentils
• beans
• diluted peanut butter

According to CR, some of the best low-metal options to feed babies include:

• infant cereals made from oats and other whole grains (except rice)
• fresh and frozen fruit
• peas, green beans and butternut squash
• baby food meats
• eggs
• beans
• unsweetened applesauce
• cheese
• yogurt

Conclusion

• A 2019 study conducted by Healthy Babies Bright Futures tested 168 baby food products from 61 different brands for heavy metal contaminants. Researchers found that 95 percent of the products contained arsenic, lead, cadmium or mercury.
• Twenty-six percent of the foods tested contained all four of the heavy metals and only 5 percent contained zero metals.
• A 2023 updated study by Consumer Reports found that some levels of metal in baby food have decreased, but others have increased — resulting in the risk staying relatively the same.
• These studies suggest that more needs to be done by the FDA and baby food companies to limit a child’s exposure to toxic metals that can lead to lower IQ and other developmental issues, along with mercury poisoning and other metal poisoning.
• In addition, parents should be careful to limit or avoid feeding children the foods more likely to contain heavy metals and opt for healthier, safer foods.

The post Metal in Baby Food: Research Reveals Risk of Ingesting Heavy Metals appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Grandchildren are some of life’s greatest treasures. Martha and I have 14 grandchildren. Like many of you, we try to step in to help whenever we can.

You may be happy to chip in for everything from baby carriers, tricycles and rebounders to school tuition and education funds. But you may not have given as much thought to nutrition.

The best gift you can give your grandchild is the gift of health. Your health and theirs. You’ll enjoy that investment for the rest of your life.

The New Age of Grandparenting

I was raised by a single mom. We lived with my grandparents, who I call my co-parents. (I think I turned out okay!) That was unusual 80 years ago, but not so much anymore.

While I was fortunate to experience the benefits of grandparents,  today a much higher percentage of grandkids can benefit. Yes, grand parents can have more meaningful roles in their grandkids’ lives. Many are taking on caregiving responsibilities. There are more extended families living under the same roof. Here in California, the trend is for young couples to build small homes for their parents in their backyards.

This is helpful for the grandkids and their parents. It’s also good for you, the grandparents. Becoming involved in your grandkids’ lives gives your own life more meaning. Studies show this can help you live longer and live better.

The Nutrition Opportunity

I write a lot about how to get children, especially picky eaters, to consume more nutritious meals. Solid nutrition for kids is essential for their brain development as well as their muscles, bones and other parts of their growing bodies. As grandparents, you can have a huge influence on what they eat.

I’ve been a pediatrician for more than 50 years. Today, I see a lot more grandparents during office visits. The good news: They are generally more savvy about nutrition than parents. The bad news is that they waited too late. Some of my grandparents will say, “Dr. Bill, I’m 60. I’m frail. I have weak bones. I wish I’d started eating better when I was younger.”

It’s never too late, no matter what your age group. Not only can you generally make improvements in your own health, but sharing that information with your kids and grandchildren will be lessons learned by future generations. These can be full-circle moments.

How to Get Started

As grandparents, we share stories. We pass down traditions. We should also be passing along nutritional wisdom. Here’s how I would approach this.

• Explain to parents why it’s important to start young. If you preload grandkids with good nutrition when they are young, their minds and bodies will be ready to handle things that happen later on.
• Be very diplomatic. Sometimes you just have to say to their parents: “I love our grandchild so much! I just want to prepare him/her to be strong in the future.”
• Offer to handle some of the food costs. Parents will tell me, “But Dr. Bill, healthy foods cost more!” Enter you, the grandparents. You can say, “Honey, don’t let financial considerations impact your shopping list. We will make up the difference.”
• Restock the pantry for your grandchildren and yourselves. Ship healthy ingredients to the kids. Or, leave them behind after you’ve been watching the grandkids. One of my favorites ingredients is Healthy Heights Kidz Protein shake mixes, which are designed by pediatricians especially for kids. In addition to shakes, they are great to use as an ingredient to add important nutrients to other recipes. Not only do children need more protein, you do as well. The No. 1 health concern of grandparents is frailty. You need more protein for your own muscles and bones!
• Involve your grandkids in food preparation. Our 4-year-old grandson loves to help me make smoothies with Grow Daily shake mixes. He adds a fistfull of blueberries and kiwis, and he loves to scoop the shake powder from the bag. You want to do things with your grandchildren, not for your grandchildren. When they are involved, they are more likely to want to drink it or eat it.
• Be proactive. Help grandchildren learn cooking skills. Encourage them to be active. Have conversations about food. Post healthy reminders around the house. We have tips you can download on our website. Search “healthy reminders” on AskDrSears.com.
• Be a healthy role model. Foods that are low fat or low carb are not good for children or adults. Serve smart fats and smart carbs. Smart fats are things like omega-3s from salmon that are good for the brain. Smart carbs are the ones that have fiber.
• Teach your kids and grandkids about body composition. BMI went out of favor 10 years ago! Body composition — your muscle and bone mass, and your body fat distribution — are far more important than what the scale shows. If your grandchild is big boned and has big muscles, and the school tells parents their BMI is too high, you should say, “Don’t worry. This child is blessed with a body type that gives him/her large muscles and strong bones.” Waist size is the No. 1 scientifically studied parameter of health. If their waist isn’t potbellied, and you can’t grab a big piece of flab on their belly, their scale weight doesn’t matter. We use the term ‘lean.’ That means the right body composition for your genetic body type.

What memories do you want your grandchildren to have of you? Many will be about food. I still fondly remember cooking with my grandpa.

As important, what do you want to leave for your grandchildren? Teaching them healthy eating habits is an enduring investment that will carry them through their entire lives.

Dr. Sears, or Dr. Bill as his “little patients” call him, has been advising busy parents on how to raise healthier families for over 50 years. The father of 8 children, he and his wife Martha have written more than 45 books including “The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood,” and hundreds of articles on parenting, childcare, nutrition and healthy aging. He is the co-founder of the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute for training health coaches, and he runs the health and parenting website AskDrSears.com. 

The post Investing in Your Grandkids’ Future? It Starts in the Kitchen  appeared first on Dr. Axe.

We know that burning fossil fuels is one of the leading contributors to climate change. That’s because it causes air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions, which affect both the atmosphere and the type of air we breathe in.

People of all ages, and all health statuses, can be negatively impacted by air pollution. However, babies and children are known to be especially sensitive to the effects of breathing in “smog” and polluted air.

A new study sought out to determine the negative effects of climate change on children’s health. Researchers found that children’s mental and physical well-being suffer when they are exposed to air pollution from fossil fuels, as well as severe weather episodes due to global warming.

Study Findings: Effects of Climate Change on Children

A 2022 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine investigated the connection between climate change, fossil fuel pollution and children’s health. Specifically, the goal was to identify how fetuses, infants and children are uniquely vulnerable to climate-related environmental impacts.

According to the results, what are the effects of climate change on our families’ health?

Overall, climate change seems to be damaging to children’s health because it physically impacts their lungs and immune systems, while also disrupting their lives.

Researchers know that babies’ and children’s immune systems and respiratory systems have weaker defenses against toxins in the environment. Their DNA can become damaged more easily, while their bodies struggle to detoxify chemicals as easily as adults.

Infants and children also breathe in more air relative to their body weights. This means they are exposed to more air pollutants, which is especially problematic considering that children have narrower airways that constrict more easily, plus higher rates of allergies and asthma.

Another problem is that babies and children suffer from high-heat exposure more severely. Their bodies have a harder time regulating their body temperatures, and they can develop a number of physical symptoms when they become overheated.

How exactly is climate change clobbering children’s health?

The article summarized some of the main concerns with climate change on babies’ and children’s health:

• Allergies ands asthma attacks are affecting more children due to increased levels of airborne pollen, caused by longer growing seasons and increased pollen production. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to various air pollutants has also been associated with reduced cognition, attention problems, attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder and autistic traits in childhood.
• Climate change can impact nutrition too. Droughts and higher levels of greenhouses in the atmosphere make it harder to grow enough food. This leaves families with less access to nutrient-rich foods, which can cause cognitive problems, malnutrition and deficiencies among children.
• Water and food supply contamination caused by pollution puts kids at greater risk for gastrointestinal infections caused by bacterial pathogens.
• Climate change is associated with increased risks of several vectorborne diseases (spread to humans from bugs and animals) that can impact young people, including malaria, dengue, Zika virus infection and Lyme disease.
• Global warming can trigger heat waves that can cause children to suffer mentally and physically. Heat stroke in children can disrupt kidney function, increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, and cause dehydration.
• Major floods and hurricanes can cause drowning, physical injury and traumatic stress in children who are forced to relocate. Other effects of severe weather can include disruption of education, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
• Exposure to wildfire smoke in utero has been linked to decreased birth weight and preterm birth, plus higher rates of asthma exacerbations, wheezing, pneumonia and bronchitis in children.

Further research shows that, as relayed by TIME:

Research has now linked prenatal as well as postnatal air pollution exposure to reduced IQ and other cognitive problems, developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism, depression and anxiety, and even structural changes in the brains of children. Research has also shown how climate-related displacement results in disruption of education and mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression in children. These conditions often persist, affecting health and brain function in adulthood. They also add to the list of harms that have been more widely recognized as being related to climate change and air pollution: heat-related illness, drowning and physical trauma from severe storms and floods, premature birth and low birth weight, asthma, and other respiratory disease.

What It Means

Globally, we’ve been burning far more fossil fuels over the past 70 years than in any point in history. This is taking a big toll on how children are raised, the food they eat and the air they breathe.

Greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere when fossil fuels (which include coal, petroleum, natural gas and oil) are burned to be used for energy and transportation. The two main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and methane. These causes changes to the atmosphere that lead to global warming, increased smog and pollution, changes in climate, and other problems.

Today, approximately 1 billion children worldwide are exposed to very high levels of air pollution on a regular basis. “Air pollution” describes air that has high amounts of harmful airborne fine respirable particles, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, mercury and other volatile chemicals. These fine particles can make their way into our respiratory systems and lungs, where they cause damage.

The areas of the world with the worst air pollution are those that are densely populated and economically disadvantaged. This means that children living in large, crowded, poor cities suffer the most from ill health effects of climate change compared to those living in wealthier, cleaner, rural areas.

It’s estimated that one in three children worldwide lives in areas where at least four climate and environmental shocks (such as severe drought, flooding, air pollution and water scarcity) overlap.

Poorer countries also usually have a harder time dealing with severe weather episodes, which places kids at risk for various mental health problems when their lives are interrupted.

Tips to Protect Children’s Health

Given what we now know about the devastating effects of climate change, experts from around the globe have called on world leaders to take emergency action to help reverse climate change. While this needs to happen on a national and global scale, there are still things you can do to protect yourself and your family from negative effects of climate change and pollution.

Experts believe that we should all take certain “adaptation measures” to help protect children from environmental concerns, including:

• Focusing on providing clean water to families (at home you can use a water filter).
• Reporting any water contamination issues in your area to authorities right away.
• If possible, avoiding living in densely packed areas with high levels of air pollution.
• Establishing an evacuation plan for your family in case of weather emergencies.
• Gardening and composting at home, which can help provide you with nutrient-rich foods.
• Protecting your children from mosquito bites and common allergens around your home.
• Feeding your family as healthy a diet as you can, which helps support immune and respiratory function.
• Having your children play in safe, clean, shaded areas to limit the risk for heat stroke and other symptoms.

Conclusion

• How does the environment affect children’s health? A 2022 review found that babies and children are more susceptible to harmful effects of climate change due to having weaker immune systems, vulnerable respiratory systems, and a harder time coping with heat and stress.
• What are the effects of climate change on children’s health? Children can suffer from asthma, allergies, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, anxiety, PTSD and other issues due to climate change’s impact.
• Those living in underdeveloped and poor communities are at the greatest risk.
• Authorities are focused on protecting children by paying attention to the water and food supply, reducing air pollution, as well as limiting the risk for heat stroke.

The post The Harmful Effects of Climate Change on Children’s Health appeared first on Dr. Axe.

It’s no surprise that having a positive female role model is extremely important for young girls. This is especially true in the current world of social media, bullying and the ever-changing, progressing “norms” for women.

The impact that a supportive, playful and nurturing woman can have on a young girl is astounding. An aunt is the perfect blend of mother and friend — she is part of a young girl’s roots — but allows her to flourish and discover new things comfortably.

This is exactly why aunts play such a significant role in the lives of young girls, even into their adulthood. And in case you’re wondering … aunts don’t have to be biological relatives, either. Any nurturing adult woman serves as an impactful aunt for young girls.

Benefits of Aunts: What Makes the Aunt-Niece Relationship So Special?

An aunt serves as a trusted female mentor a young girl can turn to when her parents are physically or emotionally unavailable. Melanie Notkin, founder of Savvy Auntie and bestselling author of SAVVY AUNTIE: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers and All Women Who Love Kids, explains that aunts offer a nonjudgemental ear for young girls. This helps them to sort through challenges, knowing that they aren’t alone.

The aunt-niece bond is so special because although an aunt is an older, mother figure, she isn’t the mother. The relationship between an aunt and niece is unique and it’s one that a mother cannot replicate.

When a child or young adult spends time away from her parents, a girl can feel more liberated and more willing to express herself differently than she does at home, says Notkin — adding, “simply through her aunt’s positive influence, world view and way of life, a girl can not only learn more about the world around her, but about herself.”

Aunts get the best of both worlds, in a sense. They get to swoop in for some fun, support, emotional growth and then say goodbye until next time. They aren’t responsible for the day-to-day tasks, but they can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of a young girl, even as she grows into adulthood.

While the mother-daughter relationship tends to have some ups and downs throughout the years, the aunt-niece relationship is often steady. An aunt is part of the family, but one step removed. She doesn’t have to fret over homework being completed, the bedroom being cleaned and finishing the broccoli on the dinner plate. Aunts provide stability and an escape from the day-to-day.

Research refers to the aunt-niece relationship as “quasi-parenthood,” in that an aunt isn’t the mother, but she does play a role in raising and shaping the life of her niece. Aunts serve as a safety net, a comforter, protector and supporter. They’re not always around, but they’re never too far when you need them.

Why Science Says Aunts Are Important

When researchers interviewed 30 childless women over the age of 60, they found that aunts hoped to have influenced the lives of their nieces in positive and enduring ways. Many of them likened their relationships with nieces to that of a parent-child tie.

Why are aunts so important to nieces? Aunts offer young girls a safe space to:

• Enjoy open-ended play
• Develop a better sense of self
• Vent about school and relationships
• Ask advice without risk of judgement
• Acknowledge their fears
• Talk about their goals
• Navigate issues with parents

One way that an aunt helps her niece discover new things is through play. Playing helps a child build her imaginary world, discover new things and build trust. “Researchers have found that responsive, nurturing caregivers can predict healthy intellectual and emotional development,” Notkin explains.

Aunts are also important because of their ability to provide a nurturing environment. Nurturing is a key factor in bonding and healthy attachment, according to Notkin.

Research published in The American Psychologist suggests that nurturing environments do the following:

1. Teach, promote and reinforce prosocial behavior, including skills needed to become productive adults members of society
2. Monitor and limit opportunities for problem behavior
3. Foster psychological flexibility and support mindfulness
4. Minimize psychological and biological toxic events

When kids have nurturing relationships with their aunts from a young age, they become better problem solvers, are more empathetic and enjoy higher self esteem. A secure baby, young girl and adolescent can thrive because of this sense of support.

How to Be a Great Aunt

Start the Aunt-Niece Bond Early

Creating a bond when your niece is just a baby is the best way to form a long-lasting and impactful relationship.

Instead of buying your new tiny niece or nephew baby clothes and toys, make it about the time you spend together and the experiences. Walks in the park, on the swings, reading books, hide and seek — there are so many ways to connect with a niece and solidify your unique connection.

Get Involved

The special thing about aunts is that although they don’t have to be involved in the lives of their nieces and nephews, they choose to be involved.

Simple acts like showing up to a soccer game, taking her out to lunch and spending time with her on the weekends shows that you’re dedicated and reliable. There may not be an obligation to the child, but aunts are there anyway — strictly out of love.

Your aunt-niece relationship goals should be communicated to your sibling or friend so that he/she knows you are a reliable source for the child.

Find Time To Play

Notkin explains that play is key in a child’s emotional, social and cognitive development. When an aunt comes to visit, it’s all about play and spending what she calls “QualAuntie Time” together.

What’s so special about playing with your niece or nephew? This is what they love to do most and it’s how they learn about the world. Play gives young children the opportunity to discover new things.

“When we are enjoying open-ended play with our little nieces, like having tea parties, role-playing favorite TV or movie characters, building a castle out of blocks or playing dress up, this is how girls develop a sense of mastery and independence,” explains Notkin.

Be a Shoulder to Lean On

The supportive, nurturing role of an aunt is so important. To be a great aunt, make it known that you will always be a shoulder to lean on. You’ll be there in times of celebration and joy, and in hard times when your niece or nephew really needs extra support.

Final Thoughts

• Aunts play an important role in the lives of their nieces and nephews. They serve as the playful, supportive, loving and nurturing figures. This can be especially beneficial for young girls who benefit from a positive female role model.
• Research shows that aunts take their roles very seriously and hope to have an impactful and enduring relationship with their nieces and nephews.
• To be a great aunt, it’s best to start a bond early in a niece’s or nephew’s life. It’s also important to get involved, find time to play and always be a shoulder to lean on.

Melanie Notkin is the founder of Savvy Auntie. You can find her on Facebook.com/SavvyAuntie.

The post Benefits of Aunts: Why Aunts May Be Just as Important as Moms appeared first on Dr. Axe.

People like to say, “You are what you eat.” We like to say, “You are what you break down and absorb.” When you pair this with the staggering statistic that at least 54 percent of children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, according to a 2011 study published in Academic Pediatrics, you have to wonder what American children are eating, especially during school lunch periods … and it’s not always in parents’ hands.

If a child eats hot lunch at school every day, that child has approximately 180 meals out of the year at his or her educational institution. Do you know what’s in school lunches?

The Problem with School Lunch Options

It’s no secret there has been concern surrounding the meals served in schools. In fact, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 implemented regulations to help better meal nutrition for kids. The act capped the number of calories per meal and required every meal to contain at least one serving of fruits and vegetables.

After these changes went through, researchers found increases in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, fiber and protein in school lunches in three middle schools and three high schools in Washington State — with about equal participation in the school lunch program before and after the new regulations.

However, looking at calories, food groups and macronutrients doesn’t indicate the true healthfulness of these school lunches. Many food suppliers utilize processed foods as well as artificial flavors and coloring, preservatives, emulsifiers, and other food additives, which are currently allowed in cafeteria meals.

Meanwhile, more likely than not, meats and produce are conventionally raised and produced as well to keep costs down.

Studies show what children eat has a direct effect on schooling:

• A study showed that while eating fast food lowers students’ test scores, getting proper nutrition improves performance.
• Further research has found deficiencies in vitamins and minerals diminish cognitive abilities and mental concentration.
• A study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience found diets with high levels of saturated fats may impair learning and memory.
• A 2011 study revealed that when one school switched from processed meals to healthier school lunches, educational outcomes improved, and absences fell by 14 percent.
• A correlation has also been drawn between nutrition and behavioral outcomes. According to Hilary Boynton, certified holistic health counselor and head of the kitchen at Manzanita School in Topanga, Calif., where the food workers serve healthy, whole food lunches every day to fourth to 12th graders, “Most kids don’t know what it feels like to feel good.”

From anecdotes to scientific studies, it’s clear what children eat matters for their cognitive functioning, behavioral success and performance in school. It’s time for a change when it comes to school lunch.

How to Improve Your School’s Lunches

In order to help uncover effective, feasible ways to help change school lunches nationwide, I sat down with Boynton, who’s been infamously dubbed “The Lunch Lady.”

Here’s what she had to say about how you can get involved and help transform the landscape of school lunches in the U.S.:

1. Find Out What’s in Your Child’s Lunches

You can only find out so much about what your child is eating from the weekly school lunch menu that gets sent home to you. “Turkey sandwich with peaches, green beans and a chocolate brownie” may give you some insight into the macronutrients your son or daughter is eating, but what about the quality of those items and any additives they may contain?

Schools are required to have a complete list of the school lunch ingredients available. Not sure where to find it? Try going to the school nurse and asking what’s in the school lunches to learn about preservatives, dyes, etc., that are likely lurking in the meals.

2. Join the Movement

Lunch Leader Academy: Boynton is on a mission to rethink lunch ladies. “You’re just a leader in the good food movement,” she says of the cafeteria staff.

If you want to make an impact for the health of the children in a school district near you or even implement a whole food lunch program in your home or business, you can attend a five-day intensive program based on ancestral and whole food meals through the Lunch Leader Academy in Topanga, Calif. 

The Edible Schoolyard Project: The Edible Schoolyard Project aims to “provide a free sustainable school lunch for all students K–12, buy food directly from farmers and ranchers who take care of the land and their workers and teach students the values of nourishment, stewardship and community.” It offers programs to train educators and advocates to create edible education programs.

National Farm to School Network: “The National Farm to School Network is an information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and food and agriculture education into school systems and early care and education environments.”

Whole Kids Foundation: The Whole Kids Foundation educates teachers about nutrition to further inspire healthy kids and provides grants for school gardens, salad bars, educational beehives, farm-to-school programs and scratch-cooked school lunches.

3. Educate Lunch Leaders and School Administrators

At the end of the day, in order to make a change within a school, the first people you need to get on board are school administrators. Without approval from the administrative staff, you can’t make much traction.

Luckily, a plethora of research exists today to support whole foods and clean eating. You may not be able to spark radical changes at first, but even the smallest bit helps.

Boynton suggests asking officials to change over condiments to healthier alternatives first. Conventional ketchup often contains high fructose corn syrup. Mayonnaise is typically laden with processed vegetable oils.

Don’t ever think swapping these out is too small. Can’t convince them about the condiments? Give salt a try.

Swapping out table salt for sea salt or Himalayan salt can add extra nutrients into the kids’ diets.

4. Teach Kids about Whole Foods

Food can be an amazing educational opportunity for kids. Implementing a school garden for children can be an effective way to do this and help keep costs down.

Alternatively, you can make lunchtime interactive by teaching the kids various cooking techniques. Boynton offered up the fun suggestion of “making zoodles and seeing who has the longest zoodle.”

To make whole food education a part of the school’s daily routine, there are options such as the Wellness Wakeup Call, where wellness information is shared over the intercom along with the more traditional morning announcements.

A real example of what this may sound like is: “Good morning! This is your Wellness Wakeup Call. Try to find foods that don’t have ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated fats, artificial colors and artificial flavors. Enjoy your day, the healthy way!”

5. Involve Local Farmers

Providing reasonably priced food to the school children begins with a food source. Meeting directly with local farmers to share your mission can be a great way to strike wholesale deals, build partnerships and support the local community.

As Boynton is able to share from experience, many local farmers and organizations want to help and often have similar thoughts on the food system, so they are many times excited to work with you on providing healthy whole foods to the kids.

Apart from simply sourcing your ingredients from farmers, consider bringing them in to speak to the kids during lunchtime … and invite the whole family! Educating and influencing the entire family helps implement these same food principles more widely in the children’s lives, such as in the home.

6. When in Doubt, Brown Bag It

At the end of the day, if you’re not seeing the necessary changes in your school’s food system to feel comfortable having your children eat the meals there, you can always pack them lunch from home. Boynton’s advice for putting together a brown bag lunch for kids is to focus on proteins and fats that will keep them satiated.

Here are 13 healthy school lunch ideas to keep your kids happy and full throughout the school day:

1. Shaved chicken sandwich on sourdough bread
2. Tuna salad on a bed of greens
3. Egg salad wrapped in a sprouted grain tortilla
4. Ants on a log (celery with almond or cashew butter and raisins)
5. Trail mix with mixed nuts and seeds
6. Hummus or baba ganoush with carrot sticks, broccoli and cauliflower
7. Bone broth-based soups and stews in a thermos
8. Guacamole with bell pepper slices
9. Gluten-free nut and seed crackers with goat’s cheese
10. Raw zucchini noodles with beef marinara sauce
11. Homemade applesauce
12. Black bean brownies
13. A slice of raw cheesecake for dessert

Final Thoughts

• Changing the meals within the school system is no easy feat, but try not to get discouraged.
• Hilary Boynton, certified holistic health counselor and head of the kitchen at Manzanita School in Topanga, Calif., recommends starting with small shifts and focusing on hope instead of fear.
• By educating yourself, reaching out to school administrators, involving local farmers and making food fun again for the children, you can begin to change lunchtime for school children and radically transform the youth’s perception of health and nutrition.

The post School Lunch: What Schools Are Getting Wrong and What to Do About It appeared first on Dr. Axe.

In my 50-plus years of pediatric practice, I have consulted with thousands of parents about the confusing diagnosis of failure to thrive. The problem isn’t with growth charts. We include them in most of our books. What parents often don’t consider is that growth charts represent a percentage. They are an average of thousands of children.

Your child is a person, not a percentage. If your child fits lower than average on the growth chart, it’s not a red flag. It’s more like a yellow flag. It’s something you might want to mention to your pediatrician.

Factors that May Influence Where Your Toddler Fits on the Growth Chart

If you suspect your child is undernourished, and that this may be compromising his/her optimal growth, then journal all the things below to discuss with your pediatrician.

1. Genetics

When one or both parents are genetically lean, their child will often measure above average on height in a growth chart but below average on weight. Lean does not mean skinny. It means having the right percentage of body fat for your body type.

On the other hand, a child who is naturally big muscled and big boned will often plot just the opposite: higher percentage on the weight chart but lower on the height chart.

A third body type would be a child who is genetically big muscled, big boned and of big height. This child may plot in the 75th percentile on both height and weight. These three variants are usually quite normal.

2. Diet

This simply means the way we eat, not a weight-loss program. Watch for signs that your child may not be getting enough nutrition, and journal the ones you want to mention to your healthcare provider.

Pale skin may be a sign of low hemoglobin. Pale earlobes are a telltale sign of nutrition-induced paleness. That’s because the earlobe is very richly supplied with blood vessels. Toddlers who have loose, stretchy, wrinkly skin instead of adorable baby fat may also be undernourished.

3. Formula-fed vs. breastfed

Children who were breastfed will often maintain their adorable baby fat over a longer time than those who were formula fed, because mother’s milk is 40–50 percent fat. (Remember, the brain grows fastest during the first five years. So, you are feeding a little fathead! Unless advised by your pediatrician, low-fat diets are a no-no for children. Instead, think of a smart-fat diet. The brain is 60 percent fat.)

4. The scale and plotting errors

Be sure to check your child’s weight a second or third time because wiggly, squiggly children are often challenging to plot accurately.

How to Fill Nutritional Gaps

Here are the things I have learned over 50 years that work most of the time.

1. Don’t be wimpy

Many parents today will say, “Oh honey, you don’t like deviled eggs? I’ll make some mac and cheese out of the box for you.” It may not be immediate but a hungry child will eat what they’re served if they don’t have a choice.

2. Serve more “grow foods”

I use this term to mean foods that are nutrient-dense. They pack the most nutrition per calorie, per volume. This is very important especially when feeding picky eaters because tiny children have tiny tummies.

At any age, the size of our stomach is the size of our fist. Theoretically, you want to feed children a fist-full of nutrient dense food per meal. Some of my favorite grow foods are wild salmon; eggs (healthy fats and protein for a measly 75 calories); avocado (the fattest fruit on the planet; remember you’re feeding your fathead); nut butters; olive oil; sweet potatoes; tofu; yogurt (whole milk, organic, plain); lentils; and blueberries.

3. Try the sipping solution

Many children who are undernourished are also under hydrated. One of the top feeding strategies that I have found over my decades in pediatric practice, that corrects the most nutritional deficiencies in the most children, is what I call the sipping solution.

Making a daily smoothie has been a Sears family nutritional adventure for many decades. They are a great way to sneak in nutritious foods. If you’re looking for shortcuts, please resist the urge to feed your child smoothie powders, such as sports or protein powders, that are made for adults.

Look for grow food powders, such as Healthy Heights, to make sure your child is getting the right macronutrients and micronutrients for optimal growth, such as protein (preferably whey or powder from bone broth), vitamin D, iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins A and C, zinc and fiber.

4. Dr. Bill’s nibble tray

Our sixth child, Matthew, was a picky eater. We were so busy with our other children that we couldn’t hover around making sure he ate every bite of his veggies.

Our fun solution was to fill an ice cube tray or muffin tin with nutritious nibbles. We gave each food a fun name such as banana wheels and cheese on trees (lightly steamed broccoli florets dipped in cheese). Toddlers love to dip their food.

So, in five of the nibble compartments, add guacamole, plain and organic full-fat yogurt, cheese sauce, hummus and olive oil. By the end of the day, the nibble tray was empty, Matthew’s tummy was full. We were in charge of what he ate, and he was in charge of how he ate it.

5. Show me the science

Your precious child, the most valuable creation in the universe, deserves the best food surrounded by science. When shopping for food supplements, look for the science on the company’s website. If they have done the research, they’re going to be proud of it and want it right in front of you.

This is why I recommend Healthy Heights shake mixes. They are clinically studied and pediatrician developed to help children achieve optimal growth. In some cases, the Grow Daily 3+ formula may even qualify for medical insurance reimbursement. Another huge perk: The serving size is just four ounces. So it’s small enough for children to easily consume the entire amount, even when served as a beverage along with their meal.

Once children reach the age of 3, they often have a mindset about the order of things in their world. This includes their food. Any alternative is unacceptable. The picky eater stage is usually one that passes or at least mellows over time. Our job as parents is simply to buy the right food, prepare it nutritiously (steamed rather than boiled, baked rather than fried), and serve it creatively. Leave the rest up to the kids.

William Sears, M.D. has been advising parents on how to raise healthier families for over 50 years. He received his medical training at Harvard Medical School’s Children’s Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the world’s largest children’s hospital, where he was associate ward chief of the newborn intensive care unit before serving as the chief of pediatrics at Toronto Western Hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of Toronto. He has served as a voluntary professor of pediatrics at the University of Toronto, University of South Carolina, University of Southern California School of Medicine, and University of California Irvine.

The father of 8 children, he and his wife Martha have written more than 45 books and hundreds of articles on parenting, childcare, nutrition and healthy aging. He is the co-founder of the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute for training health coaches, and he runs the health and parenting website AskDrSears.com. Dr. Sears and his contribution to family health were featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in May 2012. He is noted for his science-made-simple-and-fun approach to family health. Dr. Sears is a member of Media Relations Agency’s panel of highly respected third-party experts. He may be compensated to educate and express his professional opinions, through the media, about certain products.

The post Concerned About Your Children’s Growth? 5 Nutrition Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

What happens when an adolescent feels cared for, safe and supported at home? According to a study published last month, the child is much more likely to flourish when she has experienced a sense of family connection.

We know from happiness studies that good relationships protect our brains and even increase longevity, and these recent findings indicate that the relationships inside your home can be extremely influential in how a child feels about herself and her environment.

Study Findings: Family Connections Help Children Thrive

A May 2022 study published in the journal Pediatrics sought to determine whether higher levels of family connection are associated with a greater prevalence of flourishing in adolescence.

Between 2016–2019, researchers surveyed over 37,000 adolescents between the ages of 11 and 13 from 26 countries. “Family connection” was based on a mean score of five items that asked about care, support, safety, respect and participation, and “flourishing” was based on a mean score of six items that asked about self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relations with others, personal growth, environmental mastery and autonomy.

Survey results showed that among adolescents, greater family connection was associated with higher prevalence of flourishing, which serves as an addition to past studies that link family connection to a decrease in negative outcomes.

What It Means

The survey outcome suggests that relational health within a family does more than reduce the risk of negative outcomes — it also contributes to a child flourishing as an individual.

For the study survey, adolescents with a good family connection gave the following statements high scores:

• There are people in my life who care about me.
• If I have a problem, people in my family will help me.
• I feel safe at home.
• My parent(s) listen to me and take what I say into account.
• My parents and I make decisions about my life together.

To establish whether or not the adolescents were flourishing, they were asked to rank the following statements:

• I like being the way I am.
• I am good at managing my daily responsibilities.
• People are generally friendly towards me.
• I have enough choice about how I spend my time.
• I feel that I am learning a lot at the moment.
• I feel positive about my future.

Researchers found that high scores for the statements regarding family connection were aligned with high scores for statements regarding flourishing, which shows that youngsters feel that when they are supported, respected and cared for at home, they have those same feelings for themselves.

Tips to Foster Stronger Family Connections

According to this recent study, parents have a powerful, influential role in the household. Their actions determine whether or not a child will feel a bond that leads to self-assurance, responsibility and positivity.

How do you foster a stronger family connection? Try these tips:

1. Gather for dinner. Dinnertime around the family table is the perfect opportunity to grow deeper connections, even if you’re simply talking about your day. A 2020 study found that family dinner is associated with reduced anxiety in children and better family relationships. Even better, start by cooking together and then sitting down to share the meal.
2. Get involved: For children and adolescents, simple acts of involvement can mean a lot and help build self-confidence and a sense of support. Attending a soccer game, taking a group of friends out for a fun night, having a lunch date or making weekend plans together are all ways to get involved and create a stronger family bond. If you have multiple children, finding one-on-one time with each family member is also important.
3. Set healthy boundaries: When parents show their children what it’s like to have healthy boundaries, it helps them navigate relationships with others. This means setting time aside for family and away from work, being open to other perspectives, and respecting personal space.
4. Lean on family. Parenting can be hard, and sometimes you need an extra pair of hands (or hearts) to help out. The good news is that there are also benefits of aunts and uncles, along with benefits of grandparents. They, too, contribute to a strong family connection by showing support and engaging with children.

Conclusion

• A study published in May 2022 in the journal Pediatrics sought to determine whether higher levels of family connection are associated with a greater prevalence of flourishing in adolescence.
• Researchers found that among adolescents greater family connection was associated with higher prevalence of flourishing.
• To foster a stronger family connection, spend time cooking and eating together as a family, get involved in daily activities and special outings, set healthy boundaries, and turn to trusted family members for support.

The post New Study Shows Family Connection Associated With Greater Prevalence of Flourishing for Adolescents appeared first on Dr. Axe.

A recent CNN headline read: “BPA linked to asthma in school-age girls, study finds.”

Scientists have known about BPA toxic effects for years, and this latest study offers a concerning reminder that even prenatal exposure to the common chemical can lead to health issues that don’t show up until years down the line.

Thankfully, due to increased publicity highlighting the health risks of BPA, biomonitoring studies show that, overall, levels seem to be dropping.

But there’s still an equity issue at play here: Despite the declining levels, Black women still faced increased BPA contamination inside of their bodies compared to white counterparts.

In 2018, a Black person was still 40 percent more likely to have asthma than non-Hispanic whites.

Aside from the fact that air pollution tends to be much worse in minority neighborhoods (because this is where power plants, refineries and other polluters tend to build), could this be another piece of the puzzle explaining why the Black community is dealing with so much asthma?

Could that harmful lining in canned foods and drinks be playing a role? And what can we all do to protect ourselves, and everyone in our country?

Study Findings: BPA Linked to Asthma in School-Age Girls

Could the canned peas your mother craved when she was pregnant result in you needing an inhaler to get through gym class?

Well, yes, and it’s one of the many ways that endocrine-disrupting chemicals, even in tiny amounts, can tinker with our bodies’ delicate hormonal and immune systems.

The latest study linking BPA to health problems was published in the journal Environment International.

Researchers looked at more than 3,000 women in six European countries between 1999 and 2010. Then, they followed up to investigate the children’s respiratory health in the years that followed.

The key findings include:

• Concentrations of BPA in a mother during pregnancy increased the risk of asthma and wheezing in children by the time they went to school.
• A twofold increase in BPA urine concentration was linked to a 13 percent higher risk of respiratory issues.
• Interestingly, the link between a pregnant mother’s BPA exposure and wheezing in her school-age child years later was only seen in female children.”Our results are in line with those of earlier studies, which have also reported that bisphenol A has a negative impact on respiratory health in childhood. We believe that the effect may be due the fact that bisphenols can cross the placental barrier and interfere with the child’s respiratory and immune systems during the developmental phase,” explains Alicia Abellán, lead author of the study and researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).

Regarding the different outcomes of boys versus girls, the researchers acknowledge that “bisphenols are endocrine disruptors and can interfere with sex hormones. As our findings suggest, this may give rise to differences in the effects they have depending on the sex of the person exposed.”

How to Avoid BPA

BPA toxicity symptoms are sly — unlike, say, being exposed to a bunch of bleach, which can warrant an emergency room visit.

There are a slew of reasons to avoid BPA and some of its replacements that are actually more harmful. Asthma is one of them.

Breast cancer and weight gain are others.  The list goes on and on.

Overall, stronger chemical regulations are needed to keep dangerous products off of the market before millions of people are exposed for decades.

Do we really deserve to be guinea pigs? Do our kids?

If you’re sick of being part of a huge science experiment you didn’t sign up for, elect officials who will make stronger chemical regulations a reality.

Until that happens, here are other ways you can avoid BPA…

• Avoid canned foods and drinks whenever possible.
• Opt for fresh foods whenever you can. (Again, this is an equity issue: At least 13.5 million Americans have low access to healthy foods in their neighborhoods.)
• Before buying canned goods advertised as BPA-free, look for a replacement in glass. If you really want the canned version, call the company and find out exactly what the BPA replacement is. Many replacements, like BPS, are toxic, as well.
• Avoid plastic whenever possible. Chemicals in plastics are linked to cardiovascular disease, too.
• When you do use plastic, avoid washing it in the dishwasher or heating it in the microwave.
• Opt for food containers made of stainless steel, porcelain and glass as often as possible.

How to Deal with Asthma

Asthma symptoms impact 25 million Americans. The BPA-asthma study doesn’t attempt to say all of those cases are due to BPA exposure, but the point is it’s something so many people, particularly kids and teens, are dealing with. And it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are some ways to avoid the wheezing (and utter scariness) of having an asthma attack:

• Avoid indoor irritants. Not only are they respiratory irritants and allergens, but many synthetic scents are linked to cancer and more. They hide out in dryer sheets, plug-ins, scented candles, perfumes and colognes, and a whole lot more. Opt for fragrance-free.
• Hone in on your food choices. Certain foods, even healthy ones, could be triggering low-level inflammation and irritation in your body, which makes you more prone to an asthma attack. Try keeping a food journal. Every few weeks, cut out a common food trigger like dairy and ultra-processed foods.
• As best as you can, try to insulate yourself from fast, dramatic changes in temperature and humidity. These sudden “jolts” in environmental change can trigger an attack.
• Be an advocate. Don’t buy eggs, meat and dairy raised in factory farm conditions. These warehouse farms often create awful air pollution for workers and nearby neighborhoods. If you are privileged enough to live in a neighborhood without trash incinerators, landfills, natural gas compressor stations and coal plants, consider donating your time to help folks who live in those neighborhoods fight for the clean air everyone deserves.

Conclusion

• Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a common, hormone-disrupting chemical found in certain plastics and in canned foods and drinks.
• A 2022 study found that pregnant women with higher levels of BPA in their urine were much more likely to have children with asthma symptoms by the time they went to elementary school.
• The link between prenatal BPA exposure and asthma symptoms was seen in school-age girls but not boys.
• We need stronger chemical regulations to protect the population from widespread, harmful chemical exposure.
• Because BPA is linked to so many health problems, removing it from the food supply could prevent more than 6,000 cases of childhood obesity and 22,000 cases of coronary heart disease annually. Researchers say the economic benefits of this could hit $1.74 billion.

The post BPA Linked to Asthma in School-Age Girls appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Last month, powdered infant formulas produced in Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Mich., were recalled after consumer illness from bacterial infections. To date, the infant formula recall has caused four infant hospitalizations, and the bacterial infection from the formula may have contributed to two infant deaths.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating the complaints and warned consumers not to use certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products, along with a specific lot of Similac PM 60/40.

Infant Formula Recall Facts

Abbott Nutrition, a company that manufacturers powdered baby formula, announced a recall on products manufactured in its Michigan facility on Feb. 17 after four complaints of infections from Cronobacter sakazakii, or Salmonella Newport, bacteria that causes foodborne illness.

Abbott first initiated a “proactive, voluntary recall” of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare, manufactured in Sturgis. In a Feb. 17 announcement, the company stated, “as part of Abbott’s quality processes, we conduct routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in our manufacturing facilities. During testing in our Sturgis, Michigan, facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of  Salmonella Newport.”

While Abbott’s testing of distributed products did not detect pathogens, the voluntary infant formula recall includes products manufactured in the Sturgis facility with an expiration of April 1, 2022, or later. Liquid formulas are not included in the recall, nor are powder formulas or nutrition products from other facilities.

On Feb. 28, Abbott made an additional recall, this time for one lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)). This action came after the company learned of an infant death. The baby tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii and reportedly consumed Similac PM 60/40 from that lot.

What It Means

What does this infant formulas recall mean about the product you use for your baby? The FDA recommends consumers look at the lot code, the multi-digit number that’s on the bottom of the container of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula, and do not use if:

• the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
• the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
• the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later

In addition to these products, Similac PM 60/40 with a lot code of 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case) should not be used.

If you’re unsure about your specific product, use the recall website to check your product lot code.

If your infant is experiencing symptoms of Cronobacter or Salmonella infection, such as poor feeding, temperature changes, jaundice, irritability, rash, lethargy, abnormal movements, or blood in urine or stool, contact your pediatrician immediately.

How to Keep Infants Healthy with Proper Nutrition

Despite the recent recall, experts are reassuring parents that infant formula made by a regulated company and manufacturer is safe when prepared appropriately. If you use these recalled brands, check the lot code carefully to ensure that your product is deemed safe.

To ensure proper safety and nutrition for babies, the FDA also recommends the following guidelines for parents and caregivers:

• Never dilute infant formula.
• Do not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.
• Avoid purchasing imported, potentially counterfeit formula through online sales.

For new mothers who are deciding on how to provide the best nutrition for their children, consider formula vs. breast milk. Research suggests that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants, as it contains the perfect combination of bioactive agents that promote immune system and gastrointestinal tract function.

For women who aren’t able to breastfeed or are having trouble producing enough breast milk, using formula is safe and effective. Do your research on the best brand and type of formula for your baby’s needs.

Conclusion

• Abbott Nutrition, a company that manufacturers powdered baby formula, announced a recall on products manufactured in its Michigan facility after four complaints of infections from Cronobacter sakazakii, or Salmonella Newport, bacteria that causes foodborne illness.
• The infant formula recall includes Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products, plus a specific lot of Similac PM 60/40.
• Use the recall website to check your lot number to ensure the safety of your product.

The post Infant Formula Recall Includes Similac, Alimentum and EleCare Products appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Talcum powder. It seems innocent enough, but did you know scientists have been warning us about potential risks since the 1960s? Talcum powder is a mineral-based product used in baby powder and many other cosmetics. Although published health studies show a link between use of talcum powder and ovarian cancer, millions of men and women still use it to absorb moisture and promote freshness. In fact, it’s still a popular diaper rash prevention tactic used in infants and young children.

Johnson & Johnson shelled out more than $700 million dollars in talcum powder/ovarian cancer-related lawsuit cases in 2016 and 2017 alone, and have tens of thousands of pending lawsuits. In fact, Reuters just published an exclusive report suggesting that Johnson & Johnson is exploring a method to offload liabilities connected to baby powder litigations by pursing a bankruptcy plan. According to Reuters, Johnson & Johnson may use a newly created business to handle litigation related to talcum powder and would then seek bankruptcy protection, resulting in lower payouts for cases that didn’t settle beforehand.

Still, people continue to use products containing talc on themselves and their children. Maybe they aren’t convinced of the potential health hazards of talcum powder, even though many studies and case reports clearly point out its dangers.

Past reports have made it clear — you should never use baby powder or products containing talc on your skin. Plus, even inhaling these products can be problematic. The good news is that there are many natural alternatives for talcum powder that are completely safe and equally effective.

What Is the Use of Baby Powder?

Baby powder is commonly used to absorb moisture and cut down on friction. When applied to the skin, it can help prevent rashes and other skin irritations like chafing. Many women apply baby powder to their perineum, underwear or pads to keep the area fresh and dry.

Talcum powder is also commonly added to makeup products like foundation and cosmetic powder in order to prevent caking and ensure a smooth appearance. And parents commonly apply it to their infants and young children to prevent bacterial overgrowth, yeast and diaper rash.

Baby powder is a product name for talcum powder, which is made from talc, a clay mineral containing magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Talc is mined in proximity to asbestos, another naturally occurring mineral known to have carcinogenic effects. According to information posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “to prevent contamination of talc with asbestos, it is essential to select talc mining sites carefully and take steps to purify the ore sufficiently.”

Although the FDA considers it unacceptable for cosmetic talc to be contaminated with asbestos, there’s no federal mandate to test and approve cosmetic products and ingredients before they land on stores shelves. In an effort to address the safety concerns of talc in powders and cosmetic products, the FDA conducted a survey in 2009 and 2010.

FDA asked nine talc suppliers to participate in the survey by sending samples of their talc. Of the nine suppliers, only four complied with the request. Meanwhile, tested purchased 34 cosmetic products in retail stores in the Washington D.C. area and tested them for asbestos contamination. The survey found no asbestos in any of the samples or products analyzed, but the FDA suggests these findings are limited because only four suppliers provided samples and the testing was limited to just 34 products. Therefore, this survey doesn’t prove that most or all talc-containing products sold in the United States are free of asbestos contamination.

In fact, J&J recently recalled a batch of its baby powder due to concerns over baby powder asbestos contamination.

Baby Powder Cancer Threats & Beyond

1. Ovarian Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, many studies in women investigated talcum powder’s link to cancer in the ovaries. When a woman applies baby powder or any product containing talc to her genital area, the powder particles can travel through the vagina, into the uterus and fallopian tubes and to the ovaries.

The first study suggesting the connection of talc and ovarian cancer came out in 1971, when talc particles turned up in human ovarian and uterine tumors. Then, in 1982, a study linked genital talc use with ovarian cancer. Since then, dozens of studies suggest a strong link.

A 2016 study conducted in Boston and published in Epidemiology analyzed the association of ovarian cancer and genital talc use. Researchers examined talc use among 2,041 women with ovarian cancer and 2,100 women of similar ages and geographic locations that served as the controls. The data showed that genital use of talc increased ovarian cancer risk by 33 percent. The risk of cancer decreased as the longer a women went without using talcum powder in her genital region. Those who used the powder more frequently faced a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Another study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention involved more than 1,300 African American women. Baby powder use was common for 62.8 percent of the women with ovarian cancer, implying a significant association between baby powder use and ovarian cancer risk.

A New York Times article published in August, 2017 indicates that a judge recently ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $417 million dollars in damages to a 63-year-old woman who developed ovarian cancer after using baby powder on her genital area when she was eleven years old. There have been more than 5,000 baby powder-related cases against Johnson & Johnson, with lawsuits claiming carcinogenic effects. Damages to Johnson & Johnson between 2016 and 2017 exceed $700 million dollars.

2. Lung Cancer

Although inhaling talcum powder alone may not be directly related to the development of lung cancer, there are studies that suggest an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases among talc miners and millers. This is most likely due to the varying forms of asbestos that can come into contact with talc.

A 2015 review of evidence published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found an increase in lung cancer mortality rates among talc miners. However, talc exposure may have been confounded with other carcinogens and the data couldn’t be adjusted to measure the affects of talc only.

Another study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, evaluated the risk of lung cancer and respiratory disease among workers exposed to asbestos-free talc and silica in the manufacture of ceramic plumbing fixtures. Researchers suggest that workers exposed to high levels of silica dust and no talc did not face a significant risk of developing lung cancer. However, workers exposed to talc in addition to high levels of silica had a significant 2.5-fold increased risk of lung cancer. The mortality rate rose the longer someone was exposure to talc in the workplace.

3. Lung Disease

Inhaling the very small particles that make up talcum powder can lead to lung irritation and respiratory distress. Continuous application of or exposure to talcum powder can negatively affect infants, children, teens and adults. Even asbestos-free talcum powder can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory system when ingested or inhaled.

A type of lung disease called pulmonary talcosis is a rare disorder caused by the inhalation of talc through occupational exposure or continued inhalation or ingestion of talc. A report published in BMJ Case Reports describes a 24-year-old woman who had a 4-month ritual of inhaling cosmetic talcum powder. She developed talcosis 10 years later. The disorder involves inflammation, chronic cough and difficulty breathing.

4. Respiratory Conditions in Infants and Children

Many case reports of infants and preschool children experiencing adverse effects from talcum powder exist. Poison control center reports show incidents involving inhalation during a child’s diaper or clothing changing. When babies or children inhale the tiny particles in baby powder, it can produce a drying effect on their mucous membranes and affect breathing ability. If enough powder is inhaled in one moment or over time, it can lead to serious lung damage.

A case report published in the BMJ describes a 12-week-old baby who accidentally inhaled and ingested baby powder accidentally spilt on his face during a diaper change. He immediately coughed and choked on the powder, then vomited and refused to eat. Four hours later he was admitted to the hospital with severe respiratory difficulties. Thirty minutes after hospital admission, his condition deteriorated and he went into respiratory arrest. After his airway was secured, he vomited a white talc-like substance.

 5. Granulomatosis

Talc granulomatosis occurs when intravenous drug abusers inject tablets containing talc that are intended for oral use. Talc is used in these tablets to hold the components of the medication together. Research suggests that injecting talc into blood vessels can cause arterial obstruction, loss of blood flow to bone tissue, and the formation of granulomas in the lungs. Granulomas are formed by an infection or inflammation caused by the presence of a foreign substance.

Where Else Talcum Powder Hides?

Talc isn’t only present in baby powder; in fact, it’s hiding in products that many people use on a daily basis. Here’s a list of products that typically include talc:

• Bath bombs
• Shower products
• Soap
• Lotions
• Feminine hygiene products
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Face powder
• Foundation
• Eye shadow
• Lipstick
• Face masks
• Toothpaste
• Deodorants

Before buying any of these products, look for “talcum powder” or “cosmetic talc” on the label. If you choose to use products containing talc, choose companies that certify their product is talc-free, especially if you are using the powder or lotion in your pelvic area.

Better Alternatives to Products Containing Talc

For Baby

There are many natural and safe ways to prevent diaper rash in infants and young children. Instead of relying on commercial products to use on your baby’s skin, make your own DIY diaper rash cream that contains coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, witch hazel and calendula. This homemade diaper cream will help reduce inflammation and skin irritation without putting your baby at risk.

Magnesium oil is another safe alternative. It has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties that can help to heal diaper rash quickly.

For Women

Natural alternatives to using powders or products containing talc exist and help effectively absorb moisture and keep you feeling fresh. For example, there are many baking soda uses for your skin and hair.

Cornstarch also helps relieve skin irritation. Apply it to the skin to ease bug bites, chaffed skin, sunburns, jock itch, athlete’s foot and diaper rash.

If you’re looking for a natural alternative for foundation, try my DIY Foundation Makeup. It’s made with skin-healing and soothing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, non-nanoparticle zinc oxide and vitamin E oil. To add color to this foundation, you use cinnamon and nutmeg, or cocoa powder.

And if you’ve ever wondered how to make lipstick, try my all-natural homemade lipstick with lavender. It’s made with ingredients that will soften and repair your skin, while also getting rid of undesirable lines.

Final Thoughts

• Baby powder is a product name for talcum powder, which is made from talc, a clay mineral that contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen. Talc is mined in proximity to asbestos, another naturally occurring mineral that is known to possess carcinogenic effects.
• Many studies in women, infants, children and male miners or millers suggest that inhaling talc or applying products containing talc to the skin can cause health conditions like ovarian cancer, lung cancer, lung disease and respiratory disease.
• Using natural alternatives for products containing talc, including cosmetic foundation, deodorant, baby powder, lipstick and lotion, will help you to avoid the dangers of applying talc to your skin or inhaling it.

Read Next: DIY Concealer to Hide Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

The post Talcum Powder Risks: 5 Reasons to Never Put Baby Powder on Your Skin Again appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Turns out America’s drinking water woes expand far beyond lead. A class of common chemicals used in everything from nonstick pans and stain-treated carpets, clothing and furniture to fast-food packaging is a source of widespread contamination in certain pockets of the United States. Could you be drinking water harboring PFAS contamination?

According to a 2020 report by Environmental Working Group (EWG), tap water sampling from 44 places in 31 states turned up PFAS contamination. Contamination turned up on large metropolitan areas like Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia and New York City suburbs. Based on the tap water findings, and the news that PFAS is even turning up in rainwater, analysts from EWG believe virtually everyone is being exposed to this chemical linked to thyroid disruption and cancer.

Only one testing site, where people get their water from 700-foot wells in a Mississippi town, came up clean in testing. Despite widespread contamination across the United States, this chemical isn’t commonly tested for in drinking water because PFAS chemicals are not regulated in a way that requires widespread testing and disclosure.

And leaked FDA documents that were presented at a scientific conference in Helsinki, Finland, show that PFAS have been detected in dairy products, poultry, red meat, fish, leafy greens and store-bought chocolate cake. In fact, the PFAS levels were double or more the current federal advisory level!

Thankfully, Congress is taking action. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D) and Fred Upton (R), both from Michigan, recently introduced comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to protect all Americans from the PFAS.

The PFAS Action Act of 2021 creates a national drinking water standard for select PFAS chemicals, designates PFAS as hazardous substances to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up contaminated sites, limits industrial discharges and provides $200 million annually to assist water utilities and wastewater treatment facilities.

“It’s time that these chemicals are properly addressed to protect the American people from the hazardous substances we know these forever chemicals are,” Dingell said. “Setting drinking water standards and designating PFAS as hazardous substances under the EPA’s Superfund program will accelerate the clean-up process in communities and at military facilities all across this nation.”

Details of the PFAS Action Act of 2021

The PFAS Action Act would:

• Require the EPA to establish a national drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS within two years that protects public health, including the health of vulnerable subpopulations
• Designate PFOA and PFOS chemicals as hazardous substances within one year and require the EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years
• Designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous air pollutants within 180 days and require the EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years
• Require the EPA to place discharge limits on industrial releases of PFAS and provide $200 million annually for wastewater treatment
• Prohibit unsafe incineration of PFAS wastes and place a moratorium on the introduction of new PFAS into commerce
• Require comprehensive PFAS health testing
• Create a voluntary label for PFAS in cookware

“We need deadlines to ensure that the EPA will take the steps need to reduce PFAS releases into our air, land and water, to filter PFAS out of tap water and to clean up legacy PFAS pollution, especially near Department of Defense facilities,” said Faber. “We applaud Reps. Dingell and Upton for continuing to make PFAS pollution a priority.”

PFAS chemicals are man-made chemicals that have so far been found in the drinking water of more than 2,000 communities. They are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. These chemicals have been linked to harmful human health effects, including cancer, reproductive and developmental harms, and weakened immune systems.

In January 2020, the House passed the PFAS Action Act by a vote of 247 to 159. Is your representative on the list?

• Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.)
• Fred Upton (R-Mich.)
• Dan Kildee (D-Mich.)
• Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
• Haley Stevens (D-Mich.)
• Bill Posey (R-Fla.)
• Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.)
• David Rouzer (R-N.C.)
• Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)
• Chris Pappas (D-N.H.)
• Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.)
• Ann McLane Kuster (D-N.H.)
• Gwen Moore (D-Wis.)
• Andy Levin (D-Mich.)
• Peter Welch (D-Vt.)
• Ron Kind (D-Wis.)
• Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
• Chellie Pingree, (D-Maine)
• Lori Trahan (D-Mass.)
• Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.)
• Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.)
• Andy Kim (D-N.J.)
• Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)
• Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.)
• Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.)
• Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fl.)

PFAS Contamination Findings

You know that chocolate cake with icing that you grab from the grocery store? Well the PFAS detected in one sample were more than 250 times higher than the federal guidelines for drinking water, according to the Associated Press.

In response to these findings, an FDA spokesperson said that the agency thought the contamination was “not likely to be a human health concern, despite the fact that the tests exceeded the existing federal recommendations for PFAS levels.

So why is all of this information problematic? PFASs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals found in common household items like nonstick products; they’re also used extensively in the military. Concerns of major PFAS health risks continue to mount, with a 2018 review by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing the health effects associated with PFAS exposure include cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility,  pregnancy-induced hypertension and an increased risk of thyroid disease and asthma.

This is a problem that may be affecting you at this very moment. According to the EWG, an estimated 99 percent of American currently have some degree of PFAS contamination. Can that really be possible? The American Cancer Society website states, “Studies have found that it is present worldwide at very low levels in just about everyone’s blood. Higher blood levels have been found in community residents where local water supplies have been contaminated by PFOA. People exposed to PFOA in the workplace can have levels many times higher.”

What Is PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS are also referred to as “forever chemicals” because they remain in our soil and water — and our bodies — for a long time. This family of man-made chemicals is used in all kinds of products and industrial applications to make surfaces resistant to water, lipids and stains. Nonstick cookware is one of the best household examples of PFAS usage. But widespread contamination is also blamed on plants that manufacture these chemicals and the widespread use of the chemical in firefighting foams.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS can be found in:

• Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water
• Commercial household products, including stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (for example, Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products and firefighting foams (a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs)
• Workplace, including production facilities or industries (for example, chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery) that use PFAS
• Drinking water, typically localized and associated with a specific facility (for example, manufacturers, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, firefighter training facilities)
• Living organisms, including fish, animals and humans, where PFAS chemicals have the ability to build up and persist over time

The Toxic History of PFAS

It all started in 1946 when a company named DuPont provided consumers with a new line of Teflon® nonstick cookware. Teflon® is a brand name for a man-made chemical known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is another man-made chemical used to make Teflon. PFOA is a type of PFAS.

This cookware, while innovative at the time, has lead to the environment, animals and human beings experiencing PFAS contamination. The problem is that companies using PFAS in their manufacturing have factories known to pollute the water and air around them with these toxic chemicals.

This is yet another example of lax U.S. laws that allow chemicals into widespread use before being tested for long-term impacts on human health.

Fast forward to 2001 when a Teflon plant caused widespread PFAS contamination to drinking water in West Virginia. More and more examples of PFAS contamination in the environment, as well as in humans beings, continue to arise.

Stories like these lead to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to form the PFOA Stewardship Program in 2006, given the major concerns of PFAS detection in drinking water and the U.S. population. To make matters worse, the agency realized that these chemicals weren’t going away anytime soon due to their persistence in the environment as well as their long half-life in people.

The EPA asked eight top companies in the PFASs industry to agree to a reduction in PFOA facility emissions and product content by 95 percent no later than 2010, and to also work toward complete elimination of PFOA from emissions and product content no later than 2015. The participating companies included Arkema, Asahi, BASF Corporation (successor to Ciba), Clariant, Daikin, 3M/Dyneon, DuPont, and Solvay Solexis.

Another historical source of PFAS is military airports using aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) which combine fluoro- and hydrocarbon-surfactant technologies to put out fires. AFFFs are also called firefighting foams. Military bases, civilian airports and firefighter training sites are also known for using this foam.

So where are we at today? According to the EPA, “Certain PFAS chemicals are no longer manufactured in the United States as a result of phase outs including the PFOA Stewardship Program in which eight major chemical manufacturers agreed to eliminate the use of PFOA and PFOA-related chemicals in their products and as emissions from their facilities. Although PFOA and PFOS are no longer manufactured in the United States, they are still produced internationally and can be imported into the United States in consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, coatings, rubber and plastics.”

Why is there such concern over PFAS contamination? As time goes on, studies continue to unveil the dangerous possible side effects of PFASs. According to the CDC, some, but not all, studies in humans with PFAS exposure have shown that certain types of PFASs may:

• Affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children
• Lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant
• Interfere with the body’s natural hormones
• Increase cholesterol levels
• Affect the immune system
• Increase the risk of cancer

Mapping It Out

You’re probably wondering if the town you live in is being affected by PFAS contamination. An interactive map created by the EWG is now said to be “the most comprehensive resource available to track PFAS pollution in the United States.”

If you look at the map, right away you’ll likely notice that certain areas actually contain clusters of water systems that tested positive for PFOS, PFOA or another contaminant. States with notable clusters include California, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Colorado, New York and North Carolina.

Check out the EWG Interactive Map: PFAS Contamination In the U.S. to see more information about where you live and to spread this link around so more people can be aware of possible contamination in their area.

Government’s Past Actions

As mentioned earlier, the EPA started its PFOA Stewardship Program in 2006. In 2012, the EPA added PFOA and five other PFCs to the list of contaminants to be monitored in a selection of public water systems around the United Stated. This data is reported to the EPA under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) and is publicly available. In fact, this public information is actually how some people found out about PFSA contamination in their water supplies.

In 2016, the EPA issued a non-regulatory lifetime Health Advisory (HA) of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for individual and combined PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. A lifetime Health Advisory refers to a concentration that is not expected to cause adverse health effects over a lifetime of consistent daily exposure at that level.

Currently, the EPA does not have a national or legally enforceable limit for PFAS chemicals in drinking water. Some states have taken matters into their own hands. A few states initiated their own standards of acceptable PFAS levels, with the strictest being Vermont at 20 ppt.

Another example of states making an effort to improve the problem is New Jersey. In April 2019, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, for example, officially proposed safe drinking water standards (also referred to as maximum contaminant levels or MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS.

Here are EWG’s “Health-Based Standards” for PFAS:

• PFAS in drinking water: 1 ppt as the total concentration for the sum of all PFAS
• PFAS in groundwater and cleanup of contaminated sites: 1 ppt as the total concentration for the sum of all PFAS

In February 2019, EPA released its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan. According to this plan, “Where deemed appropriate and necessary, the EPA will prioritize preventing environmental contamination and identifying approaches that reduce the costs of PFAS management faced by local communities.” The plan also says that in 2019, the EPA will invite the public to comment on its efforts to date, including “recommending additional information the Agency should consider in its regulatory determination.”

PFAS vs. PFOA vs. PFOS

All these acronyms with similar letters can get a bit confusing. What are PFOA, PFOS and PFAS? Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are fluorinated compounds that fall under the larger umbrella of compounds known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

In other words, PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA and PFOS. (A new chemical known as GenX and many other chemicals also fall under the category of PFAS.) PFOA and PFOS are the most commonly found and most studied PFAS chemicals.

Both of these PFAS have been voluntarily phased out by the industries that previously used them for their ability to repel both water and oil.  Before they were phased out, PFOA and PFOS were both commonly added to products to make them non-stick, waterproof or resistant to stains.

Although companies stopped using them years ago, PFAS contamination continues to be a major concern all over the United States, since companies who used PFASs like PFOS and PFOA contaminated the soil, water and air around their factories well into the 1970s. A scientific review published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found: “The global historical industry-wide emissions of total PFCAs from direct (manufacture, use, consumer products) and indirect (PFCA impurities and/or precursors) sources were estimated to be 3200−7300 [metric tons].”

The worrisome part? It only takes tiny exposures to trigger possible health impacts.

PFAS contamination persists in the environment and our bodies today. The EPA reveals: “In the environment, some PFAS break down slowly, if at all, allowing bioaccumulation (concentration) to occur in humans and wildlife. Some have been found to be toxic to laboratory animals, producing reproductive, developmental, and systemic effects in laboratory tests.” According to the EPA, PFOA has specifically been linked with cancer while PFOS has been associated with thyroid hormone disruption.

Levels in Water vs. Our Bodies

We now know that PFAS contamination is an issue for our waterways, drinking water, soil, air, animals and human beings. According to the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, PFAS chemicals are even detected in polar bears in the Arctic.

According to a scientific review published in 2017, when it comes to PFAS exposure through drinking water, “children can have the highest exposures due to their higher intake on a body weight basis. In order to protect populations from PFAS exposure from drinking water intake, drinking water and drinking water sources should be monitored nationwide. Contamination occurs often at certain hot-spots and in the past these hotspots have mostly been discovered by chance.”

Another scientific article published in 2017 reveals that “empirical observations and toxicokinetic models consistently demonstrate that serum PFOA levels in adults increase on average by more than 100 times the drinking water concentration.” So in other words, drinking water with PFAS contamination may result in humans having an even higher level of PFAS in their bodies than the source of the toxic pollution (drinking water)!

What You Can Do About PFAS Contamination

To avoid PFAS on a personal level, steer clear of products that contain PFAS including:

• Contact your federal representative and demand they support The PFAS Action Act of 2021
• Non-stick cookware
• Food packaging, including microwave popcorn bags and fast food wrappers
• Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
• Outdoor gear with a “durable water repellent” coating

Instead of non-stick cookware, consider healthier nontoxic options of cookware. You may also want to consider avoiding fabrics treated with nonstick chemicals including Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster, Polartec, and Gore-tex.

You can have your water tested for PFAS by a private company. You can also take a look at the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) Data and U.S. State Resources about PFAS.

If you have PFAS contamination in your drinking water, there are some things you can do to help yourself. For starters, you can use certain types of water filters. Both granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) filters are known to decrease PFAS substances. Both systems are known to help, but it’s important to note that they provide less water flow than a standard water faucet. The state of Michigan (which currently has water contamination issues) provides information comparing a GAC system vs a RO system.

You can visit Congress.gov to receive alerts regarding this bill. For more information on how to call or write your Congress regarding H.R. 1976: PFAS Detection Act of 2019, you can check out GovTrack.

Unfortunately, PFAS contamination is a public health concern that isn’t going away anytime soon. Hopefully, more will be done at the federal and/or state level to improve this problem for us all. In the meantime, you can do what you can to reduce your exposure to hazardous man-made chemicals like PFAS.

And again, the takeaway? We need to elect officials who are working for us, not toxic industries that pollute us for centuries.

Leah Zerbe contributed to this report. 

The post PFAS Contamination: Congress Introduces Legislation to Help Clean Up ‘Forever Chemical’ Mess appeared first on Dr. Axe.

A dangerous additive is likely lurking in your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — and thousands of other foods that could wind up on your plate.

I recently interviewed author and activist Vani Hari, AKA The Food Babe, to chat about common ingredients lurking in people’s pantries.

And this one tops her list…

Dangerous Additive Alert: Diglycerides

For years, Hari has been successfully building campaigns to persuade giant food manufacturers and restaurants to eliminate problematic ingredients. During my podcast episode, I asked her what ingredient she’s currently most worried about.

That’s saying something, since there are about 10,000 food additives in the U.S. food supply, including a laundry list of chemicals we should be avoiding. 

The dangerous additive in question is a class of emulsifiers called “monoglycerides” and “diglycerides.”

It’s the go-to replacement for deadly trans fats and a food industry staple that helps keep oil and fat from separating. Hari explains that this additive is a byproduct of oil processing, including partially hydrogenated canola and soybean oils.

This additive is a byproduct of oil processing – including partially hydrogenated canola and soybean oils – which contains artificial trans fat – a danger food ingredient known to cause coronary heart disease and linked to 50,000 fatal heart attacks a year.

Center for Science in the Public Interest notes that “gram-for-gram, trans fat is the most harmful fat of all.” In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration finally determined that trans fat is no longer generally recognized as safe for food use.

So as companies phased out trans fat, they turned to what may seem like a more innocuous, harmless preservative replacement in monoglycerides and diglycerides. They’re found in everything from bread and cookies to peanut butter, pancake mixes, other baked goods and more.

And here’s where it gets tricky when it comes to this dangerous additive: Even though mono- and diglycerides may contain trans fat, they aren’t required to be labeled as trans fats on food packages. In fact, Hari warns that some foods containing trace amounts of trans fat due to mono- and diglyceride ingredients could even harbor “No Trans Fat” food labels. That’s because the FDA labeling only regulate triglyceride-related trans fat, not ones like mono- and diglycerides.

It’s just the latest example of how the majority of the food industry is not focused on making us healthier.

“Almost every single ingredient that has been added to our food over the last 50 years has only been invented for one sole purpose,” Hari says. “And that is to improve the bottom line of the food industry. Not to improve our health or make [food] more nutritious.” 

Since federal regulations aren’t keeping these dangerous ingredients out of food, it’s best to limit processed foods and, Hari suggests, try asking yourself these questions with every meal…

Detox Questions to Ask with Every Meal

Hari suggesting asking yourself the following questions with every meal for a day, week or month. Doing this, she says, will help you quickly change for the better.

1. What are the ingredients? If you know every single ingredient of what you’re eating, it’s well above and beyond what most people are doing today and will set you up with success in terms of knowledge,” she says.
2. Are these ingredients nutritious? Where do these ingredients come from? Was that apple grown on an organic farm? Or did farmers spray it with 32 toxic pesticides? Was the bar containing lab-created monoglycerides or diglycerides (so it can sit on a shelf for a year) really a nutritious choice?

“If you have those laid out and can answer them truthfully, or find the answer, then the next time you sit down, you’ll think about it a little more proactively, but you’ll become a savvy armchair nutritionist, too,” Hari says. “You don’t need to be a nutritionist or doctor to know how to eat. It’s common sense when you just investigate your food.”

The post The Dangerous Additive Hiding Out in Your PB&J (And Thousands of Other Foods) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Many of us know what it’s like to have that cool, fun and loving uncle in our lives. While it’s true that aunts can be just as important as moms, especially for young girls, uncles also play an important role in the lives of children. We’ll go over the qualities of a good uncle in a bit, but first, let’s look at the unique way uncles can help improves the happiness of the kids in their lives.

Qualities of a Good Uncle: And Why They’re More Important Than Ever

Uncles play a supportive role for their “niblings,” AKA nieces and nephews, but they also care deeply about their wellbeing — and it shows. From attending soccer games, to going to the movies and running around outside, uncles offer a sense of positivity that can make a lasting impact.

Uncles have the important role of being positive male mentors in the lives of their nephews and nieces. While a father sets an example for his children, an uncle offers a different perspective. The qualities of a good uncle include someone who is laid back and brings a sense of fun into a child’s life, showing them what it means to be part of a loving, caring relationship.

We know that children benefit from interactions with positive male role models. This is especially true in a time when the concept of “toxic masculinity” is getting a lot of attention. This term refers to a form of gendered behavior, and not masculinity itself. Really, it’s what occurs when expectations of what it means to be a man goes wrong, according to an article published in Teaching Tolerance.

Why Science Says Uncles Are Important

Science shows that an individual’s happiness is related to the number of healthy relationships formed. This begins early in life, when children learn about healthy, supportive relationships from their parents and relatives.

A study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that role models created protective effects on externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and reduced negative school behaviors.

The study included more than 650 African American ninth graders and indicates that positive role models contribute to the resilience of these adolescents, especially those who are exposed to negative non-parental adult behavior.

Of the role models reported in the study, a majority comprised of family members. For young males, the role models were:

• 37 percent fathers or step-fathers
• 14 percent brothers
• 13 percent uncles
• 8 percent grandfathers
• 3 percent cousins

After immediate family members, uncles appear to play a significant role in the identity and behavior of young boys. This makes understanding and striving toward adopting the qualities of a good uncle more important than ever.

Researchers also found that gender-matched role models are critical for adolescents because these relationships help young boys develop their identity and establish their role in society. Studies suggest that access to role models who share their gender may be especially beneficial for adolescent males.

Key Qualities of a Good Uncle

1. Show Your Support

Soccer games, school plays, art shows, graduation — these moments are a big deal for a young boy or girl. To be a great uncle who serves as a positive and influential role model, it’s important to show up and display your support.

As an uncle, talk to your sibling about upcoming events in your nephew’s or niece’s schedule. Add a few of them to your calendar and make a surprise appearance. If their parents can’t attend an important event, support your niece or nephew by being the one to represent the family and show your commitment.

2. Get Involved

You’ll want to get involved in the many physical activities and events that take place in the life of your niece or nephews, but it’s also important to get involved emotionally.

Do you know your nephews hobbies and interests? What makes him nervous, sad, joyful and proud? A great uncle asks questions, offers a fresh perspective and offers sound advice when it’s needed.

Remember that it may be easier for a young boy to talk to his uncle about his emotions than his mom and dad. This is the perfect opportunity to help your nephew develop his identity and place in the world.

3. Be There in Hard Times

There will undoubtably be moments that your nephew or niece has to deal with hard times. Family deaths, trouble in school, bullying, relationship problems, financial issues — we know that life throws plenty of obstacles that often face young people.

A great uncle isn’t only there for the fun, he’s a shoulder to cry on, too. He’s an open ear and heart that can help his nephew deal with his emotions in a healthy way. It’s possible that these trying moments can be even more influential than you cheering at his football games.

4. Lead by Example

A great uncle walks the walk. He teachers young people about respect, love, joy, loyalty and strength with his actions. Children absorb so much of adult behaviors and often mimic them.

An uncle has the amazing opportunity to teach his nephew about what it means to be a good man. And he’ll work to show that in the way he speaks and treats others.

5. Maintain Your Relationship

Even as your nieces and nephews grow up, leave for college, become adults and start families of their own, your bond is still important. Maintain your relationship with visits, texts, emails and phone calls. Don’t forget birthdays — send a thoughtful card or gift that reminds you of your relationship and show that you’re always thinking of him or her.

Even grown adults need positive role models and rely on the special bonds that they forged as children.

Final Thoughts

• Uncles play an important role in the lives of their nieces of nephews. Qualities of a good uncle include not only being a playful and fun figures in the family, but also a supportive and loving family member that serves as life-long role model.
• Research shows that adolescents benefit from positive role models, especially when they are the same gender. For young boys, an uncle can be a powerful example of what it means to be a moral, respectful and loyal man.
• Great uncles are involved, show up for activities, show support during life’s troubles, lead by example and maintain a relationship through all of life’s stages. They remain an important source of love, even as children enter adulthood.

The post Qualities of a Good Uncle & Why Uncles May Be Just as Important as Dads appeared first on Dr. Axe.

In October 2019, the company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) — makers of the world’s top-selling baby powder — recalled a batch of baby powder after government testing found trace amounts of asbestos in at least one bottle. That’s right: baby powder asbestos contamination.

This is not the first time that J&J has run into legal trouble regarding contaminants being found in both their baby and adult products. The company has been battling thousands of lawsuits in recent years.

Multiple people have sued the company over claims that harmful chemicals present in their personal care products have led to health conditions such as cancer.

Who should be concerned over asbestos in baby powder and talcum powder? While babies themselves, and their caregivers, may be at risk if they use baby powder frequently, so far it’s adults who use baby powder for skincare and deodorant purposes who have been coming after J&J the most due to this baby powder asbestos bombshell.

Baby Powder Asbestos Study Results

In the United States, the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly tests products for contaminants. According to J&J spokespeople, the FDA found “minuscule amounts of asbestos” in one bottle of baby powder during routine testing.

Prior to this, no contaminants had been found in previous tests.

J&J reports that after being alerted by the FDA, it then immediately began investigating the presence of asbestos in their baby power products that had been distributed in the prior year. The company decided to recall approximately 33,000 bottles to protect their customers from possible risk of exposure to baby powder asbestos.

Since the test results surfaced, J&J officials have reported to the media that they are “working with the FDA to determine the integrity of the tested sample and the validity of the test results.”

Risks and Dangers

Baby powder contains the soft mineral called talc (or talcum). What is talcum powder?

According to the FDA, it’s a fine white powder made from clay that poses the risk of being contaminated with asbestos. Talc and asbestos often occur together in the earth, and during the mining process talc may pick up and carry asbestos, which is a known human carcinogen.

Asbestos is a “naturally occurring fibrous mineral composed of thin, needle-like fibers. Exposure to asbestos causes several cancers and diseases,  including mesothelioma and asbestosis,” according to the Asbestos Website.

Talc powder is used in baby powder and other commercial and food products because it has the ability to absorb moisture and prevent diaper rash. Not all talc contains asbestos, and we know that the majority of products that have been tested by the FDA have not been shown to contain asbestos.

Although J&J says the company works with suppliers that routinely test their talc for presence of asbestos, multiple people have sued the company claiming that its products are not in fact free of this dangerous chemical. Approximately 11,700 plaintiffs now blame the company’s talc for causing them serious illnesses, including cancer.

How can baby powder give you cancer? Talc remains a controversial mineral, but it’s clear from a large body of research that asbestos is harmful and even deadly.

Exposure can lead to lung disease, COPD symptoms, organ failure, ovarian cancer symptoms and mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that is very hard to control and treat. In fact, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer.

Inhaled asbestos fibers are not easily removed from the body once someone inhales them. They can become “lodged” in the body, where they seem to trigger inflammatory reactions and mutations in cells, sometimes leading to proliferation of cancerous mesothelioma cells.

Mesothelioma cells can then spread throughout the body, causing dysfunction of vital organs and even death.

J&J Investigation Results

In February 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated an investigation into claims that J&J’s baby powder contains asbestos. The DOJ subpoenaed the company and made it hand over documents concerning results of past contamination tests.

This has come on the heels of more than 15,000 legal proceedings from consumers claiming that talc in baby powder gave them cancer. (The company is also involved in lawsuits involving opioids medications due to the opioid epidemic and other non-baby products.)

J&J has settled out of court in multiple trials focused on contamination of its products, in some cases paying hundreds of millions of dollars, despite that company officials claim thousands of tests over the last four decades have shown that their products are safe.

In 2018, the New York Times investigated the history of asbestos in Johnson & Johnson baby powder. According to the investigation, the company may have known about possible asbestos contamination in their products for more than 50 years but did not warn consumers or recall products.

Reuters also carried out a similar investigation and found evidence that “the company’s powder was sometimes tainted with carcinogenic asbestos and that J&J kept that information from regulators and the public.”

Reuters reports that from at least 1971 to the early 2000s, “the company’s raw talc and finished powders sometimes tested positive for small amounts of asbestos, and that company executives, mine managers, scientists, doctors and lawyers fretted over the problem and how to address it while failing to disclose it to regulators or the public.”

J&J continues to deny that its baby powder has ever contained asbestos or is responsible for causing serious illnesses among customers. The company also plans to continue to appeal cases that it has lost.

Who Was Exposed?

Microscopic asbestos fibers cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. These fibers have been found in many types of products, including cements, drywall compounds, paper, rope, plastics, paints, sealants, powders and adhesives.

Most people who have suffered from known asbestos-related diseases are men in their 60s or older. The Mesothelioma Justice Network reports, “Miners and other manufacturing workers are most likely to be exposed to asbestos.”

Other high-risk jobs include:

• construction
• electricity generation
• firefighting
• military service
• shipbuilding

People who are exposed to airborne talc over long periods of time, such as workers who engage in talc mining for long hours, can inhale asbestos when proper safety protocols aren’t followed. Asbestos particles can also get absorbed into clothes and the skin, making their way into miners’ homes and potentially endangering family members.

When contaminated baby powder is applied to babies, it also puts not only the babies at risk, but also their caregivers, parents, siblings and daycare workers. Talc in the powder can become airborne when the powder is shaken and applied, putting anyone in close proximity in harm’s way for baby powder asbestos contamination.

Adults who apply baby powder to their bodies for various reasons, such as for antiperspirant and deodorant purposes, may also be at risk. For example, a number of lawsuits against J&J have been brought by women with ovarian cancer who say they regularly used baby power in this way.

While J&J remains firm that its current products are safe to use, it’s not clear if the real threats are products that have been used by consumers for the past six decades.

A number of plaintiffs have hired labs to test J&J products over the years. One of those labs found asbestos in a J&J shower product in the 1990s, while another lab found asbestos in more than half of multiple samples of baby powders from past decades.

Asbestos concentrations were found to be “great enough that users would have, more likely than not, been exposed,” according to Reuters.

How Worried Should You Be?

As of Oct. 23, 2019, the FDA says that it “stands by the quality of its testing and results and is not aware of any adverse events relating to exposure to the lot of affected products.” The FDA expects to issue the full results from all of its tests on cosmetic products by the end of 2019.

In the meantime, if you’ve recently purchased a 22-ounce bottle of J&J brand baby powder, then you’re safest option is to stop using it until more research from the FDA becomes available. Those who should be most worried are adults who have used baby powder on their infant children and who sprinkled it on themselves for years, especially if potential asbestos exposure from other causes (like a family member’s occupation) is a concern.

You can request a refund and find out more about the recall through J&J’s website.

J&J states on its website:

If you or someone you care for has bottle of Johnson’s Baby Powder Lot #22318RB, please discontinue use of the product. For additional information, contact our Johnson & Johnson Consumer Care Center by calling 1 (866) 565-2229. Please know that we are working diligently to resolve this matter. Additional information about our talc can always be found at our website, www.FactsAboutTalc.com.

Asbestos-related diseases typically take many years to become diagnosed. If you’ve experienced any signs or symptoms of asbestos exposure, such as trouble breathing or development of cancer, then speak with your doctor right away.

Conclusion

• Does Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder contain asbestos? In the U.S., the FDA is currently investigating J&J’s baby powder asbestos levels to find out.
• It’s not still clear whether use of baby powder can contribute to cancer, lung damage and disease. The reason it’s a possibility is because baby powder contains talc, which can potentially be contaminated with trace amounts of asbestos.
• Multiple baby powder asbestos lawsuits have been filed over the past several decades. While J&J continues to deny that its baby powder is contaminated or harmful, the company has settled some lawsuits with plaintiffs for millions of dollars.
• At this time it’s recommended that consumers stop using Johnson & Johnson baby powder, especially 22-ounce bottles sold over the past several years, until more is known about its safety and the risks of baby powder asbestos contamination are revealed.

The post Baby Powder Asbestos Dangers: Should You Worry? appeared first on Dr. Axe.

When we think about children’s mental health triggers, we tend to blame the strains of social media, overscheduling and trauma. And to be clear, those are all contributing factors. But a new study suggests what’s in the air could have acute impacts, too. And depending on the neighborhood you live in, the air children’s mental health-air pollution threat could be very real.

The latest alarm bells stem from a 2019 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. Researchers at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati found an association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and a spike in psychiatric disorders in children.

Although the pollution levels fell within an acceptable range according to the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, they still seemed to induce “psychiatric exacerbations” in children who were taken to the emergency department with symptoms of conditions like depression, schizophrenia and suicidality.

Major Takeaways of the Children’s Mental Health-Air Pollution Study

For this five-year study conducted in Cincinnati, researchers analyzed the connection between ambient air pollution and mental health disorders in children.

But let’s back up for one second. What is ambient air pollution, exactly? This is when atmospheric air contains potentially harmful pollutants emitted by industry, households, cars and trucks, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO warns that fine particulate matter in air pollution poses the greatest effects on human health. Most fine particulate matter comes from fuel combustion emitted from vehicles, power plants, households and more.

For the study, monitored and evaluated exposures to ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less.

Here are the major takeaways from the study:

• Researchers measured pediatric emergency room visits in Hamilton County, Ohio, during a five-year period. During this period, 13,176 pediatric psychiatric visits occurred.
• The most frequent categories of psychiatric conditions included depressive disorders, externalizing disorders, impulse control disorders, personality disorder, PTSD symptoms, schizophrenia and suicidality.
• Data indicates significant associations between an increase in ambient particulate matter and any psychiatric visit.
• When grouped by psychiatric encounter type, data shows that increased air pollution was significantly associated with emergency department visits related to schizophrenia on the same day of exposure, adjustment disorder and suicidality one day after exposure, and other mood disorders two days after exposure.
• Children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods proved to be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of air pollution, especially for mental health disorders related to anxiety and suicidal thoughts/plans. This suggests that pollution exposure and neighborhood stressors may have synergistic effects on mental health disorders.

Where Is It Coming From?

One of the scariest facts about this recent children’s mental health-air pollution study is that all daily exposures to air pollution registered below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The study measured what’s called “fine particulate matter” in the air. This type of air pollution is known to have the greatest effect on human health. It’s composed of inhalable particles made up of sulphate, ammonia, nitrates, black carbon, sodium chloride, mineral dust and water.

The smaller the particles get — like when they’re less than 2.5 microns, the greater the health risk after exposure. This is because smaller particles are more able to penetrate our lungs and enter the bloodstream.

According to the World Health Organization, the major sources of outdoor air pollution include the following:

• fuel combustion from cars, trucks and heavy duty vehicles
• industrial activities, such as building, mining and smelting
• heat and powder generation from power plants (both oil and coal) and boilers
• industrial facilities, including manufacturing factories, oil refineries and mines
• waste sites, both municipal and agricultural
• use of pollutant fuels for heating homes and cooking

Particulate matter is also present in indoor air pollution, from cooking, mold, household products, furnishings and paint.

Exposure to these types of air pollution are dangerous for all humans, but can be particularly harmful for children and adolescents.

Children are more likely to be exposed to air pollution because they generally spend more time outdoors, engaging in physical activity. And compared to adults, they breathe more air per pound of body weight.

What to Do About It

The EPA offers a few recommendations for people experiencing exposure to high levels of fine particle pollution.

1. People are advised to stay indoors in an area with filtered air and to keep activity levels low.
2. Using a HEPA air filtration to clean indoor air is proven to reduce fine particulate matter. If you don’t have a HEPA air filter at home, spend time in public spaces with filtered air, like a library or mall.
3. Pay attention to the Air Quality Index in your area (using AirNow.gov) so that you’ll know when to protect yourself from hazardous levels of ambient air pollution.

It’s also important to take steps to purify the air in your home, where children spend most of their time. You can do this by choosing environmentally friendly cleaning and beauty products, like the ones suggested by the Environmental Working Group.

Choosing organic and natural home furnishings will also help to reduce your exposure to pollutants. And adding houseplants that remove pollution to your home, like spider plants, jade plants and bromeliad, has show to reduce pollutants.

And finally, we need to shift toward cleaner energy and updated chemical regulations if we’re going to create a healthy work for our children.

Final Thoughts

• A recent study conducted in Cincinnati, Ohio suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution from particulate matter is associated with psychiatric emergency department visits in children and adolescents.
• Air pollution caused by fuel combustion, industrial activities, power generation and waste sites are contributing to a major air quality epidemic.
• Until our nation and world begins to implement effective guidelines for reducing air pollution, you can minimize your family’s exposure by using an air filter at home, choosing environmentally friendly household products and furnishings, and using houseplants that have proven to reduce pollutants. But ultimately we can’t solve this problem without widespread changes on the national and global scales.

The post The Children’s Mental Health-Air Pollution Clue We Can’t Ignore appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Rickets is a disease that affects your bones. It can develop when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D, calcium or phosphate. The condition primarily affects very young children during periods of fast growth. However, it can also affect adolescents.

Rickets due to vitamin D deficiency is preventable by getting enough vitamin D in your diet and having sun exposure. The condition is most common in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, but cases occur in developed nations as well.

Thankfully, rickets is usually preventable by getting sunshine and enough vitamin D in your diet. There are also other natural, helpful tips for preventing vitamin D deficiency and steps you can take to manage low vitamin D.

What Is Rickets?

Rickets is a bone disorder caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium or phosphate in the body.

Low vitamin D in the body makes it harder for your body to control calcium and phosphate levels. Over time, if you don’t have enough of those minerals in your blood, the body starts to take calcium and phosphate from the bones. This softens and weakens the bones. It can cause growth problems, pain, broken bones and deformities such as bowed legs or scoliosis.

The condition is most common in young children who are growing quickly and don’t have enough vitamin D to keep up with their needs. This creates problems with bone growth, and the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency become noticeable.

Rickets in adults is often called osteomalacia. Rickets and osteomalacia both cause the bones to leach calcium and phosphate due to vitamin D deficiency. This in turn causes the bone structure to soften. Since adults are done growing, they don’t usually have the same issues with stunting and bone deformity, but they often experience bone pain and easy breaks as a result of the condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Rickets symptoms often develop slowly and get worse over time, the longer your body is without the nutrients it needs.

Signs and symptoms of rickets include:

• Bone pain or tenderness, especially in the arms, legs, spine or pelvis
• Weakness that gets worse over time
• Loss of muscle strength
• Growth problems and short stature
• Cramps in the muscles
• Dental problems, such as delayed tooth growth, problems with tooth structure, holes in the tooth enamel or an increase in cavities
• Bones that break easily
• Skeletal deformities such as a large forehead or oddly shaped skull, bowed legs, knock knees, curved spine (scoliosis or kyphosis), pelvic deformities, pigeon chest (breastbone sticks out), thick wrists and ankles, wide elbows or a bumpy ribcage
• Large abdomen

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency or rickets should be addressed as soon as possible, particularly during childhood. Without prompt treatment, rickets can cause permanent short stature and bone deformities.

Rickets Causes and Risk Factors

The most common rickets cause is vitamin D deficiency. In most cases, the deficiency is caused by a diet low in vitamin D or too little time in the sun.

In rare cases, rickets is hereditary, or people may have a problem absorbing vitamin D, calcium or phosphate.

Risk factors for rickets include:

• Young age: Between six months and three years of age, children are at a high risk.
• Diets low in fish, eggs and dairy products: This is most common with vegetarian and vegan diets and people with lactose intolerance.
• Dark skin: Children of Middle Eastern, African and Pacific Islander descent are most likely to develop rickets since their skin makes less vitamin D in response to sunlight.
• Living in an area with little exposure to the sun or living a lifestyle where you are indoors during daylight hours: The less your skin is exposed to the sun (without sunscreen), the less vitamin D your body makes.
• Health conditions that interfere with the body’s absorption of nutrients such as vitamin D or phosphate: These include cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease and kidney problems, including kidney failure.
• Exclusively breastfed infants: In most cases, breast milk doesn’t offer enough vitamin D to prevent rickets in babies, especially if the mother and baby do not spend time in the sun.
• Vitamin D deficiency in a mother during pregnancy, or premature birth: Both of these scenarios increase the baby’s risk of rickets.

Diagnosis and Conventional Treatment

Rickets is usually diagnosed with the following checks and tests:

• A physical exam
• A health history and questions about your diet and habits
• X-rays to check the bones for curves, calcium loss and changes in the shape of bones
• Blood tests to check for low levels of phosphorus and calcium, as well as high levels of alkaline phosphatase
• Bone biopsies (rarely) to check the actual bone for rickets
• Urine tests for calcium

Rickets treatment depends on the cause. If your case is caused by a low vitamin D diet or lack of sun, you can expect a physician or nutritionist to carefully guide your dietary calcium and vitamin D intake, adjusting as needed. You may be told to take over-the-counter dietary supplements. Treatment usually lasts a few months, but many children start improving within a few weeks (or less) of getting enough vitamin D. You may also be told to get daily mid-day sun exposure without using sunscreen, although this is not officially recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics due to skin cancer risk.

If your rickets is caused by a metabolic problem, you may need a prescription-strength vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus supplement.

Depending on your current bone symptoms, you may also need bracing or positioning tools to help lessen or avoid deformities. In extreme cases, bone deformities may require surgery.

Once rickets is corrected, you should continue regular dietary vitamin D and, if recommended by your doctor, moderate sun exposure (15 minutes per day in bright sun) to avoid low vitamin D in the future. If you have hereditary rickets or rickets caused by absorption or metabolic problems, you may require lifelong supplements or other treatments.

5 Natural Ways to Improve Vitamin D Deficiency

Most people with rickets are children who will require the guidance of their parent and healthcare provider to improve their condition. Thankfully, most cases of rickets can be corrected with food and sun.

1. Get some sun

There are many health benefits from being outdoors. And in the case of rickets, spending time in the sun can help your body regain healthy vitamin D levels and maintain them (if your condition is caused by a deficiency). While there is some debate about how much sun exposure to encourage without sunscreen, most people can get enough vitamin D production to maintain healthy levels by having exposure during the brightest part of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for about 15 minutes, two or three times a week from May through October (at about 40 degrees latitude). Your arms, face and legs should be exposed without sunscreen. If your skin is dark, you may need more time; if you are fair-skinned, you need a little less. The important thing is just to avoid sunburn. There are many benefits to this type of moderate sun exposure:

• As long as you aren’t getting burned, sun exposure actually may have a protective effect against skin cancer.
• Sun exposure helps your body make vitamin D, a hormone that controls what your body does with calcium and phosphorus, among other things. This is how sun exposure helps your body recover from and avoid rickets.
• People with higher levels of sun exposure and vitamin D in their bodies are less likely to develop colon cancer and breast cancer.
• People with multiple sclerosis, prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma benefit from sun exposure independently from vitamin D levels.

Remember if you expect to be in the sun longer, you currently have a sunburn or you will be in intense sun and have not been acclimated to sun exposure, it is still important to use sunscreen.

2. Pour a glass of dairy milk

The addition of vitamin D to cow’s milk early in the 1900s was responsible for the near eradication of rickets in the United States. Most cow’s milk sold in the U.S. is still fortified with 400 IU of vitamin D per quart. Children who drink only non-cow’s milk beverages, such as nut, soy, rice or coconut milk, are more likely to develop a vitamin D deficiency.

If you do not need to avoid dairy for health reasons or dietary beliefs, consider incorporating dairy milk into your diet on a daily basis. This can increase your levels of vitamin D with little effort. Keep in mind that ice cream, butter, yogurt and other dairy products are usually not fortified with vitamin D.

Overall, some of the top food sources of vitamin D are fish, dairy milk (fortified), beef liver, eggs and caviar. Some of the top dietary sources of calcium include sardines, yogurt, milk and cheese. Top phosphorus sources are also proteins such as meat, as well as breads and cereals made from refined grains. Getting some of these top dietary sources for vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus in your daily diet can help you avoid rickets in most cases.

3. Incorporate more fish into your diet

Fish naturally contain vitamin D3, which our bodies can take up and use effectively. Typically, eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements are considered very simple ways to get more vitamin D in your diet. Speak to your healthcare provider about the ideal dose of fish oil or weekly fish intake for children.

• A study looking at the amount of vitamin D in fish samples and how much remained after baking or frying found that wild-caught salmon, Ahi tuna and farmed trout were the top sources of vitamin D. They retained nearly all of the vitamin D after baking but only about half of it when fried.
• In a small study of patients with Crohn’s disease, fish oil supplementation helped improve their vitamin D levels as well as their quality of life.
• Cod-liver oil has historically been the primary treatment for rickets, especially in areas with little sun. It can effectively begin to heal symptoms in many people.

4. Explore vegan sources of calcium and vitamin D

If you must avoid dairy, meat and fish due to dietary constraints, intolerance or food allergies, don’t distress — you can still get the nutrients you need from vitamin D foods!

• Top vegan options for vitamin D include:
  • Fortified cereal
  • Fortified orange juice
  • Mushrooms exposed to UV light
• Top vegan options for calcium include:
  • Kale (uncooked)
  • Okra (uncooked)
  • Bok choy
  • Almonds
  • Broccoli (uncooked) or broccoli rabe
  • Watercress
  • Collard greens
  • Edamame
  • Figs
  • Oranges
  • White beans
  • Acorn squash

5. Ask about regular supplement use

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends healthy infants, children and adolescents get at least 400 IU/day of vitamin D. To do so, they recommend:

• Breastfed infants should get vitamin D drops to supplement the breast milk, 400 IU/day, until they transition to at least one liter per day of fortified formula or cow’s milk (at 12 months).
• Infants who are not breastfed and other young children who do not drink a liter per day of fortified milk should either receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day or get other dietary sources of the vitamin.
• Adolescents should take a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day unless they drink four 8-ounce servings of fortified milk each day.
• Children who have rickets or a condition that puts them at risk for low vitamin D, such as kids taking anti-seizure medications or those who have problems absorbing nutrients, may need higher doses of vitamin D. In these cases, your child may need blood testing every three to six months to check vitamin D levels and adjust the daily supplement as needed.

The National Institutes of Health have additional guidance that varies by age and life situation. The total IU per day can come from food, supplements and sun exposure but should reach at these levels for most people:

• Babies up to one year of age should get 400 IU per day.
• Children ages one to 13 should get 600 IU per day.
• People ages 14–70 should get 600 IU per day.
• Adults 71 and older should get 800 IU per day.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should get 600 IU per day.

Rickets Prevention

Knowing what causes rickets also teaches us how to prevent rickets. The vitamin D deficiency at the root of most people’s rickets or osteomalacia diagnosis is a result of too little sun and too little dietary intake of vitamin D.

In these cases, prevention of rickets involves achieving and maintaining a healthy daily dose of sun or dietary vitamin D. This enables your body to make the hormone that works with calcium and phosphorus and can prevent the minerals leaching from your bones. In most cases, people can prevent rickets through adequate sunshine and the levels of daily vitamin D mentioned above.

For people with metabolic conditions or hereditary issues resulting in vitamin D deficiency, prevention may require extra supplementation or even a vitamin D pill that is prescription-strength. You may also need to take medications to control your related health condition, such as Crohn’s disease, to help your body function as well as possible and avoid rickets. People at risk for rickets and vitamin D deficiency caused by something other than poor diet or too little sun may need long-term monitoring by a healthcare professional. This can help clue you in to your levels and the right vitamin D doses to keep your bones healthy.

Precautions

• It is possible to get too much vitamin D. Before beginning a supplement to treat or prevent rickets, talk to a healthcare professional or pharmacist. Although vitamin D toxicity is rare, it can cause serious health problems. Toxicity is most likely to occur if you take more than 10,000 IU/day (especially 40,000 IU/day or higher) on a regular basis.
• Although sunshine is important and an easy way to get vitamin D, you should not put yourself at risk of sunburn. Protect your skin when you will be in intense sun or outside for long periods of time. If you burn easily, aim to get your required vitamin D levels through diet or supplements.
• Do not attempt to self-diagnose rickets or osteomalacia. Bone pain, broken bones, weakness and other symptoms of rickets can also be signs of other conditions. In addition, rickets may require more than just sunshine and vitamin D to correct. Always seek care from a health professional before beginning treatment.
• Without proper treatment, rickets can cause seizures and other serious problems. If the condition is not treated quickly, bone and dental problems, pain and deformity can be permanent. Always seek care promptly if you believe you or your child has a vitamin D deficiency.
• Without treatment, rickets can cause serious complications. These include:
  • Stunted growth
  • Curved legs or spine
  • Other bone deformities, such as bumps
  • Long-term dental problems
  • Seizures
  • Long-term bone pain
  • Broken bones even without reason

Final Thoughts

• Rickets is a skeletal disorder caused by low vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus.
• In most cases, the deficiency is caused by a lack of sun exposure and poor diet.
• It is rare in developed nations but is on the rise, likely due to the amount of time spent indoors and the increasing popularity of non-dairy drinks.
• Key symptoms of rickets include weak and soft bones that may break easily or cause pain. Muscles may also ache and skeletal deformities, such as a curved spine, protruding chest, bowlegs or thick wrists and ankles may develop.
• With proper treatment, signs and symptoms of rickets can start to resolve within a week. Some people may require more than just a dietary supplement or sunshine. Skeletal deformities may need surgery or bracing.

In general, however, rickets is a condition for which conventional and natural therapies are one and the same. Most cases can be resolved with sunshine and sufficient vitamin D in the diet or via supplements. In addition, there are ways to naturally improve low vitamin D levels and prevent rickets from returning:

1. Get some sun
2. Enjoy more dairy
3. Incorporate more fish into your diet
4. Explore vegan sources of calcium and vitamin D
5. Ask about regular supplement use

The post Rickets + 5 Natural Ways to Improve Vitamin D Deficiency appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic. And, it has significantly impacted the physical and psychological health of our nation’s children. Research shows that overweight and obese children are more likely to stay obese into adulthood. They also have a much higher risk of developing diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease at a younger age. (1)

Experts at the World Health Organization estimate that there are 43 million overweight children who are under the age of 5. By 2020, more than 60 percent of diseases worldwide will be directly associated with obesity. (2)

The WHO also reported that it’s not uncommon to find under-nutrition and obesity existing side-by-side. But how does this make sense? If you’re consuming so many calories in one day, aren’t you eating enough foods that your getting the nutrients you need? The truth is that childhood obesity stems from the consumption of empty calories, which supply little or no nutritional value. So, children in our country are overfed and under-nourished.

For young people, to treat obesity naturally, it’s important to lead by example and display healthy behaviors to your children at home. By cooking at home more often, encouraging your child to engage in daily physical activity and serving as a support system, you can help your child to get healthy and establish a positive relationship with food.

Childhood Obesity Facts

Being overweight or obese is defined as having abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that causes a risk to your health. Excess body fat is usually measured by body mass index (BMI). BMI measures your weight in relation to your height. For children and adolescents, a normal BMI depends on the young person’s age and gender.

If a child’s BMI is between the 85th and 94th percentiles of the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) growth charts, the child is overweight. When BMI is at or above the 95th percentile, the child is obese. Although using the BMI chart is not always the most accurate way to indicate if a child is overweight, it’s difficult to measure body fat. So, using these growth charts is how doctors will typically make a childhood obesity diagnosis. (3, 4)

According to research published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, “childhood obesity can profoundly affect children’s physical health, social and emotional well-being, and self esteem. It is also associated with poor academic performance and a lower quality of life experienced by the child.” (5) To give you an idea of how childhood obesity leads to health issues in adulthood, researchers at the CDC approximate that 1 in 3 children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in his or her lifetime. (6)

Many children today are consuming sufficient or even excessive food calories. But they still aren’t meeting the nutritional requirements put in place by the government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Researchers indicate that children ages 5–18 years are consuming approximately 720 to 950 empty calories every day. (7) Although they are consuming so many calories in a day, young people are still falling short of the recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables. Instead, their calories come from added fats and sugars, which have little nutritional value.

Pediatrics published a 2018 study that provided an updated insight on childhood obesity rates according to race and additional clarification on the state of obesity in the U.S. The results revealed that White and Asian American children have notably lower rates of obesity than Hispanic, African American or children of other races.

Additionally, children aged 2 to 5 years old showed a distinct increase in general obesity from 2015 to 2016. There was a significant increase in severe obesity among the same age group since the 2013 to 2014 cycle report. Overall, this study showed a clear, increasing trend for obesity and weight among children aged 2–19 years, primarily among adolescents. This study also noted that despite previous reports of obesity in children and adolescents remaining stable or decreasing and public health initiatives, there was no evidence available to confirm that decline or stabilization. (8)

Here are some noteworthy childhood obesity facts that have been highlighted in a scientific review published in the Industrial Psychiatry Journal (9):

• Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of premature death and disability in adulthood.
• Obese children often consume larger food portions, increased fat intake and fewer fruits and vegetables from an early age.
• Obese children spend less hours physically active than normal-weight children. And they spend more time watching TV, sitting at their computers or playing video games.
• A large number of children who are obese have obese parents.
• When food is used as a reward starting early in life, children tend to derive pleasure from it. This increases the risk of childhood obesity.
• For obese children, food tends to be a source of comfort.
• Many obese children lie about their food consumption and even hoard snack foods in their rooms.
• Obese children seem to eat more in the evening and at night, and less in the morning.
• These children seem to eat out of the home more often than normal-weight children.
• They also seem to have a preference for sweet foods like cookies, cake, ice cream and sweetened beverages.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

1. Portion Sizes

It might seem like an obvious statement, but it’s important to understand that portion size directly affects the amount of food consumed in one sitting. That means that you’re more likely to eat more food than you really need if the portion in front of you is bigger.

In the U.S., and many other countries today, there is a greater availability of large portions, coupled with value-size pricing. If you “supersize” your meal at a fast food joint, you are told that you’re saving money — basically, getting more for your buck. But you’re also consuming a lot more calories than your body needs, or can use, for energy. (10)

Research shows that the obesity rates have increased in parallel with increasing portion sizes. This goes for portion sizes of individually packaged foods, ready-to-eat prepared foods and meals served at restaurants.

A study conducted at Rutgers University compared the portions selected by young adults in 2006 to those selected 20 years earlier. Researchers found that typical portion sizes in the study tended to be significantly larger than those selected by young adults two decades ago. Portion distortion seems to play a role in this problem. Young adults are unaware of what appropriate portions look like. (11)

2. School Lunch

Are you letting the food industry feed your kids? If so, you may notice that the choices available to your kids at school aren’t exactly what you’d prefer for them to be eating during lunch. Yes, schools have to hit certain nutrition marks. But they are also allowed to use foods with artificial flavors and coloring, food additives, preservatives and emulsifiers.

The truth is that most of the foods available to your kids during school lunch are competitive foods and beverages, such as sweetened beverages, salty snacks like chips and sweets like candy, cookies and pastries. Kids commonly eat these foods instead of prepared school lunches because they are sold in nearby vending machines or snack stands. (12)

When your child does eat a prepared school lunch, he is hopefully being given a meal that meets the USDA’s strict guidelines under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. But, recently the new administration loosened the regulations, allowing for grains that aren’t 100 percent whole grain and more sodium in school meals.

3. Consumption of Sugary and Ultra-Processed Foods

One of the leading causes of obesity is the sugary and processed foods making up many children’s diets. Research shows that children today are eating more high-calorie, nutrient deficient foods and they are not consuming foods with vitamins, minerals and other healthy micronutrients. Eating sugary and processed snack foods that are low in micronutrients is directly associated with the rising prevalence of childhood obesity in the last decade. (13)

According to a 2011 study published in Pediatric Clinics, “14.6 percent of the total energy consumed by Americans aged 2 years and older comes from added sugars.” (14) Researchers agree that most of these added sugars are coming from sweetened beverages like soda and juices. A 2016 systematic analysis that involved over 20 studies found that the majority of studies support a positive association between sugar-sweetened beverages and the risk of obesity, especially among children. (15)

4. Absence of Healthy Fats

You may be surprised to learn that researchers have found that a diet rich in healthy fats is associated with a lower risk of developing obesity. For so many years, the public was told that fats cause weight gain. But recent studies indicate that the opposite is actually true, in the case of healthy fats.

The consumption of healthy fats has an inverse relationship with metabolic risk factors and obesity. This is because foods that contain healthy fats — like avocados, butter, wild-caught salmon, yogurt and coconut oil — are complex foods that provide many important nutrients, unlike sweetened or processed foods consumed by so many children today. (16)

5. Lack of Physical Activity

A large population of children and adolescents aren’t meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. The recommendation is at least one hour of physical activity every day. According to the CDC, among high school students, only 11 percent of girls and 24 percent of boys say they are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Only 30 percent claim that they attend daily physical education classes at school. (17)

Data shows that young people who are more physically active have lower levels of body fat than those who are less active. However, instead of running around outside, getting involved in sports or engaging in other types of physical activity, children are choosing more sedentary activities involving sitting for long periods of time.

For example, they’re playing video games, using smartphones or watching TV. In fact, for some kids, these devices are becoming an addiction and they are being used for multiple hours a day. Nomophobia, defined as the fear of being without a mobile device, has lead to a smartphone addiction that involves children (and adults) checking their phones several times an hour, for example. Some young people are even tapping their screen awake every few minutes and using their phones when they should be sleeping or doing homework. (18)

Nomophobia, defined as the fear of being without a mobile device, has lead to a smart phone addiction…for example, is a smartphone addiction that involves children (and adults) checking their phones several times an hour. Some young people are even tapping their screen awake every few minutes and using their phones when they should be sleeping or doing homework.

6. Stress (On Children and Parents)

Children with obesity face psychological issues like stress, anxiety and even depression. Researchers show that many obese children experience separation anxiety when they are separated from their parents and they feel anxiety about their weight and food habits. Adolescents become stressed and anxious about their weight and resort to crash dieting, which leads to them eating even more.

Sometimes, obese children and adolescents can be bullied or ridiculed because of their weight, even by their friends and parents. This leads to even more feelings of stress, anxiety, depression and worthlessness. These feelings lead to children resorting to food for comfort and inevitably, even more weight gain. (19)

Stress on the parents can also contribute to childhood obesity, according to a 2012 study published in Pediatrics. Researchers found parent stressors were related to fast-food consumption.

This connection is an important indicator of childhood obesity. Stressful events or situations experienced by parents often result in negative physiologic and psychological responses. When dealing with these stressors, parents tend to spend less time with their children and use less effective parenting approaches, according to the study. This, in turn, leads to less supervision of children as they make unhealthy food and activity choices.

Parents under stress may find it difficult to shop for and prepare healthy meals throughout the week. And, data shows that they are less likely to serve fruits and vegetables in the home. Instead, stressed parents seem to rely on fast food and there’s an increased consumption of sugary and processed foods. (20)

7 Solutions for Childhood Obesity

1. Start with a Healthy Breakfast

Did you know that skipping breakfast can actually lead to weight gain? Studies indicate that regular breakfast consumption will reduce the risk of childhood obesity and improve a child’s physical activity behaviors.

Children need breakfast to fuel their bodies and give them energy throughout the day. Without a proper breakfast, children and adolescents will feel fatigued. They will be less likely to engage in physical activity that burns calories. Plus, when they do finally eat a full meal, they will be so hungry that they choose larger portions and consume more calories. (21)

Research also shows the positive benefits of breakfast programs that are in place at schools for low-income families. Providing children with a well-balanced breakfast improves their test scores and leads to better attendance. Breakfast programs also improve classroom attentiveness and behavior. (22)

A healthy breakfast contains protein, fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. Avoid serving children foods that are processed and contain added sugars, like cereals marketed to children. Use some of these healthy breakfast recipes for ideas.

2. Pack School Lunches

To fight childhood obesity and even improve your child’s focus and test scores, opt for a brown bag lunch. A 2009 study published in Preventing Chronic Disease found that adolescents who usually brought their lunch from home 5 days per week “ate fast food on fewer occasions, consumed fewer servings of soda, fried potatoes and high-sugar foods, and ate more fruits and vegetables compared with adolescents who never brought their lunch to school.” (23)

Plan, shop for and prepare meals with your son or daughter. Let your child become part of the decision making. Allow her to choose her own healthy foods to incorporate into her school lunches. This will get her excited about eating healthy foods she already loves. She may be willing to try some new foods, too.

Looking for a few healthy packed lunch suggestions? Try an almond butter and banana sandwich on Ezekiel bread, egg salad wrapped in a sprouted grain tortilla or organic, nitrate-free lunch meat on brown rice or Ezekiel bread. For snacks, try an antioxidant trail mix, hummus with carrot sticks or guacamole with sliced bell peppers. I bet these fresh, homemade lunches will be much more satisfying for your child.

3. Get Involved at School

You stay on top of what your child is learning at school. You ask him what he learned that day, help him with his homework and communicate with his teacher about his progress. Doesn’t it make sense to ask your child about what he ate that day? What food was offered and did he like it? Did it make him feel energetic afterwards or groggy?

Your child spends a majority of his day at school, with his teachers and the school staff. At school, he is learning behaviors, including how and what to eat. If you’re practicing healthy eating at home, but processed foods are served every day at school, then your child receives mixed signals. Until healthy school lunches are the norm, you need to be an advocate for your child. Get involved at school and fight for healthy lunches.

Plus, school is a great place for your child to learn about healthy foods, what they can do for his body and mind, and why certain foods make you feel good while others make you feel lousy. Studies show that in the fight against childhood obesity, a multidisciplinary approach in schools that involves the children’s family, too, is the most feasible and effective approach. Teachers and parents are the best role models. Together, they can more easily guide the children to become healthier. (24)

4. Cook Meals at Home

Eating more meals away from home puts children at a greater risk of becoming obese. This is especially true if they are eating high-calorie fast or processed foods that parents turn to on busy days. Research shows that families spend about 40 percent of their food dollars on food away from home. At these establishments, often children are served portions that are too large and too high in calories. (25)

To help your child lose or maintain his weight, prepare most meals at home. Also, eat together as a family as often as possible. Cook meals for your family using high protein foods, healthy fats and anti-inflammatory foods like leafy green vegetables and fruits packed with antioxidants.

5. Limit TV Time

When your child is in front of the TV, he’s probably sitting or lying down, doing very little or no physical activity. Sometimes, parents let their children watch TV for hours without prompting them to go outside, run around, play a game or get creative. Not only does too much TV time mean too little exercise and too much time being sedentary, it also means that your child is being exposed to advertisements that are promoting the exact foods that are contributing to our childhood obesity epidemic.

A study conducted by the American Public Health Association found that across North and South America, Western Europe, Asia and Australia, children are exposed to high volumes of television advertising for unhealthy foods with little nutritional value and too many calories. Researchers found that among the food commercials, 54–87 percent were for unhealthy foods. Also, most of these commercials involved persuasive marketing techniques. For example, using popular promotional characters that appeal to children. (26)

6. Make Time for Physical Activity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. The CDC encourages young people to exercise regularly to decrease the likelihood of developing childhood obesity, reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote mental health, and build strong bones and muscles.

These benefits of exercise will boost your child’s self esteem and help him to reach his weight loss goals. Young people should spend one or more hours running around, playing sports and engaging in other types of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities every day. (27) Here are some great ways that your child can become more active:

• playing sports like soccer, basketball and tennis
• swimming
• running
• hiking
• brisk walking
• dancing
• jumping
• skipping
• bike riding
• skateboarding
• rollerblading
• practicing gymnastics
• practicing karate
• doing yoga
• doing push-ups and pull-ups
• climbing a tree
• playing on a jungle gym

7. Be Supportive and Show by Example

Obese children and adolescents experience stress and anxiety over their weight and how their parents, siblings and peers perceive them. Addressing the psychological issues related to obesity is just as important as changing a child’s diet. Never put your child down about his or her weight.

Instead, explain your concerns and present a game plan. If you plan to feed your child healthier foods and make time for physical activity, you should do it too!

Sit down to eat a healthy meal together. Shop for food and look through recipe books or blogs together. Engage in physical activity together by hiking, running, going to the beach and swimming or bike-riding. It’s also a good idea to practice daily stress relievers, like yoga and meditation.

If you are having trouble dealing with your child’s anxiety about his or her weight, seek the help of a professional. A services health coach or therapist can be extremely beneficial.

Final Thoughts

• Childhood obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and experts at the World Health Organization estimate that there are 43 million overweight children who are under the age of 5 and by 2020 more than 60 percent of diseases developed worldwide will be directly associated with obesity..
• There are many causes of childhood obesity. These include large portion sizes, unhealthy school lunches, consumption of sugary and processed foods, the absence of healthy fats, a lack of physical activity and stress on both children and parents.
• Luckily, there are natural solutions for fighting childhood obesity. Cooking and preparing meals at home are the best ways to treat childhood obesity. It’s extremely important to encourage physical exercise, get involved at school and serve as a support system for your child.

The post Childhood Obesity Causes + 7 Natural Solutions appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are neurological and behavior-related conditions that cause difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness and excessive energy.

Individuals with ADHD symptoms not only have a challenge in concentrating, but have a challenge sitting still. Those with ADHD are typically more disruptive than individuals with ADD.

ADHD often has an onset age of 7, but this disorder can continue through teen years and well into adulthood. It’s estimated that ADHD affects 9 percent of American children between the ages of 13 and 18 and over 4 percent of adults. (1)

According to the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health, “the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD is increasing, but it is unclear why.” Most physicians and research indicate the increase in ADHD is directly linked to the food that children eat, how they sleep and even how they breath.

In fact, recent research suggests that sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disturbances and sleep-disordered breathing (including mouth breathing) may lead to the induction of ADHD-like symptoms. (2)

Researchers suggest that the long-term consequences of ADHD include dire psychological, educational and psychiatric consequences. Early diagnosis and intervention are important factors in preventing the debilitating effects of this condition.

Root Causes of ADD/ADHD

According to several international studies, ADHD has a genetic link. In addition, there are environmental factors, and dietary concerns that many researchers believe increase the risk and in many cases, worsens the symptoms.

Refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and chemical food additives, nutritional deficiencies, preservatives and food allergies are all causes of ADD/ADHD.

In children, a partial cause is related to a lack of interest or forcing children to learn in a manner to which they are not geared to learn. Some children learn better by seeing or doing (kinesthetic), rather than by hearing.

Symptoms of ADD/ADHD

The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from individual to individual, depending on environment, diet and other factors.

Children may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms of ADHD/ADD: (3)

• Difficulty in concentrating and diminished focus
• Easily distracted
• Easily bored
• Difficulty organizing or completing tasks
• Prone to losing things
• Doesn’t listen
• Difficulty in following instructions
• Fidgety behavior, squirming
• Extreme difficulty being still and/or quiet
• Impatience

Adults may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms of ADD/ADHD: (4)

• Difficulty focusing and concentrating on a task, project, or conversation
• Overwhelming emotional and physical restlessness
• Frequent mood swings
• Prone to anger and a hot temper
• Disorganized
• Low tolerance of people, situations, and surroundings
• Unstable relationships
• Increased risk for addiction (5)

The most common treatment of ADD/ADHD today is using medications such as Ritalin and Adderall, both of which have been linked to suicidal thoughts and personality changes. Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant, that can cause nervousness, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, vomiting, an increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and even psychosis. (6)

Adderall is an amphetamine that is highly addictive with prolonged use. Side effects include tremors, hallucinations, muscle twitches, high blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeats, and extreme mood swings. (6b)

With these side effects, it is easy to see why so many people are seeking effective natural remedies for ADHD. The good news is there are natural remedies for ADD/ADHD that are both effective and without the scary side effects of prescription medications, and this includes following an ADHD diet.

Top 5 Natural Remedies for ADHD

While I believe that incorporating new foods into the diet alongside eliminating dangerous triggers foods are important, these five supplements represent key natural remedies for ADHD.

1. Fish Oil (1,000 milligrams daily)

Omega-3 supplements have been shown to benefit ADHD patients, as the EPA/DHA in fish oil are critical for brain function and are anti-inflammatory. Supplementation has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve learning.

2.  B-Complex (50 milligrams daily)

Children with ADHD may need more B-vitamins to help with the formation of serotonin, especially vitamin B6.

3. Multi-Mineral Supplement (including zinc, magnesium and calcium)

I recommend that anyone with ADHD take 500 milligrams calcium, 250 milligrams of magnesium and 5 milligrams zinc twice daily.  All play a role in relaxing the nervous system and a deficiency may exacerbate symptoms.

4. Probiotic (25–50 billion units daily)

ADHD may be connected to digestive issues, therefore taking a good quality probiotic daily will help maintain intestinal health.

5. GABA (250 milligrams twice daily)

A calming amino acid, ask your doctor before taking GABA, as it can interact with other medications.

Bonus ADD/ADHD Remedy

Rhodiola Rosea has been proven effective at improving the focus of both adults and children. It works by increasing the sensitivity in the neurological and nervous system that produce serotonin and dopamine, which are both essential for effective ADHD symptom control.

Essential Oils for ADHD

According to a study conducted by Dr. Terry Friedmann, essential oils of vetiver and cedarwood are very effective in improving focus and calming down children with ADHD. (7)

For memory and concentration, rosemary and peppermint oils have been shown to improve alertness while enhancing memory. For a calming effect, Ylang Ylang and lavender are effective, while frankincense brings emotional wellness, clarity and heightened cognitive function.

Top Foods for ADHD

Additive-free, Unprocessed Foods — Due to the toxic nature of food additives, it is best to eat unprocessed, whole foods. Additives including artificial sweeteners, preservatives and colorings that exist within processed foods may be especially problematic for those with ADD/ADHD.

Foods High in B-Vitamins — B vitamins help maintain a healthy nervous system. Make sure to include organic wild animal products and lots of green leafy vegetables in your diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin B6 is needed for the body to make and use essential brain chemicals including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

In fact, one preliminary study has found that B6 is slightly more effective than Ritalin in improving behavior! (8) Incorporate wild tuna, bananas, wild salmon, grass-fed beef and other foods rich in vitamin B6 for the improvement of ADHD.

Poultry — Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body to synthesize proteins and aid in the production of serotonin. Serotonin plays significant roles in sleep, inflammation, emotional moods and much more. In many individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD, imbalances in serotonin levels has been indicated according to the University of Michigan Health System. (9) Serotonin is related to impulse control and aggression, two of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Eat Breakfast — For some people, and especially those with ADHD, breakfast helps the body properly regulate blood sugar and stabilize hormone fluctuations. Eat a breakfast that contains at least 20 grams of protein.

Wild-Caught Salmon — Not only is it rich with vitamin B6, it’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a clinical trial indicated that lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids had more learning and behavioral problems (like those associated with ADHD) than boys with normal levels of omega 3s. (11) Individuals, including children, should consume wild salmon at least twice per week.

ADHD Foods to Avoid

Sugar — This is the primary trigger for most children, and some adults with ADHD. Avoid any forms of concentrated sugar including candy, desserts, soda or fruit juices.

Gluten — Some researchers and parents report worsening behavior when their child eats gluten, which may indicate sensitivity to the protein found in wheat. Avoid all foods made with wheat such as bread, pasta and wheat cereal.  Look for gluten-free or even grain-free alternatives.

Conventional Dairy — Most cow milk dairy contains A1 casein that can trigger a similar reaction as gluten and therefore should be eliminated. If problematic symptoms arise after eating dairy, discontinue use. Goat’s milk, however, does not contain the protein and is a better option for many individuals with ADD/ADHD.

Food Coloring and Dyes — Children with ADHD can be sensitive to a variety of food dyes and colorings, therefore all processed foods should be avoided. Coloring and dyes appear in nearly every commercially processed food. Food dyes can be found in sports drinks, candy, cake mixes, chewable vitamins and even toothpaste!

Caffeine — While some studies have shown that caffeine may help with some ADHD symptoms, it is wise to minimize or avoid caffeine, as these studies have not been validated. In addition, the side effects of caffeine, including loss of loss, anxiety, and nervousness, can contribute to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. (12)

MSG and HVP — These two additives are believed to decrease dopamine levels in both children and adults. Dopamine is associated with the brain’s pleasure and reward systems. For individuals suffering with ADD/ADHD, balanced levels of dopamine are essential.

Nitrites — Commonly found in lunchmeat, canned foods and many processed foods, nitrites are linked to an increase of childhood type 1 diabetes, certain types of cancer and IBS. In addition, it can cause rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing and restlessness that worsen ADHD symptoms.

Artificial Sweeteners — Artificial sweeteners are just bad for your health, but for those living with ADHD, the side effects can be devastating. Artificial sweeteners create biochemical changes in the body, some of which can harm cognitive function and emotional balance.

Soy — Soy is a common food allergen and can disrupt hormones that cause ADHD.

Personal Food Sensitivities/Allergens — Eliminate the top seven allergens, including soy, wheat and conventional dairy mentioned above, as well as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and shellfish. In addition, eliminate any foods or beverages that are personal allergens. This might include papaya, avocados, bananas and kiwis (for those with latex allergies) and/or coriander, caraway or fennel (all from the same family) and/or chocolate.

Lifestyle Changes for Children with ADHD

The challenge for the parents of a child with ADD/ADHD is not only to find an effective natural remedies for ADHD and ADD, but also to create an environment that supports their creativity and spurs learning. Here are some lifestyle changes that may help.

Show Affection (and Ask for It) — Children living with ADHD need reassurance they aren’t a bad child. If you only respond to the negative behaviors, it can trigger more negative behaviors. Find ways to compliment your child while holding them accountable for their actions. Remember, they are more than just the behaviors of ADHD. Give them the chance to “WOW” you.

Provide Opportunities for Success— A child knows when you are truly excited and happy for them. Provide them with opportunities where they can succeed. Engage them in creative activities such as painting and sketching. Many top art competitions in the world have “quick sketch” competitions that force artists to provide their best work in 30 to 45 minutes. Celebrate your child’s focus and creative spirit in these types of challenges.

Regular Physical Exercise and Outdoor Playtime — For children with ADHD, burning some of the excess energy of the day can help to balance hormone levels and provide your child with the building blocks for healthy bones and muscles.

Create a Child-Friendly Organizational System — Find the methods of organization that work best for your child. This may include a notebook with a checklist of daily “to dos,” a chart on the wall, or reminders in their smartphone or tablet. Teach them how to prioritize tasks including schoolwork, home chores, exercise and fun activities.

Teach Your Child to Cook — Since ADD/ADHD is linked to the foods consumed and has a genetic link, it is essential that your child learn what foods cause ADD/ADHD and which ones can cure it. Spend time with your child exploring interesting ways to cook wild fish, grass-fed beef, free-range poultry and fresh fruits and vegetables. Engage them in the menu planning and cooking process, and the dietary changes recommended above will be significantly easier to implement.

Establish Healthy Sleep Patterns — According to research published in Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, sleep deprivation and disturbances to your circadian rhythm can contribute to the onset or intensity of ADHD symptoms. Plus, researchers point out that the long-term consequences of sleep problems in individuals with ADHD include obesity, poor academic performance and disrupted parent-child interactions. (13)

If your child is struggling with a sleep disorder or constantly waking in middle of the night, consider natural interventions such as melatonin, light therapy and relaxation techniques. It’s also important to establish a nighttime routine that involves sticking to the same bedtime and wake-up time every day.

Avoid Mouth Breathing — Research out of Japan shows that individuals who habitually breathe through the mouth are more likely than those who breath through the nose to have ADHD and sleep disorders. This is due to a difference in oxygen load in the brain, which can adversely affect brain function in both children and adults. Mouth breathing causes an increased oxygen load to the prefrontal cortex, thereby causing central fatigue and sleep disturbances. (14)

Why might children breathe through their mouths instead of their noses? The main cause of mouth breathing is obstructed nasal airways. To avoid mouth breathing, you can use nasal dilators that help to decrease airflow resistance or your child can wear a face mask at night that’s called continuous positive air pressure therapy (CPAP). Talk to your child’s pediatrician about these options.

Lifestyle Changes for Adults with ADHD

Create an Organizational System That Works for You — There is no one organization solution that works for everyone. Find the system that works best for you. A simple pen and paper checklist may be what some need, while others will need a more technical application that could include setting automatic reminders, prioritizing tasks and more.

Use Technology to Your Advantage — There are a variety of apps available for smartphones and tablets for productivity. These tools can help you to plan ahead and prioritize tasks. In addition, consider noise-cancelling headphones to help stave off the distractions in your home or office.

Exercise — Regular exercise not only helps build muscles and bone, but helps to relieve stress. In addition to your regular exercise routine, try something that engages your “fun” gene too. Dance, martial arts, playing tennis or volleyball, are all great ways to burn calories, balance hormones and reduce stress.

Get More Sleep — Recent research shows that sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disturbances are associated with the induction of ADHD symptoms. For adults struggling with a sleep disorder, melatonin foods and supplements, light therapy and neurofeedback therapy may help to alleviate ADHD symptoms. (15)

Also, sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting daily exercise and practicing relaxation techniques can help you to get the rest you need. If you do not have a sleep disorder, but need to change your sleep habits, focus on establishing routine bed times that allow for at least seven hours of sleep per night and turn off technology 45 minutes prior to sleep.

The dietary changes, supplements and recommended lifestyle changes above will help you conquer ADD/ADHD. The solutions above are equally effective for children and adults alike.

For many people, removing the ADD/ADHD trigger foods and replacing them with healthy foods that naturally fight ADD/ADHD will dramatically help treat this common neurological and behavioral disorder. Remember, detoxing from years of chemicals and unhealthy foods takes some time. Stick with the program above and kick ADD/ADHD for good!

The post Top 5 Natural Remedies for ADHD (Plus, Key Lifestyle Changes) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Millions of parents are seeking answers and assistance when their children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. Parents are not often told that chiropractic care offer benefits for autism, even as autism rates continue to increase. Can a holistic chiropractor help autism? In short, yes, it can!

As you most likely know, the spectrum of cognitive issues and symptoms for those diagnosed with autism is a big area. There is no easily definable one plan helps most or even one description fits most!

Most parents looking for answers are told to not expect too much from their child and to see a therapist.

It’s true that early intervention can help tremendously, and those early measures should include chiropractic care, but often parents don’t hear about this choice until much later.

Common Signs of Autism

Most parents notice changes in early childhood, often by 6 months of age. Common signs of autism are:

• speech delay or speech regression
• sensitivity to sound or to certain noises
• a delay in normal childhood markers, such as walking
• no reciprocal gestures, such as not responding to peek-a-boo games
• an infant 6 months of age or older that does not smile or has stopped smiling

These are just a few examples of some early signs of autism. 

What Causes Autism?

This can be a very volatile subject, but the fact remains that scientists don’t know the exact cause of this disorder.

Some believe this issue it is genetic, others that it is caused by toxins in the environment that the mother is exposed to while pregnant, while other researchers state it is a combination of reasons.

Scientists know that autism involves the brain and nervous system. Since chiropractic care involves uniting both, including relief from stress and pain, it only makes sense that a chiropractic care can improve quality of life for their patients.

Some doctors are quick to point out that almost every child with autism has digestive issues. Could it be that a mix-up or imbalance in the bacteria in the digestive tract plays a role? Is this the cause or another symptom? This is also an area that needs to be investigated and studied.

Most parents with autistic children have tried various diets, including restrictions on certain types of foods (such as the ketogenic diet, which puts strict limits on the consumption of carbohydrates, or gluten-free diets), vegan diets, all-natural diets, the removal of sugar, food dyes and dairy products. Almost all parents also report some type of improvement, regardless of which diet they have tried.   

Why Chiropractors Are Ignored in This Area

Chiropractors are generally ignored when it comes to children with autism for the same reasons some parents don’t bring their children to a chiropractor; most parents believe children don’t need or won’t benefit from chiropractic care. 

A great many people believe chiropractors only work with back and neck pain. They don’t understand how a holistic chiropractor can help any child, let alone help one with autism.(Read what Dr. Axe has to say about the researched benefits of chiropractic adjustments.) What does “cracking your back” have to do with children or autistic children?

The National Academy of Science suggested in one chapter that children would benefit from a minimum of 25 hours a week of therapy as soon as they are diagnosed with autism. (1) As stated in their report, starting therapeutic programs as early as 3 years of age have an immense benefit to children.

The Academy notes in their 2016 report that 80 percent of autistic patients are speaking by age 9. Compare this to 20 years ago when the number of autistic children able to speak and communicate effectively was less than 50 percent.

A Chiropractor’s Role in the Natural Treatment of Autism

You might still ask yourself what this has to do with chiropractic care and how can a chiropractor help a child with autism.

First, let’s talk for a minute about the what chiropractic work is. Most people think of “cracking” a back or popping your neck “back into place.” While this is partially true, it’s like saying that the only thing surgeons do is cut you open and stitch the wound closed.

Chiropractic care looks at the importance of the central nervous system and the spine that the nervous system runs through. Like a giant freeway system, the nervous system of the body controls every organ, every feeling and every thought process.

To give you a better idea of how this works, imagine that your brain is a warehouse and that all other parts of your body are stores that need supplies. Your nervous system is the roadway that trucks (electrical impulses) travel on. When one store is empty or is damaged, it sends the information down the road. The warehouse responds with proper action.

When the road is damaged, the information cannot be sent, or it cannot be understood and there is no response from the warehouse (the brain) or the signal is ignored because the brain does not understand.

Chiropractic care aligns the spine and joints so that proper communication can take place. Chiropractors are doctors, going to school for a minimum of eight years, and must pass several exams before they get a license. (Read “What Is a Chiropractor?” for more information.) Their specialized training allows them to find and correct spinal dysfunction.

What Benefits Can a Chiropractor Offer the Child with Autism?

Chiropractic care works by improving the function or communication between the spine and the central nervous system, thereby rectifying the function of every single organ and every single aspect of the entire body.

A chiropractor can help children with autism by improving neurological function. The autonomic nervous system of the body is designed to protect people with certain automatic responses. A common response is the “fight or flight” mode. When sensing danger, the body locks out all other stimuli to make the decision to fight or flee. Sometimes, due to a misaligned spine, the mind gets stuck in this mode, frozen, if you will, leaving the person unable to respond. 

Most sensory activity is located along the spinal column. Chiropractic care improves the processing of information, like the highway we mentioned earlier, by allowing communication to flow freely.

When you adjust the structure of the body, it often leads to very real, long-lasting results without drugs, without surgery. It’s why chiropractic adjustments are considered part of a natural treatment regimen for autism.

Coordination and balance are also sensory systems that are found in the inner ear and spine. Adjustments improve motor skills by allowing the body and mind to connect through improved pathways of communication.

Scientists note children with autism suffer from some type of neurological interference, which prevents the pathways from communicating. Chiropractic care isn’t so much about recovery, but more about improving the quality of life for these children. Chiropractic adjustments offer them an added source of release from pent-up frustrations and stress autistic children feel from their inability to communicate with others.

There is a wide variety of issues for which chiropractic care has been beneficial for children, including stopping recurrent ear infections, headaches, immune system improvement, nursing problems, migraines and asthma. A diagnosis of autism is simply another mind/health issue that chiropractors can treat.

At Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Anchorage, we don’t treat autism, per se. Chiropractic care cannot reverse autism. We do, however, treat children who have autism as a part of an overall holistic health program.

Other natural treatments that have helped autistic children involve a gluten-free diet, an all-natural diet high in fruits and vegetables, probiotics, Ayurvedic massage and acupressure. 

You can also speak with your chiropractor about detoxification and nutritional information and how it might benefit your child.

Chiropractic Autism Success Stories

Dr. Matthew McCoy published a study in 2013 in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research about a three-year-old girl with autism who suffered from a variety of symptoms, including headaches, vomiting, insomnia and delayed motor skills. (2) After one month of chiropractic care, this child had vast improvements in most areas, including autism-related issues, such as making eye contact and improved development.

The Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics systematically reviewed literature involving 11 case studies that involved autistic children. (3) In their remarks, it was stated that chiropractic care had a positive impact on all subjects. This review was published in December 2016.

In May 2001, a study was discussed at the World Federation of Chiropractic Congress where a 5-year-old male child with autism was given chiropractic care. (4) The parents stated that they saw a tremendous improvement in their child after only two weeks.

Most success stories are anecdotal and can be found on popular social media sites, such as Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter, or in news stories, such as this blog featured in the Chicago Tribune.

How Long Before Results Show?

Everyone is different, including those with autism. Some children show improvement after just one adjustment. Other children, such as the 3-year-old listed above, took about 30 days. The 5-year-old listed in success stories? A mere two weeks.

Assisting Your Chiropractor

If you decide to try chiropractic care for your child, you can help the doctor by speaking with them first, without your child being present, so you can explain your concerns and ask questions without being worried about your child becoming upset.

You and the doctor should agree on some verbal cues or hand signals so you know what to expect and can have the doctor end the session if your child is becoming overly stressed.

Most autistic children thrive on routine, so it’s best to make appointments at the same time of day and at regular intervals.

Almost all children like the way they feel after an adjustment, which should make a return appointment an easy situation.

Only you can decide if chiropractic care is right for your child. If you are still unsure or have questions that this article did not answer, please do not hesitate to make an appointment and speak with a chiropractor.  

Dr. Brent Wells is one of the leading chiropractors in Anchorage who believes in treating people the way he would want to be treated. Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Wells received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada and his Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree from Western States Chiropractic College. He, his wife Coni, and their three children live in and enjoy the great outdoors in Alaska. Dr. Wells volunteers for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Foundation and can be found hiking or rollerblading when he isn’t playing his guitar.

The post Benefits of Chiropractic Care and Autism: the Untold Story appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Does your child complain about knee pain? Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common health condition found in growing adolescents, usually those who are experiencing growth spurts. It can be worrying, but when diagnosed and managed well, it can be treated and dealt with in the patient. Here’s what you need to look for, and the natural remedies that will help treat it.

What Is Osgood-Schlatter Disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition where the patient experiences knee pain, as a result of growth spurts that change the composition of the knee rapidly. (1) Like scoliosis, it’s most often diagnosed in childhood. It affects the growth plates in the knee, which are areas of cartilage at the end of the bones. Some of these growth plates are attachment sites for tendons in the knee. The tibial tubercle covers the end of the tibia bone, and a group of muscles called the quadriceps are attached to this site.

When children are active, the movement of the knee causes tendons to pull on the tibial tubercle, which can cause it to become inflamed and more noticeable. It will also cause pain in the joint, until it is treated.

Signs and Symptoms

How can you tell if your knee pain is related to this condition? Here are the Osgood-Schlatter disease symptoms that you need to watch out for:

• Knee pain and tenderness at the tibial tubercle
• Swelling at the tibial tubercle
• Tight muscles at the front or the back of the thigh

The main symptom is pain, which will be worse when you’re moving, and will improve with rest. You’ll develop a small, bony lump just under your kneecap. This will be permanent, but over time, it will become painless. (2)

Can Osgood-Schlatter go away?

In most cases of the disease, Osgood-Schlatter will go away on its own, once you finish growing. This will most often leave you with the small bony lump under your kneecap, but it will become painless. (3)

Is Osgood-Schlatter disease permanent?

In the vast majority of cases, no, it is not. In the small minority of cases, adults may still suffer from the condition as they grow older. This can be treated though, so no matter how old you are, the disease isn’t permanent.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease Causes and Risk Factors

The biggest risk factor for getting Osgood-Schlatter disease is in simply being young. Children experiencing growth spurts in their teenage years are at risk for the disease as their bones and muscles are still developing. (4)

You’re more at risk if you’re particularly active. This is because the more activity you’re doing, the more your tendons are pulling on the tibial tubercle, causing the inflammation and pain. School sports and gym activities are the main culprits for causing Osgood-Schlatter disease. If you’re involved in sports as a young person, then you’ll want to keep an eye out for this condition. It’s common, and so you’re at risk for developing it.

Osgood-Schlatter disease in adults is less common, but does still occur. (5) It’s usually a continuation of the condition from when the patient was a child. More often than not though, the condition goes away once the patient has stopped growing and the growth plates harden.

Conventional Treatment

When you’re diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease, there can be some worry. What can Osgood- Schlatter lead to? As already discussed, the condition often goes away on its own, as the patient grows up. In some circumstances, Osgood-Schlatter disease surgery can be needed if the bones and tendons don’t heal correctly. This is quite rare, though, as most patients find that it heals on its own.

In conventional treatment, usually the condition is treated with over-the-counter painkillers to help manage the pain when the joint has been used recently. (6)

If the patient wants to minimize the problems they’re experiencing with their knee, then they can use ice packs to reduce swelling around the joint both before and after exercise. RICE, or rest, ice, compression, and elevation, can all help reduce the symptoms when you’re having a flare-up. Many sufferers use this in between games or activities, to ensure that they’re not doing further damage to their joints.

Do knee braces help Osgood-Schlatters? A good brace can help reduce pain and swelling when your knee is being used. Wearing one when you’re resting, or during athletic activity, can help reduce your symptoms.

7 Natural Remedies for Osgood-Schlatter Disease Symptoms

What is the best way to treat Osgood-Schlatter disease naturally? There are a few natural remedies you can try to relieve the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease, if you’re looking for alternatives. Here are a few that you should try out for yourself:

1. Try an Epsom salt bath

There are some natural options to over-the-counter painkillers that you can try. For example, soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a good way to relieve the pain in your joints, especially your knee. (7) 

2. Ingest more collagen

Collagen is the material that allows you to move your joints with ease — meaning you can move your joints smoothly without pain. If you take in more collagen, then studies indicate that it can help with activity-related joint pain. (8) Think of it like fixing a creaky hinge: if you’re adding more grease, then the joint should move more smoothly!

3. Use peppermint oil

Peppermint essential oil can be used to help treat Osgood-Schlatter disease. It’s known to be an effective natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. Studies have indicated it’s particularly useful in tension headaches and joint pain, so you can try using it to treat the pain and inflammation that comes with this condition. (9)

4. Stretch before activity

If you’re involved in sports, then you’ll know that you need to stretch before playing to protect your body and joints. What stretches to do for Osgood-Schlatter? You should be looking for stretches that focus on your quadriceps. These muscles are designed to bend and flex your knee joints, and by taking care of them you’re reducing the pressure on your knees. Look for Osgood-Schlatter disease exercises that are designed to help minimize pain and reduce the pressure on your knee joints. (10)

5. Try bone broth

What you eat has a massive impact on your body, and that includes your knee joints. If you’re living with Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, then bone broth can help treat the symptoms. It contains many different ingredients, with nutrients such as magnesium, silicon and calcium, that can otherwise be found in specialist joint supplements. By drinking broth, you can take in those ingredients naturally and help your joints. 

6. Dry needling

Putting needles into your skin sounds like the last thing you want to do if you’re in pain. However, dry needling can help you with the symptoms of this disease. It targets trigger points, alerting your body that there’s an issue, and kick starts your immune system into fighting the problem.

7. Eat spicy foods

If you already love spicy food, then you’re in luck. Spicy foods have been indicated in studies to relieve pain in the human body. (11) This is because they contain capsaicin, a natural painkiller that has been found to help with joint pain.

Prevention

There are ways you can prevent Osgood-Schlatter disease from becoming a problem in your knee joints.

If you want to avoid it entirely, then you’ve got to ensure that you’re stretching before and after any athletic activity. Good stretching will help you keep your joints in good health and avoid any issues that may come up as a result of your activity. (12) Also, make sure you’re acting on any pain that you experience in your knees. If you start feeling pain, or see the small bony lump under your kneecap that’s typical of Osgood-Schlatter disease, then you should go to a doctor right away to get a diagnosis. The sooner you take care of it, the better it will be later on in life.

If you’re already living with this condition, then you need to take precautions in order to ensure that your symptoms don’t get any worse. An Osgood-Schlatter disease brace or knee support can help you from overextending your knee, keeping the joint in place and reducing pain.

Precautions

If you have Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, then you want to take precautions to ensure that you don’t aggravate your knee further and promote healing. In many cases, “Is Osgood-Schlatter’s disease permanent?” is not an uncommon question. Luckily, most of the time it is not. If you’re careful with your knee and look after it, you’ll grow out of the condition once you reach adulthood.

In some cases, the condition will continue into adulthood. When this happens, Osgood-Schlatter disease radiology exams can help pinpoint where the issue is, and where treatment needs to happen. Surgery can then take place to correct the problem, if needed, and reduce the symptoms experienced.

Otherwise, those with this condition should ensure they’re taking care of their knee, stretching properly before activity and using the above methods to relieve pain and swelling where needed.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you need to know about Osgood-Schlatter disease? Here’s a quick rundown:

• Osgood-Schlatter disease is most often found in young people, as their joints are still forming and so are affected by the disease.
• The disease affects the tibial tuberosity, as the tendons pull on it and cause it to be more prominent.
• Most of the time the disease will go away on its own as the patient grows up. If it doesn’t, Osgood-Schlatter disease surgery can be carried out to help it heal.
• The disease mostly causes pain in the knee joint, as well as a small bony lump under the kneecap of the sufferer.
• Treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease commonly includes over the counter painkillers — there are several natural options — and rest to ensure it heals.
• The 7 best natural treatments for Osgood-Schlatter disease include natural painkillers such as Epsom salts, collagen, peppermint oil, stretching before any strenuous activity, drinking bone broth, dry needling and spicy foods.

The post Does Your Child Have Knee Pain? Osgood-Schlatter Disease and 7 Natural Pain Relief Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

If you, or your child, have ever experienced shouting, thrashing and intense fear during sleep, the cause may be night terrors. For some, the experience will cause you to awaken breathless, sweaty, with a racing heart rate and trembling with fear. But for others, during an episode it can be difficult to awaken the sufferer. While similar to a nightmare, night terrors are much more dramatic and take both a physical and emotional toll on the sufferer. (1)

When a child has a nightmare, the theme or vision often repeats itself for weeks, months or even years. Nightmares occur during the REM (rapid-eye movement) stage of sleep, allowing them to be more readily remembered while night terrors occur during deep, non-REM sleep stages. (1)

Night terrors can happen at any age, from infancy to late in life. It is estimated that only 3 percent to 6 percent of children experience them, while a significantly larger percentage of children experience occasional nightmares.

There are few statistics on night terrors in adults, but they can be related to other sleep disorders including sleepwalking. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that night terrors affect 2.2 percent of adults. While there are a number of causes including certain medications, too much caffeine, or being over-tired, in adults night terrors may be a sign of underlying health conditions including PTSD, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. (2, 3)

In children, night terrors often go away on their own by the age of 12. But during the years when they are active, it can be a significant challenge to both children and their parents.

Treatment for night terrors depends on the cause; if an underlying health condition is determined, like sleep apnea, and it is treated, this sleep disturbance will likely abate.  For the vast majority of children and adults who experience night terrors, changing bedtime routines and the sleeping atmosphere, increasing physical activity and removing certain stimulants from the diet can help too.

What Are Night Terrors?

Night terrors, or sleep terrors, are part of a larger category of sleep disorders called as parasomnias. This is a group of abnormal sleep patterns and disruptions that also include sleepwalking, sleep eating, sleep paralysis and sexsomnia. (4)

Night terrors are characterized by the individual trembling and shaking with fear. Some individuals may awaken while others may remain asleep and be very difficult to awaken. A rapid heart rate, being drenched with sweat and being breathless are other common symptoms of night terrors.

Night terrors are often considered just severe nightmares, but this is incorrect. There are significant differences between the two. Nightmares most often occur during lighter sleep phases (REM) and are incredibly realistic and vivid. They can rock you with fear and panic and when you awaken, you can remember being chased, or falling or the terrifying monster hiding under the bed.

Nightmares in children can make for extremely long nights for parents and adults alike. As the vision of the fear is so real and so clear, it can be difficult to comfort the child so they can return to sleep.

Night terrors, on the other hand, occur during non-REM cycles of sleep, and instead of being vivid dreams, you experience feelings of terror, but not actual visions. Often, the physical signs, the breathlessness, trembling and thrashing occur before you wake up, making the symptoms of the night terrors even more frightening. In fact, night terrors may activate your natural fight-or-flight response.

When you do awaken, you don’t remember why you are terrified or shaking. There isn’t a vision of the fear that caused the reaction; just the overwhelming sense of danger and panic. For children, this often means that once the physical signs of night terrors have abated, they can return to sleep, often in just five to 10 minutes. (5)

Related: Lucid Dreams: When They Occur and How to Have Them

Signs and Symptoms

• Thrashing about the bed
• Screaming
• Crying
• Talking nonsensically
• Sitting up in bed
• Acting out violently when touched
• Scratching others or themselves
• Difficult to be awakened
• Unresponsive to commands
• Confusion or disorientation
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
• Flushed skin
• Sweating, often profusely
• Wetting the bed
• Sleepwalking
• Intense terror
• Wide eyes and dilated pupils
• Elevated blood pressure

Causes and Risk Factors

Night terrors are typically caused by overarousal of the central nervous system during sleep. Other factors that can contribute to this sleep disorder include: (1)

• Being overtired
• Stress
• Illness
• Fever
• Migraines
• Head injuries
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety and high blood pressure (5)
• New sleeping environment
• Lack of sleep
• Too much caffeine
• Genetics
• Sleep apnea
• PTSD
• General Anxiety Disorder
• Depression
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Bipolar disorder
• Substance abuse

Conventional Treatment

Generally, treatment is not necessary as most cases resolve on their own. However, if night terrors are accompanied by sleepwalking, the goal needs to be keeping the child, or the adult, safe.

During an episode of night terrors, repeating soothing statements and providing physical comfort can help. And, while it may seem counterintuitive, during an episode waking the child or the adult may not be necessary or advisable. (6)

Prompted awakenings, or anticipatory awakenings, as a nightly routine may help to prevent night terrors and sleepwalking in children, according to Harvard Medical School. The technique involves measuring the length of time between when the child falls asleep and the episode begins. Then, for seven nights in a row, the child is awakened for five minutes in the 15 minutes before night terrors are expected. After seven days, the cycle of night terrors may be broken. (7)

In adults, if the root cause is an underlying health condition like sleep apnea, bipolar disorder, or other conditions, effective treatment of the condition may help relieve the episodes. Like with children, for some adults anticipatory awakening may help too according to the Mayo Clinic. (8)

Sleep medications are rarely recommended. However, if depression or anxiety is believed to be causing the sleep terrors, antidepressants may be prescribed.

7 Ways to Help Manage Night Terrors

Night terrors in children are a stress- and anxiety-inducing event for parents and children alike. For adults, relationships are often strained and productivity at work may suffer. Finding effective ways to help prevent episodes and effective natural sleep aids are key for getting a good night’s sleep.

1. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol for six hours before bedtime.

Stimulants such as these can prevent restful sleep. Remember, caffeine is found in sodas, chocolate, certain pain relievers and many types of tea. While alcohol may help you fall asleep, it increases the number of times you awaken during the night, according to Harvard Medical School. (9)

2. Create a peaceful sleep environment.

For children and adults alike, creating a sleep-inducing environment can help improve the quality of sleep. The temperature, lighting, noise level and the quality (and comfort) of the mattress are important for restful sleep. A well-ventilated room with a temperature between 60 degrees and 70 degrees is generally recommended.

Lights from electronics can disrupt sleep; turn off electronics before you retire. If children do homework in their room or if your home office is in your room, consider other options to help keep the bedroom a sanctuary for sleep.

3. Practice good sleep hygiene.

Most children have a good bedtime routine that includes bathing and relaxation activities. Adopting a routine as an adult that helps you transition to sleep may be helpful in reducing night terrors. A shower or bath before bed helps to lower the body temperature, promoting drowsiness. Just be sure to crawl into bed with fresh sleepwear and sheets.

4. Exercise.

Daily exercise is one of the best ways to encourage a good night’s sleep. This is true for children and adults alike. Exercise helps to reduce stress and anxiety and makes you physically tired. But, it is important to avoid both physical activity and mental activity in the three hours before bedtime as it can promote alertness. (9)

Aerobic type exercises including jogging, tennis, dance classes, riding a bike, martial arts and swimming are great activities for both adults and children. Yoga is an excellent activity for adults, and a recent clinical study in the journal Anxiety Stress & Coping found practicing yoga significantly reduces stress, anxiety and insomnia. (10)

5. Try mindfulness and relaxation training.

Promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation before bedtime can help improve sleep quality, insomnia symptoms and overall quality of life. In a recent pilot study, postmenopausal women underwent eight weeks of training and received significant sleep benefits. (11)

Mind-body practices, including meditation, are becoming more and more common in pediatric care for pain, stress and sleep.  Meditation and mindfulness can also be made easier for children and teens with guided meditations written for their specific age group. The Chopra Center offers kid-friendly meditations and even a free guided meditation app specifically written for children eight to 12 years old.  (12, 13)

6. Get hypnotized.

Long practiced for stress, addiction, pain, anxiety and PTSD, hypnosis may help reduce the severity and the number of episodes of night terrors according to Harvard Medical, and a landmark clinical study from the early 1990s. The study published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that hypnosis was effective in 74 percent of adults studied for reducing or eliminating sleep terrors and sleepwalking. (6, 14)

A more recent study conducted by researchers from Hurley Children’s Hospital at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Seattle Children’s Hospital found that clinical hypnosis is an effective tool for children and adolescents in managing pain, anxiety, depression, grief, phobias and sleep disorders. The researchers also note the relationship and similarity of hypnosis to mind-body practices including biofeedback, yoga, guided imagery, meditation and prayer.  (15)

7. Use essential oils.

Certain essential oils including lavender oil and frankincense are associated with relaxation and better sleep quality. In a clinical trial published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice aromatherapy improved sleep quality in 64 percent of those in the study. (16)

Safe for adults and children alike, my DIY Sleep Aid recipe features lavender, bergamot, cedarwood and frankincense essential oils. As you are preparing for bedtime, place 10 drops of the blend in a diffuser to encourage restful sleep.

Precautions

While not considered a serious medical condition, night terrors can lead to the following complications and challenges: (18)

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Disturbed sleep
• Embarrassment
• Relationship problems
• Injury to self or others
• May be a sign of an underlying health condition
• Anxiety and stress

If sleepwalking occurs with sleep terrors, it is important that bunk beds aren’t used. For children and adults, if there are stairs in the home, gates to prevent falling down the stairs are recommended. Keeping windows closed and locked, as well as doors, is also extremely important.

Final Thoughts

• Night terrors are part of larger sleep disorder group called parasomnias. Also in this group are sleepwalking, sleep eating and sexsomnia.
• Night terrors are not just severe nightmares; the two occur at two different cycles of sleep.
• In a night terror, you don’t remember vivid details like a nightmare,. Instead you experience the physical and emotional trauma of intense fear.
• Night terrors most often occur in children, but they can occur at any life stage.
• Night terrors may be caused by an underlying health condition like sleep apnea, too much caffeine, being overstimulated or from other sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome.

Read Next: Can’t Sleep? 20 Strategies to Fall Asleep Fast!

The post How to Help Manage Sleep Terrors (for Kids & Parents!) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

There’s a good chance you know at least one person with autism, which is now the most well-publicized pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) there is. (1) There’s been an alarming rise in autism rates over the past 20–30 years, leading to a growing body of research and improvements in treatment development.

But did you know that an estimated 31 million people around the world deal with Asperger’s, a similar condition that get’s much less publicity? Some experts believe the prevalence of Asperger’s may even be much higher, around 68 million worldwide. (1)

Asperger’s is a developmental disorder that can make it difficult for people — particularly children — to interact with others, as social skills are delayed. Now, that doesn’t mean that just because someone is socially awkward he or she has Asperger’s syndrome; there are many reasons why a child may be shy and socially withdrawn. Still, experts encourage parents to learn the signs and symptoms of Asperger’s so they can monitor if their child is developing appropriately.

Below we’ll take a look at what Asperger’s syndrome entails and identify the most common Asperger’s symptoms. Once diagnosed, can be Asperger’s be treated? There is no cure for Asperger’s syndrome, but there are natural treatments and remedies that have been shown to be beneficial— similar to autism natural treatments.

There are a number of therapy programs that are in place for individuals with Asperger’s symptoms, including cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy. People with Asperger’s can also focus on calming and confidence-boosting activities such as yoga and music therapy. (2)

What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves delays in the development of basic skills, especially the ability to socialize and communicate with others, and to use imagination. It often isn’t until a child or adult begins to have serious difficulties in school, the workplace, or in his/her personal life that Asperger’s will be diagnosed. Many adults receive a diagnosis only after seeking help for related issues, such as depression or anxiety. (3)

Asperger’s syndrome was named for the Austrian pediatrician, Hans Asperger, who first described the disorder in 1944. Dr. Asperger described four patients with similar social difficulties. He noticed that their intelligence levels were normal, but the children lacked nonverbal communication skills and failed to display empathy for their peers. He also noted that they demonstrated an all-absorbing interest in narrow topics, which dominated their conversations with others.

Dr. Asperger’s findings went unnoticed until 1981, when English physician Lorna Wing published a series of case studies involving children with similar symptoms. Wing’s findings were widely published and popularized, and in 1994, Asperger’s syndrome was added to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders (the DSM is now in its 5th edition). (4)

Asperger’s syndrome is actually classified as a autism spectrum disorder and no longer has its own diagnosis. It was eliminated in 2013 as its own individual condition, making it even more difficult to distinguish between classic autism. That’s because many of the symptoms are the same.

6 Common Asperger’s Symptoms

Common Asperger’s symptoms can include:

• Awkward social skills — difficulty interacting with others and maintaining conversations
• Repetitive and eccentric behaviors — hand-wringing or finger-twisting
• Unordinary rituals or preoccupations — getting dressed in a specific order
• Trouble communicating — avoid eye contact, not displaying expressions, neglect body language
• Limited range of interests — obsessive in nature
• Coordination difficulties — clumsy and awkward movements
• Being highly skilled in one area — music or math, for example

Below are more details about some of the most common Asperger’s symptoms:

1. Failure to Develop Friendships

Children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome may have difficulty connecting with their peers due to a lack of “social skills.” Social tasks like talking one-on-one, making eye contact and participating in group activities may be hard for people with Asperger’s. Most people with Asperger’s appear to want to connect with their peers, but aren’t comfortable with these types of social engagements.

A lack of eye contact may also make people with Asperger’s seem unengaged in a conversation. It may seem that they don’t understand the use of gestures and sarcasm, so they appear to be “socially awkward.”

Another Asperger’s symptom is “selective mutism,” which occurs when young children or adults only speak freely and comfortably with people they know well, but not with strangers. (5) It may seem like they are simply very shy, but the difference is that they also display other signs of being socially withdrawn.

2. Inability to Empathize

People with Asperger’s find it difficult to empathize or understand the feelings of others. For this reason, they may come off as insensitive, when really they don’t understand the appropriate behaviors in certain situations.

Over time, an individual with Asperger’s can learn the accepted social behaviors and responses. Still, although he/she may react appropriately in the moment, he/she may still not truly understand why the person is upset.

People with Asperger’s may also have trouble understanding the intent behind another person’s actions, so they may misunderstand humor or not pick up on subtleties in someone’s use of words and tone. This is why social interactions can sometimes be too overwhelming for people with Asperger’s — because they cannot see things from another person’s perspective, they aren’t able to predict or understand their actions.

3. Difficulty Speaking and Eccentric or Repetitive Behaviors

According to Autism Speaks, individuals with Asperger’s syndrome can sometimes have a peculiar manner of speaking. Sometimes they speak overly loud or in a monotone voice.

People with Asperger’s usually have good language skills, but they use language in a different way than most other people. Their speaking patterns may be unusual, with a rhythmic nature. They may come across as too formal, or their speech may even be high-pitched. Individuals with Asperger’s may also have trouble controlling their emotions, such as laughing or crying easily and at inappropriate times. They can also have motor skill delays, coming across as awkward or clumsy. (6)

4. Narrowed Interest

A child with Asperger’s may develop a strong, sometimes obsessive interest in a few areas, such as music, weather, math, planes or maps. This serves as the most distinguishing Asperger’s symptom. Children with Asperger’s typically know everything about their topic of interest, and their conversations with others are about little else. They tend to become exceptionally talented and skilled in this particular area, too, learning a great deal of information and facts that they memorize and can repeat. (7)

5. Sticking to a Routine or Ritual

People with Asperger’s sometimes develop a routine or ritual that they refuse to alter. They can become fixated on ensuring that their external environment and daily routines remain constant, because sudden changes may exceed their coping mechanisms and make them feel anxious.

6. Tics and Behavioral Abnormalities

Those with Asperger’s may experience motor or phonic tics in addition to other behavioral abnormalities. Some researchers believe that this is due to sensory deprivation, which contributes to the development of unusual and sometimes involuntary movements. (8, 9)

Asperger’s Symptoms vs. Autism Symptoms

As mentioned above, there is a lot of overlap in Asperger’s symptoms and autism symptoms. The most obvious signs and symptoms of autism usually emerge between the ages of 2 and 3, and they include: (10)

• Need for repeated rituals
• Repetitive and compulsive behaviors
• Repetition of certain motor activities
• Tantrums
• Head banging
• Hand or limb flapping
• Spinning
• Body rocking
• Flicking
• Scratching
• Tracing
• Feeling textures
• Tapping
• Teeth grinding
• Grunting
• Yelling

These symptoms also often appear in children with Asperger’s, which may explain why the Asperger’s diagnosis was disbanded and is now instead included in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) umbrella.

The biggest difference is these two conditions is the way in which these disorders are perceived. While they’re extremely similar in many ways, Asperger’s patients typically function at a higher level than those with autism. In fact, it may be difficult to detect Asperger’s, especially in children, because those who have it often have normal intelligence and near-normal language development.

While this topic is still controversial, when Asperger’s is compared to autism, those with autism typically seem to have more difficulty with verbal communications and sometimes a lower IQ.

However, children with both conditions have trouble expressing their feelings, don’t hold eye contact, and have trouble picking up on body language and gestures of others. They both display obsessive behaviors as well and can be sensitive to outside sense like sounds, clothing and even food. In fact, it can be so difficult to differentiate Asperger’s and high-functioning autism that it can be nearly impossible at times.

Natural Remedies

1. Individual and Group Therapy (Including) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapeutic approach that helps a person to become more aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so he/she can view challenging situations more clearly, thereby responding to these triggers in a more effective way. This type of therapy helps people with Asperger’s shift the way they interpret situations, how they feel about challenging situations, and how they choose to respond to them.

With a therapist’s help, the patient is encouraged to challenge his/her beliefs and automatic thoughts through a variety of techniques. He/she may also practice relaxation exercises that can be calming when faced with challenging situation, such as deep breathing exercises and using internal dialogue techniques. Family members can also get involved by joining therapy sessions in order to help the patient with his/her therapy techniques when real-life situations arise.

A 2010 systematic review conducted at the University of California evaluated studies involving the treatment of anxiety in people with an autism spectrum disorder using cognitive behavioral therapy. Each study was analyzed and critically appraised before conclusions were determined. Researchers found that every study reported positive outcomes, suggesting that this type of therapy is an effective treatment for individuals with Asperger’s. (11)

2. Group “Social Skills” Programs

Group social skills interventions (GSSIs) are a commonly offered treatment for children with Asperger’s or high functioning autism. They serve as a support system to individuals with Asperger’s and their families. The Asperger/Autism Network, for instance, offers a comprehensive array of programs and services for the Asperger’s community. The goal of group programs is to offer support and an environment where social skills can be improved. These are open to parents of children with Asperger’s, parents of teens with Asperger’s and adults with Asperger’s.

Online forums, conferences, seminars and workshops are also available online to help with social-skill building. These programs work to empower individuals with Asperger’s, and they build a sense of community.

Group therapy is sometimes called “social skills group therapy,” which is used to better prepare an individual to cope with social and interpersonal expectations. A review of research published in Psychiatry found that social skills group therapy can help children improve their greeting and play skills. Some studies showed that displaying these skills outside of the clinic where the therapy sessions were held was more difficult, but greeting skills still improved significantly. The researchers concluded that social skills group therapy can be effective in teaching and reinforcing basic communication skills in the clinic setting, but in general is more difficult to achieve for some patients. (12)

One meta-analysis found that GSSIs helped to improve social communication and restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The GSSIs that had the most impact included parents in the groups and were of greater duration and/or intensity. (13)

3. Speech and Language Therapy

Speech therapy may be helpful for children with communication difficulties. These difficulties are not how the children speak or pronounce words, but how they perceive the meaning of other people’s words and respond to them. A speech therapist helps children with Asperger’s understand what other people mean when they speak, and the children practice how to extract the meaning of other people’s speech, which is something that can be difficult for them to understand. (14)

Speech therapy can also aid children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome by helping them to communicate their ideas more clearly, which can prevent arguments and misunderstandings, thereby reducing frustration/anger. Finally, speech therapy is beneficial for practicing problem solving and working on organization.

4. Music Therapy

Using music to reinforce communication can be helpful for individuals with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Music is used to enhance social skills and communication development.. The positive effects on spoken and gestural communication have been noted in small trial studies. Clinical practices often pair music therapy with other interventions, such as group therapy. (15)

5. Occupational and Physical Therapy

Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome may use occupational therapy and physical therapy to maintain their highest level of function in activities of daily living — which includes dressing, bathing, grooming, eating and playing.

Occupational and physical therapy can also focus on building work skills, which is important for young adults with Asperger’s who are interested in earning an income and maintaining a job. Play time is another important element of occupational therapy because it contributes to a healthy self-esteem and an ability to communicate with others.

6. Yoga & Other Relaxation Exercises

Studies suggest that yoga benefits include increasing one’s sense of well-being and control; it also has the potential to decrease anxiety, reduce aggression and help individuals regulate their emotions.Additionally, yoga facilitates deeper inhaling and exhaling, which calms the nervous system and works as a natural stress reliever.

Experiencing a group yoga class can also help people with Asperger’s make new friends and work on their communication skills. The key is for yoga to be practiced in a calm and comfortable atmosphere that allows participants with Asperger’s to explore different sensory experiences.

One study that tested the effects of an Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy module that was applied to Autism Spectrum Disorders over a period of two academic years found that the program resulted in significant improvements in imitation and other skills, and in behavior at home and family relationships. The researchers hypothesize that guided imitation of therapist body positions stimulated mirror neuron activation, resulting in an improved sense of self in the children with ASD. (17)

7. Dietary Changes (Including Increasing Magnesium Foods)

Magnesium-rich foods — such as spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, almonds, avocado, figs and bananas — can help fight anxiety and depression. They also increase the production of the antioxidant glutathione and improve nerve function. Making sure to eat at least three servings of vegetables a day can boost one’s daily nutrient intake and provides plenty of vitamins and minerals that may be able to relieve some Asperger’s symptoms.

Some research suggests that eliminating the proteins gluten (found in wheat, barley and eye) and casein protein (found in milk products) can helps, as both can aggravate symptoms of Asperger’s because they act as a false opiate neuropeptides after being absorbed by a damaged or leaky intestinal lining. Some small studies have found improvements after eliminating these proteins, but it’s not clear if the improvements are due to eliminating lactose in children who are lactose intolerant or other changes that are related to the alternation in protein sources and food compositions nowadays. (18)

8. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Foods & Supplements

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for brain development and cannot be manufactured in the body. Oral supplementation with essential fatty acids has become popular for children with developmental disorders, including those experiencing symptoms of ADHD and autism. Omega 3 foods include wild-caught fish (like salmon, sardines, halibut and mackerel), cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, and walnuts and flaxseeds (in smaller amounts).

In 2007, a study conducted at the Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry in Vienna, Austria found that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism, suggesting they may also help treat Asperger’s symptoms . A dose of 1.5 grams per day for six weeks improved the symptoms of autism with no adverse side effects. (19)

9. Supplements (Including Vitamin B6/Magnesium)

Vitamin B6 and magnesium have been used as a popular treatment for autism and mental health disorders for over 20 years. A 2006 study conducted in France involved 33 children with clinical symptoms of PDD or autism. The children were followed for at least six months. Another group of 36 children was used as the control group.

Researchers found that B6/magnesium supplementation improved PDD symptoms in 23 of 33 children with no adverse side effects — in addition, 23 of 33 experienced improved social reactions and 24 of 33 displayed improved communication. (20)

10. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil has a variety of therapeutic and curative properties. It helps induce relaxation, and studies have shown that it may be an effective treatment of several neurological disorders.

Individuals with Asperger’s are sometimes very sensitive to smells, so it’s important not to push the use of essential oils if it makes the person uncomfortable. For those who are comfortable with the fragrance, diffuse five drops of lavender at home to create a calming and relaxing environment, or dilute two to three drops with coconut oil and apply to the wrists, bottoms of the feet and back of neck. (21)

Conventional Treatment

If Asperger’s symptoms are present in a child, a doctor will begin an evaluation in order to make a diagnosis. The evaluation involves a complete medical history and physical and neurological exam. There are no specific tests that can detect Asperger’s syndrome, but many people with Asperger’s have coordination issues and low muscle tone that a doctor may be able to recognize.

Doctora may also use blood tests and X-rays to determine if there is another health or physical issue that is causing what seems like Asperger’s symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) criteria for Asperger’s specifies that the individual must have “severe and sustained impairment in social interaction, the development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, and interests and activities that must cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.”

According to Autism Society, early diagnosis is important as children with Asperger’s syndrome who are diagnosed and treated early in life have an increased chance of being successful in school and eventually living independently. Common conventional treatments include:

1. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback, a type of biofeedback therapy that is also called neurotherapy, is a brain-training method that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. Sensors are place on the scalp to measure brain waves, which then produce a signal that can be used as feedback. The results are shown as a color-coded map on a computer screen that indicates areas of the brain where there is too much or too little brain-wave activity.

The goal is to teach patients to produce positive brain-wave patterns. The patient wears headgear that is similar to that worn while playing video games. Producing brain-wave activity in specific areas of the brain will show up on the screen for the patient to see. This type of therapy is commonly used on patients with ADHD as well.

A 2010 study published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback evaluated 150 clients with Asperger’s syndrome, and nine clients with autistic spectrum disorder over a 15-year period. Researchers were looking for a change in symptoms as a result of neurofeedback therapy. The client received 40–60 sessions of therapy, which was combined with training in metacognitive strategies relevant to social understanding, spatial reasoning, reading comprehension and math.

These strategies were only taught when the neurofeedback indicated that the client was relaxed, calm and focused. As a result of this type of therapy, significant improvements were found on measures of attention, core symptoms, achievement and intelligence. The average gain for the Full Scale IQ score was nine points, and the positive outcomes included decreased ADHD and Asperger’s symptoms. (22)

There are some potential side effects in neurofeedback. Repetitive overstimulation during treatment can trigger anxiety, agitation and panic attacks. If this were to happen, alterations to treatment would have to be made in order to alleviate these reactions. Of course, any treatment that is intended to alter brain waves can cause temporary side effects and should be used with great care by a qualified practitioner. If the treatments are handled too aggressively or with too much repetition involved, there can be negative side effects.

2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

These medications are used to relieve anxiety and depression in individuals who display Asperger’s symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) ease depression by affecting neurotransmitters that communicate with brain cells. They block the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin to the brain, changing the balance of serotonin and boosting the individual’s mood.

Some side effects of SSRIs include nausea, nervousness, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics affect neurotransmitters (such as dopamine) that allow communication between nerve cells. Antipsychotics are most commonly used to help treat patients with schizophrenia and related disorders.

4. Stimulants

Stimulants are used to increase alertness, attention and energy. They may also elevate heart rate and blood pressure. They’re commonly used to treat individuals with neurological disorders because they’re able to enhance the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Unfortunately, there has been a dramatic increase in stimulant prescriptions over the last two decades and people opt for prescriptions to stimulants such as Concerta and Adderall because they are perceived as safe and effective. But stimulant use may come with withdrawal symptoms after treatment, depression, disturbance of sleeping patterns and fatigue. They can also lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. (23)

Root Causes

According to estimates for the U.S. and Canada, the range for Asperger’s syndrome cases range from one in every 250 children to one in every 10,000. Because the syndrome is recognized as a unique disorder, the exact number of people with the disorder is unknown.

Asperger’s symptoms are four to eight  times more likely to develop in males than in females, and it’s usually first diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 6, as communicative and language skills are beginning to emerge. This is different than autistic disorder, which is usually apparent before the age of 3. (24)

Sometimes Asperger’s symptoms are confused with other behavioral issues, such as ADHD. In fact, many people are originally diagnosed with ADHD until it is realized that the symptoms stem from an inability to socialize properly, as opposed to an inability to focus.

Final Thoughts

• Asperger’s is actually now classified under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder. Asperger’s symptoms affect anywhere from 31 million to 68 million people worldwide.
• The most common Asperger’s symptoms include: failure to develop friendships, inability to empathize, eccentric or repetitive behaviors, narrowed interest, and sticking to a routine or ritual.
• It’s easy to confuse Asperger’s with other disorders, so it’s important to diagnose early — early treatment can lead to better treatment and quicker development for those with Asperger’s. Asperger’s and autism have many of the same symptoms, however people with Asperger’s tend to have higher IQs and normal intelligence, near-normal language skills, and are more high-functioning.

8 natural and conventional treatments for Asperger’s symptoms include:

• Individual and group therapy
• Support groups
• Music therapy
• Physical therapy
• Yoga
• Essential oils
• Lifestyle changes like dietary improvement and supplements
• Use of neuro-feedback and medications

Read Next: Top 5 Natural Remedies for ADHD + Key Lifestyle Changes

The post Asperger’s Symptoms & Natural Ways to Treat Them appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness, excessive energy and inability to sit still are some of the most common symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The number of children diagnosed with ADHD continues to increase, but researchers don’t know why. Currently, it’s estimated that 9 percent of American teens and over 4 percent of American adults have ADHD. (1)

ADHD has three main subtypes: Hyperactive-Impulsive, Inattentive, and Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive. These subtypes result in symptoms of ADHD that can have devastating effects on both children and adults.

When Do Symptoms of ADHD Appear?

While the symptoms often appear around the age of 7, ADHD can appear at any time throughout adolescence and beyond. Left untreated in children, ADHD symptoms cause disruptive behavior at home and school. When directed to sit still and concentrate, it can be nearly impossible for some kids with ADD/ADHD. This can result in learning deficits, falling behind in school, acting out and taking too many risks. (2)

For adults, it’s a challenge, too. It isn’t about discipline, or forcing an individual to focus; rather, effective treatment is about identifying the best ways to lessen the anxiousness and increase concentration and focus while reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompanies it. ADHD is associated with lower cognitive function in attention and memory, particularly when symptoms of depression is also present. (3)

In my judgement, Western medicine focuses on prescription medications that don’t cure ADHD and instead only suppress some of the symptoms. In addition, these medications are linked to delayed growth, sleep problems, decreased appetite and heart problems. To make it worse, the most common drugs prescribed, Ritalin and Adderall, are linked to personality changes, suicidal thoughts and other disturbing side effects.

As a central nervous system stimulant, Ritalin can cause nervousness, agitation and anxiety, all of which are already symptoms of ADHD. (4) The amphetamine, Adderall, is one of the most prescribed medications today and is known to be highly addictive. On top of the ones listed above, other side effects include hallucinations, muscle twitches, high blood pressure and extreme mood swings. (5)

Fortunately, there is a way to mitigate many of the symptoms of ADHD without dangerous prescription stimulants. Natural remedies include supplements, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes that can help to ease the devastating symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD

No matter which type of ADHD a person has, the severity of symptoms, and the level in which it disrupts lives, varies widely. Nowadays, researchers recognize that diet, environment and other factors contribute to ADHD, for better or worse. (6)

Symptoms of ADHD in children, teens and adults:

• Inability to sit still; squirms in seat
• Easily bored and distracted
• Doesn’t listen, or seems not to process what is being said
• Difficulty in following even basic instructions
• Appearance of poor memory
• Prone to losing items, including school work and personal items
• Talks quickly and incessantly
• Difficulty in completing tasks
• Ineffective organizational skills
• Impatience
• General restlessness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Large and frequent emotional swings
• Emotional outbursts
• Low tolerance of people, situations, and surroundings
• Prone to anger
• Hot temper
• Unstable personal relationships

Research also shows that individuals with ADHD are at an increased risk for addiction. (7) Indeed, the risk of addiction extends beyond the prescription stimulants and into alcohol and illegal drugs.

Causes

There are many possible causes of ADHD. Studies have shown a range of possible causes and links to both behavior and environment of the mother as well as diet and environment of the child.

1. Smoking

According to a recent European study published in European Child Adolescent Psychiatry, maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with the development of ADHD. (8) In addition, the study also noted that smoking by either parent after birth may be linked to ADHD in children. Exposure early in life to lead and other chemicals like PCBs may also cause ADHD. (9)

2. Diet & Gut Health

Diet continues to show links to ADHD, including chemical food additives, wheat, refined sugar, food allergies and artificial sweeteners. While researchers may not know why more and more kids are being diagnosed with ADHD, reviewing charts about the American diet gives us some insight. Grain consumption is way up, as is sugar, salt, processed foods and GMOs, while the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy meats are down.

Furthermore, there is evidence that the environment — such as exposure to lead or arsenic — and diet during early years affects the development of ADHD in later years. In fact, such ADHD symptoms as inattention, impulsivity and poor cognitive function are associated with arsenic, even at levels considered safe. (10)

I’ve discovered that one of the most promising solutions for ADHD is a low-sugar, low-inflammation diet, such as the GAPS diet or other types of healing diets. (11)

3. Brain Injury

Another possible root cause of ADHD is traumatic brain injury. (12) It seems that the injury can cause various symptoms such as memory and attention deficits, as well as acting out and impulsive behavior.

4. Genetics

In addition to these outside risk factors, studies show that ADHD has a genetic link in some individuals. If parents or grandparents have ADHD, children are more likely to develop symptoms — although, at this point in the research, it’s not clear whether this is actually a genetic predisposition or a diet and lifestyle similarity that causes ADHD to develop.

Natural Treatment for ADHD

In some ways, it’s simple: What we eat directly affects our bodies and behaviors. A healthy diet that is void of known ADHD triggers can help, sometimes significantly.

Foods That Make Symptoms of ADHD Worse

1. Sugar

In a study to be published in the Academy of Pediatrics, youths that drink sweetened beverages, including energy drinks, are 66 percent more likely to be at risk for hyperactivity and inattention. Researchers recommend limiting the consumption of sweetened beverages and the avoidance of energy drinks in children. (13)

It’s not just adolescents that need to avoid sugary drinks, however, as sugar is also associated with ADHD in some adults. Therefore, both kids and adults are encouraged to avoid concentrated forms of sugar, including fruit juices, carbonated beverages, desserts, candy and other sweets.

2. Gluten

In some research, gluten is directly linked to Celiac disease and ADHD in both children and adults. A study published in The Primary Care Companion – Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found a significant improvement in behavior and functioning after the initiation of a gluten-free diet. In fact, researchers suggest that Celiac disease should be included in an ADHD symptom checklist. (14)

It’s important to recognize that individuals can be sensitive to gluten but not have Celiac disease even though they suffer many of the same symptoms. For an ADHD diet, be sure to avoid all foods that contain gluten, including breads, pastas, cereals and processed foods. Look for gluten-free and grain-free alternatives.

3. Conventional Dairy

A 10-week study found that when conventional cow’s milk was removed from the diet of hyperactive preschool boys, symptoms of ADD/ADHD improved. (15) The diet also eliminated artificial colors, flavors, chocolate, MSG and caffeine.

If any ADHD symptoms arise after consuming dairy, it’s wise to remove it from the diet. Most conventional cow’s milk contains A1 casein that can trigger a similar reaction as gluten and, therefore, should be eliminated from the diets of both adults and children. Raw cow’s milk may be better for people with ADHD, in part because of its natural immunizing abilities, and goat’s milk doesn’t contain casein, making it a good substitute as well.

4. Food Coloring and Dyes

Consumption of artificial food colors (AFCs) has increased five-fold since 1950, showing average consumption of AFCs at 68 milligrams. Studies that have tested 50 milligrams or more have shown a link between AFCs and behavioral reactions, including hyperactivity in children. (16)

AFCs are found in nearly every processed food, including carbonated sodas, convenience foods, deli meats and cheeses, cereals, chewable vitamins, and toothpaste. As part of an ADHD diet, children and adults should avoid all artificial food colors and dyes.

5. Caffeine

A recent study published in Substance Use and Misuse indicates that caffeine and alcohol consumption is associated with anger and violence in teens. (17) Adolescents and adults with ADHD should avoid any energy drinks with a high concentration of sugar, caffeine and additional stimulants. (18)

While prescription stimulant medication is used for some individuals with ADHD, it’s imperative on an ADHD diet to remove all forms of caffeine, as it’s known to increase insomnia, anxiety, anxiousness and other ADHD symptoms. (19)

6. MSG and HVP

Individuals with ADHD should avoid MSG, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) and yeast extract. Yeast extract is a form of MSG, and while many people know to look for MSG on labels, many don’t know to avoid yeast extract. Even such natural prepared foods as deli meats, veggie burgers, sauces, gravies, salad dressings, crackers, pastas and spices contain it.

There’s a relationship between these additives and decreased dopamine levels. Dopamine is associated with the reward system and pleasure areas of the brain — balanced levels of dopamine keep impulsivity and activity in check.

7. Nitrites

The vast majority of processed foods, canned foods and lunch meats contain nitrites. Nitrites cause restlessness and anxiousness, which in turn can worsen symptoms of ADHD. In addition, nitrates in the diet are linked to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes, cancer and IBS.

8. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame K, aspartame, benzene, cyclamates, saccharin and sucralose are associated with a wide array of serious side effects. These include cancer, obesity, increased heart rate, infertility, dizziness, headaches and memory loss.

While mentioned above that removing sugar is part of a successful ADHD diet, replacing it with artificial sweeteners is not the solution. Start to retrain taste buds by adding other flavors from herbs, spices and citrus while using other natural sweeteners in moderation.

9. Soy

One of the most common food allergens in the world, soy can cause many symptoms in allergic individuals, including hives, tingling in the mouth, wheezing, difficulty breathing and abdominal pain. For some, soy allergy can even result in anaphylaxis. In individuals without a known sensitivity, soy disrupts thyroid function and hormone levels in the body. This can cause ADHD or make the symptoms worse.

10. Personal Food Sensitivities/Allergens

An ADHD diet should exclude top common allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, wheat, conventional dairy and eggs. Personal sensitivities to foods should also be removed from the diet. This may include papaya, avocados, bananas, kiwis, chocolate, fennel, caraway and coriander.

Foods That Improve the Symptoms of ADHD

According to a study published in Psychiatry Research, there is a direct link between dietary behaviors and ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities in children and adolescents.(20) In this study, a high intake of sweets, fried foods and salt was associated with more learning, attention and behavioral problems.

In contrast, a balanced ADHD diet is shown to have beneficial effects on all of the problems caused by a poor diet. To change to an ADHD diet, avoid the foods mentioned above while eating a diet of unprocessed, whole foods. Modern Western diets seem to be more closely liked to ADHD because of the higher consumption of refined sugars, salt and hydrogenated fats, while being low in omega-3s, fiber, folate and B-Complex. (21)

1. High Protein Foods

High-protein meals that include clean sources of protein from grass-fed organic beef, free-range chicken, eggs, wild-caught fish and raw dairy should be the focus of an ADHD diet for both children and adults.

2. Iron-Rich Foods

Low iron levels are associated with fatigue, poor concentration and mental function, irritability, poor memory, muscle weakness, and leaky gut syndrome. Eating a diet rich in high iron foods is an essential part of a successful diet strategy for ADHD. Iron-rich foods include the liver and steaks from grass-fed beef, navy and black beans, spinach, Swiss chard, and egg yolks.

3. Foods High in B-Vitamins

Vitamin B-6 is essential for brain function, including the production of dopamine and serotonin. In a preliminary study, B-6 was shown to be slightly more effective than Ritalin in improving behavior among hyperactive children. (22)

Vitamin B-6 rich foods are tasty and easy to incorporate into the ADHD diet. Wild tuna and salmon, free-range chicken and turkey breast, grass-fed beef, bananas, cooked spinach, sweet potatoes, and hazelnuts hit the top of the list. In addition, include brewer’s yeast and other green leafy vegetables.

4. Poultry

The essential amino acid, tryptophan, helps the body synthesize proteins and support healthy serotonin levels. In many individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD, imbalances in serotonin levels is indicated. (23) Additionally, serotonin is related to impulse control and aggression, two of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

5. Foods Rich in Probiotics 

Yogurt and kefir from grass-fed cows or goats, sauerkraut, Kimchi, and other high probiotic foods should be a central part of a diet for ADHD.

6. Eggs

Eggs are a great way to incorporate high-quality protein into the ADHD diet, and they are not just for breakfast anymore. Each egg has 7 grams of protein, but is also packed with essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Purchase local, organic eggs, preferably from cage-free chickens.

7. Omega-3 Foods

Foods rich in omega-3’s — such as wild-caught salmon and tuna — directly affect cognitive function in both children and adults. A clinical trial identified a link between low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and behavioral and learning problems. (25) A successful ADHD diet will include two or more servings per week of salmon or tuna.

Supplements

Prominent researchers from the Division of Neurology at Children’s Memorial Hospital and Department of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Medical School reviewed substantial research regarding diet and ADHD. While diets were shown to be difficult to sustain, adding supplementation to diet therapy was an easy step to take and typically more acceptable to kids. (26)

1. Fish Oil & Omega 3 Complex

Fish oil is better than Ritalin for ADHD, according to a study from the University of Adelaide in Australia. The omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, within fish oil are critical for brain function and are also strong anti-inflammatories. Children 50 to 80 pounds should be given one teaspoon daily; children 80 to 150 pounds, two teaspoons daily; adults should take one tablespoon daily.

Supplementation appears to reduce symptoms of ADHD, improve learning, reduce anxiety and depression, and help prevent some forms of cancer. Another study published in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics found that supplements offer a safe treatment option for educational and behavioral problems in children. Significant improvements in reading, spelling and behavior were all noted over the three-month trial.(27)

2. Zinc 

Children and adults with ADHD should supplement their diets with a high-quality zinc supplement. Low levels of zinc are associated with poor neurological function, poor attention and a variety of motor disorders.

The World Health Organization reports that zinc deficiency rate is 31 percent. One of the leading symptoms of a zinc deficiency is poor neurological function. In addition to high-quality mineral supplements, it’s important to add mineral rich foods, such as dark greens, beans and wild-caught salmon.

3. Serotonin

One of the genetic links to ADHD is the serotonin transporter gene. Serotonin levels are directly linked to aggression and impulse control.

4. B-Complex

Children with ADHD typically need more of the B-vitamins to help maintain focus, increase concentration, fight stress, relieve fatigue, balance energy and hormone levels, and produce healthy levels of serotonin. Children and adults should take 50 milligrams daily.

5. Probiotics

Children and adults should take 25 billion to 50 billion units of probiotics daily. In addition to taking a high-quality probiotic supplement, aim to eat foods high in probiotics, such as kefir, sauerkraut, raw cheese and yogurt.

Some studies show that ADHD may be connected to problems in the digestive tract. Sugar, tap water, grains, certain prescription medications, including antibiotics, and environmental chemicals kill healthy bacteria in the gut and decrease digestive function.

6. GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid)

GABA is an amino acid vital to healthy central nervous system function. It acts as a calming agent, helping to suppress nervous system activity and block some nerve impulses. Individuals should take 250 milligrams twice per day.

Speak to your physician prior to taking GABA if you are on any medications, or if any of the following side effects arise: wheezing, anxiety, flushing, or tingling of the hands and feet.

7. Ashwagandha

According to U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Some clinical research shows that a combination herbal product containing ashwagandha may improve attention and impulse control in children with ADHD. The effect of ashwagandha alone is unclear.”

Lifestyle & Other Treatments

Successful treatment for the symptoms of ADHD requires not only supplements and healthy diet void of known ADHD triggers, it also requires some lifestyle changes. The natural treatments mentioned below can help many ADHD symptoms.

1. Essential Oils

Lavender essential oil can be used in various ways to improve mood when anxiousness or nervousness is present. As with other essential oils, drops can be added to the bath, sprinkled on stuffed animals, used in diffusers, or even applied directly to the skin or bottoms of feet at bedtime. Dilute with a carrier oil like grape seed oil or coconut oil or apply only one to two drops if using the concentrated oil.

Also, consider using peppermint oil, which improves mental focus, boosts energy and helps to release tight muscles.

2. Sleep

Insomnia and restless sleep are common ADHD symptoms. A recent study found that behavioral sleep intervention improves the severity of ADHD symptoms in children, especially those taking prescription stimulants. The study showed behavior, quality of life and functioning was sustained for six months following the trial. (29)

It’s vital that both children and adults develop good evening routines that allow them to unwind at the end of the day. The goal should be a good eight hours of sleep each night.

3. Eat Breakfast

For some people, and especially those with ADHD, breakfast helps the body properly regulate blood sugar and stabilize hormone fluctuations. Eat a breakfast that contains at least 20 grams of protein.

4. Exercise

Exercise helps to increase hormone levels that are essential for relieving ADHD symptoms. (30) Prior to a task that requires concentration, engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise.

5. Balance/Stability Balls

According to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, using balance/stability balls as a seat increased attention levels, decreased hyperactivity and increased time on task. (31) If your child’s school will not allow a stability ball, be sure to use one at home during homework. In addition, adults can benefit from stability balls at their desks.

6. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback may help children and adults learn to focus on tasks. Some initial studies have found that watching brain activity during neurofeedback allows some individuals the opportunity to learn how to more effectively control their brains.

Symptoms of ADHD can be reduced with diet, supplements and recommended lifestyle changes — moreover, these changes can help you conquer ADD/ADHD in yourself, or in your child. For many people, removing the trigger foods and replacing them with healthy foods will dramatically help address this common neurological and behavioral disorder.

The post Symptoms of ADHD, Diet and Treatment appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Autism is a developmental disorder that initially occurs in early childhood. It generally affects a child’s language, behavior and social skills in development.

The exact cause of autism is unknown, but some reasons may include medications (specifically valproic acid and thalidomide) taken during pregnancy, exposure to toxins, infections, inflammation, leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and inborn errors of metabolism. Unfortunately, an autism cure is yet to exist, which is why learning about treatment for autism is so crucial.

Some children with autism have been known to improve with natural interventions such as a gluten-free and casein-free diet. These types of diet changes are just some of the many forms of autism natural treatment that are making parents of autistic children more hopeful these days while autism rates continue to ominously climb.

What Is Autism?

Autism, also referred to as autistic disorder or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is defined as a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because while some children only have mild symptoms, others can have severe life-challenging signs of autism.

Autism symptoms can defer by individual, but people with ASD often have ongoing social difficulties including trouble communicating and interacting with others. They may also perform repetitive behaviors while not taking interest in many activities. Symptoms of autism are usually noticed within the first two years of life in 80 to 90 percent of cases. (1) The CDC estimates that 1 in 68 children has been identified with some form of ASD and ASD is about 4.5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 189). (2)

What causes autism? According to the CDC, there may be several different factors that make someone more likely to have autism including environmental, biologic and genetic factors. (3) A leaky gut and an abnormal gut microbiota have also been associated with ASD. (4)

These days, children with autism are receiving a diagnosis of ASD, which includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed individually. Before the term autism spectrum disorder or ASD existed, autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger’s syndrome were all separate diagnoses. This is why autism is now often referred to as autism spectrum disorder or ASD.

ASD commonly begins before a child turns three years old and then lasts throughout his or her life. Some children with autism meet their developmental milestones until about 18 to 24 months, but then they stop progressing or even lose skills they already had. Research shows that 33 to 50 percent of parents notice ASD symptoms before their child turns one. By two years of age, 80 to 90 percent of parents notice issues. (5)

Conventional Treatment

After an autism diagnosis, the type of autism treatment recommended for your child depends on his or her individual needs. For example, some children may receive a diagnosis of ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is why there isn’t just one best treatment package for every child with autism.

Is there autism drug treatment? There is no standard autism medication. According to the CDC, “There are no medications that can cure ASD or treat the core symptoms. However, there are medications that can help some people with ASD function better. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, depression, or seizures.” (6)

The post Autism Natural Treatment, Including the Right Foods & Supplements appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Your baby is about four months old, you are finally used to breastfeeding and following his feeding schedule, but like all things involving infants and children, a new phase is about to begin right when you are getting comfortable. It’s now time to start thinking about feeding your baby solid foods, and with a new trend in feeding emerging, you’ll need to decide how to go about it. Recently, many parents who are preparing to introduce solid foods into their infant’s diet are using an alternative approach called baby-led weaning.

Over the last 10 to 15 years, this form of feeding a baby has grown in popularity. It bypasses some of the traditional stages of nutrition for babies and starts with self-feeding. Forget the puréed, spoon-fed foods at four-months of age. Baby-led weaning involves exclusively breastfeeding or providing formula for the first six months of life, and then transitioning right to solid form, finger foods.

Although the evidence suggesting the positive outcomes of baby-led weaning is limited, parents are convinced that this method of feeding helps to promote healthy eating behaviors. And researchers believe that this approach was likely what mothers did for thousands of years, before they turned to specially prepared baby foods that are used in today’s modern feeding culture. (1)

What Is Baby-Led Weaning?

Baby-led weaning is an approach to feeding an infant that promotes his ability to self-feed finger foods and set the pace of the meal. You may be confused about what is meant by baby-led weaning because in the U.S. we use the term “weaning” to refer to the end of breastfeeding. But in England, where this approach was popularized, the word weaning refers to starting solids.

Unlike the traditional method of introducing infants to solid foods using puréed foods on a spoon, parents using the baby-led weaning method give their babies family foods in whole form. This approach is used to allow infants to self-feed, choose what foods they want and decide how much to eat in one sitting. It also allows infants to become part of family meal times from a very early age.

According to research published in Current Nutrition Reports, the growth of this alternative approach has become more popular after the World Health Organization changed their recommendation about when to introduce infants to solid foods. The standard used to be starting blended and smooth solid foods at four months, but in 2003 it was changed to starting at six months.

Advocates of baby-led weaning argue that physiologically, introducing solids to a four-month old is a very different experience than it is for a six-month old. By six months of age, the majority of infants have already developed the skills that are needed to self-feed, including the ability to sit up without support, bring foods to their mouth, and chew and swallow foods. (2)

It made sense to begin with puréed, spoon-fed foods when starting solids at four months, when infants don’t possess the reflexes and skills to eat finger foods, but if you choose to follow the WHO recommendation and begin at six months, starting with puréed foods isn’t necessary, according to parents who practice baby-led weaning.

And one study, conducted at the University of Glasgow in the U.K. , suggests that this is true. Researchers found that 68 percent of infants 4–6 months old were able to grasp food with their hands, while 85 percent of babies 6–7 months and 96 percent of those 7–8 months old were able to grasp foods. This data indicates that unless your child is developmentally delayed or has sensory sensitivities, he or she should be ready to manage finger foods by around six months. (3)

Benefits

1. Encourages Self Feeding and Exploration

When you leave the feeding to the baby, he is able to explore the food more closely — looking it over in its natural form (instead of its puréed form), touching it, smelling it and tasting it on his own. Baby-led weaning also allows the infant to work on his chewing skills and hand-eye coordination, more so than he would when fed soft, puréed foods. This is one of the most important aspects of baby-led weaning for parents who choose the follow the method. (4)

2. Allows Infant to Follow Hunger Cues

Moms and dads who are practicing baby-led weaning love that their babies are able to follow their own hunger cues. When you start spoon feeding your baby at 4 months, it’s hard for him to tell you that he’s full and has had enough, or hungry and wants more. Usually, the baby will turn away from the spoon or keep his lips tightly shut to show he’s full. And when he’s hungry, he’ll open his mouth and look at the spoon. But these signs can be confusing sometimes, so parents find it helpful that with baby-led weaning, the baby is in charge — choosing for himself when to stop eating.

One study suggests that mothers who use the baby-led weaning method are less concerned about their child’s weight than mothers following a traditional approach to feeding. This is probably due to the baby’s ability to eat only what he needs to feel content, which helps to manage his weight. (5)

And another study, this one published in Pediatric Obesity, found that children who had followed a baby-led weaning approach were significantly more likely to be less food responsive and more satiety responsive, which suggests that they have better appetite control. (6)

3. Makes the Infant Part of Family Meal Times

Fans of baby-led weaning appreciate that it allows the infant to participate in family meals. The baby doesn’t have to be spoon-fed while you’re simultaneously trying to eat your meal. With baby-led weaning, he’s at the table with the family, picking up his own finger foods and feeding himself. This will teach him about the importance of family meal times and it will make him feel included. Fans of baby-led weaning believe that this nurtures positive attitudes about eating for the future.

4. Allows Babies to Receive a Wider Diet

Because baby-led weaning isn’t limited to select puréed foods that are first introduced in the traditional method of feeding, babies are potentially receiving a wider diet of family foods. Plus, once they are introduced to a specific food for the first time and don’t show any signs of food allergies, babies are offered an array of choices during their meals. This allows them to decide which foods they want to eat, how much to eat and at what pace to eat, too. (7)

5. Requires Less Work (and Money)

Moms, dads and caregivers spend a good amount of time preparing little jars of puréed baby foods when they first introduce solids. For those that prefer to make the foods themselves, instead of buying dozens of jars from the market, it requires some cutting, baking, sautéing, blending and packaging. Baby-led weaning advocates exclaim that this practice requires less work because the baby can eat the same foods that are being served to the family for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

BLW also requires less money. With this method of feeding, you don’t have to spend money on separate jars of baby food or foods that you can purée at home. Instead, you’re feeding your baby what you are already preparing for the family.

6. Delays the Introduction of Solid Foods

Parents who choose to follow the baby-led feeding method are delaying the introduction of solid foods until the baby is at least six months old. Ideally, until the baby reaches six months old, he is being exclusively breastfed, which also has its many benefits. Some research suggests that avoiding early introduction of foods may reduce the risk of the baby becoming overweight or struggling with childhood obesity.

A study conducted at Swansea University in the U.K. found that babies who followed the traditional approach to feeding were significantly heavier at 18–24 months than those who followed the baby-led weaning approach. Researchers found that for those who had followed the baby-led method feeding, 86.5 percent were of normal weight, 8 percent were overweight and 5.4 percent were underweight. This is compared to the babies following a traditional method of feeding, in which 78.3 percent were categorized as being a normal weight, 19 were overweight and 2.5 percent underweight. (8)

In addition to the benefits that delaying solids may have on weight gain, it also promotes exclusive breastfeeding for a longer period of time. Parents are encouraged to offer breast milk to their baby until he is at least 1 year old or longer. This promotes a healthy microbiome, boosts the baby’s immune system and supply the baby with vitamins and minerals that are necessary for his development. (9)

Related: Metal in Baby Food: Study Finds 95% Contain Heavy Metals

Best Foods and Recipes

It’s time to offer family foods to your 6 month (or older) baby. At this point, a lot of parents are asking “how do I start baby-led weaning?” Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding what foods to start with and how to prepare them: (10)

• When you are first starting to feed your baby with this method, it’s recommended that you begin slowly and introduce only one food at a time. This will allow you to detect any food allergies as you go through different food groups.
• Start with one meal a day and go from there for the first few months.
• Offer your baby pieces of whole foods in a size and shape that he can grasp and feed himself.
• Opt for soft foods that your baby can easily smash with his fingers and pick up.
• Cut foods into strips or sticks so that your baby can easily grasp them with his hand and take bites.
• For slippery foods, like banana and avocado, leave the peel on the bottom so that your can grip the food and bite it more easily.
• Using a crinkle cutter can also help to make cooked veggies less slippery.
• Avoid foods that are a choking hazard, like raw vegetables, hard fruits (including raw apple) and nuts. Make sure to steam or roast hard fruits and vegetables before serving them to your baby.
• Make sure your baby is sitting up straight when he’s eating and always stay with him while he’s eating.
• Don’t worry if your baby isn’t eating a whole lot the first month or two of baby-led weaning. Remember that he’s receiving most of his calories and nutrients from breast milk or formula.

These are the best baby-led weaning foods to start with:

Steamed or boiled vegetables: pumpkin, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans (remove skin), zucchini and beets

Soft fruits: Avocado, banana, baked apple slices (without the peel), and very ripe pears and melon

Meat: Flaked salmon, strips of chicken and grass-fed beef and soft meatballs

Eggs: Hardboiled or scrambled

Cheese: Soft cheeses

Bread: Slivers of lightly toasted bread (can be topped with hummus, nut butter or grass-fed butter)

Pasta: Cooked whole wheat or gluten-free pasta cut into pieces

Once your baby has successfully eaten and tolerated several types of foods, you can begin serving him mixed dishes. But you still need to make sure that the foods are small and soft enough for your baby to handle without choking.

This is a great time to start feeding your baby the meals that you have prepared for your family. Just make sure that they aren’t too spicy or salty, chop it up and let it sit so that it’s not too hot for your baby. This is also an excellent time to let your baby experiment with holding a baby spoon or fork. He probably won’t be able to use it properly for a while, but he’ll enjoy trying and getting used to it. And now you can mix foods that are naturally softer and smaller with finger foods, while he uses the fork or spoon to feed himself.

Here are some baby-led weaning recipes or combinations that you can serve once your baby has tried several types of foods individually:

• Blueberries (or soft fruits) with yogurt
•  Oatmeal with nut butter and ripe pear
• Almond flour pancakes (chopped) topped with berries
• Chopped hard-boiled egg with avocado and cheese
• Minestrone soup with most of the liquid removed
• Chicken strips with lentils and steamed broccoli
• Beef strips with sweet potato and zucchini
• Baked fish with steamed green beans and carrots

Potential Drawbacks

• Increased risk of choking: The risk of choking is the most commonly raised concern with baby-led weaning among parents and healthcare professionals. When a child begins experimenting with putting foods into his mouth, this requires coordination of chewing, swallowing and breathing, which doesn’t always happen when he’s just learning to handle foods. One study found that 30 percent of parents reported at least one episode of choking with baby-led weaning. However, there isn’t enough research comparing choking in BLW and traditional feeding. Plus, mothers reported that when their babies were choking, they were able to expel the foods on their own by coughing. (11) A major aspect of baby-led weaning is learning the difference between choking and gagging. Gagging is a safety mechanism that brings large pieces of food forward in the mouth so that it can be chewed further. For infants, gagging is very common because the gag reflex is triggered more easily. By about eight months of age, the place in the mouth where the gag reflex is triggered moves further back in the mouth, so gagging becomes less common. Because of the gag reflex, infants just beginning to eat finger foods need to chew their foods well before they can be swallowed easily. If you notice that your infant gags on every food in the beginning, he may not be ready for solids quite yet. In this case, you can wait another week or two and try again, or start with puréed foods instead.
• Nutrient deficiencies: There’s research suggesting that babies using the baby-led weaning approach may be at a greater risk of iron deficiency because they aren’t being exposed to iron-fortified infant cereals. According to researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand, infants following full baby-led weaning appeared to have less than half of the daily dietary iron intake of babies following a traditional method of feeding. There’s also concern about babies following baby-led weaning being at a higher risk of zinc and vitamin B12 deficiencies. For this reason, parents are encouraged to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods into their child’s meals, especially foods that are high in iron, zinc and vitamin B12. (12)
• May not work for every child: In order to start BLW at six months of age, an infant must have the skills to self-feed. This means that he must be able to sit up on his own, grasp the food and put it into his mouth, then chew the food and swallow. If the child doesn’t have the ability to self feed, he’s at a greater risk of “failure to thrive,” which means that he’s not getting the calories and nutrients he needs to grow. In these cases, parent assistance is necessary in order to ensure that the child is eating enough for proper growth and development. (13)

Final Thoughts

• Baby-led weaning is an approach to feeding an infant that promotes his ability to self-feed finger foods and set the pace of the meal.
• Unlike traditional feeding methods that start when an infant is around 4 months old, baby-led weaning begins at around 6 months, when the baby is able to sit up, grasp food, chew and swallow.
• Advocates of baby-led weaning choose this method because it:
  • encourages self feeding and exploration
  • allows the infant to follow hunger cues
  • makes the infant part of family meal time
  • allows babies to receive a wider diet
  • requires less work and money
  • delays the introduction of solid foods
• To follow this feeding approach, infants are given soft, chopped finger foods that they can easily grasp and bring to their mouths. Some of the best foods to begin baby-led weaning include steamed or boiled vegetables, avocados, soft fruits like very ripe pears and bananas, eggs and soft cheeses.

The post How to Do Baby-Led Weaning (the Best Way to Start Solid Foods) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

There are always interesting trends popping up in the health and wellness field as we “rediscover” how the goodness in nature can benefit our health. It’s hard to remember that there was a time before kale and cauliflower were in everything or when we shunned coconut oil in favor of canola oil (shudder).

But not everything natural is necessarily good for you — including eating your placenta. Chowing down on the organ that forms during pregnancy is becoming more common in some mom circles. But although Kim Kardashian and January Jones (of Mad Men fame) have done it, should mamas-to-be prepare for placenta lasagnas or is this one trend that’s actually a fad? Let’s investigate.

Why Do People Eat the Placenta?

For starters, what is the placenta? The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy. It attaches to the womb lining and transfers nutrients, oxygen and hormones from the mother’s blood supply to the baby’s via the umbilical cord, while also eliminating waste from the baby, like carbon dioxide.

Once the baby is born, there’s no need for the placenta — also known as afterbirth ­— and the woman will “deliver” it as well. The standard practice is to dispose of the placenta but, in recent years, there’s a growing interest in keeping and eating the placenta.

Eating placenta, known as placentophagy, is something that most mammals, except for humans and aquatic mammals, do. For those animals, eating the placenta has benefits including encouraging bonding between the mother and baby, and providing post-delivery pain relief for the mother. (1)

But eating placenta has never been something that humans do at any point in history; at least, not unless they were suffering from famine or some other type of extreme condition. (2) And while some Chinese medicine uses dried placenta in pills for various ailments both men and women suffer from, it wasn’t until the 1970s counterculture when the idea of eating placenta began popping up on communes.

Is it good to eat your placenta?

Advocates for placenta-eating swear that eating placenta after giving birth helps with energy levels, encourages milk production and can help rebalance hormones, which could help with postpartum depression.

But wait, that’s not all! Placenta lovers say it can also help with pain after the delivery, help skin look younger and more elastic and boost low iron levels. It’s a pretty impressive list for a practice that has no basis in scientific evidence as of yet.

How do you eat placenta?

If you’ve ever wondered can you eat placenta after giving birth, your next question might be how do you eat placenta? There are a few different ways.

You can cut the placenta into small chunks and eat it raw. You can also add it raw to a smoothie or cook it up into your favorite foods; if you want to never look at lasagna or chili again, search for the placenta versions of those recipes.

The most common way, though, is by having the placenta made into pills. There are companies that you can send the placenta to who will dry it and turn it into pills, with each placenta providing about 100 capsules, which moms are meant to take several times daily. The cost of eating your placenta pills will run you anywhere from $200-400 a bottle.

Is It Good to Eat Your Placenta? 3 Reasons Why You Should Not

The concerns that placenta is purported to help alleviate are very real. If placenta was a magic after-delivery pill, who could blame new moms for wanting to try it? Unfortunately, there are a few very real reasons it’s not a good idea.

1. There are no proven benefits

None of the studies done on human placentophagy have backed up the anecdotal evidence that there are benefits to eating placenta. The only study that comes close to that conclusion is one from 1954 that looked at 210 new moms and claimed eating placenta increased their lactation. (3) The study was flawed, however, because it contained no controls and more than six decades later, no other study has been able to replicate the results. Seems a bit fishy.

One of the few studies that’s looked at placenta capsules found that, out of the 17 hormones being examined in the study, only three had levels high enough to make a physiological difference. And out of the three, two are actually known to suppress milk production, not encourage it. (4)

A review of 10 different studies on humans eating placenta also found no benefits. (5) A 2017 study found that eating placenta made no difference to a woman’s hormone levels, which would be necessary for the placenta to affect her mood, energy levels and more. (6) If you’re looking for scientific evidence to back up placenta claims, it’s just not there.

2. It can be dangerous for moms and babies

Of course, science can sometimes be slow to catch up on beneficial trends. Could that be what’s happening here? No. Actually, eating placenta could be dangerous for both mom and baby.

The most concerning report came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (7) An Oregon woman gave her placenta to a company who turned it into capsules. She began taking them twice a day, three days after giving birth. Soon after, the baby had serious trouble breathing.

The infant was diagnosed with late-onset sepsis, which can be fatal, caused by bacteria that was also found in the mother’s placenta capsules. The pills increased the bacteria in the mother, who then passed it back to her child. This isn’t uncommon, either. Because there are no standards for processing placenta for consumption, it’s ripe for disease-causing bacteria and dangerous pathogens.

3. The risk for bacteria and infection is high

Other risks exist, too. The placenta accumulates toxins that it keeps away from the baby. If the mother is then ingesting that placenta, she’s also ingesting those toxins and any other harmful substances that have been purposely kept from the womb.

A 2016 paper on placenta consumption also highlights the fact that the mother or others who handle placenta, like someone making the capsules, can be exposed to pathogens present in the placenta. Infections like HIV or hepatitis can be spread from people handling the placenta. And then, of course, placentas themselves aren’t sterile, leaving them ripe for bacterial growth. (8)

Final Thoughts

• Placenta is a temporary organ that develops in a woman’s body when she’s pregnant to provide nutrients to the baby.
• The new trend of eating placenta boasts a lot of health claims which, as of now, are all unproven.
• Eating placenta can actually be harmful to the baby and mom, as the risk for bacteria, infections and more are quite high.
• While most mammal moms eat their placenta after birth, it looks like there’s good reason humans haven’t and don’t.
• If you do decide that you’d like to eat your placenta after birth, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor to find out what issues you believe placenta might help with and what other options are available to help alleviate them.

Read Next: Superfoods for a Healthy Pregnancy

The post Should Mothers Eat Their Placenta? appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You can’t help but hear about how autism rates are rising in the news today. There’s good reason why, too. Government officials report that autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children, which makes it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the country. More children are being diagnosed with autism each year than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. (1)

What’s autism? Autism is a very complex disorder and the needs of each autistic individual can vary greatly based on his or her autism symptoms. Autism signs can include ritualistic behaviors and difficulties socializing with others. Signs of autism begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.

There is currently no one clear cause nor a cure for autism, but the good news is that more all-natural type treatments are emerging as successful in dealing with autism symptoms. If you or someone you know has autism then this is really a must read article for you to discover hope.

What Is Autism?

What is the correct autism definition or autism meaning? Autism, also referred to as autistic disorder or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is defined as a developmental disability that affects brain development and can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

Some people wonder are autism and Down syndrome the same thing? No, they are two totally different diagnoses and conditions. It is possible to have both at the same time. DS-ASD is a condition known as co-occurring down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. For further information on this dual-diagnosis: Down Syndrome-Autism Connection.

Common signs of autism (autism behavior) include marked differences in the way an individual socializes, communications and behaves. Let’s talk about some of the most tell-tale autism signs.

Signs and Symptoms

As you learn more about autism, you’ll find there are certain behaviors common amongst afflicted autistic kids. These autism signs and autism symptoms are also true for autism in adults. Let’s look at some of the most common autism signs: (2)

What are the behaviors of autism? Restrictive and/or repetitive behaviors are common and can include:

• Need for repeated rituals
• Repetitive and compulsive behaviors
• Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects
• Having a lasting, intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details or facts
• Repetition of motor activities such as head banging, hand or limb flapping, spinning, body rocking, flicking, scratching, yelling, grunting, teeth grinding, tapping, tracing or feeling textures

Social/communication issues and problematic interaction behaviors may include: 

• Becoming upset because of a slight change in a routine or being placed in a new or overly stimulating setting
• Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing them to others
• Little or inconsistent eye contact
• Tendency to look at and listen to others less often
• Difficulties with the back and forth of conversations
• Responding in strange manner when others show affection, anger or distress
• Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or other verbal attempts to gain attention
• Often talking at length about a favorite subject without realizing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
• Repeating words or phrases they hear (echolalia)
• Using words that seem odd, out of place, or have a special meaning known only to those familiar with that person’s way of communicating
• Facial expressions, movements and gestures that don’t match what is being said
• An unusual tone of voice that can sound sing-song or flat and robot-like
• Trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions

There are also specific abilities and strengths that people with ASD are known to have including: (3)

• Having above-average intelligence – the CDC reports 46 percent of ASD children have above average intelligence
• Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time
• Being strong visual and auditory learners
• Excelling in math, science, music and/or art.

Some signs of autism in babies and toddlers (birth to 24 months) can include: (4)

• Lack of interest in faces
• Not making eye contact
• Not smiling
• Not reacting to sounds
• Doesn’t use gestures, like reaching for you when he or she wants to be held
• Dislikes being cuddled or touched
• Doesn’t babble or show other early signs of talking
• Doesn’t use single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months

There are clearly many possible signs of autism. Someone with autism may not display all of the autism signs.

Types of Autism

Types of autism or rather autism spectrum disorder now include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger’s syndrome. All of these conditions are now known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD for short. The CDC points out, “It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms. But for people with ASD, the impairments make life very challenging.” (5a)

The latest edition of the manual from the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), does not specify the subcategories of ASD. Rather, they include a range or spectrum of symptoms and severity within one category. In the past, children would receive a specific autism diagnosis or Asperger’s diagnosis, but now the diagnosis for both of these conditions as well as other pervasive developmental disorders is ASD. (5b)

Other types of pervasive development disorder (PDD) in addition to autism and Asperger’s include childhood disintegrative disorder and Rett’s syndrome. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, autism is the most characteristic and best studied PDD. (6)

Autism Spectrum

What does it mean to be on the autistic spectrum? It means that an individual displays some behavioral and developmental problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. While there challenging characteristics of being on the spectrum, autism in adults or children can reveal itself in remarkable abilities when it comes to music, visual skills as well as academic abilities.

It’s estimated that approximately 40 percent of autistic individual have intellectual disability (an IQ under 70) yet many have normal to above average IQ levels. Some people with autism are on the end of the spectrum and their challenges are so great that they can’t live alone. (7)

Meanwhile, other people with autism are on the other end of the spectrum and are said to have high functioning autism. What is the definition of high functioning autism or HFA? People with HFA can often read, speak and write, handle basic life skills (like dressing themselves), function and live independently, and overall, lead relatively “normal” lives. It’s also a label often used for autistic individuals with an IQ of 70 or above. High functioning autism (HFA) is not an official medical term or diagnosis. People with HFA can still display signs of autism and also have significant issues with communication and social interaction. (8)

Causes

What causes autism? According to the CDC, we are not currently aware of all the things that may cause ASD, but we do know some likely autism causes and risk factors. Many experts agree that the critical period for developing ASD is before, during and immediately after birth. Autism signs are often seen before a child turns two. Examples of environmental, biologic and genetic factors that may contribute to autism include: (9)

• Genes: Most scientists agree that genes are a risk factor that can lead a person to be more likely to develop ASD.
• Sibling history: Children with a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.
• Medications during pregnancy: When the prescription drugs thalidomide and valproic acid are used during pregnancy, they have been linked with a greater risk of offspring having ASD.
• Chromosome abnormalities: ASD tends to occur more often in people who have certain genetic or chromosomal conditions such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis.
• Parent Age: Older parents may be at a higher risk for having autistic children.

According to the Autism Research Institute, evidence has shown that some viruses may cause autism. For example, it’s possible that there is a greater risk of having an autistic child after exposure to rubella during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Cytolomegalovirus is another virus that has been associated with autism. There is also concern that certain towns in the U.S. (such as Brick Township, New Jersey and Leomenster, Massachusetts) are seeing greater rates of autism due to toxins and environmental pollution. (10)

A leaky gut and an abnormal gut microbiota have also been associated with ASD in scientific research. A scientific article published in 2017 in the journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience states reviews numerous clinical studies and concludes that research has definitely shown that treatments that regulate the bacteria in the gut microbiota lead to improvements in signs of autism. (11)

Diagnosis and Conventional Treatment

Autism, which is now considered to as ASD, is typically diagnosed in a two step process. First, there is a developmental screen followed by a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Some children are diagnosed by 18 months or ever earlier while others aren’t diagnosed until much later.

According to the CDC, “By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable.” However, the CDC also points out that, “Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult, since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. ” (12)

There is no set standard of treatment for someone with ASD, especially since autism signs can vary and each case is so unique. It’s also a fact that there are currently no medications that can cure ASD or treat the core symptoms. Conventional autism treatment will often include medications to help patients to “function better.” (13)

Natural Treatment

Everyone with autism has a different chemical makeup, a different body. It’s vital to not give up on one autism treatment if you don’t see improvement. Many autism sufferers have seen improvement with diet changes (such as a gluten and dairy-free diet) and the addition of certain vitamins and minerals into their diets.

There are many perspectives on natural autism treatment, including those from Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicinea. To learn more, check out my article: Autism Natural Treatment.

Final Thoughts

• If you suspect your child is exhibiting signs of autism or another PDD, it’s vital to get a diagnosis from your doctor. Getting more than one opinion is a great idea, too, since autism can be misdiagnosed.
• Signs of autism or ASD symptoms are on a spectrum and vary from person to person.
• Once confirmed, I recommend working with your health care practitioner to treat autism using the least invasive therapies and drugs.
• Have your child tested to see if they have an allergy or sensitivity to gluten or casein. Proceed to implementing a gluten-free, dairy-free diet which has been shown to help signs of autism for some.
• Education is such a key part of autism awareness and it’s also a way to empower yourself to find the best treatment plan for yourself or someone you love with ASD.

The post Signs of Autism You Don’t Want to Ignore appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Reye’s syndrome is an incredibly rare and serious illness that affects the brain, liver and other organs in the body. It most often occurs in children while they are recovering from common childhood viral infections such as chickenpox, influenza, mumps or the measles. (1, 2)

While it is most common in children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old, it can occur at any time. Reye’s syndrome is linked to the use of aspirin and aspirin-like products during a viral disease. (3)

Reye’s syndrome symptoms can begin within three to five days of the onset of the viral illness or several days afterward. If you suspect Reye’s because of a viral illness and the use of aspirin or an aspirin-like product, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Time is of the essence. (4)

This illness is often fatal; death occurs in 30 percent to 40 percent of all cases. (5)  And while there is no cure, the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance the patient will experience a full recovery. Some people will recover completely from Reye’s syndrome while others may sustain some degree of brain damage.

The National Reye’s syndrome Foundation warns that aspirin and aspirin-like compounds appear in a wide array of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription medications and topical products, including sunscreens, acne treatments, beauty products and certain medications. (6)

Nothing is more difficult for a parent than seeing their child in pain. Fortunately, there are safe, natural alternatives to aspirin that can help relieve pain and lower a high temperature. Just remember, never give a child aspirin or willow bark unless directly instructed to do so by your doctor.

What Is Reye’s syndrome?

Reye’s syndrome is a serious, sometimes fatal, disease that primarily affects children, but can strike anyone of any age. Reye’s syndrome is considered a two-phase illness as it typically occurs in conjunction with a viral infection. And while researchers have not identified a definitive cause, research does show that there is a direct link between Reye’s syndrome and the use of aspirin and other salicylate-containing medications, OTC drugs and topical products when used while fighting a viral illness like chicken pox. (7)

This illness affects all of the organs in the body, but it is most destructive to the liver and the brain. It often causes an acute increase in pressure within the brain and significant accumulations of fat in the liver and other organs. (8)

As swelling occurs in the brain, it can lead to convulsions, seizures or a loss of consciousness. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if a child or adult experiences repeated vomiting, lethargy, sudden behavior changes or seizures while recovering from the flu, chicken pox or another viral illness. (9)

Symptoms can begin during recovery from the primary illness, but they can also develop within three to five days after onset of the primary illness. Knowing the signs and symptoms of Reye’s syndrome — as well as the wide range of medications and products that contain aspirin and aspirin-like compounds — is essential.

Immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary. This is a deadly disease that strikes quickly and generally without much warning.

Reye’s syndrome is not contagious, but many of the viral illnesses it is associated with are.

Reye’s syndrome Signs & Symptoms

The following symptoms can appear while getting over a viral illness like the flu or chicken pox, or in the three to five day period after the onset of the illness. Early diagnosis is crucial to survival.

During and following a viral illness all individuals, regardless of age, should be watched for two to three weeks for any of these symptoms: (10)

• Relentless or continuous vomiting
• Listlessness
• Excessive sleepiness or drowsiness
• Change in personality
• Irritability
• Slurred speech
• Sensitivity to touch
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Combativeness
• Delirium
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness

NOTE:  Symptoms in infants do not follow a typical pattern and vomiting does not always occur. (8) The most common symptoms in infants are:

• Diarrhea
• Rapid breathing
• Hyperventilation

Causes & Risk Factors

Research shows a direct link between Reye’s syndrome, a viral illness, and the use of an aspirin-containing product. According to the National Reye’s syndrome Foundation, the aspirin and aspirin-like compounds appear in OTC medications and prescription medications, but they also can appear in topical products, including beauty products. (6)

Read product ingredient lists carefully and avoid them if any of the following ingredients appear during or after a viral infection or while pregnant or breast-feeding:

• Acetyl salicylic acid
• Acetylsalicylate
• Acetylsalicylate acid
• Aluminum acetyl salicylate
• Ammonium salicylate
• Amyl salicylate
• Arthropan
• Aspirin
• Benzyl salicylate
• Butyloctyl salicylate
• Calcium acetyl salicylate
• Choline salicylate
• Ethyl salicylate
• Lithium salicylate
• Methyl salicylate
• Methylene disalicylic acid
• Octisalate
• Octyl salicylate
• Phenyl salicylate
• Procaine salicylate
• Sal ethyl carbonate
• Salicylsalicylic acid
• Salicylamide
• Salicylanilide
• Salicylsalicylic acid
• Santalyl salicylate
• Santalyl
• Sodium salicylate
• Stoncylate
• Strontium salicylate
• Sulfosalicylic acid
• Tridecyl salicylate
• Trolamine salicylate

These compounds are found in many OTC medications including medications for pain, headache, heartburn and other digestive problems. Certain anti-nausea medications are also associated with Reye’s syndrome.

Some topical products contain aspirin-like compounds too. Read ingredient lists carefully for any of the following products as although they aren’t ingested, they can be absorbed through the skin: (11)

• Acne cleansers & creams
• Arthritis pain rubs
• Facial astringents
• Cosmetics
• Dandruff shampoos
• Exfoliating moisturizers
• Facial scrubs
• Facial masks
• Lotion
• Mouthwash
• Muscle pain relief creams
• Perfume
• Shampoo
• Sunscreen
• Sun block
• Toothpaste
• Wart removers
• Wintergreen-scented oils

While the exact cause of Reye’s syndrome is unknown, several factors may play a role. It can be triggered by using aspirin or aspirin-like substances during a viral illness or infection.

In addition, some research indicates children and teens with an underlying fatty acid oxidation disorder may be at an increased risk. This condition is part of a group of inherited metabolic disorders where the body is unable to break down fatty acids because an enzyme is missing or not working properly. Also of note — in addition to aspirin and metabolic disorders — exposure to certain toxins, insecticides, herbicides and paint thinner may contribute to Reye’s syndrome. (12)

Conventional Treatment

As mentioned, there is no cure for Reye’s syndrome. Successful treatment and management requires an early diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is not yet a single laboratory test that can determine Reye’s syndrome.

Diagnosis typically begins with blood and urine tests, as well as testing for fatty acid oxidation disorders. More invasive tests may be required. CT or MRI scans, a liver biopsy, a spinal tap or a skin biopsy may be necessary.

As the use of aspirin has been discouraged for quite some time in children, Reye’s syndrome is rare. Parents must be vigilant and urge testing if there is the slightest possibility that aspirin or aspirin-like products were used during a viral illness. There is a 90 percent chance of recovery when this illness is treated in its earliest stages, according to the National Reye’s syndrome Foundation. (10)

First steps in treatment are generally aimed at reducing brain swelling to protect the brain against irreversible damage. In addition, reversing metabolic damage and preventing further complications in the lungs and other organs are top priorities.

As an inpatient, vital statistics and organ health will be monitored closely as cardiac arrest is possible. IV fluids with electrolytes and glucose, as well as diuretics, vitamin K, plasma and platelets may be prescribed. In the event breathing is compromised, a ventilator may be required. (13)

Prevention

Avoid any and all products that contain aspirin and aspirin-like compounds listed above. Drugs from the salicylate family should never be used when a viral illness like the flu, chicken pox or others are present. (14)

6 Natural Alternatives to Aspirin

1. Eat Real Food.

Inflammation is one of the primary causes of pain in both adults and children. (15)  To combat pain, avoid all processed and packaged foods, gluten, caffeine, and added sugar and alcohol as they are suspected to cause an inflammatory response. Instead, focus on eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich with foods such as wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, blueberries, celery, pineapple, walnuts and leafy greens.

Another great way to reduce pain is to cook with spices known for their anti-inflammatory properties, like cayenne, turmeric and cinnamon. My kid-friendly healthy CrockPot cinnamon applesauce recipe is perfect for soothing an upset stomach while providing key nutrients.

2. Take a Warm Bath. 

Run a warm bath and mix in 2 cups of Epsom salt and 8 to 10 drops of lavender oil and soak for 30 to 40 minutes. Epsom salt is known for relieving pain, muscle aches and soreness, while lavender oil will help to reduce stress and promote a restful sleep. (16, 17)

3. Ginger.

Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, adding ginger root to your diet may help to relieve pain. In a small study published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, researchers found that adults consuming two grams of ginger reduced muscle pain after intense physical exercise. (18)

While two grams is too much for a child, adding fresh ginger in the form of a tea or in my recipe for tom kha gai made with bone broth and ginger may help to relieve pain and discomfort, particularly when used in conjunction with other remedies on this list.  As ginger can cause digestive upset and heartburn in high doses, introduce it slowly if it is not already part of your regular diet.    

4. Massage.

Massage therapy has long been hailed for its physical and emotional healing powers. In fact, it is known to relieve or reduce pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis and joint pain while improving depression and anxiety and boosting immunity. (19, 20, 21)

Massage increases dopamine and decreases cortisol, helping to regulate anxiety and stress, which is common when we feel ill or are in pain. For young children and infants, use soft long strokes to apply a blend of a couple of drops of  peppermint oil with a carrier oil. Studies show this essential oil to be a natural painkiller and muscle relaxant. (22)

And, according to Nationwide Children’s — one of the largest pediatric health care and research centers in the United States — massage helps to decrease muscle tension and improve quality of sleep. And sleep is one of the most restorative natural treatments you can employ for pain and discomfort. (23)

5. Turmeric. 

Research shows that turmeric can be effective at relieving pain and inflammation. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found 1,000 milligrams of curcumin per day to be effective at relieving arthritis pain. (24)

Again, that dosage is too much for young children, but adding turmeric to their diet may be a safe and effective way of managing pain. Try my child-friendly recipe for carrot ginger soup and grate some fresh turmeric into the soup. Turmeric tea is another way to introduce this powerful root into a child’s diet. Note: For children under the age of 5, replace the honey called for in the recipe with coconut sugar or natural maple syrup.

6. Drink Plenty of Fluids.

To reduce a fever drink more water. If an illness is prolonged, dehydration is a risk. Drinking coconut water is a great way to protect against dehydration as it is packed with electrolytes. And, in addition to helping with hydration levels, bone broth — which is rich with collagen — has been shown to support healthy inflammation levels and a healthy immune system. (25, 26)

Precautions

Reye’s syndrome is often misdiagnosed as encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, drug overdose, poisoning, sudden infant death syndrome or a psychiatric illness, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (5)

The longer it takes to get a definitive diagnosis and to receive proper treatment, the chances for successful recovery and survival are severely reduced. Unless Reye’s syndrome is diagnosed and treated quickly and successfully, death is common within a few days.

In infants, Reye’s syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed as the symptoms are different than in children and adults. Be on the lookout for signs including: (27)

• Rapid onset of lethargy
• Seizures
• Coma
• Hyperventilation
• Apnea
• Diarrhea
• Respiratory distress

Another concern for infants is the use of aspirin during pregnancy and breast-feeding. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), aspirin is transferred through breast milk. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns against using aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy. (28)

With all of the OTC and prescription medications, as well as topical compounds, that contain aspirin or aspirin-like compounds, it is vital that you read all labels for any ingredients that may present a problem while you are pregnant or nursing. (29)

Reye’s Syndrome Key Points

• Reye’s syndrome occurs as a result of taking aspirin and aspirin-like compounds while the body fights a viral infection.
• This is a serious condition that can occur very rapidly, and it can result in death.
• Early diagnosis and treatment is a must; up to 90 percent of patients treated in the earliest stages recover.
• Aspirin is not the only ingredient to avoid. There are a number of aspirin-like compounds that can be found in medications and beauty products that contain worrisome ingredients.
• Everyone, regardless of age, should be monitored for two to three weeks after a viral illness for the common symptoms of Reye’s syndrome.

6 Natural Alternatives to Aspirin

1. Eat real food, avoiding processed foods, gluten, added sugar and any known allergen. Instead, choose an anti-inflammatory diet rich with wild-caught salmon, bone broth, leafy greens and fresh fruits.
2. Take a warm bath with Epsom salt and lavender oil to reduce muscle aches, pains and to spur relaxation and better sleep.
3. Add ginger to your diet to help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Have or give a massage with peppermint oil, which is known for its analgesic properties.
5. Incorporate turmeric into your diet to help relieve inflammation and pain. Grate fresh turmeric into soups or make a tea for young children to sip on throughout the day.
6. Drink plenty of fluids including water, coconut water and bone broth.

Read Next: 8 ‘You Won’t Believe It’ Natural Pain Killers

The post Reye’s Syndrome Dangers (+ 6 Natural Aspirin Alternatives) appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Bronchiolitis is a lung infection most often seen in young children. It can affect people at any age but is most likely to cause serious or noticeable symptoms in infants and toddlers. The infection is common and involves inflammation and congestion in the tiniest airways in the lungs (called the bronchioles). It is usually caused by a virus.

Most people with bronchiolitis get better within a few weeks, but some children may need care in a hospital.

What Is Bronchiolitis? 

Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection. Most people with bronchiolitis first become ill with a virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While the virus can make people of any age sick, RSV in babies can cause severe bronchiolitis symptoms that may require hospitalization. (1)

Bronchiolitis typically starts like a normal cold, but gets worse after a few days. It can cause a week or more of wheezing or trouble breathing even in otherwise healthy kids. (2) Children may also get an ear infection that requires antibiotics. (3)

Is bronchiolitis contagious?

Bronchiolitis itself is not contagious. However, the viruses that can cause bronchiolitis are contagious. The viruses are very common and spread easily through coughs, sneezing, talking or touching shared objects. RSV has at least two strains and infects nearly every child by the age of 2. (4) Other viruses, such as the flu and the common cold, can also lead to bronchiolitis if they cause the bronchioles to swell and fill with mucus. (5)

Bronchiolitis vs. bronchitis

There is a difference between bronchiolitis and bronchitis, even though the conditions have similar names. They have similar effects on the actual airways, but in different parts of the lungs and in people at different ages.

Bronchiolitis mostly affects infants and toddlers age 2 and younger and is caused by swollen airways (bronchioles) that collect with mucus and make it hard to breathe. Bronchitis mostly affects older children and adults. It results in swelling in the upper airway — the trachea and upper bronchial tubes. (6) In addition, bronchiolitis normally goes away in a few weeks, whereas bronchitis can become a long-term (chronic) condition and is often caused by lung irritants, such as cigarette smoke. (7) However, both conditions can be caused by a viral infection.

Signs & Symptoms

Bronchiolitis symptoms in infants may be difficult to identify. Symptoms include: (8, 9)

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Cough
• Fussiness
• Trouble feeding
• Low-grade fever (often < 101.5 degrees F)
• Irritability

In some cases, these are the only symptoms a child may have of bronchiolitis. In other cases, symptoms get worse.

Call a doctor or take your child in for urgent care if you notice any of the following symptoms: (10, 11)

• Sluggishness or extreme inactivity
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Dehydration (not enough wet diapers, or having dark urine)
• Trouble breathing:
  • Wheezing
  • Nostril flaring
  • Whistling noises on the exhale
  • Seeing the ribcage go in when the baby breathes in
  • Breathing very fast or shallow
  • Working very hard to breathe
  • Pauses in breathing
• Blue or purple lips or fingertips
• Hypothermia (a temperature that is lower than the normal 98 degrees F)

Bronchiolitis in toddlers and bronchiolitis in adults may cause many of the same symptoms, although sunken ribs during breathing and nasal flaring are most likely to occur only in the very young. (12)

Causes & Risk Factors

Bronchiolitis causes include: (13)

• A virus (most often RSV, but it can also be the common cold or flu)
• Swollen airways that fill with mucus

When the infection causes the airways to swell and fill with mucus, the lungs have trouble getting enough oxygen into the blood. The body then has to work harder to get enough oxygen, which causes trouble breathing, such as wheezing or sucked-in ribs.

Risk factors for bronchiolitis include: (14)

• Age younger than 2 years (and younger than 3 months in particular)
• Preterm birth
• Another heart or lung problem
• A weak immune system
• Exposure to cigarette smoke
• Exposure to lots of other kids or people (in a daycare or crowded home)
• Having older siblings who attend school or daycare

Conventional Treatment

In most cases, bronchiolitis treatment simply involves staying hydrated and resting at home. Most children have mild symptoms and do not require treatment. However, when bronchiolitis becomes severe, conventional treatment may involve: (15, 16)

• Hospitalization
• Oxygen via a mask or machine
• A nebulizer, to deliver inhaled drugs that open up and reduce inflammation in the tiny airways of the lungs
• Intravenous (IV) fluids to help hydrate
• Suctioning mucus from the mouth or nose
• Monitoring breathing and heart rate with a machine
• Making sure your child’s temperature stays in a healthy range

Oxygen is considered the most effective treatment in young children. (17) Because most bronchiolitis is the result of a virus, antibiotics are not usually prescribed. In some cases, certain drugs may be recommended by health care providers for treatment, including: (18, 19)

• Drugs to treat RSV infection, such as ribavirin or palivizumab
• Antibiotics (if the infection was indeed bacterial or if there is also an ear infection)
• Decongestant sprays
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
• Alpha or beta agonists to help relax and open the airways, such as albuterol or racemic epinephrine
• Fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, depending on the child’s age. (If you are considering using medication to reduce your child’s fever at home, talk to a healthcare professional due to serious safety concerns.)

7 Natural Ways to Relieve Bronchiolitis Symptoms 

In fighting mild cases of bronchiolitis, the focus is on increasing how much oxygen gets into the body, staying hydrated, and relieving symptoms like congestion and fever. (20)

You can consider these natural ways to relieve bronchiolitis symptoms when your child’s symptoms do not require medical attention:

1. Use a humidifier
2. Stay hydrated
3. Use aromatherapy
4. Keep the airways clear
5. Relieve the fever
6. Consider Traditional Chinese Medicine
7. Ask about dietary supplements or at-home natural nebulizer options

1. Use a humidifier

Supplemental humidified oxygen is one of the standard hospital treatments for bronchiolitis. (21) Use of a humidifier is also considered a safe temporary way to improve ease of breathing for your child. (22) However, humidifiers can be associated with respiratory infections and other problems when they are not used properly or are not clean. Follow the instructions for use included with the humidifier and clean it daily during your child’s illness.

At home, it is also commonly recommended that you avoid potential irritants in the air, such as: (23)

• chemicals
• smoke
• fumes
• dust
• allergens
• cold air

2. Stay hydrated

Hydration is perhaps the most important way you can support a child with bronchiolitis at home. (24) For infants, offer the breast or bottle frequently when they are awake. For toddlers and older children, keep water, an electrolyte drink or juice accessible around the clock and offer or remind them to take a sip often. They don’t have to drink more than normal, but they should drink regular amounts if possible. (25) If you are worried that your child is not eating or drinking enough, call a health care professional. Doctors may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) electrolyte drink made specifically for children or may tell you to bring your child into the hospital for IV fluids.

If your child is more interested in food than drink, you can also offer foods with high water content to help keep them hydrated. Hydrating foods include: (26)

• Melons such as watermelon and cantaloupe
• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Citrus fruits
• Cucumbers, celery and zucchini
• Lettuce and tomatoes
• Soups and broth
• Yogurt and cottage cheese
• Bell peppers
• Cauliflower and cabbage

3. Use aromatherapy

Although the jury is still out on exactly how helpful essential oil-based aromatherapy is for improving breathing in bronchiolitis, it is possible it may temporarily relieve symptoms. The one with the most bronchiolitis-specific research is probably eucalyptus oil.

• In one study, symptom relief occurred 20 minutes after using a spray with a combination of essential oils was greater than when a placebo spray was used. (27) The spray didn’t impact how long symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness or cough lasted or how bad they were overall, but it did temporarily provide relief. The study used a combination of Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus globulus, peppermint, oregano and rosemary.
• A study in rats found that Eucalyptus globulus oil helped fight chronic bronchitis by relieving inflammation and fighting airway mucus. (28) Another study, also in rats, found similar results in the bronchioles. (29) A third study in rats found that eucalyptus oil fought bronchiolitis and helped reduce inflammation and mucus production. (30) Although those researchers believe eucalyptus oil should be considered for drug development, it is not yet used as one in traditional medicine.
• Note! Commercial vapor rub products may be dangerous for infants and young toddlers. (31) Do not apply it to very young children. For older children and adults, do not apply it near the mouth or nose. A study found that the ingredients in one popular brand, Vicks VapoRub, can cause irritation in the  airways. This can cause more mucus production and trouble breathing. (32) This may be due to camphor, which can be toxic even in small doses to young children. (33)
  • You can make your own vapor rub that leaves out potentially harmful ingredients. Instead of menthol and camphor, you can use peppermint and eucalyptus.

In general, there is no strong evidence that aromatherapy helps kids with bronchiolitis. However, parents who wish to use aromatherapy can likely do so knowing it is not likely to do any harm. (34)

4. Keep the airways clear

If your child is congested, you may wish to clear their nose or mouth of mucus. This can make it easier for them to draw air in and can impact how much oxygen they get into their blood. (35)

Home suction tools include suction bulbs and other over-the-counter options, such as “snot suckers” like the Nose Frida. If your baby’s mouth is full of mucus you can carefully use suction bulbs to clear their mouth a bit as well. (36)

Saline drops for your child’s nose can also be used to help clear their nose of mucus so they can breathe clearly. (37) For infants, saline drops should be used before using nose suction, so that the mucus breaks down and is easier to suction out. Older kids can use saline nose drops before blowing their nose so that they get more out.

5. Relieve the fever

If your child has a fever associated with their RSV or bronchiolitis, talk to his or her doctor about the best way to treat it. (38) In some cases, very young babies can easily become hypothermic — the opposite of a fever, when their temperature drops too low. This means you must be very careful when trying to bring down a fever. However, there are several ways to relieve a fever naturally that may be safe for infants and toddlers as well as older kids and adults. Simple tips include avoiding over-bundling with clothes or blankets and taking a lukewarm bath.

6. Consider Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese herbal therapies are still widely used in China for the treatment of bronchiolitis and RSV. Although they are not widely accepted as formal treatments in the U.S., it is possible that a professional TCM practitioner could provide an herbal therapy that may relieve symptoms or fight underlying RSV.

• About 75 percent of 286 parents whose children had bronchiolitis were satisfied with and preferred TCM to conventional drugs. (39)
• In a review of complementary and alternative therapies for infant bronchiolitis, four studies of Chinese herbal medicine were included and showed some benefit for clinical outcomes. (40)
• A study in mice found that a TCM herbal treatment, called modified dingchuan decoction, which is often used for coughs and other respiratory problems, may fight RSV and reduce inflammation. (41)
• Studies using human respiratory tract cells found that Peuraria lobata Ohwi (found in both Ge-Gen-Tang and Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang) fights RSV infection. (42)

7. Ask about dietary supplements or at-home natural nebulizer options

Although many dietary supplements may not be practical (or safe) to give to infants, you can ask your child’s doctor about child-safe options that may help them fight infections and reduce swelling in the airways. In some cases, it may be possible to give these natural dietary elements through a nebulizer.

A review of research on complementary and alternative medicines for infant bronchiolitis found studies with promising results for the following: (43)

• Vitamin D. Research supports the idea that vitamin D plays an important part in our immune system’s ability to fight viral infections.
  • In a study of infants with serious bronchiolitis, many had a genetic mutation that may make it harder for their bodies to use vitamin D to fight infection. (44) The researchers suggested that higher levels of vitamin D in their systems may make it easier for the children with this mutation to get the amount they need to help control inflammation and fight the virus.
  • Other research also suggests that vitamin D deficiencies can be treated to reduce the risk for serious respiratory infections in young children. (45, 46)
  • Vitamin D drops are available over the counter for infants and toddlers.
• N-acetylcysteine. This is an amino acid cysteine taken by mouth that is believed to help give cells an important antioxidant. (47)
  • A study of N-acetylcysteine given through a nebulizer found that it helped kids feel better faster and get sent home from the hospital earlier than children given salbutamol. (48)
  • N-acetylcysteine is available over the counter in pill form, which may not work for young kids. Talk with a healthcare professional about possible ways to get N-acetylcysteine safely as a supplement or nebulizer treatment for your child if you are interested.
• Magnesium. Research indicates the body may lose magnesium in the urine during illness; magnesium levels in the blood are lower and levels in the urine are higher in children at the start of illness, with the reverse by the end. (49) Several randomized trials have started to look at nebulized magnesium sulfate as an option for treating bronchiolitis.
  • One study found that it was not helpful (and may be harmful) when given into the vein (via IV at the hospital). (50)
  • Another study found that when magnesium sulfate was combined with salbutamol in nebulizers, it improved symptoms more than just magnesium sulfate alone. (51)
  • Magnesium sulfate given via a micro air pump was also found to be helpful in another study (compared to given into the vein). (52)
  • Ask your child’s doctor about a possible magnesium sulfate supplement or nebulizer if you are interested, but do not try this treatment without the guidance of a health professional. (53)

Prevention

RSV infections occur in nearly everyone by the age of 2. The best way to prevent it is to take steps to avoid any type of contagious infection: wash your hands, limit contact with people who are sick, clean surfaces like toys and doorknobs, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and don’t share cups or utensils. (54) You can also follow these steps:

• Do not smoke in the home or around your child. (55)
• Breast-feed your baby to help protect him or her from RSV. (56)
• When you or another adult in the house have a cough or fever, take extra precautions and consider wearing a face mask. (57)
• Since the flu virus can also cause bronchiolitis, the Mayo Clinic recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot every year. (58)
• Consider a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day for kids under the age of 1, and 600 IU/day for children over the age of 1. (59)

Children who are born prematurely or who have other risk factors, such as a heart or lung condition or a problem with their immune system, may be offered a medication (palivizumab) to help reduce their risk of getting RSV. (60)

Precautions

• If your child is having difficulty breathing, is unresponsive or very inactive, or starting to get blue or purple lips or fingernails, go to the emergency room.
• Bronchiolitis can sometimes be very serious in young children. When in doubt, consult a health care professional or seek urgent or emergency care.
• Do not attempt to self-diagnose RSV or bronchiolitis. Its symptoms can be easily confused with pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.
• Do not use cough suppressants or sedatives. (61) Children can die from overdose with cough and cold medicines. Sedatives can make it even harder for your child to get enough oxygen. Coughing is also important to help your child clear mucus from their lungs.
• Do not use products with camphor or menthol, such as many over-the-counter vapor rubs.
• For over-the-counter pain and fever relief, follow the product’s weight-based instructions. If your child is too small or young to be listed on the package instructions, call a doctor to ask about a safe dose.
• If you are using at-home herbal remedies for your child, proceed with caution. Young children may require smaller doses of remedies or may have negative reactions to herbs, supplements, carrier oils, and other products used for at-home care.

Bronchiolitis Key Points

• Bronchiolitis is a very common childhood illness that usually resolves on its own within a week.
• Common symptoms include coughing, congestion, wheezing and a low-grade fever.
• The problem is most common in babies and toddlers and is usually caused by a virus called RSV.
• Most children do not require treatment other than rest and hydration. Some may require pain or fever relief.
• Take your child to an urgent care center or emergency room if they have trouble breathing.

Natural ways to treat mild bronchiolitis at home include:

1. Use a humidifier.
2. Stay hydrated.
3. Use aromatherapy.
4. Keep the airways clear.
5. Relieve the fever.
6. Consider Traditional Chinese Medicine.
7. Ask about dietary supplements or at-home natural nebulizer options.

Read Next: Asthma Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

The post Relieve Your Child’s Bronchiolitis Symptoms 7 Natural Ways appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Roseola is a viral illness that most commonly affects children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old. It is extremely common, and most children will have been infected by the time they enter kindergarten. Some children will experience very mild symptoms, while others will host a wide range of symptoms, including a high fever, rash, decreased appetite, swollen eyelids and mild diarrhea. (1)

Roseola is also known as ‘sixth disease’ and is caused by viruses from the herpes simplex virus family. Unlike other conditions caused by this class, roseola doesn’t cause cold sores or genital infections. Roseola does cause upper respiratory illness, typically mild, and is often accompanied by a fever over 103 degrees F.

Around the time that the fever abates, a rash develops. Generally, the rash begins on the trunk and can radiate out to the neck, face, arms, skull and legs. The bumps are pinkish-red and relatively flat or slightly raised. When pressed, the spots turn white and a halo may appear around them. (2)

Roseola normally isn’t serious, but a very high fever can cause potentially life-threatening complications. If you suspect roseola, and your child has a fever in excess of 103 F or a fever lasts for more than seven days, consult with your pediatrician as quickly as possible.

Whenever a child has a fast-rising fever, febrile seizures are possible. It is estimated that approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of children that get roseola will experience this type of seizure, which while frightening for both parents and children, normally does not cause permanent damage brain damage or increase the risk for developing epilepsy. (3)

Roseola is a contagious disease. It spreads through saliva transmitted by spitting and coughing and by nasal fluid expelled from sneezing, or just a dripping nose. It is contagious while the child has a fever but generally isn’t contagious by the time the rash arrives. However, it is important to note that the virus that causes roseola can live on surfaces for quite some time, depending on environmental factors. (4)

The fever can last anywhere from three to seven days and the rash can last anywhere from a few hours to three or four days. Conventional treatment focuses on relieving the fever, preventing dehydration and soothing the general discomfort the child is experiencing.

While generally considered an early childhood disease, adults can get “sixth disease.”  Adults can contract it if they were never exposed as a child. Once you have had roseola your body typically generates antibodies to protect you from future infections.

However, adults with a weak immune system due to cancer treatment, a bone marrow transplant, an organ transplant, or who have HIV/AIDS, are at a heightened risk for reinfection. For these adults, potentially fatal complications like encephalitis and pneumonia are possible. If you suspect roseola or another infection and you have a compromised immune system, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

What Is Roseola?

Roseola, or sixth disease, is a highly contagious viral illness. In the beginning a fever presents abruptly and is often in excess of 103 F. Febrile seizures are possible during this time, particularly if the fever passes 103 F. The incubation period can be anywhere from five and 15 days after exposure before the first symptoms of roseola appear.

During the fever portion of the illness, saliva and nasal fluids can spread the bacteria to individuals who have not yet been exposed, or to those who don’t have the antibodies necessary to fight the virus. The virus can live for an extended period of time on surfaces. Sneezing and coughing are the two primary ways that the virus is spread.

The fever may last for up to a week, and afterward a rash may develop. If an elevated temperature remains high for longer than seven days, seek medical attention immediately. The rash phase of the illness is typically short-lived, with most rashes going away within 12 to 24 hours. However, for some, the rash may linger for a couple of days.

The vast majority of cases of roseola are relatively mild and the symptoms will go away on their own in a week to two weeks. However, complications are possible with any illness that includes a fever, so a watchful eye is recommended.

Sometimes, roseola and the measles are confused as they both have symptoms of a high fever and a rash. The difference is really in the appearance of the rash. The roseola rash is a rosy pink color with bumps that start on the abdomen and radiate towards other areas of the body. Measles, on the other hand, causes a rash that is red or reddish-brown in color that typically starts on the face, migrating its way down the body. Whenever a rash appears, it is wise to see your child’s pediatrician as quickly as possible. (5)

Roseola Signs & Symptoms

• Rapidly developing fever ranging from 102 F to 105 F
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Ear pain
• Decreased appetite
• Swollen glands
• Sore throat
• Mild cough
• Mild diarrhea
• Pink or rosy rash

Causes & Risk Factors

Roseola is caused by human herpes virus (HHV) type 6 or human herpes type 7 virus. There is no vaccine to prevent infection and the majority of people develop antibodies after infection to fight the virus when exposed later in life. (6)

However, certain children and adults with a compromised immune system do have an elevated risk for reacquiring this illness. They include: (7)

• Bone marrow transplant recipients
• Organ transplant recipients
• Cancer patients on chemotherapy or radiation
• Burn victims
• Diabetics
• HIV/AIDS patients
• Viral hepatitis

Conventional Treatment

Upon physical examination of a child who presents with the typical symptoms associated with roseola, diagnosis is fairly rapid. Some physicians may request blood tests to determine the type of virus, particularly if any complications are present.

Treatment focuses on reducing the fever and preventing dehydration as there is no cure for roseola. A pediatrician will likely recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the fever — both of which can be dangerous. Please note: Under no circumstances should a child be given aspirin for a fever as Reye syndrome, a serious illness that affects the brain and liver, is possible. (8) 

9 Natural Ways to Relieve Roseola Symptoms

1. Stay Hydrated

For babies who are still nursing, breast milk is the best way to stay hydrated and nourished while fighting roseola and other infections. For older children no longer nursing, coconut water is pleasing to the palate and rich with essential nutrients like potassium, which help to maintain electrolyte levels. (9)

2. Eat/Drink Probiotics

Fighting viruses is hard on our bodies, particularly for young children. Eating yogurt or drinking kefir supports a healthy immune system response and it’s easy to digest, even when the stomach is upset.

In addition, researchers in Italy are studying the role of probiotics in fighting respiratory tract infections in children. Early results show probiotics may display clinical advantages in treatment and prevention. Researchers urge further study. (10)

3. Vitamin C and Zinc

These two nutrients are considered superpowers for fighting viral illness — and even the common cold. And now, research shows that when taken together they are significantly more efficient. (11)

Dosing for young children is a challenge, and it is safer to boost their intake of  vitamin C-rich foods and zinc-rich foods. For an easy-on-the-tummy way to increase these two vital nutrients, top a bowl of yogurt with fresh berries, papaya or pineapple, or make a cold smoothie to soothe the throat.

4. Selenium

In addition to boosting the immune system, research shows that selenium may help children recover more quickly from viral infections. Selenium fights inflammation, reduces asthma symptoms and increases longevity. It is an essential nutrient to be added to our diets through food. (12)

As mentioned above, dosing of supplements for infants and young children is challenging. The best way for them to receive the benefits of selenium is through food. Eggs are a great source of selenium and are generally well-tolerated. However, if your child has an egg allergy, one cup of sunflower seeds  or brazil nuts will provide ample selenium.

5. Chamomile Tea

Rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea is proven to reduce fever and boost the immune system. For nursing babies, a mother can drink a cup or two of chamomile tea each day and the baby will receive a safe level of benefit. It is important to avoid chamomile tea if you have an adverse reaction to ragweed. (13)

6. Cocoa Butter

The polyphenols in cocoa butter fight certain chronic diseases and support skin healing. Plus they can help relieve the discomfort associated with a skin rash like roseola. Rich with fatty acids, including stearic acid and palmitic acid, the cream is soothing and rich. (14)

7. Aloe Vera

Safe and effective, aloe vera is a great way to relieve inflammation, redness and itching associated with a skin rash. If you don’t have a plant at home to cut from, purchase a high-quality aloe vera gel or 0.5 percent aloe extract cream. Apply to the affected areas several times a day.

8. Soothing Bath

Add a handful of ground oatmeal to a warm bath, along with a few drops of Roman chamomile essential oil. Together, they will help to relieve the discomfort of the rash while helping to reduce the inflammation. Roman chamomile is a known treatment for eczema, wounds and general skin irritations as well as for rashes. (15, 16)

9. Aromatherapy

To ease the irritability and anxiety of a sick baby or child, diffuse lavender oil. You can also add it to baths or to cocoa butter to help relieve the rash. Research has shown that inhaling lavender essential oil reduces stress and anxiety. So adding it to your child’s roseola treatment plan may help them relax. (17)

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent roseola. The vast majority of people get the illness before they enter kindergarten. For adults and children with compromised immune systems due to underlying diseases or ongoing treatments, avoiding children known to have roseola is the best way to prevent infection.

Precautions

Roseola is considered a mild — yet highly contagious — childhood disease. However, complications are possible. If a fever persists for more than seven days, or if the rash persists for more than four days, consult with a physician immediately.

For those with a compromised immune system, seek medical attention immediately if you believe you’ve been exposed to roseola as life-threatening complications — including encephalitis and pneumonia — are possible. 

Roseola Key Points

• Roseola, also known as ‘sixth disease,’ is a common and highly contagious childhood infection that afflicts the vast majority of children before they enter kindergarten.
• Somewhere between 10 percent and 15 percent of children with roseola will experience a febrile seizure.
• It is caused by human herpes virus (HHV) type 6 or human herpes type 7 virus, and there is no vaccine to prevent infection.
• Treatment focuses on relieving the fever and preventing dehydration.
• Individuals with a compromised immune system should seek medical attention immediately if they believe they’ve been exposed to roseola. 

9 Natural Treatments

1. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes by sipping coconut water.
2. Eat or drink probiotic-rich foods to ease stomach discomfort and boost immune system response.
3. Boost vitamin C and zinc intake by eating zinc-rich and vitamin C-rich foods.
4. Boost selenium consumption to speed healing from a viral infection.
5. Sip chamomile tea to boost the immune system and reduce the fever.
6. Rub cocoa butter on the rash to help relieve the pain and itching and to reduce inflammation.
7. Apply aloe vera to the rash to relieve inflammation, redness and itching.
8. Add ground oatmeal and chamomile essential oil to a warm bath to help to relieve discomfort.
9. Use lavender essential oil in a diffuser, or add to rash treatments to help reduce anxiety and irritability.

Read Next: Chicken Pox Symptoms + 4 Natural Ways to Find Relief

The post Roseola: How to Soothe ‘Sixth Disease’ Symptoms appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Are you struggling with symptoms of an ear infection and wondering how to cure an ear infection fast? Ear infections, whether they afflict adults or more commonly children, can be really unpleasant and outright painful.

Ear infections can be in the outer, middle or inner ear. For this article, I’m going to focus on the most common type of ear infection, which is an infection of the middle ear.

According to the CDC, middle ear infections, “may not need antibiotics in many cases because the body’s immune system can fight off the infection without help from antibiotics” and a mild case “often will get better on its own without antibiotic treatment, so your health care professional may recommend watchful waiting before prescribing antibiotics to you or your loved one.” (1)

So even conventional medicine agrees that antibiotics are often not the way to go, which means it’s time to talk about natural ear infection treatment and ear infection pain relief.

What Is An Ear Infection? 

An ear infection of the middle ear, medically known as acute otitis media, can be caused by a bacteria or virus. Most often, ear infections occur in the middle ear, which is the air-filled space between the eardrum and the oval window of the ear. The middle ear is responsible for transmitting sound from the outer ear to the inner ear.

In addition to a middle ear infection, it’s also possible to have an outer ear infection like swimmer’s ear or an inner ear infection. Labyrinthitis is a serious inner ear infection that affects hearing and balance. People with labyrinthitis often experience vertigo and some hearing loss. (2)

If a middle ear infection is bacterial, it’s most likely the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae causing the infection. A virus can cause also cause ear infections. (3) A a cold or allergies can cause congestion that blocks the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. This congestion can lead to a buildup of fluid and pressure and provides an environment for bacteria or viruses that have traveled up the Eustachian tube into the middle ear to flourish, resulting in an ear infection. (4)

What are some common ear infection symptoms? When you have a middle ear infection, there is a good deal of inflammation and fluid buildup going on inside of your ear. This leads to the most prevalent symptom of pain otherwise known as an earache. It can also cause a temporary decrease in hearing ability. The pain or earache is usually worse when lying down. It’s also possible to have a fever. (5)

When it comes to risk factors for ear infections, children experience ear infections more than adults, especially kids between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old because of the size and shape of their Eustachian tubes and their underdeveloped immune systems. Babies that bottle fed, especially while lying down, are more prone to infections than breast-fed babies.

Even the CDC recommends breast-feeding children exclusively for the first six months of their lives and continuing until they are at least 1 year old. Injury to the ear, climate changes, altitude changes, pacifier use, family history of ear infections, and exposure to cigarette smoke are other risk factors. (6, 7, 8)

7 Natural Ear Infection Remedies

What do you do for an ear infection? If you’re wondering, how can I treat an ear infection at home, then you’ve come to the right place. As experts will confirm, an ear infection with a viral cause should not be treated with antibiotics and that’s when these natural yet highly effective middle ear infection treatments can really come in handy. These are helpful natural ear infection remedies for adults and kids.

1. Garlic Oil

There’s a good reason why garlic ear oil is likely on the shelf of your local health store. Multiple studies have demonstrated garlic’s potent antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It’s also been shown to have a highly positive effect on immune health. (9, 10) As “nature’s antibiotic,” garlic oil can help get to the root of an ear infection and kill off the offending pathogens.

If you bring your child to the doctor for an ear infection, you may want to question the recommendation of antibiotics. In the U.S., it’s estimated that 80 percent of children will have an ear infection by time they are three years old and pediatric ear infections are the top condition for which doctors prescribe antibiotics.

First off, antibiotics should only be prescribed when the ear infection has a bacterial cause. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends a wait-and-watch or watchful waiting period in low-risk kids rather than jumping to prescribing antibiotics right away. Many doctors will wait 24 to 72 hours to see if symptoms improve which they often do. (11)

In addition, antibiotics can cause allergies in children. The overprescribing of antibiotics is exactly why bacterial ear infections have become antibiotic-resistant and much more difficult to treat. (12)

2. Probiotics

Probiotics often are included on lists of of complementary and alternative medicine that have been shown to be effective in cases of pediatric ear infections. (13) Having an ear infection means you want to do all you can to boost your immune system. One of the best ways to do this is with the help of probiotics, which are available as a supplement and can also be acquired through your diet by eating things like kimchi, kombucha, coconut kefir and other probiotic-rich fermented foods.

Probiotics can also help to prevent ear infections from occurring in the first place. According to Mayo Clinic, “Certain strains of these ‘good’ bacteria, which occur naturally in the body, may help prevent ear infections in infants and children.” (14)

3. Chiropractic Care

One of the many benefits of chiropractic adjustments is their ability to help improve ear infections. The spine can misalign in the upper neck and that can actually affect the way the body heals. As a result, those nerve signals getting from the brain to that area are affected as well, and it affects the overall healing.

A pilot study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics looked at 332 children ranging in age from only 27 days old to 5 years old and the effects of a series of four to six chiropractic adjustments. Some of the children had an acute case while others had chronic ear infections. Overall, the results revealed a strong correlation between chiropractic adjustments and the resolution of ear infections in children. (15)

Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics looked at 46 children 5 years old or younger and the effects of chiropractic care on ear infection symptoms. The typical treatment regimen was three treatments per week for one week, then two treatments per week for one week, then one treatment per week. This study was a limited cohort nonrandomized retrospective study, but its results were interesting: 93 percent of all episodes improved with 75 percent improving in 10 days or fewer and 43 percent with only one or two treatments. (16)

When an ear infection is present, fluid is getting trapped in the middle ear cavity, which then creates an environment for viruses and bacteria to flourish. The idea behind chiropractic care for ear infections is that spinal manipulation, especially of the cervical vertebrae, can help to relax the muscles surrounding the Eustachian tubes allowing for proper drainage. Chiropractic care also aims to restore the natural function of the nervous system, which can benefit the health of the entire body.

4. Nail Down the Root Cause (Allergies)

One of the underlying causes of ear infections can be food allergies. According to researchers, children with food allergies are more likely to develop ear infections. The study first published in 2004 actually found that almost half of the children with a middle ear infection with fluid accumulation had some sort of food allergy. (17)

If your child is allergic to gluten, dairy, nuts or some other food they are eating regularly, then this can be contributing to their development of ear infections. If you or your child suffer from chronic ear infections, it’s a worthwhile investment to get an IgG food sensitivity test that can show you any food allergies, food sensitivities or food intolerances. In general, I recommend avoiding conventional cow’s milk. You can replace cow’s milk products with goat milk, goat milk yogurt and goat cheese.

5. Mullein

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a plant, and oil made from its flowers is well-known for being one of the best natural earache remedies. A tincture containing mullein either alone or combined with other herbs is commonly found online and in health stores as a natural remedy for earaches and ear infections.

Research published in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine demonstrates how an herbal ear drop containing mullein was just as effective when it came to pain relief as an anesthetic one. (18) Mullein oil is also used to naturally treat ear infections (and more) in dogs too! (19)

6. Heat and Rest

Don’t underestimate the healing help of resting. When your body (or your child’s body) is trying to fight off an ear infection, getting rest and eating a healthy diet are crucial.

Applying heat to the ear can also help with pain. You can use a warm washcloth, but make sure it’s not too hot and it’s wrung out well. (20)

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known for its ability to boost immune health, and research has specifically shown how it can help when it comes to ear infections. A case-control study published in the Norwegian journal Acta Paediatrica in 2017 found that the risk of chronic otitis media with effusion can be decreased by increasing serum levels of vitamin D through increased sun exposure, higher dietary intake of vitamin D as well as vitamin D supplementation. (21)

Conventional Treatment

Many doctors unsure of whether the infection is viral or bacterial will prescribe antibiotics, most commonly Amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic. A typical course of treatment for children under the age of 6, and for those with a severe middle ear infection, is 10 days. For children 6 years or older, or for those with mild-to-moderate infection, it’s usually five to seven days. However, “most children with uncomplicated acute [middle ear infection] will recover fully without antibiotic therapy.” (22)

And again, if a virus is at the root of an ear infection, then antibiotics will not help and should not be prescribed. (23)

More Ear Infection Remedies

Top Foods for Ear Infections

• Water: Helps maintain hydration and clear out mucus.
• Wild-caught fish: Omega-3 fats found in wild-caught fish (also chia seeds and flaxseeds) help to reduce inflammation.
• Non-dairy baby formula: If a baby drinks formula, I recommend switching to coconut or goat’s milk-based formulas which tend to cause fewer allergies. However, breast-feeding is most ideal.
• Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C: Keeps immune system strong, which helps the body’s ability to ward off infection.

Foods to Avoid

• Potential food allergens: Some common allergens include conventional dairy, gluten, shrimp and peanuts.
• Conventional dairy: Pasteurized-cow dairy products can be mucus-producing and worsen infection.
• Sugar: Reduces immune function and encourages inflammation.
• Processed foods: These foods may contain added chemicals and dyes that young children can be sensitive to.

Supplement Ear Infection Remedies

• Garlic oil ear drops (2 warm drops in ear daily)
  Garlic oil is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
• Zinc (10 mg 2x a day for those older than 2 years old)
  Zinc boosts immune function and promotes healing. (24)
• Vitamin C (1,000mg 3x a day for adults, 500 mg 2x daily for children 6–12 years old)
  Vitamin C enhances immune function and lowers inflammation. (25)
• Vitamin D3 (400 IU – 2,000 IU daily ages 2–12)
  Vitamin D3 helps support the immune system. (26)

Ear Infection Precautions

If you experience dizziness, vertigo, or hearing loss and these symptoms don’t get better after a few days, or your symptoms are getting worse, you should seek emergency medical care.

Contact your pediatrician right away if: (27)

• Your child seems very sick with symptoms such as a stiff neck and high fever (102 degrees F).
• Your child has sudden hearing loss, dizziness or severe pain.
• You notice redness, swelling, or pain behind or around your child’s ear, especially if your child doesn’t move the muscles on that side of his or her face.

It is commonly recommended that children under 6 months of age who have an ear infection and/or fever see their pediatrician.

Key Points About Ear Infection Remedies

• Ear infections tend to occur in young children, but they can affect anyone.
• Ear infections can either be viral or bacterial. Treating a viral ear infection with conventional antibiotics typically is ineffective and includes undesirable side effects.
• Do ear infections clear up on their own? Yes, they certainly can, especially when you do what you can to boost your or your child’s immune system!

7 Natural Remedies for Ear Infections

1. 1. Garlic oil
   2. Probiotics
   3. Chiropractic care
   4. Treating allergies
   5. Mullein
   6. Heat and rest
   7. Vitamin D3

Read Next: 13 Natural Sore Throat Remedies for Fast Relief

The post Natural Ear Infection Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Many of us will recall those itchy, red blisters we suffered as children. Chicken pox is the common name for the varicella-zoster virus, which causes a very itchy, highly-contagious skin rash. The virus most commonly affects children between the ages of 4–10, but chicken pox can also affect adults who have never had the virus and therefore are not yet immune to it. Luckily, there are many options for chicken pox treatment. 

How is chicken pox treated? Fortunately most healthy children and adults who get chicken pox will not require much or any medical attention or chicken pox treatment. In most cases a chicken pox skin rash will go away on its own within about two weeks without any medications or other interventions. However, in severe cases the virus can cause symptoms that linger for months, or, rarely, other complications such as scarring or pneumonia.

If you’re unfortunate enough to suffer from chicken pox symptoms for many weeks or even longer, there are a number of home remedies available for natural chicken pox treatment. These include things like taking soothing baths with oatmeal, applying anti-inflammatory products to the skin, and reducing body aches with essential oils. Treatments for chicken pox won’t “cure” the virus or prevent it from spreading to other people, but they can be really helpful for reducing itching, scabbing, fever symptoms, risk for infection and permanent scarring of the skin.

Chicken Pox Risk Factors, Causes & Symptoms

Chicken pox is very contagious and spreads easily from person to person. Chicken pox can spread even without direct contact since the virus can travel through the air via tiny respiratory droplets that are breathed in. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s skin fluids.

Chicken pox symptoms usually appear within about two to three weeks after someone comes into contact with the virus. The most common chicken pox symptoms include: (1)

• Developing a red skin rash that is usually severely itchy and uncomfortable. The rash usually forms on the face, scalp, chest, back and, to a lesser extent, on the arms and legs. Blisters and even keloids can occur. Typically a chicken pox rash will be active for about five days before the blisters fill with fluid, rupture, and then form scabs.
• Fever that usually lasts under five days and can cause symptoms like a stiff neck, nausea, body aches, etc.
• Abdominal pain and loss of appetite.
• Headaches.
• Fatigue, unease (malaise) and lethargy.
• Sometimes a dry cough and sore throat.

Rarely, someone will get chicken pox more than once; however, the vast majority of the time chicken pox only affects people one time (usually while they are a child).What are the biggest risk factors for developing chicken pox? These include:

• Never having had chicken pox before, which means someone is not yet immune to the virus.
• Having close contact with anyone who is infected or was recently infected (both children and adults).
• Working in close contact with children, such as in a daycare or school.
• Never having been vaccinated for chicken pox.
• Being an infant or newborn whose mother never had chickenpox or the vaccine.
• Having a weakened immune systems or taking immunosuppressing medications (such as steroids), which can include cancer treatments or treatment for HIV.

Prevention & Conventional Chicken Pox Treatment

Prevention is key when it comes to protecting yourself or your children from chicken pox. The most common way that someone gets chicken pox is through direct contact with another infected person’s skin, such as through exposure to fluids that leak from chicken pox blisters. If possible, avoid direct contact with someone who has an active case of chicken pox.

If a child or adult with chicken pox is otherwise healthy, then most doctors will recommend simply staying home, resting, possibly taking an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller to manage symptoms, and giving the virus time to pass. The vast majority of children and adults who do develop chicken pox will fully overcome the virus within several weeks and experience no long-term health problems as a result. However, when someone has a compromised immune system — for example, due to a history of another illness or from taking immunosuppressant drugs — there are certain serious complications that can be caused by chicken pox. (2)

Medications and treatment might then be needed to prevent or manage complications, such as:

• Nervous system complications
• Varicella pneumonia
• Internal infection of the organs
• Hepatitis
• Deformities in developing fetuses when the mother is infected
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Some of the medications for chicken pox treatment that doctors may prescribe include: (3)

• Acyclovir (Zoviraz)
• Immune globulin intravenous (IGIV)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Bromovinyl deoxyuridine (Brivudin)

There is also a varicella-zoster vaccine available. If you choose to vaccinate, most health authorities recommend that children receive the chicken pox vaccine between 12 and 18 months of age. Older children, and even teens and adults, can also receive the vaccine at a later age if they have never had the virus, especially if they are in a high-risk group. For people over the age of 13 who have never had the virus and want to get the vaccine, they will need more than one dose (usually two) that are spread apart by four to eight weeks.

However, it’s important to know that the chicken pox vaccine doesn’t offer total protection from the virus. Some children, and adults, too, will still develop symptoms of chicken pox that can be treated by resting, soothing the skin and supporting the immune system.

In fact, varicella vaccination is not as effective as the natural immunity that develops from having the virus. (4) Plus, among otherwise healthy children, most cases of chicken pox are not severe and will heal without much intervention.

If you do choose to vaccinate, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects so that you can recognize them if they occur and contact your health care provider.

Keep in mind that the chicken pox vaccine is not approved for use by pregnant women, people with certain immune system conditions, or people who have allergies to microbes and antibiotics that are used in the vaccine.

9 Natural Remedies for Chicken Pox Treatment

1. Don’t Scratch Itchy Skin

This is the first rule of chicken pox treatment: The best thing to do when a chicken pox rash is healing is to leave the bumps, blisters and scabs alone, avoiding scratching the skin as much as possible. Picking at or scratching a chicken pox rash can actually make the rash worse, prolong symptoms, potentially lead to an infection, and/or contribute to increased skin scabbing and scarring. Some people choose to wear gloves over their hands, or put gloves on their children if they have a rash, in order to prevent unknowingly scratching their skin while they sleep.

2. Soothe Inflammation By Applying a Cool Compress

When skin becomes very itchy, swollen or red, gently apply a cool, damp compress to the skin throughout the day as a basic chicken pox treatment. Use a natural fabric like cotton and avoid putting ice or high heat directly on the skin.

3. Take An Oatmeal Bath

You can reduce skin dryness and itchiness associated with chicken pox by keeping your skin moist and utilizing oatmeal’s natural skin-calming qualities. Oatmeal has many natural soothing properties and helps relieve all types of irritation of the skin, including contact dermatitis and other causes of itchiness. (5)

Try taking a warm (but not very hot) bath once or more daily and adding uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats that form a powder to be used for soaking) to provide relief from itching. (6) Read directions in order to know how much colloidal oatmeal is best to use. Soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes or longer, if you’d like. Another chicken pox treatment option is to apply topical colloidal oatmeal creams or lotions directly to your skin.

4. Apply Honey, Baking Soda, Vinegar or Antihistamine Lotion to the Skin

Baking soda is a widely available, inexpensive ingredient that is known to have anti-itch properties and help soothe skin inflammation. It may help to neutralize acids present in the skin and reduce irritation due to rashes. Baking soda can be applied in small amounts to itchy skin, but shouldn’t be used if skin is broken, raw or bleeding.

Start by adding about 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a small amount of warm water, either creating a paste or dissolving the baking soda, then dabbing it over the skin with a cloth. Leave the solution to set and dry. It’s best to test a small section of your skin first to make sure it doesn’t contribute to any type of painful reaction or worsened symptoms.

Real, raw honey is another ingredient that is very beneficial for the skin, helping to calm inflammation, reduce the risk for scarring, and promote faster healing. (7) Purchase fresh, high-quality honey that has not been processed and heated to high temperatures, ensuring that its active ingredients are intact. To use honey on a chicken pox rash, coat the infected area of skin with a thin layer of gently warmed-up honey and then leave it to dry. Let the honey soak into the skin for at least 15 minutes. You can do this two to three times daily, in addition to adding honey to smoothies or teas to support your immune system.

Yet another ingredient that some people find effective for reducing skin itching and swelling is raw apple cider vinegar (ACV). You can either add about 1 cup of ACV to a bath, or use about 2–3 tablespoons mixed into a glass of water that you dab a cloth into and then gently apply to the skin. Just be careful that you don’t ever apply ACV to broken skin or open wounds.

5. Use Neem Oil & Jojoba Oil

Neem oil has many natural antiviral and antioxidant properties that help to soothe inflamed, swollen skin. It’s known to help reduce itching, clustering of blisters, pain and scarring associated with many different rashes including chicken pox. (8) Azadirachtin is the most active component found in neem oil, along with other compounds like fatty acids and vitamin E. And because neem oil contains many antioxidants, such as carotenoids and quercetin, it’s beneficial for overall skin health even after your rash is gone.

To use neem oil as a natural chicken pox treatment, combine about a half ounce of pure organic neem oil with 8 ounces of organic jojoba oil. Place your ingredients in a cosmetic container or small cosmetic bottle, mix well and then apply to the affected area of your skin liberally. You can use the solution on itchy skin about two or three times a day. Another option, if you’re able to find neem leaves, is to mash a handful of leaves into a paste with a bit of boiling water. Wait about 10 minutes for the mixture to cool, then apply to your skin. Neem leaves can also be added to baths, just like essential oils or oatmeal.

Keep in mind that you should not use undiluted neem oil on your skin as it can be very strong, so make sure to combine it with another carrier oil. It’s recommended that you always try a very small amount on a patch of skin first to make sure you don’t have any adverse reaction.

6. Apply Soothing Essential Oils

Lavender essential oil can be added to the neem/jojoba recipe above to further help provide relief from itching and promote skin healing. Lavender oil contains numerous active ingredients that soothe swelling, itching, redness and discomfort, plus it may help to prevent infections or scarring. It’s been found to contain chemicals including linalyl acetate and linalool, which are considered to be very mild compounds with a long history of safely promoting wound healing and skin health. (9)

7. Stay Hydrated & Eat Soft, Bland Foods

Some people with chicken pox will develop a fever, feel nauseated or deal with vomiting, become dehydrated or lose their appetite. You can help prevent dehydration symptoms by drinking fluids throughout the day (especially lots of plain water or herbal tea) and by eating hydrating foods, in particular fruits and veggies.

A bland diet is usually best to prevent nausea and vomiting while overcoming chicken pox, so try to avoid eating overly-processed, heavy or spicy foods. Eating nutrient-dense, healthy foods will enhance your immune system and boost your ability to help fight off the virus quickly. So, as much as possible, eat foods high in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and all sorts of antioxidants.

If sores develop inside your mouth due to chicken pox, then eat mostly soft, easily-digested foods that aren’t so painful to swallow. Helpful foods and drinks to have while you’re recovering from chicken pox include:

• bone broth
• puréed veggies
• light soups
• fruit smoothies
• applesauce
• mashed sweet potatoes
• oatmeal
• yogurt
• kefir

8. Antiviral Herbs & Supplements

To give your immune system a boost and support recovery you can take the following antiviral herbs and supplements when you have chicken pox: (10)

• Vitamin C
• Echinacea
• Elderberry
• Calendula
• Garlic
• Astralagus Root

9. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Medication If Needed

If your fever becomes very high or you experience other symptoms like body aches, headaches or a stiff neck, then you can take an OTC painkiller to relieve chicken pox discomfort. The safest options are acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But be aware that you should never take aspirin if you have chicken pox (or give it to your children), as this is associated with serious complications, including Reye’s syndrome.

Natural painkillers like peppermint essential oil or Epsom salts added to a warm soaking bath can help ease body aches and swelling. If your skin feels very inflamed and itchy, then you might also want to take an OTC antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Additionally, you can apply an OTC antihistamine lotion to itchy areas of the skin, such as calamine lotion (the pink lotion that is commonly used on mosquito bites).

Related: Microneedling Benefits for the Skin

Precautions When Treating Chicken Pox

As mentioned above, chicken pox treatment is usually straightforward and doesn’t normally require medical intervention. There are certain circumstances, however, in which someone with chicken pox should get emergency care — for example, if the person is pregnant, nursing, immunodeficient or younger than 6 months old.

To reduce the risk for complications, it’s important to visit a doctor or even the emergency room right away if you notice any of the following serious signs and symptoms associated with chicken pox complications:

• A rash that develops into an infection, becoming very swollen, warm, tender or painful.
• High fever (higher than 102 F or 38.9 C)
• Neurological problems and changes
• Severe vomiting, very stiff neck, dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or tremors.

Key Points 

• Chicken pox is the common name for the varicella-zoster virus, which causes symptoms like a very itchy, highly-contagious skin rash, fever, abdominal pains, body aches, headaches and general discomfort.
• Most of the time chicken pox will not need to be treated by a doctor; you can usually find relief with natural chicken pox treatment. However, sometimes complications are possible in which treatments like antiviral medications may be needed.

9 Home Remedies for Natural Chicken Pox Treatment

1. Don’t scratch.
2. Apply a cool compress.
3. Take an oatmeal bath.
4. Apply baking soda, apple cider vinegar, honey or an antihistamine lotion.
5. Use neem and jojoba oils.
6. Apply essential oils.
7. Use antiviral herbs and supplements to boost immune function.
8. Stay hydrated and eat a bland diet.
9. If all else fails, or you have a fever, try OTC pain medicine. Don’t take aspirin.

Read Next: What Is Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease? + 17 Natural Treatments

The post Natural Chicken Pox Treatment: 9 Home Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Even though chicken pox is one of the most common viruses that children between 4 and 12 years old experience, many people are still not sure exactly why the virus occurs, how it spreads or how to manage chicken pox symptoms.

What is chicken pox and what does it look like? Chicken pox (also called varicella) is a very contagious viral infection that usually affects children. But it can also affect adults who are not immune to the virus. The virus is often mild in children but more serious in adults. In most cases chicken pox goes away within several weeks, but, rarely, in severe cases it can be life-threatening.

What makes chicken pox tricky to prevent is that it is contagious within one to two days of someone catching the virus, which is several days before they usually show any symptoms. Chicken pox symptoms usually include an itchy skin rash characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters that later form crusts. (1) Some of the first signs and symptoms of chicken pox might also include fever, abdominal pain, fatigue and muscle aches.

What Is Chicken Pox? 

Chicken pox is the common name for the varicella-zoster virus. The virus is very contagious and can spread quickly through transmission of respiratory droplets that travel through the air, or from direct contact with another infected person’s skin fluids. The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a very common type of alpha herpes virus that causes both symptoms of chicken pox (varicella) and symptoms of shingles (herpes zoster). The virus is actually one of the herpes viruses (there are several types); acquiring chicken pox does not mean someone then has herpes.

Chicken pox symptoms usually affect children between the ages of 2 and 12 (the virus is most common between the ages of 4 and 10). When someone has chicken pox as a kid but overcomes it, it’s possible that the virus will become dormant in their immune system only to become reactivated at a later stage in life. When this happens the person develops shingles, another virus that causes a painful skin rash.

How long does chicken pox usually last? It’s rare for chicken pox symptoms to last more than two weeks, starting from the time when blisters first appear to when they disappear. Most people have a chicken pox rash for about 5–10 days. (2) How quickly someone is able to overcome the virus depends on the strength of their immune system and their current health.

Chicken Pox Symptoms & Signs

How can you identify chicken pox? The easiest way to recognize chicken pox is by looking for a red, itchy rash that forms on the face, scalp, chest, back and, to a lesser extent, the arms and legs. The most common chicken pox symptoms include: (3)

• Developing a red skin rash that is usually severely itchy and uncomfortable. Chicken pox rashes go through three stages, but usually the skin feels itchy the whole time. The rash first fills with clear fluid, then ruptures and forms crusts. Breakouts of the rash can continue happening for one to two weeks. Normally the rash is active for about five days, but then healing starts to take place. It’s common for blisters to be at various stages of development at the same time (bumps, blisters and scabbed lesions). Chicken pox rashes will usually be more severe in children than in adults.
• Fever, which is usually more severe in adults with chicken pox than children. This may cause a stiff neck, nausea, etc. and usually lasts about 3–5 days.
• Abdominal pain and loss of appetite.
• Headaches.
• Fatigue, unease (malaise) and lethargy.
• Sometimes a dry cough (rhinitis) and sore throat.

After exposure to the virus, chicken pox symptoms usually emerge within about two to three weeks. A chicken pox rash will usually start with superficial pink or red spots forming on the infected person’s face, chest or back. As the rash progresses it becomes worse, filling with clear fluid. The spots can then rupture and form crusts before beginning to heal. Sometimes a secondary infection can develop while the blisters are rupturing and crusting, which can contribute to an ongoing fever and scarring (although this usually doesn’t happen).

Chicken Pox Complications:

Chicken pox is most threatening when it affects a child who has lung damage or a history of lung disease, nervous system complications, any type of severe bacterial infection, or a weakened immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even though most children with chicken pox will fully overcome the virus and experience no long-term health problems as a result, there are certain serious complications that can be caused by chicken pox, including varicella pneumonia, internal infection of the organs, hepatitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). (4)

In adults with chicken pox pneumonia is a bigger threat. When either a child or adult has a compromised immune system, due to a history of another illness or from taking immunosuppressant drugs, the situation becomes more complicated to treat. And in pregnant women experiencing symptoms of chicken pox, precautions need to be taken in order to minimize the risk that the baby will contract the virus and be born with a congenital deformity.

Chicken Pox Risk Factors

What is the cause of chicken pox? The chicken pox virus develops when someone who is not immune to the disease (usually a child) breathes in an infected droplet or has direct contact with bodily fluids that contain the virus. The most common way that someone has direct contact with the virus is by touching another infected person’s skin and coming into contact with fluids that leak from blisters caused by the chicken pox rash. Chicken pox blisters usually fill with fluid before rupturing and blistering. During the whole process the skin is very contagious.

Risk factors for chicken pox include: (5)

• Never having had chicken pox before
• Having a weakened immune systems or taking immuno-suppressing medications, which can include cancer treatments or treatment for HIV
• Using steroid medications
• Having close contact with anyone who is infected or was recently infected (both children and adults)
• Working in close contact with children, such as in a daycare or school
• Never having been vaccinated for chicken pox
• Being an infant or newborn whose mother never had chickenpox or the vaccine

Rarely, someone will get chicken pox more than once, but the vast majority of the time it only affects people one time (usually while they are a child).

The varicella-zoster virus attacks a part of the spine that contains sensory cells and nerves. It can remain dormant as it “hibernates” for many years, causing zero noticeable symptoms. (6) For some people the virus will come back as shingles, which causes blisters that are very painful. Adults over 60 years old are most likely to get shingles, although it can develop in younger adults too. Some people suffering from shingles also deal with post-herpetic neuralgia, a condition that leaves the affected skin area feeling painful even after the rash clears.

Conventional Treatments for Chicken Pox

The good news is that in most healthy children chicken pox does not require much (or any) medical attention and treatment. If you do wish to get an official diagnosis, a doctor can make a diagnosis by examining the rash and accompanying symptoms. A child or adult with chicken pox who also has another illness that weakens their immune system should always seek help and medical attention to reduce risk for complications.

• If someone has a high-risk case of chicken pox, their doctor might prescribe medications such as antiviral drugs to shorten the duration of the infection and help to manage inflammation.
• Two types of antiviral drugs that are sometimes used to manage chicken pox are called acyclovir and immune globulin intravenous. Others that are less commonly used are valacyclovir and famciclovir. (7)
• You should never take aspirin if you have chicken pox as this is associated with serious complications including Reye’s syndrome. Instead you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain killer if you’re in a lot of pain, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

In 1995 the varicella vaccine (aka the chicken pox vaccine, that goes by the brand name Zostavax) was first introduced to the public. (8) A booster form of the vaccine is also available for children between the ages of 4–5. If you choose to vaccinate, most health authorities recommend that children receive the chicken pox vaccine between 12 and 18 months of age. Older children, and even teens and adults, can also receive the vaccine at a later age if they have never had the virus, especially if they are in a high-risk group. For people over the age of 13 who have never had the virus and want to get the vaccine, they will need more than one dose (usually two) that are spread apart by four to eight weeks.

Are you definitely immune to chicken pox if you’ve been vaccinated? Actually, no; it’s important to know that the chicken pox vaccine doesn’t offer total protection from the virus. Once someone is vaccinated with the varicella vaccine, they still have a slight chance of developing chicken pox. Some children, and adults, too, will still develop symptoms of chicken pox that can fortunately be treated by giving it time, resting, soothing the skin and supporting the immune system.

In fact, varicella vaccination is not as effective as the natural immunity that develops by having the virus. (9) Plus, as I mentioned previously, among otherwise healthy children, most cases of chicken pox are not severe and will heal without much intervention.

If you do choose to vaccinate, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects so that you can recognize them if they occur and contact your health care provider.

Keep in mind that the chicken pox vaccine is not approved for use by pregnant women, people with certain immune system conditions, or people who have allergies to microbes and antibiotics that are used in the vaccine.

4 Natural Treatments for Chicken Pox Symptoms

1. Soothe Irritated Skin

Try to keep the skin moist by taking frequent warm (but not very hot) baths. You can add uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal to your baths to provide relief from itching. Even though it’s very tempting, don’t pick at the skin or scratch areas that are itchy. This usually makes the rash worse and can lead to infections. If you find yourself scratching the rash during the night, consider wearing gloves.

2. Apply a Cool Compress

Gently applying a cool, damp compress to inflamed skin can help to reduce swelling, heat and itchiness. Use a natural fabric like cotton and avoid putting ice directly on the skin. You might also want to apply an antihistamine lotion to painful areas, such as calamine lotion.

3. Eat To Support Your Immune System

Chicken pox might cause you to have no appetite or feel nauseated. Make sure to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever and are vomiting, by drinking fluids and eating water-rich foods. If sores develop inside the mouth, then eat soft, bland foods that are easily digested and won’t cause irritation, such as broth, pureed veggies or fruit, smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or cooked potatoes.

4. Reduce Fever, Aches & Pains

You should never take aspirin if you have chicken pox (or give it to your child who does) because aspirin can lead to complications while the virus is active, including Reye’s syndrome. Instead you can take an over-the-counter pain-killer if you’re very uncomfortable, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additionally, some people choose to take antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Other natural pain killers include peppermint essential oil and Epsom salts.

Precautions When Treating Chicken Pox Symptoms

Most of the time an otherwise healthy child or adult with chicken pox should simply stay home and give the virus time to pass. However, there are times when intervention is needed. Anyone who is immunodeficient or younger than 6 months old should always get medical treatment right away. You should also see your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following happening while you’re experiencing symptoms of chicken pox:

• The rash shows signs of infection, such as becoming very swollen, warm, tender or painful.
• Signs of high fever (higher than 102 F or 38.9 C) or neurological problems start to occur, such as vomiting, very stiff neck, dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or tremors.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Pox Symptoms & Natural Remedies

• Chicken pox is the common name for the varicella-zoster virus that causes a very itchy skin rash. It usually affects children but can also affect adults who are not yet immune to the virus.
• The chicken pox virus is very contagious and can spread quickly through transmission of respiratory droplets that travel through the air, or from direct contact with another infected person’s skin fluids.
• Symptoms of chicken pox include developing a rash of small, fluid-filled blisters that later form crusts, and possibly also a fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea and body aches.
• Don’t take aspirin for symptoms as it can cause complications.

4 Natural Ways to Relieve Symptoms

1. Soothe irritated skin by keeping it moist.
2. Apply a cool compress.
3. Eat to support your immune system.
4. Reduce fever, aches and pains.

Read Next:  Relieve Your Child’s Scarlet Fever Rash: 10 Natural Treatments

The post Chicken Pox Symptoms + 4 Natural Ways to Find Relief appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Each year an estimated 8,000–10,000 infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This chronic condition affects the central nervous system, especially the brain, and causes changes in motor control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers cerebral palsy to be the most common childhood motor disability. (1) While it’s not usually a life-threatening condition — most children who have cerebral palsy survive into adulthood — typically, managing the disorder requires a high level of care long-term due to how it makes everyday tasks like speaking, eating and writing more difficult.

There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy. But many options are available to help children with the disorder deal with physical and mental difficulties. Symptoms of cerebral palsy can sometimes affect many parts of the body, making it hard for someone to live on their own. But not every person with cerebral palsy will be very physically or intellectually challenged. Some can overcome many limitations with early intervention and have normal — or near-normal, sometimes even above-average — levels of intelligence.

Treatments for cerebral palsy vary depending on the severity of symptoms. Some common treatment approaches include:

• special education training and resources
• physical therapy and stretching muscles to prevent shortening and risk for deformities
• using a walker or braces
• in some cases, surgery to help decrease symptoms like spasms or developmental deformities

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that causes abnormal motor control and other symptoms due to changes that take place in the brain. (2) It affects about 2 to 4 of every 1,000 infants born. The disorder is much more common among prematurely born infants, especially those who are underweight, compared to full-term infants who are born at a normal weight. (3)

During early development of infants’ brains who have cerebral palsy, injuries occur that affect functions including movement, language and social skills. Symptoms associated with cerebral palsy can develop either before birth in the womb, during birth, or at some point during the first several months of life.

What is the underlying cause of cerebral palsy, and are there known risk factors? Researchers believe there are actually many causes and factors that can contribute to cerebral palsy in newborns or infants; however, sometimes no known cause can be found. When a cause is known, it can include: reduced blood flow/circulation to the brain during pregnancy, oxygen deprivation, infections affecting the brain or damage due to other illnesses, or brain injury that takes place during delivery.

Types of Cerebral Palsy:

Cerebral palsy is not one specific condition but rather refers to a group of symptoms including: poor motor and muscle control, weakness, developmental problems, spasticity and sometimes paralysis. There are four general categories of cerebral palsy, which have some overlaps but are different from one another due to the symptoms that tend to occur: (4)

• Spastic cerebral palsy — This is the most common type, which causes convulsions and abnormal reflexes in newborns/infants. Infants with spastic cerebral palsy can experience prolonged newborn reflexes, such as having a very tight grip (the hand is held in a tight fist), and stiff, spastic limbs. In some infants a level of intellectual disability will also occur (no longer referred to as “mental retardation'”). Some only experience symptoms that affect their arms, called diplegia, but have near-normal mental capabilities and intelligence.
• Athetoid cerebral palsy — This type affects up to 20 percent of children with cerebral palsy and is characterized by slow, uncontrolled writhing movements. Symptoms usually cause abnormal control of the hands, feet, legs and arms. Sometimes the tongue and other muscles of the face are also impaired. This can cause trouble eating, difficulty speaking, drooling or grimacing (scowling or frowning).
• Ataxic cerebral palsy — A rarer type of cerebral palsy, characterized by trouble with balance, coordination, walking and depth-perception. Having a wide-based stance and struggling with precise movements are some of the common symptoms that occur. This can cause problems with writing, gripping objects, and other everyday activities.
• Mixed form cerebral palsy — When a child has symptoms of one or more of the above types of cerebral palsy, they are considered to have a mixed form of the disease. The most common mixed form of cerebral palsy is spastic combined with athetoid.

Signs & Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

As described above, symptoms of cerebral palsy vary depending on the specific type of the disorder a child has. Symptoms can range considerably, from barely noticeable to severely limiting. Even though it might seem that in some cases a child’s symptoms are getting worse or changing as they get older, symptoms of cerebral palsy are not believed to be progressive. Some of the most common signs and cerebral palsy symptoms in infants and young children include:

• convulsions, lack of coordination, clumsiness and spasming
• stiffness and shortening of the muscles, joints and tendons
• paralysis, typically affecting one side of the body (called spastic hemiplegia)
• impaired intellectual abilities
• prolonged newborn reflexes
• trouble walking, which might cause criss-cross motions or one leg crossing over the other
• developmental delays that affect speech, vision, hearing and language
• trouble swallowing and chewing, which can increase risk for choking
• difficulty breathing due to aspiration and abnormal secretions
• crossed or wandering eyes
• difficulty using the hands, such as for drawing and writing
• behavioral problems due to temperamental issues
• seizure disorders such as epilepsy

Cerebral Palsy Causes & Risk Factors

It’s believed that in most cases more than one cause contributes to the types of brain injuries that cause symptoms of cerebral palsy. Causes can include one or more of the following:

• Inadequate blood flow reaching tissues in the developing brain, especially during early pregnancy in the first trimester.
• Injury to the brain that occurs during labor and delivery.
• Infection or illnesses that occur inside or near the brain during pregnancy. This can include rubella, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus.
• Bleeding in the brain during pregnancy, which can happen due to fetuses having vulnerable blood vessels and sometimes high levels of bilirubin, which contribute to brain injury.
• Illnesses that cause inflammation of brain tissue during the first year of life, such as meningitis, sepsis, impact/trauma, or severe dehydration.

Conventional Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Only those with the most severe types of cerebral palsy have a higher risk of death before reaching adulthood. For children with mild-to-moderate cases of cerebral palsy, a number of treatment approaches are available including: (5)

• Physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy, walkers, braces and other assistance devices (more on these treatments below).
• Special Education — If a child with cerebral palsy does not have intellectual disabilities, then he or she can attend regular school and develop normally as much as possible. If available, special education classes can help a child with cerebral palsy to manage or overcome problems with learning, speech and/or motor control. Many schools offer assistance programs, which can make a big difference in terms of improving quality of life. The earlier that special education is received, the better the outcome usually is.
• Muscle relaxers — Oral medications may be used to relax stiff, contracted muscles. However, these aren’t always a good option since they can sometimes cause side effects such as high blood pressure, indigestion, fatigue or drowsiness and, potentially, liver damage. Other options that have recently shown better results include local injections into overactive muscles, or an implantable pump to slowly reduce excitability of certain nerves.
• Anticonvulsant drugs — If seizures are very serious, certain drugs might be used to control symptoms. Examples of anticonvulsant drugs include: AMPA receptor antagonists, barbiturate anticonvulsants, benzodiazepine, carbamates, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and dibenzazepine anticonvulsants. (6)
• Surgery — In some cases, surgery might be recommended to cut or lengthen stiff muscles or tendons that are contributing to physical limitations. Some surgeries are performed to cut nerve roots extending away from the spine that contribute to spasticity. This type of surgery is usually only safe for children with near-normal intellectual capabilities who are mostly suffering from physical symptoms.

5 Natural Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

1. Physical Therapy, Stretching & Gentle Exercises

In people with cerebral palsy, stiffness and spasticity tends to affect the arms and legs most often, especially the lower parts of the legs. This can cause trouble with growth, walking and balance. Stretching and exercise has many benefits including helping to keep the muscles of the lower body, along with the arms, limber and strong. This aids in movement and motor control. Research shows that stretching is very beneficial for decreasing contractures — which is the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissues that can lead to deformity in some cases. (7) Because contractures shorten muscles, they make it harder to flex and exhibit any force, which leads to instability and weakness.

Physical therapy is adapted at different stages of development in order to help children with cerebral palsy continue to reach their potential. According to the Cerebral Palsy Guide website, physical therapy for cerebral palsy has some of the following benefits: improving coordination, balance, strength, range of motion/flexibility and endurance, increasing pain management, correcting posture, improving gait, increasing independence and boosting overall health. (8) Treatments can involve strength and flexibility exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, heat treatments and massages.

Some stretches and exercises used in treating cerebral palsy include:

• strength-building exercises using exercise balls
• resistance bands or free weights
• sitting stretches
• kneeling
• rolling over exercises for infants
• use of swimming pools
• hot and cold packs
• electric muscle stimulation to help with recovery

Sometimes “recreational therapies” are also incorporated, which can include horseback riding, swimming and other outdoor activities to improve moods and motor skills.

2. Assistance Devices (Walkers, Bracers, Orthotics, etc.)

To help improve mobility and functionality, some people with cerebral palsy might use assistance devices including: a walker, wheelchair, crutches, cane, braces, splints or shoe inserts/orthotics. The best outcomes are usually experienced when these devices are coupled with physical/occupational therapy from a very young age, which helps to train the muscles and improve motor control in the brain. For example, orthotics are commonly combined with physical therapy to help lengthen and stretch muscles in order to help with normal development. They can also help improve posture and support a normal gait.

3. Speech Therapy

Some research shows that speech problems affect between 20–50 percent of all children with cerebral palsy. Even more have at least some difficulty controlling the muscles in their face, throat, neck and head. (9) Some parents choose to have their child receive frequent rehabilitation services at an early age to give them the best chance of overcoming physical speech, vision and hearing limitations.

Speech therapy can help children with cerebral palsy learn how to articulate words better, use their tongue effectively and to chew and swallow food safely. (10) Speech can often become clearer with ongoing help. Plus the risk for serious problems related to choking or aspiration/difficulty breathing can be reduced. Some of the exercises that might be included in treatment are those that address position and function of the lips, jaw and tongue, or practice breathing, blowing and swallowing. Tools that speech pathologists use to help their clients with cerebral palsy include:

• tongue straws or positioning devices (also called intraoral devices)
• oral sensory chews
• books and flashcards
• symbol charts
• dry erase boards
• drawings/pictures to help with expression
• a computer hooked up to a voice synthesizer

Other benefits associated with speech therapy for those with cerebral palsy include:

• reduced slurring and stuttering
• enhanced sentence formation and communication
• improvements in listening
• improved pitch
• better vocabulary
• increased self-esteem
• enhanced body language
• better academic performance
• positivity regarding learning
• less shyness and self-consciousness
• better problem solving
• overall improved literacy

4. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on helping to improve everyday tasks associated with independent living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, preparing food, etc. This type of therapy can often increase a child’s self-esteem, independence, mobility and functionality in many ways. One of the biggest benefits comes from increasing independence. This reduces the need for intensive care long-term and takes some of the burden off of family members and caretakers.

Many occupational therapy techniques aim to improve coordination, use of the upper body and posture. A report published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics states that types of occupational therapy treatments that can be useful include those involving: (11)

• Biofeedback training, which may help with learning motor control.
• Electrical stimulation, which pulses electricity into certain muscles and nerves.
• Sensory integration.
• Body-weight support treadmill training.
• Constraint-induced therapy, which improves upper extremity function by increasing use of an affected limb.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which forces high amounts of oxygen into certain tissues of the body.
• The Vojta method, which helps address reflexes and patterns of movement.

A number of nonconventional approaches also exist, although research studies have shown mixed results about how effective they are. Examples include rhythmic activities (also called conductive education), music therapy (using clapping and singing, for example) and therapies involving physical maneuvers using special equipment.

5. Psychological Therapy and/or Support

It’s common for parents with a child who has cerebral palsy to feel very stressed and anxious about their child’s situation. This is especially true if the parent feels there are limitations stopping their child from getting the care they need, such as lack of financial resources, not enough availability of nearby therapists, no convenient appointment times, and transportation issues. (12)

Many experts recommend parents speak with a therapist or counselor, if available, to learn how they can best manage their child’s situation without feeling overwhelmed or resentful. To help relieve stress and prevent anxiety, mind-body exercises can also be helpful, including exercise, yoga, meditation, deep breathing or tai chi.

The good news is that there are now organizations and foundations that are working hard towards establishing improved plans for treating children with cerebral palsy and taking some of the burden off of families. This includes forming collaborative initiatives between affected families and therapy providers; holding community educational forums that are accessible and low-cost; having schools help provide services and relevant information; creating more opportunities for networking; and promoting patient advocacy.

Precautions When Treating Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed at a very young age. So if symptoms begin appearing after the age of about 2 to 3 years, another disorder is likely the cause. Other conditions that should be ruled out, which may be contributing to symptoms, can include: Bell’s palsy, paralysis due to Lyme disease, genetic disorders, brain tumors, stroke, ear infections and physical trauma.

Final Thoughts on Cerebral Palsy

• Cerebral palsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting newborns and infants that is caused by brain injury.
• Not actually considered a disease but a group of symptoms, cerebral palsy can include changes in motor skills, muscle development, control of the extremities, balance, coordination, language and speech.
• Cerebral palsy cannot be cured. But treatments to help overcome limitations include special education classes, physical therapy, stretching, exercises, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medications to reduce stiffness and convulsions, and sometimes surgery.

Read Next: Bell’s Palsy Symptoms + 13 Natural Treatments

The post Cerebral Palsy + 5 Natural Treatments to Improve Symptoms appeared first on Dr. Axe.

All babies have to go through it, but, unfortunately, teething is a common cause of temporary pain and suffering during a baby’s early stages of life. Because not every baby’s temperament is the same, babies can show a variety of signs and symptoms as they pass through the different stages of physical development. Parents often feel bad for their teething baby, anxious about when the pain will end, and curious about what they can do to help minimize their baby’s uncomfortable teething symptoms.
How do you know if your baby is in fact teething? And if they are, what can you do as a parent to help? As you’ll learn more about below, teething remedies include soothing your baby via touch or gentle massage, applying topical gels to their gums, and using herbal medicines to help dull the pain.

What Is Teething?

Teething is the common name for odontiasis, the process of teeth beginning to grow for the first time as they puncture a baby’s sensitive gums. (1) “Baby teeth” usually appear in a particular sequence, often growing in pairs. Babies actually have a set of about 20 teeth that they are born with; however, the teeth remain under the gums until the odontiasis process begins. When does teething usually occur? And which baby teeth tend to come in first?

Early teething symptoms can start at 3 months old, although most babies begin teething closer to about 4 to 8 months. (2) Beginning teething around 5 months old seems to be one of the most common times. The speed and sequence of odontiasis is believed to be mostly hereditary. This means that if a baby’s parents started teething very young, the baby will likely experience the same. There’s also some evidence that male babies may start teething slightly later than females.

Teething symptoms, such as soreness, sensitive gums and pain can start even before the baby’s teeth start pushing through their gums. What do teething gums look like? They will most likely look red, slightly raised in spots, puffy and a bit swollen. (3) If you suspect that your baby is starting to teethe, you can feel the inside of your baby’s mouth by running your finger gently along their gums. If you feel small bumps where the teeth are starting protrude into the gums, it’s very likely that your baby is in fact teething.

Typical Timeline of Baby Teething:

Here is an overview of what you can expect to happen as your baby goes through the teething process:

• The first teeth to come in are usually the “incisors,” which are the four front central teeth. Many babies will first experience teething when their two lower central incisors come in. This tends to occur around 5–6 months old. Teething symptoms might begin at around 2–3 months old if your baby’s incisor teeth start coming in early, but you likely won’t see the actual teeth appear for one to two more months.
• Between about 6–10 months it’s common for babies to have their two upper central incisors come through. Then over the following few months, normally between months 9–13, the two upper lateral incisors (located on the left and right side of the center) should come though. Once these appear the baby will have their four upper teeth.
• It’s typical for the lower lateral incisors (located on the bottom row, to the left and right of the center) to come in after the upper incisors. This usually happens between about 10–16 months.
• Molars are normally the next teeth to appear. These are four bigger teeth located at the back of the mouth. They are the last four teeth in the upper and lower rows,  so there are two on the right side of the mouth and two on the left side. Later on, usually at about 20–30 months, second molars will also grow in located at the rear sides of the mouth.
• In some cases, the teeth that fill in the spaces between the center and molars, called the canine teeth, will appear last. They may start coming in between about 16–22 months.
• Most babies have their complete set of “baby teeth” by the time they are 25–33 months (between 2–3 years old).

Signs & Symptoms of Teething

Do babies get a fever when teething? Wondering if there might be a connection between teething and other symptoms your baby is experiencing, such as diarrhea or a runny nose?

While some “lucky” babies may not feel much pain at all during teething, most will display at least some signs of discomfort. It’s common for babies to be crankier during the teething process, especially since they may not be able to sleep as well due to discomfort. Once the teeth actually puncture the gums and come through, teething symptoms should stop within a couple of short weeks.
 
Some of the most common teething symptoms and signs include:

• Crying, especially at night or during the middle of the night (believed to be due to a lack of other stimulation/distraction).
• Red, inflamed gums and soreness in the mouth.
• Pain that appears to be spreading to other parts of the body, such as the ears, cheeks, neck or upper shoulders. Sometimes babies will pull on their ears or rub their cheeks to try and soothe the pain.
• Difficulty sleeping, which can affect their daytime schedule.
• Lack of appetite and refusal to eat. This may lead to under-eating or dehydration, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, runny stools or indigestion. However, if your baby has more than three runny stools per day it’s likely that they are actually sick, not that teething is causing the problem.
• General irritability and moodiness.
• Increased saliva and drooling.
• The desire to bite down on anything (fingers, toys, their parents hands etc.). Many babies will try to grab objects to chew, or put anything they can get their hands on into their mouth, especially if the object is a bit hard or rubbery. This might seem counter-productive, but gnawing on objects seems to actually help relieve pressure in the gums.
• In some cases, cold-like symptoms might occur including mild coughing, runny nose, or red cheeks and ears. This can happen due to the baby putting their hands and objects into their mouth more. If these symptoms last more than two to three days, you should see a doctor to identify what’s causing the problem.
• A rash around your baby’s chin, which can look similar to eczema, due to increased drooling and touching their face

Most doctors don’t recognize fevers as a symptom of teething. If your baby appears to be sick with a fever and has a high body temperature, it’s likely for another reason. Always visit your doctor if your baby’s temperature goes above 101 degrees Fahrenheit for more than one to two days, as this indicates that they are ill.

Conventional Treatments for Teething

When your baby’s teething symptoms become very uncomfortable, your doctor might recommend giving him or her an over-the-counter pain reliever. One example is  liquid acetaminophen, which can be safely given to babies in small amounts in order to manage pain for about four hours. Most experts recommend only giving your baby painkillers when it’s really necessary, usually just before they go to sleep in order to help them get better rest.

Some doctors and parents also choose to apply soothing gels to their baby’s mouth in order to decrease swelling and tenderness. Popular types of gels include Orajel™ and Anbesol®. Gels can wash off the gums somewhat quickly, so they don’t provide relief for very long. They can be helpful on bad days when your baby is really having a hard time. However, note that these products contain benzocaine. The FDA warns against using this painkiller because it can cause a rare but serious medical condition. (4)

6 Natural Remedies for Teething Symptoms

Painkillers, massage therapy, topical gels, herbal medicines and home remedies can help reduce the pain and soreness.

1. Soft, Cold Fruits & Veggies

Giving your teething baby easy-to-chew, cool fruits and veggies to gnaw or suck on is one of the best ways to keep them both hydrated and comfortable. It’s also easy to make your own baby food, ensuring your giving your child the best ingredients you can. Here are some of the most popular types to try:

• Cold yogurt
• Natural applesauce (one of the easiest to make yourself!)
• Frozen banana or pineapple. Just be sure to watch carefully that your baby doesn’t choke.
• Cold carrots, celery, avocado or cucumber.

2. Cold Washcloths, Compresses or Spoons

Experts suggest that you allow your babies to chew on something when they are teething, since this helps decrease the pressure and pain they’re feeling. (06) Give them a rubbery or wooden object that is clean and nontoxic, or better yet make it a cold object. One example of a chew toy is a wooden ring or doll that is used in Japan to soothe teething symptoms, sometimes called a kokeshi doll. To help lower swelling of your baby’s gums you can give them something cold (and clean!) to chew on, such as:

• An ice towel. A simple solution is wrapping several pieces of ice in a clean towel, tying a rubber band or knot into the towel to hold the ice, and then letting your baby suck on the towel. This way the ice melts but doesn’t become a choking hazard.
• Another similar method is dipping a clean cloth into cold water, wringing out excess water, then putting the cloth in the freezer or refrigerator for a little while to chill. Let your baby bite down on the cloth, or apply it to their cheeks and chin.
• You also can try freezing your baby’s pacifier or bottle nipple. To do this, fill a baby bottle and place in the freezer upside down, this way the water freezes at the nipple.
• Yet another option is to give your baby a very cold spoon to suck on. The coldness pressed against their gums can numb some of the pain and reduce inflammation. Place a couple of spoons in the refrigerator for several hours so you have a cold one ready when your baby needs it.

3. Amber Teething Necklaces

Amber teething necklaces, usually made from Baltic amber, are worn around a baby’s neck in order to reduce soreness and decrease pain. Amber necklaces contain an active ingredient called succinic acid, which might have a mild analgesic (numbing) effect. (7) The theory behind amber necklaces is that when the baby’s skin rubs against the necklace a small amount of the amber’s oils seeps into their skin, helping to reduce inflammation and therefore discomfort. While there’s loads of anecdotal evidence that amber necklaces are helpful, there’s not evidence showing they definitely work. So it’s ultimately up to the parents to decide if it’s worth trying or not.

Most babies tolerate amber necklaces very well, although if the necklace breaks it can be a potential choking hazard. Don’t let your baby wear the necklace when he or she is out of your sight, such as when they are sleeping alone through the night.

4. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils are very useful for keeping your baby calm, while others are helpful for reducing inflammation and easing pain. To help your baby sleep and relax when they’re feeling uncomfortable, try diffusing lavender essential oil, chamomile or vanilla oil in their bedroom.

5.  Touch and Massage

It can help your baby to relax if you physically touch, gently massage, and soothe them. Distracting them with toys, games, attention or objects to play with also works to decrease their fixation on the teething pain.

While they might be uncomfortable with touching near their jaw or ears, try rubbing their back and holding them if they are having a very difficult teething day. If your baby allows, you can help reduce some of the pressure in their mouth by lightly massaging their gums, cheeks and ears. You may also want to try applying a very tiny amount of clove essential oil to their gums, which has natural numbing qualities and helps alleviate pain. In fact, before anesthesia medications were available, clove oil was used to decrease toothaches and to ease other dental problems or procedures. (8)

6. Remove Saliva After Drooling to Prevent a Rash

Sometimes babies will develop rashes on their chin while teething due to increased drooling. You can remove extra saliva with a soft cloth, helping to prevent the chin from becoming irritated or chapped. To treat your baby’s rash (whether on their face, or elsewhere such as their bottom) you can try applying natural products including coconut or almond oil, shea butter, calendula and magnesium oil.

Precautions When Your Baby is Teething

While teething can cause a range of symptoms, including cold-like symptoms or irritability, it’s still best to visit your baby’s pediatrician if symptoms persist for more than several days. Symptoms of teething can mimic those caused by other illnesses, so don’t ignore abnormal signs and symptoms your baby is displaying for long periods of time. Teething symptoms are usually not severe enough to really affect your baby’s health, so consider whether another condition is really to blame if your baby is having a really hard time.

If you do choose to give your baby a painkiller to reduce pain, do not give them products made with benzocaine or aspirin, as these are not recommended for teething babies since they may cause serious side effects in rare cases, including Reye’s syndrome. (9)

To make sure that your baby is transitioning well through the teething process, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that parents take their baby to his or her first dental exam by age 1.

Final Thoughts on Teething Symptoms & Remedies 

• Teething (odontiasis) happens when a baby’s teeth puncture their sensitive gums, usually beginning between 4–8 months old.
• Teething symptoms can include increased crying, painful gums, crankiness, trouble sleeping, swollen gums and chewing on hard objects.
• Natural teething remedies include giving your baby a cold object, cloth or foods to suck on, massaging their gums, distracting them, using essential oils to keep them calm, and having them wear an amber necklace.

Read Next: What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease? + 17 Natural Treatments

The post Ease Your Baby’s Teething Symptoms with 6 Natural Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Taking dietary supplements can be a great way to get nutrients you’re missing from your diet and help support a healthy life. But, have you considered the dangers they could pose if taken indiscriminately by a child?

A study released in July 2017 underscores the importance of understanding your dietary supplements and protecting your children from misusing them. Over the course of 13 years, between 2000–2012, researchers found evidence of almost 275,000 accidental dietary supplement exposures. (1)

While many of these exposures resulted in no serious medical outcomes, a few had dire consequences: 34 children died as a result of supplement overdose in the 13 years reviewed.

Statistically, death occurred only 0.0001 percent of the time — but 34 families were changed forever, which begs the vital question: “Why?”

Why Are Kids Overdosing on Dietary Supplements?

The overwhelming majority of supplement overdoses occur at home (97.3 percent). At almost that same percentage, children overdosed specifically by swallowing supplements. Most of these cases occurred in children under the age of 6 and happened by accident.

Often, people see dietary supplements as “all natural” and “safe” because they aren’t medications. However, there can be major pitfalls in that line of thinking — for one, supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as ‘conventional’ foods and drugs. Unlike medications, the FDA states that supplements are “considered safe until proven otherwise.”

Also, there are certain supplement ingredients that are banned, but many manufacturers aren’t audited for the quality or consistency of their ingredients.

It’s not uncommon for supplements from irresponsible companies to include dangerous fillers in supplements and vitamins — things like hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, lead, mercury, PCBs and the list goes on.

Even with the safest, whole-food-sourced supplements, there are still limitations on how much of a good thing the body needs. Nutrients taken in supplement form can only be absorbed so much in the body (unlike when you eat whole foods), so it is possible to overdose on supplements. 

The Most Common Culprits of Supplement Overdose by Kids

There are a few very common supplements that children tend to find and take without supervision. While they aren’t necessarily the most dangerous, it’s worth it to be cautious if you use these products.

Fat Burners — According to the July 2017 study, children often overdosed on fat burners (sometimes known as thermogenics) that adults take to lose weight — in fact, 43 percent of the total exposures were in this category. Fat burners are notorious for being laced with chemicals and dangerous additives, making them all the more problematic.

Vitamin C — What do you do when you or your child gets the flu? Do you load up on Vitamin C? It’s a great immunity booster, but it’s important to follow the dosing instructions. If your children know Vitamin C “makes them better,” they might want to grab more if they’re feeling sick. A major problem arises when this water-soluble vitamin is taken in excess, perhaps turning a remedy into a dangerous vitamin.

Botanicals — These supplements demonstrated the second largest overdose potential in this research review, accounting for about 32 percent of the total exposures. Botanicals include herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile and other plants or plant products valued for their therapeutic properties.

Hormonal Supplements — Hormonal products are used to try to balance hormones naturally. This category includes things meant to balance levels of estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol and others. These supplements make up about 15 percent of child supplement overdose incidents.

The Supplements Most Dangerous to Kids

Yohimbe — This bark-derived supplement can be especially toxic for children, according to the study. Yohimbe is a natural stimulant that is usually taken to increase libido and treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. Side effects can include “heart beat rhythm changes, kidney failure, seizures, heart attack and death.” Almost 30 percent of the recorded incidents resulted in moderate to severe symptoms in children. (2)

Energy Products — Most energy-boosting drinks, pills and powders are incredibly dangerous, even for adults. The researchers involved recommended better regulation and packaging to avoid unintentional consumption by children. Some of the symptoms from overdose include seizures, breathing problems and heart issues.

Ephedra (Ma Huang) — A traditional Chinese remedy for respiratory problems, ephedra was a popular energy and weight loss ingredient banned in the U.S. in 2004 because of the dangers it posed to users, particularly when consumed with caffeine. People taking ephedra have experienced heart irregularities, including stroke.

Iron — While not mentioned individually in this particular review, iron is another potentially dangerous supplement for children to take by mistake. Sufferers of iron poisoning often experience vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain at first, sometimes followed by liver failure. Do not take an iron supplement unless your physician recommends it.

Other Potentially Dangerous Supplements

While many supplements are safe when taken according to guidelines, adults and children can also potentially overdose on: (3)

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• B Vitamins
• Magnesium

Preventing Supplement Overdose

1. Treat supplements like pharmaceutical medications.

Because they can have adverse health effects when taken improperly, always treat your supplements as you would any pharmaceutical. Always securely close bottles and store them in out-of-reach places your children can’t easily access.

2. Purchase supplements from reputable, safe providers.

Due to lax regulatory standards, you should only purchase supplements from reputable sources. This way you can avoid many problematic additives and ensure that you and your family take only the purest, whole-food-based products.

3. Follow supplement guidelines.

Dosage guidelines were created for a reason. Don’t take or give your kids more than the prescribed dosage for age and/or weight, and never give children supplements that aren’t labeled for people their age.

4. Seek medical attention immediately if your child has symptoms of supplement overdose.

If you recognize symptoms of potential supplement overdose and have any reason to think your child may have been exposed to supplements, see a doctor immediately.

Final Thoughts

• Children are often unintentionally exposed to excess amounts of dietary supplements, most frequently at home and usually without supervision, before reaching the age of 6.
• In a July 2017 study, the most common supplements associated with adverse medical effects were fat burners, hormonal products and botanicals.
• The three most dangerous types of supplements in this study were yohimbe, ma huang (ephedra) and energy products.
• To prevent supplement overdose, treat your supplements as pharmaceuticals, keeping them safely out of  the reach of children. Only purchase supplements  from reputable providers and follow all dosage instructions.
• If you believe you or your child has overdosed on a supplement, seek medical attention right away.

The post Supplement Overdose Increases Among U.S. Kids appeared first on Dr. Axe.

There’s something special about witnessing an infrequent natural phenomenon and here, in the U.S., we have an exciting one: a total solar eclipse!

Solar Eclipse 2017 Details

On Monday, August 21, 2017, the continental U.S. will be directly in the path of a total solar eclipse, the first that’s been visible in the upper 48 states since Feb. 26, 1979.

During a total solar eclipse, to the eye, the moon seems to completely cover the sun in the sky (though in reality, the moon is much smaller than the sun). When this happens, the moon blocks all of the light from the sun, allowing viewers to get a glimpse of the sun’s outer atmosphere, while darkening the moon’s shadow. It creates a view we rarely get and the opportunity for some seriously Instagram-worthy images.

The lucky folks who live in the “path of totality,” which goes from Oregon to South Carolina and is about 70 miles wide, will see the total occurrence, while the rest of North America — and even parts of Europe, South America and Africa — will catch a partial solar eclipse, which is still pretty neat. (If you live in the path, you can see where to view the eclipse here. If you’re not in the path of totality, you can still watch it online.)

In cities and small towns along the path of totality, people have been prepping for years for this event. It’s a big deal — the next total solar eclipse visible in the country won’t be until 2024.

Of course, you’ll want to stay safe during solar eclipse 2017. Here’s how.

Safety + Tips: Solar Eclipse 2017

Keep eyes covered with eclipse glasses. Looking right at the sun is extremely unsafe for your eyes, and can cause damage or even blindness. The only time that it’s safe is during the total phase of the solar eclipse, which will only last for a minute or two and, even then, will only occur during the path of totality. At all other times (i.e. the uneclipsed or partial eclipse times), your eyes need to be protected. You need eclipse glasses for this.

Sunglasses are not safe, as they allow thousands of times too much sunlight to pass through. NASA recommends the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers. Be sure to put the glasses on before turning to view the sun. Using your camera lens, binoculars, telescope or anything else without having eclipse glasses on will not protect your eyes. If you are planning on using a device like that, you’ll require a solar filter. AAS has tips and safe models to buy here.

Do you wear eyeglasses? Keep them on and wear your eclipse glasses over them. You might not look super stylish, but your eyes will thank you!

Be sure eclipse glasses meet safety standards. You’re looking for eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. Fake eclipse glasses are being sold, so your best bet is to purchase glasses only from reputable vendors. Be sure that glasses aren’t scratched or damaged, and don’t remove them until you aren’t looking at the sun.

Glasses that meet the international safety standards are safe to wear as long as you’d like, so you can watch solar eclipse 2017 as long as you’d like. Store them in a protective eye pouch after you’re done wearing them; as long as the lens are undamaged, you can use them for the next eclipse.

Get your carotenoids in. OK, this isn’t exclusive to solar eclipse 2017. But eye health is crucial year-round, and carotenoids are awesome at keeping them healthy. Carotenoids are phytonutrients that fight free radical damage, provide our eyes with antioxidants and lower disease throughout the body.

You’ll find them in foods like butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin spinach, plantains and kale. They’re fat-soluble nutrients, so our bodies absorb more of their nutrients when they’re eaten with fats like olive oil, coconut oil, avocado or nuts and seeds.

Enjoy your natural source of vitamin D. Doctor’s orders! Our bodies make vitamin D, but they rely on sun exposure. Most of us spend very little time in natural sunlight: between our commutes, working and doing things indoors, we don’t spend much time outside, period. Unfortunately, our vitamin D levels suffer. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to health conditions like depression, weakened immune systems and skin issues like eczema.

Use solar eclipse 2017 as an excuse to get outside and add some vitamin D to your life — the all-natural way.

Try earthing. Get an extra health whammy from the solar eclipse and use it to try earthing. The practice, which basically involves being outdoor barefoot to feel the ground under your feet, has a range of benefits. It can reduce inflammation, reduce stress hormones, increase energy and even help you sleep better. Watching the eclipse from your lawn barefoot is an awesome way to get started.

Get social. With real people, that is. We spend so much time behind screens that we often don’t catch up with loved ones as often as we’d like. But good relationships with people we care about help keep us happy and healthy. Use solar eclipse 2017 as an opportunity to do something with friends, organize a barbecue (barefoot, of course!) or head to a park to watch this awesome event. It’s pretty cool on its own, but experiencing it with our favorite people is even better.

The post Solar Eclipse 2017: How to Safely View It appeared first on Dr. Axe.

You notice a patch of skin on your newborn baby’s head that looks odd and unattractive. What could have caused your perfect little one to have this imperfection? Did you do something to cause this unsightly patch?

Before you become alarmed, especially if you’re new to the parental world, your baby is most likely experiencing cradle cap, which is ultra common and although not visibly desirable, will not cause your bundle of joy any serious discomfort. If your baby was older, it would simply be called dandruff rather than cradle cap.

Often confused with infantile eczema, cradle cap doesn’t typically cause significant itching, which often occurs in cases of eczema. (1) Like eczema though, cradle cap is not contagious, and it’s not caused by poor hygiene. So breath easy and read on to learn how to naturally fix this common problem!

What Is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is the common term for infantile seborrheic dermatitis, a noninfectious skin condition that is very common in infants, typically beginning in the first weeks of life and then gradually going away after a few weeks or months. Most commonly, cradle cap causes crusty or oily patches on a baby’s scalp, hence the name.

Seborrheic dermatitis can also be found around a baby’s ears or eyebrows, on eyelids, in armpits and other creases like the groin. The skin patches can either be dry and flaky — similar to dandruff — or oily, thick, and yellowish or brown. The name seborrheic dermatitis comes from the fact that the condition occurs where there are the greatest number of oil-producing sebaceous glands on the body. (2)

Symptoms of Cradle Cap

Common signs of cradle cap include:

• Patches of scaling or thick crusts on the scalp
• Oily or dry skin covered with flaky white or yellowish/brownish scales
• Skin flakes (similar to dandruff)
• Sometimes mild redness

What Causes Cradle Cap?

Many say that the definitive cause of cradle cap isn’t presently known. A possible factor in the development of cradle cap may be hormones that pass from the mom to baby prior to birth. These transmitted hormones can cause overproduction of oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles.

The skin changes that occur with cradle cap are thought to result from an inflammatory response to a common skin organism, Malassezia yeast. (3) This yeast grows in the sebum along with bacteria. (4) Malassezia is the same yeast that is linked with adult dandruff, a skin disorder affecting 50 percent of the world population. (5)

For some babies, cradle cap can be a fungal infection, which likely is related to antibiotics given to the mother just before the infant’s birth. The infection could also be related to antibiotics routinely given to infants in hospitals during the first week of life.

The thing about antibiotics is that they kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria — and both adults and babies alike can develop antibiotic resistance. A baby needs this helpful bacteria to prevent the over growth of yeast, which causes a fungal infection.

For infants, fungus is mostly likely to show itself externally on the scalp (cradle cap), diaper area (fungal diaper rash or “jock itch”), ear (fungal ear infection, or an ear infection that does not respond to antibiotics), or in the mouth (oral thrush).

Cradle cap can also occur as a reaction to some baby shampoos or lotions, especially those that contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients not meant for a baby’s delicate skin. Sometimes, an allergy to formula or solid foods can also contribute to cradle cap.

8 Natural Remedies for Cradle Cap

Most of the time, cradle cap does not require medical intervention, and it will clear up on its own within a few months. So you actually don’t have to do anything to get rid of cradle cap.

If you want to make efforts to lessen the cradle cap or possibly speed its disappearance, then you always want to take the safe and natural route! That means not turning to over-the-counter cortisone or antifungal creams, which can be toxic to a baby’s delicate skin.

Let’s talk about some safe, natural and easy ways to help your baby’s cradle cap. These remedies are both very inexpensive and often highly effective at decreasing those lingering problem patches.

1. Use a Humidifier

Babies with cradle cap can often have dry, sensitive skin in general. By using a humidifier in your baby’s bedroom, you can provide more moisture in the air, which will help decrease skin dryness.

If you’re using air conditioning or heat, then your home and your baby’s skin could very likely benefit from some additional humidity in the air. Air conditioning and heating systems are both very drying. A humidifier can help improve overly dry air in the home.

2. Daily Brushing 

Parents often want to do something to decrease the flakes produced as a result of cradle cap. I would recommend first massaging and then lightly brushing your baby’s scalp on a daily basis for optimal results. First, gently massage your baby’s scalp with your fingers to loosen the scales. Then lightly brush your baby’s scalp with a soft brush to furthen loosen the scales of the cradle cap area(s) and sweep them away.

3.  Oil Treatment

Choose a pure oil like organic olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil. (Mineral oil can also work.A) Put a small amount (about the size of a nickel) of oil in your hand and then rub it gently onto your baby’s scalp, making sure not to have it drip in the eyes. Leave the oil on for 15 minutes (or as long as you can manage). Next, comb out any flakes with a comb.

Once you have thoroughly remove any flakes, thoroughly wash the scalp with a natural and mild baby shampoo. You ideally don’t want to leave any oil behind to clog the pores.

4. Choose Baby Shampoo Wisely

Many parents have seen their baby’s cradle cap dramatically improve and quickly clear up after switching to a more natural and gentle shampoo. Many shampoos that are recommended for babies are actually dangerous shampoos for babies (or even adults!) because they are loaded with questionable and toxic ingredients. Any product that touches your baby’s scalp, or any other area of skin, should be as pure, natural and unquestionable as possible.

The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is an awesome resource to utilize for your baby and yourself. (7) You can search over 64,000 products to evaluate what you already own and to help you choose products for the future! The lower the score, the better and more gentle the shampoo will be for your baby’s scalp. Same thing goes for lotion, diaper balms, etc. The pristine and delicate skin of babies needs to be preserved with the use of the best healthy and natural products.

5. Resist Overwashing

Many doctors will advise daily shampooing for cradle cap and many parents will be tempted to follow such advise. But you might want to resist the temptation because overwashing can often cause the skin to significantly increase its oil production, which will only make your baby’s cradle cap worse. Children with skin conditions and sensitive skin often do best to bathe every two to three days. (8)

6. Moisturize Post Shampoo

After shampooing, apply a gentle (the less ingredients the better), natural moisturizer to your baby’s scalp. The fact that the scalp is still damp and warm will help to trap moisture in the skin. This can help to prevent the scalp from becoming dry and scaly or decrease any dryness and scaliness that is already present. Use a lotion or balm designed for babies with sensitive skin.

7. Diet Evaluation

Some pediatric experts recommend considering the baby’s diet if he or she has cradle cap. If a baby is not breastfed and consumes formula, cradle cap is sometimes caused by an allergy to baby formula.

If your baby has cradle cap along with red patches on the face and persistent diarrhea then it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about switching to a formula that is healthier for your baby. (8) Check out my Goat’s Milk Baby Formula Recipe and Coconut Baby Milk Formula!

8. Try Baking Soda

Baking soda’s uses really and truly seem to be endless. For cradle cap, you can simply mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly to the scalp and let it sit for a minute. Make it easier for yourself and apply the paste just before giving your baby a bath. That way you can rinse it off easily during the bath.

I would recommend this on a night that you skip shampooing. The baking soda will do a great job at cleaning the scalp in addition to getting rid of dryness and flakes.

Cradle Cap Cautions

When massaging or brushing your baby’s scalp to remove scales, make sure you do so very gently so you do not further inflame the problem areas.

If your baby’s cradle cap is severe, doesn’t respond to home treatments, or spreads to your baby’s face or body then see a pediatrician. Also seek medical attention if the cradle cap patches become very red, swollen, ooze or bleed.

You might be tempted to try dandruff shampoo for your baby’s cradle cap, or it might come recommended by a doctor. Beware that dandruff shampoos typically contain strong ingredients like salicylic acid, which is not recommended for use in children under two years of age. Instead, try my Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo which can address cradle cap and dandruff.

It’s also important to make sure your baby’s skin condition is not eczema or an allergic reaction to diet or body care products. Cradle cap is unlikely to continue beyond a child’s first birthday, but if it does then speak with your pediatrician.

Read Next: Make Your Own Eczema Cream

The post 8 Natural Fixes for Cradle Cap appeared first on Dr. Axe.

I’m going to ask you to do something painful right now: think back to hitting puberty. Ouch. This is often an awkward time to look back on, as you recall adjusting to the changes in your body, developing an interest in dating and comparing yourself to friends.

For most of us, the onset of puberty happened around middle school age. But what if these changes began happening when you were just in second or first grade — or even kindergarten? What would it be like to have a talk about sex and hormones while you’re still attending playing dress-up or start growing facial hair while playing with toy cars?

Unfortunately, that’s no longer a hypothetical situation. Across the country, girls and boys alike are going through precocious puberty, and it means a whole lot more than upgrading from a training bra earlier than the previous generation. From a higher chance of being clinically depressed to an increased risk of certain types of cancers, precocious puberty is taking a toll on our nation’s youth.

Everyone Goes Through Puberty — What’s the Big Deal?

“Precocious” isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it’s used mostly to positively describe children who are unusually mature in their mental development. When it comes to puberty, however, the word signifies premature physical development. What’s wrong with developing a little earlier? To answer that, we’re going to backtrack a bit.

Most of us are familiar with the physical signs of puberty, like hair growing in different places, menstruation in girls and voice changes in boys. But there’s a lot going on inside the body during puberty, too. (1) Puberty actually begins when the brain, in an area known as the hypothalamus, begins releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH. The hormone then travels to the pituitary gland. This small gland below the brain actually produces hormones that control other glands in the body. The pituitary gland then releases two other puberty hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). All these hormones traveling around the body brings about puberty, and what happens next depends on gender.

In boys, hormones travel to the testes, alerting the body that it’s time to begin producing sperm and testosterone. Boys, who have been able to have an erection since infancy, can now ejaculate.

In girls, the hormones travel to the ovaries and signal that it’s time to start maturing and producing eggs. The hormones also begin producing estrogen, which leads to a girl’s body developing into a more “woman-like” figure as her body prepares for pregnancy. The main event for girls during this time is the start of menarche, or her first period, and irregular periods in the beginning. She’s now able to become pregnant.

As you likely remember, there are also quite a few emotional changes that occur during this transitioning time. Mood swings, anxiety about bodies, sexual feelings and exploration and other “teen emotions” become prevalent during this time.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, the first menstruation cycle for girls happened around ages 16 and 17. Today, the average age is younger than 13 years old. (2) But for many girls — and scientists aren’t quite sure why it seems to affect mainly girls and not boys — precocious puberty is happening at an even younger age.

What Happens When Early Puberty Hits?

When girls experience precocious puberty, their bodies are essentially becoming sexual beings at a seriously young age. This juxtaposition of being a “young woman” while still in childhood can have serious emotional repercussions. Girls who undergo puberty earlier than their peers are found to already have higher levels of depression symptoms at age 10. (3) Another study found that precocious puberty in girls raises the risk of depression for those females who have pre-existing vulnerability to the condition and that, for those who don’t, depressive symptoms might emerge. (4)

There are also the social changes that emerge. The flood of hormones coursing through a girl’s body during hormones makes her especially attentive to what others think and responsive to social pressures and rewards.

As this Newsweek article explains, during puberty, dopamine takes center stage. This neurotransmitter is responsible for experiencing pleasure, and it comes out in full force at this time. It basically remodels the pathway between the part of the brain that regulates behavior (and alerts you know that something is a bad idea) and the brain’s reward center. (5)

“The adolescent brain is one where the accelerator is pressed to the floor before there’s a good braking system in place. This gap between when the brain is easily aroused and when the braking is in place creates a period of vulnerability.”

When puberty occurs at a younger age, often girls — and their parents — aren’t prepared for the changes. In fact, although a girl’s body might be packed with hormones, her mental age is tied to her chronological age. An 8-year-old girl likely has even less control of what she does than a 13-year-old going through the same changes. That means the 8-year-old is quite likely to engage in riskier behavior as she seeks acceptance and gets attention from people who think she’s older than she is because of her body.

Unfortunately, the evidence isn’t just anecdotal, but proven by research. Girls who’ve gone through puberty by 5^th grade are more likely to be smoking by 9^th grade. As the study notes, “boys and girls who mature earlier than their peers have developed physically before their social resources have fully developed, leaving them ill-equipped to deal with challenges that may arise when entering physical maturity.” (6)

Additionally, young people who believe they’re more advanced in puberty than their peers at age 11 — probably because of how they look physically — are more likely to have recently smoked cigarettes, drank alcohol or smoked marijuana than peers who believe they’re on time or late in puberty. (7)

Women who experienced precocious puberty are also at a higher risk for a variety of diseases in adulthood, ranging from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular diseases. (8) In fact, one study found that early puberty was associated with 48 health conditions later in life, including irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis and psoriasis. (9)

And then there’s the increased cancer risk. One researcher found that early puberty and an earlier first menarche in girls raised her risk of breast cancer by up to 30 percent. (10) Conversely, for each year that a girl’s first period was delayed, her risk of premenopausal breast cancer was reduced by 9 percent, while her risk of post-menopausal breast cancer was reduced by 4 percent.

Estrogen can also play a role in this risk of breast and reproductive cancers. Girls who hit puberty early are producing estrogen for a longer period of time than their peers, sometimes by several years. This prolonged exposure to the hormone could have health repercussions decades later.

What’s Causing Precocious Puberty?

Why exactly are girls going through precocious puberty? One of the major factors is endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. So when the brain recognizes that there’s already “estrogen” in the bloodstream, it kicks puberty into gear. The most common of these disruptors are found in phthalates and BPA. (11)

Phthalates are man-made chemicals used to make plastic more flexible. And they are everywhere. Think: toys, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, shampoo, detergent, food packaging. Because our bodies can’t metabolize phthalates, and so these chemicals end up messing with our endocrine systems. Think: earlier menarche and growth spurts. (12) Additionally, this chemical can also cause weight gain and indirectly lead to precocious puberty, as obesity is another risk factor.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is another widely used chemical found in cups, water bottles, food storage containers and food cans. You might have seen that some reusable food container brands have labels that say “BPA-free.” That’s because toxic BPA was found to “leak” from inside containers into food and drinks, particularly when being heated or washed.

The age of exposure to these chemicals, in addition to how long the exposure lasts, plays a role in early puberty. (13) Unfortunately, because endocrine disruptors are ubiquitous in our society, it’s difficult not only to gauge how much exposure someone has had, but how to avoid them completely.

How do I limit exposure to endocrine disruptors and reduce the risk of precocious puberty?

While this is a lot of overwhelming information, there are steps you can take to decrease the risk of precocious puberty. If you’re thinking of having a child or are currently pregnant, consider breastfeeding if you can. (14) Though investigators aren’t quite sure why, it seems that girls who were mostly fed with breast milk show a later onset of puberty.

There are also a variety of ways you can minimize your child — and your own! — exposure to endocrine disruptors.

•  Focus on eating whole, fresh foods, as processed foods and meats are pumped with chemicals.
• When possible, choose organic produce to reduce ingestion of chemicals.
• Avoid storing food or using containers with BPA in them; glass is your friend.
• Use glass to reheat food. Never reheat in plastic containers, BPA-free or not, as chemicals can still be released.
• Minimize the use of canned foods, since BPA can seep through them. Opt for glass instead.
• Limit exposure to phthalates by avoiding purchasing products with recycling #3 or “PVC” on them.
• Don’t forget to check the ingredients list of your beauty products, too! Choose all-natural products where possible, including female hygiene products.
• Can’t go totally all-natural? Try avoiding artificial fragrances instead and opt for unscented. Phthalates are often to use to give products like detergents, fabric softeners and beauty product their smell.
• Use fabric shower curtains.

Read Next: Nomophobia — 5 Steps to Ending Your Smartphone Addiction

The post The Disturbing Rise of Precocious Puberty & Why It’s Happening appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is frequently found in childcare settings where frequent diaper changes and potty training allows the virus to spread quickly from person to person. In fact, older teens and adults may never experience signs or symptoms of HFMD; however, they can still transmit it during the first week or so the virus is active.

Children can continue to spread the disease for weeks, or even months, after the signs and symptoms have dissipated as the virus actively lives in feces. It is essential that good hygiene practices are taught from an early age. Also, household surfaces including bathroom fixtures, doorknobs, countertops and toys should be thoroughly disinfected regularly.

The good news is that hand, foot and mouth disease is rarely serious and severe complications are extremely rare. But, with a healthy immune system, as we age, we develop a natural immunity to the disease, building antibodies after an initial exposure to the virus. Treatments for HFMD focus on providing comfort, relieving pain, preventing dehydration, and strengthening the immune system.

What Is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?

This common viral illness primarily affects infants and children under the age of 5. However, older children, teens, and adults can all contract hand, foot and mouth disease. A few days after exposure to the virus, painful sores appear in the mouth, hands, and feet — explaining the name for the disease. Some people may also experience painful lesions on the buttocks, legs, and elbows.

Generally, an HFMD outbreak doesn’t last too long. In fact, for most people with a properly functioning immune system, the symptoms go away after a week or 10 days. While similar in name, it is in no way related to hoof and mouth disease that affects livestock including cows, pigs, sheep, goats and deer. Different viruses cause the two diseases and they are not related. Humans don’t get the animal disease and animals don’t get the human disease. (1)

Common Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period for hand, foot and mouth disease is typically between three and six days, and people are generally asymptomatic during this time. The first signs after exposure to the virus include general malaise, reduced appetite, sore throat and a slight fever. A couple of days after that, the painful sores start to develop, often first appearing in the mouth.

Next, small red spots appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and the spread of the rash may end there. Or, the rash may spread to the buttocks, elbows, knees and even genitals. Then, as the red spots morph into blisters, they will start to break open and crust over. The fluid inside contains the virus. So, it is imperative to wash hands and any household items that may have come into contact with the fluid. (2)

Causes and Risk Factors

The question often arises, how do you get hand, foot and mouth disease and the answer is: from bodily fluids. This disease is most often transmitted through secretions from the nose and throat. But the fluid from the blisters and feces can also transmit the virus. The virus can spread through close personal contact as the virus is airborne. Also, it can live on a variety of objects and surfaces for quite some time. In addition, it is possible to get hand, foot and mouth disease by swimming in non-chlorinated water; however, transmission is considered unlikely.

The viruses that cause HFMD belong to the enterovirus group. The most common cause in the United States is the Coxsackievirus A16 virus, but the Enterovirus 71 is also associated with outbreaks. Risk factors for the disease include:

• Age: being an infant or young child not yet exposed to the virus
• Environment: spending time with young children in close quarters, such as childcare centers
• Poor hygiene practices: not washing hands enough, particularly when in a group of children

A special note about preventing HFMD:

According to a study published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases, breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of life may help protect against some infections. The study found that the protection lasted 28 months, and that breastfeeding acts as a natural protection against a variety of infections, including hand, foot and mouth disease. (3)

Conventional Treatments

Hand, foot and mouth disease is typically diagnosed by an examination of the sores and rashes. Some physicians may order throat swabs and feces tests to determine the type of virus. There are no specific treatments recommended for HFMD. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain and fever, as well as a topical oral anesthetic to relieve the pain in the mouth. Symptoms usually resolve in seven to 10 days.

17 Natural Treatments for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

1. Coconut Water Ice Cubes. Dehydration is a problem with HFMD as the sores and blisters in the mouth can make eating and drinking extremely painful. Frozen coconut water cubes can help to relieve the pain and discomfort, but more importantly, because of the high potassium levels and high electrolytes, it is the perfect way to stave off dehydration.
2. Cool Foods and Soups. While chewing coarse or crunchy foods is too painful, providing healthy cold summer soups helps to ensure that the body is getting the nutrients it needs to aid in recovery from the virus. Avoid foods that are salty, spicy or acidic; some fruits may be too acidic and cause more irritation and pain.
3. Rinse Mouth After Eating. To get rid of any potential irritants in the mouth, mix ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt in a glass of tepid water. Swoosh in the mouth, spit out and repeat. This amazing salt helps to balance pH levels, supporting a healthy immune system response.
4. Oil Pulling. While this won’t work for young children, older children and adults should use coconut oil for oil pulling. The lauric acid fights bacteria in the mouth, provides a detoxing effect, and creates an environment that is hostile to viruses, including those responsible for HFMD.
5. Coconut Oil. Gently applying coconut oil on the rash and blisters may help to speed healing. The antimicrobial and antiviral compounds in coconut oil can provide relief and may help prevent the spread of the disease.
6. Epsom Salt Bath with Essential Oils. Long used to soothe skin and detoxify the body, a long soak in a bath with Epsom salts may speed healing and provide relief from the pain and discomfort. Try my favorite recipe, homemade healing bath salts, and soak as long as possible to reap the benefits.
7. Bone Broth. To ensure that adequate nutrition is making its way into the body, sip homemade bone broth. Bone broth’s high collagen content supports healthy skin. And, during and after an outbreak of HFMD, the skin can use the boost it provides.
8. Astragalus. This adaptogen herb has been shown to stimulate the immune system while inhibiting the Coxsackie and other viruses. (4) In fact, astragalus is available in tinctures, capsules, teas and topical applications at many health food stores and Chinese markets.
9. Ginger Root Tea. Ginger has been used for 1,000s of years to heal wounds and ulcers. For a refreshing cool drink, take a 1-inch piece of peeled and bruised ginger root, and simmer it with a quart of water for 20 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature. Then, to add a touch of sweetness and healing properties, mix in just a teaspoon or two of raw honey.
10. Rooibos Tea. Known as a potent natural anti-inflammatory, rooibos tea can help to speed healing while fighting the virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease. In fact, a wide range of research studies shows that quercetin, a compound in rooibos tea inhibits the IAV (influenza A), EBV (Epstein-Barr), Enterovirus and the coxsackievirus. A cup of tea a day may help to speed healing while fighting the virus. (5), (6), (7)
11. Tea Tree Oil. Widely recognized as a powerful antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial compound, adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite liquid hand soap can help prevent further spread and contamination. This amazing essential oil, tea tree oil can help speed healing during a bout of hand, foot and mouth disease. Children and women who are pregnant should not use tea tree oil.
12. Echinacea. One of the most powerful and effective herbs available today, echinacea is proven to boost the immune system, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, improve skin problems, and fight infections. Some studies indicate that echinacea extracts, not capsules or pills, are most effective for immune system support. (8)
13. Elderberry. Leading the pack of antiviral herbs, elderberry has been used for 1,000s of years to boost the immune system, fight viruses, aid in healthy glucose levels, and promote healthy skin. For hand, foot and mouth disease, make a homemade elderberry syrup to soothe the pain and facilitate a speedy recovery.
14. Lemon Essential Oil. A natural disinfectant, lemon essential oil is also known to support immune system response, and when applied topically, it deeply nourishes skin. Add a few drops to your favorite hand soap or body wash to fight viruses and infections while supporting good skin health.
15. Lavender Oil. To get a good night’s sleep during a painful HFMD outbreak, diffuse lavender essential oil in the bedroom. A randomized, single-blinded pilot study shows that diffusing lavender essential oil is an effective treatment for insomnia. (9)
16. Clove Oil. One of my favorite essential oils for a sore throat, clove oil, has strong antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal home remedy for hand, foot and mouth disease. Mix a few drops with a teaspoon of coconut oil, swirl in the mouth for a couple of minutes to relieve the pain and discomfort in the mouth and throat. Do not use if you are pregnant or for small children.
17. Licorice Root. Research shows that licorice root has broad-spectrum antiviral activity, making it perfect for fighting a wide array of viruses, including HFMD. Research indicates that triterpenoid, the active antiviral component, actually fights a wide range of viruses. Make a licorice root tea and enjoy warm or cool with a spot of raw honey, as desired to get the best results. (10)

Precautions

While rare, some serious complications can occur with hand, foot and mouth disease.

• Dehydration. Protect against severe dehydration by supplying cool fluids throughout the day.
• Fingernail and toenail loss. Depending on the state of the virus, children may lose fingernails or toenails; this is often temporary with nails growing back over the next month.
• Viral meningitis. This rare, but serious condition, can occur. It is the most common type of meningitis and affects the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. (11)
• Encephalitis. This extremely rare disease is life-threatening. Symptoms can mimic flu-like symptoms. However, if any sign of seizures, paralysis, loss of speech, body stiffness, loss of consciousness, or bulging in soft spots of the skull of infants occurs, seek emergency medical attention immediately. (12)

Special note for travelers to the Far East, Asia and Africa. Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease are much more common and special precautions to guard against infection should be employed. It is imperative that you practice good personal hygiene practices, including routine hand washing throughout your travels to prevent infection. (13)

Final Thoughts

• Coxsackievirus A16 virus and Enterovirus 71 cause hand, foot and mouth disease.
• HFMD is extremely contagious and spreads through contact with saliva, mucus, feces and the fluid from blisters.
• The viruses that cause HFMD are airborne, and can live on household surfaces; disinfecting toys, door knobs, toilets and other common areas is essential to prevent spread.
• Good hygiene practices including hand washing can help prevent the disease.
• Effective natural treatments to soothe the discomfort and pain, strengthen the immune system, and fight the virus, exist and should be employed.
• Take special precautions when traveling in the Far East, Middle East and Africa where hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks are more common.
• Breastfeeding may help to protect young children from hand, foot and mouth disease, as well as other infections.

Read Next: Hives Treatment: 9 Natural Home Remedies

The post What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease? + 17 Natural Treatments appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Nearly two-thirds of this U.S. group are overweight. In fact, 17 percent are obese, with the rate tripling from 1971 to 2011. (1) Worst of all, these folks are being exposed to a whole host of health issues that were previously quite rare in this group. Who am I talking about? Children, of course, which is why it’s so important to learn how to lose weight for kids.

Today, one in five youths aged 6–19 are obese. And while there are lots of public health suggestions floating around about how to best deal with this issue — which affects children not only physically but also emotionally — there’s one standing above the pack: getting parents involved and learning how to lose weight for kids. What’s the best way to do that? Focusing on parents, not children, during childhood obesity treatment.

It might sound counterintuitive. After all, if children are the ones with the health problem, doesn’t it make sense to have them attend treatment meetings? But a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that there was no difference in weight loss outcomes when only parents attended the treatment versus parents and children together. (2) Having the parents truly is the best way in the journey of how to lose weight for kids.

The Epidemic of Overweight Children

Experts point to many reasons leading to a rise in childhood obesity, like environmental factors, lifestyle preferences and cultural environments. And though obesity is generally thought to be the result of too many calories and fat, researchers are now pointing to the high amount of sugar in soda and juices, larger portion sizes, and a decrease in physical activity as contributing factors to obesity.

How is obesity in children measured anyway? Currently, body mass index, or BMI chart, is used to decide if a child is overweight or obese. Children with BMIs at or higher than the 85^th percentile but below the 95^th percentile are considered overweight; BMIs at or above the 95^th percentile are considered obese.

Any weight ranging from the 5^th percentile to less than the 85^th percentile is considered a normal or healthy weight. BMIs are stacked against youth of the same age and sex, since a child’s body composition changes quite a bit as he or she ages. (3)

While using BMI might have some accuracy issues, the number of children who aren’t at a healthy weight is concerning. What’s especially interesting about overweight and obese children is that it’s a relatively new phenomenon. Though there have always been children who weigh more than their peers, it’s only in the last four decades or so that rates have skyrocketed in young people.

Between 1976 and 1980, for example, 5 percent of preschool children ages 2–5 were obese. By 2007–2008, that number of obese children totaled 10.4 percent. And from 1976–1980, about 6.5 percent of children aged 6-11 were obese. In 2007–2008 however, that number shot up to 19.6 percent. (4)

The ramifications of children being overweight and obese aren’t just high numbers on the scale, of course. Both conditions bring about serious health consequences. These children are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults, which we know is a risk factor for cardiovascular and other diseases. In fact, type 2 diabetes, which used to be virtually unheard of in children, is now being diagnosed at alarming rates. (5, 6)

Children who are obese also are more likely to have high blood pressure and cholesterol, breathing problems like asthma, joint problems, fatty liver disease, and heartburn. (7)

And then, of course, there are the effects that transcend the physical. Depression and a feeling of low quality of life are more common in young people who are obese. (8) And children who are obese are more likely to be bullied more than their average-weight peers, no matter how good their social skills are. (9)

How to Lose Weight for Kids: Parents Are the Key

It’s evident that helping children who are overweight and obese is a healthy decision, and the new study sheds some light on an effective way to do that. The question researchers wanted to answer was whether there was a difference in how successful children were losing weight when they attended family-based weight loss treatment (FBT) versus having just parent-based treatment, or PBT.

Over the course of six months, 150 overweight or obese children ages 8–12 and their parents participated in the study. Throughout six months, FBT and PBT sessions were provided in 20 one-hour group meetings and 30-minute behavioral coaching sessions. The content delivered at both sessions was the same except that, at some, the children weren’t present.

The main measure to see whether children’s presence made a difference was by measuring their weight loss at different intervals after treatment. The study also looked at other measures, such as if parents also lost weight, whether children and parents engaged in more physical activity, and if parents changed the way they fed the children.

After evaluating the families for more than two years, it became clear that children weren’t necessary at meetings and still lost weight if only parents attended. Secondary outcomes, like parent weight loss and physical activity, didn’t suffer if children weren’t present either. It seems a bit odd ­— wouldn’t it make sense that kids would lose more weight if they were present at the treatment meetings than if they skipped them?

This study drives home the fact that, when it comes to children’s health, parents are the driving force behind it. A young child isn’t preparing his or her own meals and reading food labels, but parents are (or should be!).

So it makes sense that when the parents were educated on weight loss methods, the children still reaped the benefits, whether they were there to hear from the experts or not. When parents put the healthy tips into practice, the children lost weight — and so did the parents. Thus, if you’re wondering how to lose weight for kids, it begins with the parents.

10 Tips for How to Lose Weight for Kids

Parents are the No. 1 tool against children being overweight or obese. But what can you do to ensure your kids are getting the nutrition they need without scarring them for life in the process? Here are 10 ways to help your family — because this is a family affair! — lose weight. Follow these 10 tips for how to lose weight for kids.

1. Choose a Food Lifestyle that Works

Food, not exercise, is key for weight loss. Certain diets can help lose weight and establish healthy eating patterns. Of course, when I say diet, I just mean the type of food and not a crazy “eat three seeds a day” diet. That’s because we want to stress to kids that eating for health isn’t just something you do to lose pounds on a scale or to look a certain way. It’s all about fueling our bodies and giving them the nourishment they need to perform their best, not jumping on fad diets for short-term gains.

The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, veggies, healthy fats like olive oil, fish and whole grains can be a great place to start. Kids are generally familiar with most of these foods, but here they take center stage. The Mediterranean diet also helps guard our bodies against heart disease and other obesity-related health issues like type-2 diabetes and metabolic complications.

If gluten is an issue with your child, following a gluten-free diet could be the answer. An added bonus of reducing or eliminating gluten in your diet is that it automatically kicks a lot of unhealthy foods to the curb, such as refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta, white and whole-grain flours, rice, and more.

However, as people shun gluten more and more, there are gluten-free “junk foods” cropping up. If you fear that you’ll just be replacing one unhealthy food with another, Paleo might be a good option. A Paleo diet focuses on proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats like avocado and coconut oil, while avoiding grains, dairy, refined sugars and legumes. While it can feel restrictive in the beginning, a lot of the guesswork about “can I eat this?” is taken out.

2. Say Goodbye to Processed Foods and Added Sugars

Most likely, however, your entire family will see health benefits as soon as you cut out — or at least cut back — on processed foods and extra sugar. You should immediately get rid of refined carbohydrates, as these are empty calories with zero nutritional value.

Next, it’s time to start cutting out those snacks you thought were healthy. Those “low-fat” cookies? They’re full of sugar and other weird ingredients to give them flavor. Flavored yogurts? These are packed with sugar, often more than an actual dessert. Fruit juices? Unless they’re 100 percent juice, they often have additional nasties added in. Premade salad dressings? The ingredients list on some of those is ridiculously long!

Your best bet is to make your own healthy treats. That way, you’re in control of what’s going into your child’s body.

3. Cook at Home

This can be a real challenge for busy families. Between work, school, homework, activities and plain old life, it can feel like there’s just no time to cook. But this is one of the most important things you can do to help your child lose weight. A home-cooked meal means children eat something nutritious with the appropriate serving size.

Kitchen hacking can help. On the weekend, you can make a few meals at once and serve those throughout the week. Think chili or soup in a crockpot, a roasted chicken in the oven, and a curry on the stove. The soup and curry can be served throughout the week, while the chicken can be added to a salad, used in lettuce wraps or served alongside oven-baked potatoes.

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit, too! Oatmeal sweetened with honey and fresh fruit makes a nice dinner, as do pumpkin blueberry pancakes or eggs scrambled with veggies and served with a slice of whole-wheat toast.

4. Get Moving

If your child enjoys sports, signing him or her up to play after school is an easy way to get your kid moving. Even better, getting active with them is a great way to encourage physical activity and spend more time together. You can go on walks together, go for a jog, do YouTube yoga practices or hit the local pool. They’ll see that being active doesn’t just mean gym class or boring “exercises.”

5. Let Kids Stop Eating When They’re Full

Many of us grew up in a time when we were forced to finish off everything on our plates, whether we were still hungry or not. But even babies turn away from milk when they’ve had enough. Similarly, if your child says he or she is not too hungry or fills up before finishing everything, don’t force him or her to eat more.

6. Get Kids in the Kitchen

Kids are a lot more likely to eat something if they had a hand in making it. Make the kitchen a family-friendly zone. Let your kids wash or chop veggies or do basic cooking tasks like sautéing onions or boiling water. Let them have their say in what recipes the family should eat during the week, and then have them help out. If you need some ideas on what to make together, these healthy snacks for kids should help.

7. Serve New Foods Several Times

It takes quite a few tries for our palates to adapt to new foods. So when you’re introducing a new ingredient, like kale or quinoa, don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t like it immediately. Make the new food a part of, not the basis of, the entire meal, and let your child try it out. If he or she doesn’t like it, don’t force him or her to eat it, but continue serving it. Eventually, your kid just might come around.

8. Don’t Demonize Foods

You’re not going to be able to control every single thing your kid eats. There will be visits to friends’ houses, birthday parties and after-school events, especially as they get older. It’s important not to make any food group out to be the worst thing ever. You don’t want children feeling guilty or like they failed if they have a cookie on occasion. Instead, focus on having them notice how they feel after they eat certain foods and understanding that some foods are for special occasions or eaten sparingly.

9. Pay Attention to Portion Sizes

Until they’re at least teenagers, children should be given “kid-sized” portions. Healthy Children has easy-to-follow recommendations on how much of each food group children should be served. Of course, children’s needs will vary based on their activity, sex, etc. Start by serving a smaller portion. If kids are still hungry, they can get a second serving, rather than starting with two servings worth of food.

10. Make It a Family Affair

There’s nothing more embarrassing than having a child eat one meal while everyone else eats something different. So make losing weight and healthy eating something the entire family is doing for everyone’s well-being. Keep tempting foods out of the house. Load the fridge with washed, cut-up pieces of fruit and veggies. Make healthy eating a normal household occurrence, and kids will follow suit!

Precautions Regarding How to Lose Weight for Kids

Before starting any weight loss plan for your child, you should consult with a pediatrician. You’ll want to eliminate any health reasons for weight gain and food allergies. A doctor can also help you determine how much weight your child should lose so that he or she is at a healthy weight for his or her age, height and sex, and how much your child should safely lose each week.

If you feel you might need some extra assistance, your doctor can also put you in touch with a dietician who can help plan the right diet for your child and family.

Weight is a really tricky issue, and it can also be difficult to encourage weight loss without seeming judgmental. If you have weight and body issues of your own, it’s also tough to not pass on those hang-ups to your child. In that case, seeking professional help for yourself can be beneficial for everyone.

Final Thoughts on How to Lose Weight for Kids

• Childhood obesity and related diseases are on the rise in the U.S.
• Whether it’s getting kids helping in the kitchen, trying healthy diets like going Paleo or getting active with your children, parents’ involvement is one of the best ways to combat childhood obesity and extra pounds and the first step in how to lose weight for kids.
• It can be challenging, but addressing obesity and extra weight in our children is really important so they grow up as healthy and happy as possible. When, as parents, we set a good example and help them build nutritious eating habits, it’s clear that everyone wins, and there’s no better way regarding how to lose weight for kids.

Read Next: School Lunch Changes Pros & Cons + What to Do About School Lunches

The post Weight Loss in Children: How to Lose Weight for Kids appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Physicians commonly treat scarlet fever with oral antibiotics to speed healing and reduce the length of time the infected party is contagious. Those infected should stay home from daycare, school or work; while it primarily occurs in children five–15 years-old, adults are not immune. (1)

It spreads quickly through droplets of nasal fluids or saliva that often accompany a sneeze or a cough. The incubation period is very short; just one to two days after exposure you can expect a fever and sore throat to appear if you have been infected.

What is Scarlet Fever?

In the simplest of terms, scarlet fever rash is caused by the bacteria A streptococcus, the same bacteria that causes strep throat and impetigo. The Group A Streptococcus bacteria can cause a variety of infections from minor to very serious, and potentially deadly. Fortunately, both strep throat and scarlet fever fall on the milder end of the scale. (2)

While complications are relatively rare, if the bacteria spreads to another area of the body, ear infections, abscesses, swollen lymph nodes and sinus infections are possible. In rare cases, potentially life-threatening conditions, rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, can occur. In the weeks after a strep infection, watch for chest pain, uncontrollable body movements, edema, dark or reddish urine, and signs of anemia, and call your doctor immediately if any of these signs appear. (3, 4)

Signs & Symptoms

The most common sign of scarlet fever is scarlet fever rash — a bright red rash that has the texture of rough sandpaper. Other signs and symptoms include: (5, 6)

• A very red, painful throat
• A temperature of 101F, or above with or without chills
• Bright red skin on the cheeks, underarms and where skin creases and folds that may resemble a severe sunburn
• A whitish coating on the tongue
• A swollen, red and bumpy tongue that resembles a strawberry
• Swollen glands
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain, sometimes severe
• General malaise
• Joint and muscle aches
• Headaches

Causes & Risk Factors

Also known as scarlatina, the cause of scarlet fever is the strep bacteria, found in strep throat and impetigo. While it is most commonly associated with strep throat, scarlet fever can also develop from group A strep infections. It is highly contagious, and it spreads rapidly from person to person, especially when in close quarters.

The Group A strep bacteria live in the nose and the throat and when droplets become airborne from a sneeze or a cough, those in close proximity can become infected. That’s why it is imperative that those infected avoid personal contact and avoid public outings until healed.

Risk factors for scarlet fever include: (7, 8)

• A current strep throat infection.
• Being between five and 15-years old
• Being a parent of a school-aged child
• Living, working or going to school or church in tight quarters with large groups of people
• Spring or fall is when strep bacteria most often circulate

Conventional Scarlet Fever Treatment

Doctors most commonly prescribe oral antibiotics for scarlet fever and strep throat. In some cases, for a patient with a severe infection, a single injection of penicillin G benzathine may be used instead of oral antibiotics.

If you suspect scarlet fever, your physician will diagnose you or your child through a visual inspection of the rash and a culture of the throat. If a sore throat does not accompany the scarlet fever rash, other tests will be ordered as there are other more serious conditions that cause both a rash and a high fever. (9)

10 Natural Remedies for Scarlet Fever Rash

1. Gargle with Pink Himalayan Salt

For generations, sore throats have been treated by gargling with warm salt water to relieve pain and inflammation. Science backs up this practice, according to Dr. Sorana Segal-Maurer, MD chief of the Dr. James J. Rahal Jr. Division of Infectious Disease at New York Hospital Queens. As it turns out, gargling with salt water washes the toxins out; be sure to spit out the water, and don’t swallow. (10)

And, instead of table salt, be sure to use pink Himalayan salt which is filled with potassium, magnesium and calcium. This ancient salt, in particular, increases the pH balance in your system, making it more difficult for bacteria to survive. Mix one teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt into one cup of warm water. Gargle and spit repeatedly until the mixture is gone.

2. Tea Tree Oil

A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that a four percent tea tree oil ointment and five percent tea tree oil body wash performed better against staph infections than Mupirocin®, a topical antibacterial ointment. (11)

To treat scarlet fever rash, mix one teaspoon of coconut oil to five drops of tea tree oil, and smooth over the areas affected by the scarlet fever rash. Because tea tree oil is strong, and in some people can cause irritation, always dilute it with a carrier oil of at least 1:1.

Please note — tea tree oil is NOT to be ingested. While it is often suggested as a good mouthwash to combat bacteria, toothaches, mouth ulcers and bad breath, it is imperative that you spit out the oil afterward to prevent adverse side effects. (12)

3. Manuka Honey

Rich with amino acids, B vitamins and essential minerals, the benefits of Manuka honey are great. It has been shown to be effective against MRSA, supports a healthy digestive system, helps heal eczema and acne, and fights tooth decay and bad breath. It also has been shown to stop the growth of strep bacteria. (13)

With scarlet fever, applying it directly to the rash can provide relief. But, it is most useful in treating scarlet fever and strep throat when it is swished in the mouth and swallowed. Take a teaspoon, several times each day and swirl it around the mouth. Doing this following gargling with pink Himalayan salt water may provide the best results.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil benefits are widely accepted now as medical researchers turn more attention to the unique healing properties of the MCFAs, caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid. It is widely used to treat inflammation, to boost the immune system, and to fight bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Researchers have found that the practice of oil pulling reduces Streptococcus mutans and improves overall oral health. (14) While the study was relatively small and used sesame oil, one can assume with the known bacteria-fighting properties in coconut oil; the results would be similar or better.

Of course, coconut oil can also be applied topically, with no adverse side effects, to soothe the scarlet fever rash. Use it as a carrier oil when applying tea tree oil or other essential oils for best results.

5. Vitamin C

To fight bacteria and viruses effectively, our immune systems must be strong. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C can boost immunity, alleviate dry mouth, and fight some viral conditions. (15)

As a scarlet fever treatment, increase consumption of vitamin C-rich foods including oranges, red bell peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and if your natural health food store has it, guava, which contains more vitamin C, by far, than a large orange.

6. Lemon Essential Oil

When fighting a bacterial infection like scarlet fever, it is imperative that your lymphatic system is operating optimally. It is responsible for cleaning toxins out of your system. Lemon essential oil can improve blood flow and reduce swelling while you are fighting infections. Mix a few drops with a teaspoon of coconut oil and then soothe over the scarlet fever rash to aid in healing while easing the discomfort.

Lemon essential oil is used as a home remedy for strep throat too.  To speed healing, add one to two drops of lemon essential oil to a glass of cool water and sip. You may add raw honey for further benefit, or use an herbal tea as a flavor boost. However, don’t put it in hot or boiling water as the heat will adversely affect its healing powers.

7. Astragalus Root

Used as an immune system booster in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, astragalus fights inflammation, heals wounds, treats colds and the flu, all while boosting and regulating immune system response. (16) As a scarlet fever treatment, select a high-quality astragalus tincture and follow the recommended dosage on the packaging.

8. Propolis

One of the many incredible byproducts from honey bees, propolis can be used topically and internally to treat the symptoms of scarlet fever rash. Propolis is made by the bees to protect their hives from infections that could kill the population. Research indicates that it demonstrates high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, C. Albicans and Streptococcus mutans. (17)

Bee propolis as a treatment for scarlet fever can be taken internally. For adults, 500 milligrams twice a day is recommended; for children, follow the directions on the packaging. Typically, a dose of 250 mg to 375 mg is recommended for children under the age of 12.

9. Vitamin D

By now everyone has heard that vitamin D deficiencies have reached pandemic levels, but what many people don’t realize is the long-term health consequences of the deficiency. (18) A study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases states that there is a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and recurring group A streptococcal infections — including strep throat. (19)

The best way to increase levels of vitamin D in your body is to spend more time outdoors in the sunshine without sunscreen for 15–30 minutes each day. For those that can’t get outside during the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, it is vital that you consume more vitamin D rich foods.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used to fight infections since the days of Hippocrates (460-377 BC). (20) For those with strep throat, gargling with apple cider vinegar can soothe the pain and discomfort while fighting the bacteria. Mix one teaspoon of ACV and one teaspoon of raw honey into a glass of warm water, and sip slowly. Repeat several times each day until the pain is gone.

To soothe a scarlet fever rash, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into two cups of cool water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and apply to the rash. This is believed to help reduce inflammation and irritation by restoring the proper pH levels to your skin.

Precautions

While rare, long-term complications, some of which are serious, include: (21)

• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidneys
• Rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that affects the brain, heart, skin and joints
• Arthritis
• Pneumonia
• Abscesses in the throat
• Skin infections, including impetigo
• Ear infections

Final Thoughts

• Scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, just like strep throat and impetigo. It most commonly affects children between the ages of five and 15-years old. However, anyone who is exposed can become infected.
• Conventional treatment is oral antibiotics, and in some cases, an injection of antibiotics depending on the severity.
• Natural treatments for scarlet fever rash include tea tree oil, lemon essential oil, vitamin C, Manuka honey, astragalus root, bee propolis, vitamin D, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and pink Himalayan salt.
• The scarlet fever rash is rough, like sandpaper. Strep throat often accompanies scarlet fever; however, if tests for strep throat come back negative, additional tests will be conducted as serious medical conditions including infectious mononucleosis, Kawasaki disease, rubella and toxic shock syndrome.
• Help prevent scarlet fever and other infections caused by streptococcus with good hygiene.

Read Next: Natural Ear Infection Remedies

The post Relieve Your Child’s Scarlet Fever Rash: 10 Natural Treatments appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The FDA recently issued new warnings against prescribing tramadol and codeine to children and adolescents. After the agency reviewed event reports from about the past 50 years, they found that 64 reports of severe breathing difficulty, including 24 deaths, were linked to codeine in children and adolescents. In addition, nine cases, including three deaths (!), were linked to tramadol.

Following these discoveries, the FDA now states that tramadol should not be used in children under 18 years old to treat pain due to a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. It also states that codeine and tramadol should not be used in adolescents aged 12–18 who are obese or who have breathing conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea or severe lung disease. Do not breastfeed if you are using tramadol or codeine. (1)

What Is Tramadol? Is Tramadol a Narcotic?

Tramadol is an analgesic, or pain reliever, used to treat moderate to moderately-severe pain. What kind of drug is tramadol? Is tramadol a narcotic? Tramadol is considered narcotic-like. There seems to be debate about whether or not tramadol is officially an opioid. It’s generally considered very similar to an opioid. Interestingly, it’s also an anti-depressant; because of this, it packs a one-two punch. The active ingredient in tramadol is hydrochloride. (2)

Brand names of this drug include ConZip® and Ultram®, among others. It’s available as a “regular” tablet and in an extended-release form.  (03) This type of tramadol is not for as-needed pain relief, and it should never be cut or crushed as the dose may be too strong outside of the extended-relief coating — and could result in an overdose. Do not take tramadol during pregnancy. Never crush tramadol and inhale it, or dilute it with liquid and inject it. Using tramadol in this way may result in dangerous side effects, overdose or even death. (4)

So, why would you be prescribed tramadol?

Tramadol is effective at treating nerve pain and pain that is not responding to over the counter medications. (5) It may be prescribed for back pain as well. Because of its anti-depressant effects, tramadol also helps to create a feeling of well-being. That said, it’s usually only advised for about one or two weeks’ use, given its potential for dependency. (6)

Some side effects of tramadol may include: (7)

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches

If any of the following serious, but unlikely, side effects occur, then tell your doctor right away:

• Mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations or confusion)
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Signs of adrenal fatigue (loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weight loss)

Get medical help immediately if any of these rare, but serious, side effects occur:

• Fainting
• Seizure
• Slow/shallow breathing
• Unusual drowsiness/difficulty waking up

Tramadol vs. Codeine

Is tramadol a narcotic? Yes, but how does it compare to codeine? Of the two, tramadol is far stronger. Although it still has similar pain-relieving effects, it is less constipating and euphoric than codeine, and it has less respiratory effects, though they are still present. (8)

Researchers studying the effects of tramadol vs. codeine and aspirin plus codeine for pain relief after dental surgery found that in comparison with codeine, tramadol has similar pain-relieving properties, but may have fewer constipating, euphoric and respiratory depressant effects.

In this study, higher doses of tramadol (100 mg) were found to be “statistically superior to placebo” in total pain relief, whereas tramadol (50 mg) was only statistically superior at remedication time. Codeine was not found to be statistically significant against the placebo in any measure. However, gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, difficulty swallowing and vomiting, were reported by participants more frequently with tramadol 100 mg, aspirin (ASA) 650 mg with codeine 60 mg, and codeine 60 mg than with placebo.

So, in general, tramadol 100 mg was found to be more effective than codeine or codeine with aspirin. Tramadol 100 mg, codeine 60 mg, and ASA/codeine resulted in more side effects. (9)

10 Reasons to Never Use Tramadol, Including Side Effects

Tramadol is a powerful drug that you should carefully consider before using, or, ideally, never use. Consider the following information as proof of its dangers.

In addition to the side effects listed above, the following are also possible commonly reported side effects. Side effects can occur with a regular tramadol pill and with the extended-release version: (10)

1. Hallucinations
2. Tremor
3. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)
4. Insomnia
5. Pruritus (intense itching)
6. In total, there are over 50 more common, less common and rare side effects listed.

Tramadol is known to interact with 745 drugs (4,347 brand and generic names).

Of these, there are : (11)

7. 436 major drug interactions (2,189 brand and generic names)
8. 305 moderate drug interactions (2,143 brand and generic names)
9. 4 minor drug interactions (15 brand and generic names)
10. Tramadol also interacts with alcohol and cause 9 disease interactions, including: (12, 13)

• Acute alcohol intoxication
• Drug dependence
• Liver disease
• Renal dysfunction
• Seizure disorders
• Acute abdominal conditions
• Intracranial pressure
• Respiratory depression
• Suicidal

Better Natural Alternatives for Pain Relief

What can you do if you don’t want to take tramadol or other risky pain relievers? Fortunately, there are natural alternatives for pain relief, with little to no side effects. These natural pain killers include:

• Capsaicin: Add some cayenne pepper to your food for a healthy and spicy kick.
• Essential oils: Try rubbing on arnica oil or lavender oil for relief.
• Epsom salts: Soak in the tub to soothe muscle or joint pain.
• Massage and myofascial release: Relax your muscles and soft tissues to find relief.
• Bone broth: Sip on some chicken soup to heal your soul and your body.
• Graston® technique: See a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) to naturally treat chronic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, back and shoulder pain and other muscle, bone and nerve pain.
• Dry needling: Stimulate trigger points to relieve migraines, whiplash, pelvic pain, tendonitis and many other dysfunctions of the muscles, nerves, bones and soft tissues.
• Rolfing: Find relief for TMJ, chronic back pain and asthma, among other ailments.

Final Thoughts

• Is tramadol a narcotic? Yes, it is a serious, narcotic-like, prescription pain killer. It’s highly potent with a long list of side effects ranging from common to rare and minor to life-threatening.
• Tramadol is available in an extended-release format. Never crush these extended-release pills as it could result in an overdose.
• The FDA warns against giving tramadol to children under 18 years old.
• Don’t take tramadol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If your doctor prescribes tramadol, approach it with caution and consider other less-dangerous alternatives.
• Try natural pain killers instead.

Read Next: 20 Reasons to Never Use Codeine

The post Is Tramadol a Narcotic? 10 Reasons to Never Use for You or Your Child appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Did you know that codeine is dangerous for your child? After reviewing adverse event reports for the past 50 years, the FDA concluded that prescription codeine and tramadol should not be given to children and adolescents. Upon their review, the agency found 64 cases of severe breathing problems, including 24 deaths, as a result of codeine in children and adolescents.

The FDA now warns that codeine should not be used for pain or cough in children under 12 years old. The agency also recommends that adolescents aged 12–18 years old who are obese or who have breathing problems should not use codeine. Also, mothers taking codeine should not breastfeed. (1)

What Is Codeine? Is Codeine a Narcotic?

You may be wondering, is codeine a narcotic? As an opioid pain reliever, codeine is considered a narcotic. It’s used to treat mild to moderately severe pain and is used as a cough suppressant. (2) In fact, according to World Health Organization, it’s the most widely used narcotic in the world. Codeine was originally discovered by French chemist Pierre Robiquet in 1832. “Codeine” takes its name from the head of the poppy plant.

In the past, opium was derived from poppies, using tar from opiate poppies to synthesize codeine, as well as morphine and other opioids. The FDA approved codeine in 1950. (3) As it became increasingly difficult to secure this product due to political unrest in Afghanistan, where the bulk of the narcotic poppy industry is located, scientists figured out how to synthesize codeine from coal tar in 1973. (4, 5)

Although considered the “least addictive and safest” of all the prescribed opiate, make no mistake — codeine is still addictive and easily abused. In fact, addiction to codeine results in withdrawal symptoms like other opiates and usually requires professional rehabilitation. (6)

Opioids bind with the pain receptors in the brain — this is how they relieve pain symptoms — and can create a sensation of euphoria, or a high. A person who abuses codeine to reach this high may move on to stronger, and even more dangerous, opioids, including hydrocodone, oxycodone or street drugs like heroin. It’s also possible that a person may abuse codeine and not know it as it is found in many prescription-only formulas, and some OTC medicines, under a variety of names, in tablet and liquid form (such as a codeine cough syrup, like codeine antitussive) including: (7, 8, 9)

• Fioricet with codeine, Phrenillin with caffeine and codeine
• Cotabflu
• Colrex compound
• Tylenol with codeine #3, and others
• Phenflu CD
• Maxiflu CD
• Florinal with codeine
• Soma compound with codeine (for muscle pain)
• Empirin with codeine
• Nalex AC
• M-End PE, Poly-Tussin AC
• Mar-cof BP (also contains pseudoephedrine)
• Notuss-NX
• CapCof
• T-Koff
• Pediatuss

Codeine vs. Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is another commonly prescribed opioid used to treat pain. While codeine is used for mild to moderate pain, hydrocodone is more potent and is prescribed for more severe pain. Both codeine and hydrocodone are available in immediate-release tablets; however, hydrocodone in this form must be taken with acetaminophen. In addition to immediate-release, hydrocodone is available in extended-release tablets.  A hydrocodone extended-release tablet is effective by itself — it doesn’t require taking acetaminophen with it. Both codeine and hydrocodone cause side effects.

Since they are both opioids, hydrocodone and codeine are both very effective at soothing pain. However, they are strong drugs and can be addictive. Do not share your prescription codeine or hydrocodone with someone else. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully as there is potential for overdose and abuse, especially with hydrocodone.

Long-term use of either drug can cause dependency, which means you may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking these medications. The side effects of codeine are the same as other opiates and are stronger in children. Do not give extended-release hydrocodone to children, as it can be fatal. Make sure your prescription medicines are stored and locked in a cabinet that children can’t reach. (10, 11)

20 Reasons to Never Use Codeine, Including Side Effects

The list of side effects codeine causes is long, ranging from less severe to severe, common to rare. Keep this in mind — is it worth taking a medication like codeine if it can cause anything from severe constipation to addiction, or possibly even overdose and death?

Just consider your choice wisely before you or a loved one takes this prescription drug. Below are just a few of the many side effects that may occur from taking codeine, as well as some other reasons to steer clear of it: (12)

Some common side effects of codeine:
1. Drowsiness
2. Incomplete or infrequent bowel movements (constipation)
3. Inducing of a relaxed state (euphoria)
4. Stomach cramps

Some infrequent side effects of codeine:
5. Decreased lung function
6. Trouble breathing
7. Dry mouth
8. Excessive sweating
9. Hives
10. Itching

Some rare side effects of codeine:
11. Adrenal gland problems
12. Complete stopping of the heart
13. Seizures
14. Shock
15. Diarrhea

16. Overdose: Call 911 or get emergency help immediately if any overdose symptoms occur, including the following: (13)

• Bluish lips or skin
• Change in consciousness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Loss of consciousness
• No blood pressure or pulse
• Severe sleepiness
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

17. Drug interactions: 819 drugs (4882 brand and generic names) are known to interact with codeine. Of these there are: (14)

• 206 major interactions (1210 brand and generic names)
• 610 moderate interactions (3664 brand and generic names)
• 3 minor interactions (8 brand and generic names)

18. Alcohol interaction: Combining alcohol with codeine can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness and, in severe cases, coma or death. (15)

19. Disease interactions: There are 16 known disease interactions with codeine, including: (16)

• Liver disease
• Renal dysfunction
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Intracranial pressure
• Respiratory depression

20. Dangerous to use while pregnant or breastfeeding (17)

Better Natural Alternatives for Sore Throat & Pain Relief

If you’re in pain or you have a sore throat, you may be wondering if there are any natural pain relief options. Luckily, the answer is yes. Read on below for a list of just a few of the many natural pain relief remedies you can try:

Pain relief:

• Cayenne pepper
• Essential oils
• Epsom salt
• Self myofascial release
• Bone broth
• Graston technique ®
• Dry needling and acupuncture
• Rolfing ®

Sore throat relief:

• Raw honey
• Bone broth
• Garlic
• Proper hydration
• Vitamin C
• Echinacea
• Licorice root
• Colloidal silver
• Zinc
• Probiotics
• Adequate sleep
• Essential oils

Final Thoughts

• The FDA warns that codeine should not be used for pain or cough in children under 12 years old.
• Codeine is an opioid pain reliever. It’s used to treat mild to moderately-severe pain and is used as a cough suppressant.
• Is codeine a narcotic? Yes, it’s the most widely-used narcotic in the world and can be addictive and can lead to overdose or death if abused.
• If you must use codeine, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not share your medication with others.
• Keep medications in a locked cabinet that children can’t reach.
• There are many natural pain relievers available for pain and sore throat relief.

Read Next: How to Beat Deaths of Despair

The post Is Codeine a Narcotic? 20 Reasons to Never Use Cough Syrup with Codeine appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Impetigo is classified by the CDC in the “non-invasive group A strep illness” category, like strep throat. It’s a common skin condition identified with blisters filled with fluid.  In Europe, 2 out of every 100 children are treated each year. (2) The World Health Organization estimates that 111 million children living in developing countries have impetigo; (3) the CDC does not currently track the number of cases in the United States.

What Is Impetigo?

There are three main types of impetigo: Non-Bullous Impetigo, Bullous Impetigo, and the most serious condition, Ecthyma.

Non-Bullous Impetigo is the most common. It’s casually referred to as the “crusted impetigo.” It typically starts on the face in clusters of tiny red blisters. As they begin to burst, the skin weeps a fluid that develops into a gold-colored crust.

Bullous Impetigo is less common. The first skin lesions typically appear on the neck, trunk or in the diaper region. Unlike the small non-bullous impetigo blisters, bullous impetigo blisters are much larger. Bullous impetigo blisters are filled with a clear liquid that turns cloudy before erupting.

Ecthyma is a significantly more serious condition. The blisters become painful and pus-filled leading to the development of deep ulcers. Like the non-bullous type, a crust does form over the blister and the ulcer, presenting a risk for scarring.

Signs & Symptoms

The first sign of non-bullous impetigo in children is often tiny red blister clusters that appear around the nose and mouth. At the onset, the blisters start out about the size of a small pimple. As impetigo continues to spread, the blisters can grow more to than the size of a nickel.  While typically not painful, a common impetigo symptom is itching. Itching is the primary reason for its rapid spread.  In non-bullous impetigo and ecthyma, individuals may experience swollen lymph nodes as the infection progresses.

Ecthyma begins as non-bullous impetigo. It evolves into necrotic ulcers that are slow to heal. This is most common in individuals with a compromised immune system. These individuals include those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, HIV and others whose bodies have a difficult time fighting bacteria.

Bullous impetigo’s larger blisters are often the first sign of this skin infection. The weeping does not typically occur and the blisters can heal without scarring. (4) In Bullous impetigo, an outbreak is severe when multiple areas of the body have lesions, and additional symptoms of weakness, fever and diarrhea are present.

While rare, individuals with any of the three types of impetigo can experience a low-grade fever, nausea and general malaise as the body fights the bacteria.

Causes & Risk Factors

Either streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus causes impetigo. These bacteria enter into the body through an open wound, burn, insect bite or even just raw, irritated skin. (5) This is why impetigo is so often seen around the nose and mouth of young children after a cold, or during allergy season.

As mentioned above, individuals with a weakened or compromised immune system are at a greater risk of developing impetigo than those with strong immune systems. In order to effectively guard against an impetigo outbreak, it is vital to keep wounds clean and covered. It’s also important to wash hands frequently to prevent unhealthy bacteria from entering the body.

Impetigo most often occurs in children from 2 to 5 years old. Because impetigo is highly contagious, it spreads rapidly through day care centers and schools. A risk factor for older children and teens is participating in contact sports like wrestling, football and cheerleading. Regardless of age, if an outbreak is suspected, the child should remain home until the blisters are no longer weeping.

Adults with diabetes or poor immune system function are more likely to develop the more serious infection, ecthyma. Ecthyma  can lead to potentially dangerous complications like cellulitis, meningitis and kidney inflammation.(6) It is imperative that all open wounds and irritated patches of skin be kept clean and protected.

In addition, both children and adults with cold sores, chickenpox or eczema are at a higher risk for developing impetigo. (7) Use good hygiene practices  to keep the bacteria that causes impetigo at bay.

Conventional Treatment

After a physician diagnoses impetigo, they may prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment or cream. Over-the-counter antibiotic creams are typically not advised. Depending on severity, an oral antibiotic may also be prescribed, particularly in cases of ecthyma or large scale outbreaks. (8)

9 Natural Impetigo Treatments                    

1. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract is known for fighting candida and fungal infections. An additional grapefruit seed extract benefit is its ability to fight staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, one of the bacteria that causes impetigo. A 2004 study from the Department of Biological Sciences at the Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, UK, found a combination of grapefruit seed extract and geranium oil showed the “greatest anti-bacterial effects against MRSA.”  (9)

2. Ginger

Long used in Ayurvedic practice to fight bacteria, boost immune system function and reduce inflammation, ginger can help to speed healing during an impetigo infection. Incorporate ginger into your diet by adding to smoothies and salad dressings or drinking a kid-friendly orange carrot ginger juice.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Well-known for its ability to detoxify the body, balance blood sugar, and as a treatment for acid reflux, skin care is another effective apple cider vinegar use. During an impetigo outbreak, dab pure apple cider vinegar on blisters and lesions to fight the bacteria and ease the inflammation.

4. Turmeric

A recent study published in the Journal of Tropical Medicine states that curcumin demonstrates powerful antibacterial activity against staphylococcus aureus. Researchers agree that further investigation is necessary to fully understand the action of curcumin, and how best to harness it. (10)

While researchers continue to look at the scope of turmeric’s benefits and antibacterial powers, it can be used to reduce the inflammation of the lesions and associated itching and general discomfort. Mix 1 teaspoon ground turmeric with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and dab onto affected areas. Cover with a non-stick bandage as turmeric will stain clothing. Rinse daily and reapply until healed.

5. Coconut Oil

When applied topically, the lauric acid in coconut oil makes the skin inhospitable to certain pathogens, including bacteria. In essence, when used as a lotion, it creates an invisible barrier that can ward off bacteria, viruses and fungi. Coconut oil aids in the detoxification of the body. Coconut oil lotion creates a protective barrier on the skin to protect against antibacterial compounds and antiviral compounds. Combine with tea tree oil for effective topical treatment.

Internally, coconut oil boosts immune system response, fights inflammation, balances hormones and so much more. During an infection like contagious impetigo, find more ways to incorporate coconut oil into your diet. Add it to smoothies, use it instead of butter on toast and popcorn, or make up a batch of granola that the kids will love.

6. Manuka Honey

Long prized as a potent antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, Manuka honey also has high antimicrobial activity. The many health benefits of Manuka honey can be helpful during an outbreak of impetigo to speed healing in children or adults.

Researchers at The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, found that when cells with MRSA were exposed to Manuka honey, cell division was interrupted. This led researchers to believe that overall growth of MRSA was slowed down. (11) This supports the use of Manuka honey on cuts and infections to fight a wide range of viruses, fungi and bacteria.

7. Goldenseal

Researchers from The University of North Carolina’s Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry found that the use of Goldenseal (H. canadensis leaf extract) to treat skin infections is warranted. (12) Of particular note in this study, it appears that H. canadensis acts against MRSA, one of the bacteria that causes impetigo.

While fighting an infection such as impetigo, goldenseal’s health benefits can provide a powerful one-two punch.  Internally, it helps to boost immune system response. Externally, it can fight bacteria that causes infections. For external use, make a strong tea solution and, when cool, dab over the lesions as you would a facial toner to help remove the crust caused by the weeping of the blisters.

8. Green Tea

Long heralded for its healing and health benefits, researchers have found green tea can inhibit and kill a wide range of bacteria. In theory, using green tea topically could help prevent the spread across the body, as well as to other non-infected individuals. In addition to using it externally, boosting the immune system with my comforting Green Tea Chicken Soup Recipe is a great way to get the most out of this healing tea throughout a bacterial infection.

9. Tea Tree Oil

Used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine, tea tree oil benefits and uses are widely accepted. It has been proven effective for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm and for skin infections.

In a small study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection,  researchers found that 5% tea tree oil extract was as effective as prescription antibiotic treatments in treating MRSA and streptococcus. (13) Study participants treated affected areas 3-4 times per day throughout the trial.

3 Tips to Prevent Impetigo

While impetigo is incredibly contagious and common, there are a few things you can do to prevent infection.

Practice good hygiene.

Teaching young children how to properly wash their hands can help prevent a wide variety of illnesses, from the common cold to impetigo. Use a natural antibacterial hand soap, several times a day. Combine ½ cup Castile soap, ½ cup distilled water, 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 10 drops peppermint oil and 30 drops of tea tree oil in a dispenser. Shake well, and use as normal soap.

Keep fingernails short.

Bacteria, dirt, viruses and even fungi thrive underneath fingernails. While washing hands often helps, it is important for small children to keep nails short to prevent spreading during an outbreak of impetigo or other contagious skin conditions.

Eat to boost immune system response.

Follow a balanced eating plan that features plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. Designed to decrease inflammation, eliminate toxins, and optimize nutrients, it is a great way to fight disease and infection before onset.

Precautions

After impetigo treatment has begun, it is still imperative that the infected individual limit contact until the lesions and blisters are no longer spreading, and weeping fluids. The bacteria that cause impetigo spread easily through incidental contact, including on bedding, towels and clothing.

Monitor impetigo in adults and children closely. Many find that taking daily photos of the affected areas can help you track the spread and healing rate. If the infected individual has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or otherwise has a compromised immune system, examine all of the affected areas daily for any changes that indicate the treatment is not working.

Final Thoughts

• Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused by either streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus bacteria.  It most commonly affects infants and young children. Adults and adolescents can also get it.
• There are three main types of impetigo: Non-Bullous, Bullous and, the most serious condition, Ecthyma.
• Impetigo causes clusters of red, itchy blisters that may weep and that spread quickly. Depending on the type, the blisters may be larger, lymph nodes may swell and other symptoms may occur, including fever and diarrhea. Ecthyma may lead to severe complications, including cellulitis, meningitis and kidney infection.
•  A conventional doctor will prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment or cream for impetigo. Depending on severity, an oral antibiotic may also be prescribed
• There are several natural treatments, including: grapefruit seed extract, ginger, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, tea tree oil, green tea, coconut oil, Manuka honey and Goldenseal.
• Take steps to prevent impetigo by practicing good hygiene, keeping finger nails short, and eating a diet that boosts the immune system.

Read Next: How to Boost Your Immune System — Top 10 Boosters

The post Impetigo Causes & Symptoms + 9 Natural Treatments appeared first on Dr. Axe.

The only thing scarier than kids’ Halloween costumes this time of year is the ingredients in dangerous kids’ makeup used to get them in character. An eye-opening 2016 report published by the Breast Cancer Fund and spearheaded by the organization’s Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sheds a light on the dangerous kids’ makeup commonly used this time of year for face painting. The report includes more than 120 individual products from 93 cosmetic kits and reveals some truly scary facts about children’s cosmetic products. You might already be putting a lot of thought into what goes into your children’s stomachs on a daily basis, but how about what goes onto their bodies? (And in effect, into a child’s bloodstream and organs.)

Pretty Scary 2: Unmasking toxic chemicals in kids’ makeup is a must-read for any parent. If you have a daughter, it’s especially important. Here’s why: We now know breast cancer in adulthood is linked to exposure to toxic ingredients at a younger age. You might be thinking, “Oh, come on, Dr. Axe, a little bit of face paint a couple of times a year won’t hurt anyone.” But what if I told you that children’s cosmetic products commonly contain heavy metals like lead, carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. The dangers of these ingredients are concerning for adult health, but for a child’s developing system, the concern is even greater. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead, for example affects “virtually every system in the body.” But it’s especially harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and young children. (1)

Children using makeup is a lot more common than it was decades ago. Nowadays, the cosmetic industry actually targets kids and often uses popular characters and movies to get children interested in makeup and other beauty products at a very early age. It’s time take a look at the worst ingredients currently detected in Halloween makeup and other kids’ cosmetics. Because you don’t want your choices today to be haunting you or your child tomorrow.

Outdated Cosmetics Safety Law — A Broken System

So how did we get here? You might think that the Food and Drug Administration must be trying to protect children from harmful toxins as we speak. But as the report points out, the cosmetic safety law currently on the books is more than 75 years old. Talk about outdated. Plus, this law doesn’t barely gives the FDA any power to make sure that young consumers (as well as adults) are kept safe.

At present, the cosmetics being produced by the billion dollar cosmetics industry are actually one of the least regulated groups of products. There are only two pages in the The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FFDCA) covering cosmetics safety, while the food and drug industry gets 112 pages. (2)

As the law stands today, cosmetic companies can get away with so much more than you’d probably believe. I’m talking about using raw materials that have known serious adverse and long-term health effects like cancer and birth defects. Ideally, at the least, every ingredient going into cosmetics should be tested for long-term impact on human health before going to market, but that’s not a requirement right now. The FDA also relies on voluntary reporting when it comes to ingredients and injuries, which means the FDA — by law — cannot require manufacturers to register its cosmetic establishments, file data on ingredients or report cosmetic related injuries.

For companies selling their dangerous kids makeup and other cosmetic products online, current law gives them even more leeway and it doesn’t even require them to include ingredients on their labels. Can it get scarier this time of year? Yes, unfortunately. The FDA can’t even recall a dangerous cosmetic product harming consumers without an in-depth court case.  Not even when it’s a cosmetic hurting an innocent child? No. It’s so disturbing, I know.

Related: California Bans Chemicals in Beauty Products

Dangerous Kids’ Makeup: The Worst Ingredients

Back in 2009, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released their first Pretty Scary report on
10 Halloween face paint kits. The result? Every single product tested positive for lead. The newest report, Pretty Scary 2, is based on label reading and laboratory tests of face paint commonly used during special occasions like Halloween. It also includes body sprays, lip balms, hair products and nail products. Where do these products come from? Sources include chains like Claire’s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Justice, Target, and Toys “R” Us.

Sneak peak at the report: 48 different Halloween face paints underwent testing for the presence of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury. Almost half of the face paints contained trace amounts of at least one toxic heavy metal. Some of the products contained an alarming four heavy metals.

Exposure to toxic ingredients is highly concerning to a child’s development, but exposure has also been shown cancer risk decades down the line during adulthood, too. For example, studies involving the pesticide DDT showthat early life exposures to DDT can increase breast cancer risk later in life. One study specifically found that girls who were younger when DDT use was the highest had an increased risk of breast cancer. (3) I think the takeaway here is that what goes into our children’s systems today can affect them for many years to come and maybe even in devastating ways.

Here are just some of the most toxic ingredients that can be found in Halloween makeup and other kids cosmetic products, according to the Pretty Scary 2 report: (4)

Arsenic

• 4 of the 48 face paints tested positive for arsenic, with levels ranging from 1.1 to 1.9 ppm.
• Often considered a tap water toxicity issue, this heavy metal is a dangerous kids’ makeup ingredient, too. According to the CDC, inorganic arsenic and arsenic compounds are considered to be cancer-causing chemicals. In addition, unusually large doses of inorganic arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and shock. (5)

Lead

• Nearly 20 percent of the Halloween face paints contained the heavy metal lead.
• There is no safe level of level.
• Lead exposure increases the risk for damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems (including reduced IQ, ADHD symptoms, juvenile delinquency, and criminal behavior) as well as speech and hearing issues. (6)
• Heavy metals (like lead) tend to be found more commonly and in higher levels in darkly pigmented face paints.

Cadmium

• Almost 30 percent of the Halloween face paints tested positive for cadmium.
• At the very least, cadmium exposure is linked to kidney and lung damage. (7)
• According to a scientific research, children with higher cadmium levels are more likely to have learning disabilities and participate in special education. Researchers also noted that these associations were at exposure levels previously considered to be without adverse effects; these levels are now common among children in the United States. (8)

Chromium

• Chromium was detected in 27 percent of the Halloween face paints tested.
• It’s used as a colorant and can be toxic to non-reproductive organ systems. (9)
• According to the EPA, human studies have clearly established that inhaled chromium is a human carcinogen, leading to an increased risk of lung cancer. (10)

Parabens

• At least one paraben was found in 34 percent of products.
• Two or three parabens were present in 3 percent of products.
• Parabens are known endocrine disruptors. According to the National Institutes of Health, these chemicals can negatively affect the body’s hormonal system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects in the human body. (11)
• Parabens are also estrogen mimickers that can increase the expression of many genes that have been shown to cause human breast tumor cells to grow and proliferate in vitro. (12)

Formaldehyde

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives were found in 3 percent of the products.
• Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. It’s a substance directly capable of causing cancer in living tissue. (13)
• The main formaldehyde-releasing compounds found include DMDM hydantoin, imidiazoldinal urea and diazolydinal.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Twenty percent of products tested contained VOCs.
• Flavored lip balms were most likely to contain VOCs.
• Toluene, a VOC, turned up in about 11 percent of makeup tested.
• Other highly concerning VOCs found include styrene (a probable carcinogen and endocrine disruptor), ethylbenzene (a possible carcinogen) and vinyl acetate (a possible carcinogen).

Ethoxylated Ingredients

• 28 percent of products tested contained ethoxylated ingredients based on label reading alone.
• Ethoxylation is a process used extensively in the skin care industry.
• This manufacturing process can result in two toxic contaminants linked to breast
  cancer and other cancers: ethylene oxide and 1,4- dioxane.

Talc

• Used in 18 percent of producted tested, this mineral is used in cosmetics as an absorbent and to smooth and soften products.
• It may be contaminated with asbestos and has been classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. (14)
• Inhalation is of serious concern, too. It’s linked to respiratory distress, mesothelioma and inflammation. Talc is also linked to ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.

Fragrance

• Half (half!) of products Breast Cancer Fund tested contained frangrance.
• Thousands of chemicals can fall under the ingredient name “fragrance.”
• “Fragrance” ingredients could include things that won’t appear on the label, like suspected or known carcinogens acetaldehyde, benzophenone, dichloromethane, styrene and titanium dioxide.
• “Fragrance” is also a catchall term that could coverup the use of chemicals like benzyl salicylate, diethyl phthalate, and propyl paraben, known endocrine disruptors.
• Others are “fragrance” ingredients incllude allergens, skin irritants, and ingredients toxic to the liver, lungs, and kidneys, among other organs.

Silica

• Thirteen percent of products tested contained silica.
• Silica may be used as an absorbent, nonsurfactant, and thickener in personal care products.
• It may be toxic to the liver, respiratory system, and kidneys.

Final Thoughts on Dangerous Kids’ Makeup Ingredients

After reading this report, I highly recommend steering clear of dangerous kids’ makeup like Halloween face paints this time of year (and in general). Unless you know for sure that a face paint or other product coming in direct contact with your child is safe and free of health hazardous ingredients, avoid it completely. Be a label reader across the board when it comes to your kids. Take a look at what is already in your home and make better, more informed choices moving forward.

Breast Cancer Fund also recommends:

• Finding or creating a costume that doesn’t require face paints or makeup use.
• Trying a DIY recipe for face paints or enhancing outfit with ears, caps or customized mittens or socks.
• Buying safer products. (Reading product ingredient labels and avoid items with fragrance and other red list ingredients.)
• Avoid use of darkly pigmented makeups.
• Use smartphone apps such as Think Dirty, Healthy Living and Good Guide to check the safety of products.
• Letting your kid be a kid a little longer, and delaying their introduction to makeup, especially color cosmetics, hair dye, nail polish and lipstick.
• Supporting health-protective federally mandated cosmetic safety legislation.

The good news is that detox happens fast. A University of California, Berkeley study recently found that when teen girls made healthy changes to their beauty routines, the girls saw a very large drop in their chemical body burdens. After swapping out products containing harmful products like the ones we just talked about for products that did not, the girls saw reductions of 25 to 40 percent in four endocrine-disrupting chemicals (phthalates, parabens, triclosan, oxybenzone) after just three days. (14)

Another great resource? Check out Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database to rate personal care products (and find safer ones).

Read Next: 21 ‘Health Foods’ You Should Never Eat

The post Dangerous Kids’ Makeup, Including the 11 Scariest Ingredients appeared first on Dr. Axe.

Have you ever had a cough that sounds similar to a barking dog or seal? Well, then, you’ve unfortunately had experience with croup cough.

What is croup exactly? It’s a viral infection that’s most common in children, especially during the fall and winter months. Croup often starts as what seems like a harmless, mild cold, but then it can quickly get more serious and even lead to further complications, including ear infections and pneumonia. (1) Croup in babies and croup in toddlers can be especially scary since the young patient is unable to talk about what he or she is experiencing in any given moment. Croup in adults is possible too, so parents also have to take preventative action when taking care of a sick little one.

Is croup cough contagious? Unfortunately, it’s quite contagious, especially during the first few days of illness. It’s pretty much as contagious as the common cold and can easily be spread from an infected person’s bark-like croup cough. It’s definitely the croup cough sound that really distinguishes it from other ailments.

So … is croup’s bark worse than its bite? Let’s take a look at the symptoms and possible complications as well as effective ways to naturally prevent and treat croup. Croup cough natural remedies are thankfully easy, inexpensive and free from harmful side effects.

What Is a Croup Cough?

Croup is a common respiratory illness that occurs in children and causes a change in breathing along with a hoarse voice and barking croup cough. When you have croup, you have an infection of the vocal cords (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi).

Technically, croup can either be infectious or spasmodic. Infectious croup is a respiratory infection caused by a virus, bacterium or other germ. In the United States, most cases of croup are caused by a virus. Spasmodic croup is very similar to infectious croup but is triggered by an infection rather than caused by infection. (2)

Children with croup should be considered contagious for three days after the illness begins or until the fever is gone. A viral infection that causes croup in a young child can cause a cough or sore throat in an older child or adult. However, it’s unlikely to cause the same intense breathing difficulty experienced by a child who has croup. In rare instances, full-blown symptoms of croup can occur in teenagers and adults. (3)

Croup Symptoms 

At first, a child with infectious or viral croup will likely have symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion and fatigue. He or she may also have a mild sore throat and/or a low-grade fever. As the virus spreads, it starts to inflame, irritate and narrow the lining of the voice box and windpipe. This leads to croup’s giveaway symptoms of a barking cough and stridor (loud, raspy breathing). Symptoms are often worse at night. Infectious or viral croup usually runs its course within three to seven days with symptoms often improving within 48 hours.

Typical croup symptoms include: (4)

• A runny nose, stuffy nose and slight cough
• A cough that turns into a “seal’s bark”
• Laryngitis (losing his or her voice)
• Fever
• Stridor

More serious infectious croup symptoms can include:

• Breathing faster than normal
• Having difficulty breathing
• Flaring nostrils
• An abnormal sucking in of the chest and abdominal muscles (retractions) as the child struggles to take a breath
• Unusual restlessness or agitation
• A bluish color of the skin, especially at the lips and fingernails

It can be hard to distinguish spasmodic croup from infectious croup, but spasmodic croup usually comes on suddenly. Spasmodic croup can be triggered by infection or allergies, but it isn’t caused by an infection. It also has a tendency to come back again.

With any case of croup, a child may have a harder time breathing than usual. This is a result of his or her larynx tissue becoming inflamed, which in turn constricts the windpipe. To further complicate things, mucus may block the bronchial passages. Put all of this together and you can better understand why your child may have the croup symptom known as stridor. What is stridor? It’s an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound. It’s also sometimes described as a hollow or raspy noise similar to the voice of Darth Vader from the movie “Star Wars.”

Risk Factors

Croup is most common in the younger members of our population. Children between the age of 6 months and 3 years are most at risk for contracting croup. The peak incidence occurs around 24 months or 2 years of age. (5)

Spasmodic croup tends to run in families and can be triggered by an allergic reaction. Children who have asthma as well as children born prematurely are more likely to develop more severe symptoms of croup. (6)

Causes

The majority of croup is caused by a human parainfluenza virus (HPIV). Specifically, both HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 cause croup. HPIV-1 most often causes croup in children. (7)

The viral form of croup is mainly spread by airborne droplets from an infected person’s coughing or sneezing. You also have to be careful about touching infected items or surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes since croup can also be spread from contact with surfaces that have been contaminated. The virus is strong and can survive on inanimate objects for some time.

Conventional Treatment of Croup Cough

Antibiotics are not helpful for croup since it’s typically caused by a virus rather than bacteria. Conventional treatment typically involves over-the-counter cough and cold medications. In some cases, a pediatrician may also prescribe steroids like dexamethasone, prednisone or prednisolone to decrease airway swelling. For severe cases of croup, kids are sometimes put on breathing treatment that contains a medicine called epinephrine, which quickly reduces swelling in the airways.

OTC medications, steroids and epinephrine may all reduce symptoms quickly, but they’re not without their harmful side effects. In some severe cases, especially ones involving young children, hospitalization is sometimes necessary. How do you know if you should take your child to the hospital? Breathing difficulties pose the greatest concern and risk for complications. If your child is having serious difficulty breathing, you should seek medical evaluation immediately.

The good news is most croup cases tend to be mild and can be managed with home treatment. (8) On average, less than 5 percent of all children with croup require hospitalization. (9) Now let’s talk about some natural ways to treat croup.

6 Natural Croup Cough Treatments

More than 95 percent of croup cases can be successfully treated at home. According to Dr. Kimberly Giuliano, a pediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic, most croup will go away on its own. She is adamant that parents should avoid treating their children with over-the-counter cough and cold medicine.

“They cause significant side effects,” she says. “In addition, research has shown that for croup and other kinds of coughs and colds, they’re really not any more effective than giving your child a placebo.” (10)

Giuliano has a few natural remedy ideas if you or your child has wheezing, labored breathing or stridor. She suggests two easy things you can do at home: steam and cold air. Let’s talk about these easy yet effective options plus a few more. These natural remedies can help to heal croup and also keep it from getting worse and more complicated.

1. Steam

Breathing in moist air always helps anyone having upper respiratory and breathing issues. For immediate relief, you can go into your bathroom, shut the door and then turn the shower on the highest heat setting. Do not go into the shower or let your child go into the shower. Instead, sit or stand outside of the shower while it runs and breathe in the warm steam for a good 10 minutes.

You can also use a cool mist humidifier at night in the bedroom. This will put a continuous stream of warm mist into the air during the night, which can reduce coughing and making breathing easier. Spasmodic croup commonly improves tremendously with the use of just a cool mist vaporizer.

2. Cold Air

It might sound strange, but if you or your child is looking for immediate relief from croup-related breathing problems, you might want to head to the kitchen. Next, go to the refrigerator and put your face or your child’s face in front of the open freezer for a minute or two.

Another natural remedy actually involves going outside into the cold night air. Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician, recommends properly bundling up your child (or yourself) and going outside for 10 to 20 minutes. You can also take a slow car ride with the windows open. Of course, this remedy does not work during warmer months, and it’s essential that the patient is properly dressed. Make sure to include a hat if it’s cold enough, especially if you’re choosing the driving option. It’s said that the misty night air is why babies with croup often get better on the ride over to the emergency room. (12)

3. Hydration

Drinking lots of fluids is always a recommended treatment for croup by both conventional and holistic health practitioners. Just like with the common cold, it’s very important to keep a croup patient well-hydrated. Of course, water is the No. 1 choice for hydration. For babies, breastmilk is key while older children can benefit from soups, broths, coconut water and healthy homemade fruit pops.

By staying hydrated, it helps replace any fluids lost from a fever, and it also makes it easier for your body to fight the infection. Warm liquids like soup and herbal tea are excellent at helping relax the vocal chords and loosen sticky mucus, which can soothe that barking cough. It’s also important to avoid mucus-encouraging foods like dairy, sugar and processed foods.

4. Propped Up Rest

Rest is essential to healing from the croup. However, anyone with croup should not rest in a flat position. By propping your child (or yourself) up in bed with pillows, it helps make breathing easier and coughing less likely.

For older children using beds, you can raise the head of the bed to help natural mucus drainage and make breathing easier. For babies and infants, you can put books under the crib mattress to create an incline. (13)

5. Creating a Calm Atmosphere

It’s important as a parent to remain calm when your child has croup so you can be a comfort to your patient. The barking croup cough sounds intense to you so imagine how it sounds and feels for your little one. It’s also important for your child’s breathing that you stay calm and keep him or her calm because stress only makes breathing difficulty worse. By helping your child feel safe and distracted with fun books and games you can encourage a faster healing process. (14)

6. Essential Oils

Naturopathic pediatricians typically recommend rubbing your child’s chest with essential oils in a base oil like coconut oil. Some recommended essential oils for croup include tea tree, thyme and lavender. I highly recommend making a homemade vapor rub to have on hand for situations like this. (Note: Eucalyptus should be avoided in children 2 and under.) You can swap out essential oils as desired. Just always make sure to perform a small skin patch test (for example, on your child’s forearm) to rule out any possible allergic reactions.

If you’re not sure if your child is old enough for essential oils, check with your doctor first. If your child has sensitive skin, be extra cautious when using essential oils.

Croup Cough by the Numbers

• Croup affects about 3 percent of children a year.
• Croup accounts for 5 percent of emergency admissions to hospital in children under 6 years of age in North America.
• Croup mainly affects children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
• The peak incidence of croup occurs around 24 months or 2 years of age.
• 75 percent of croup infections are caused by human parainfluenza virus.
• Croup symptoms resolve in most children within 48 hours.
• Croup infections occur predominantly in late autumn and winter but can occur during any season.
• Symptoms are often worse at night.
• Croup is extremely rare in adults.
• There is consensus that antibiotics do not improve symptoms in croup of any severity, as croup is typically caused by a virus.

Croup vs. Whooping Cough

• Both are upper respiratory infections that are very contagious.
• Both croup and whooping cough are mainly spread by the coughing or sneezing of an infected person.
• Whooping cough is typically marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like “whoop” while a croup cough sounds like a seal’s bark.
• With whooping cough, the frequent coughing fits are generally a series of five to 15 staccato coughs in rapid succession.
• Sometimes, a persistent hacking cough is the only sign that an adolescent or adult has whooping cough.
• Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria while croup is most commonly caused by a virus.
• Once you become infected with whooping cough, it takes about seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, though it can sometimes take longer.
• Croup often begins as a typical cold with symptoms of croup usually lasting two to seven days at most.
• Whooping cough and croup have some possible overlapping symptoms like runny nose, congestion, fever and a cough, but whooping cough patients also are likely to have red, watery eyes and their coughing fits can be so bad that they lead to vomiting and being red or blue in the face.
• Infants are are more likely to be hospitalized with whooping cough vs. croup.
• Croup mainly affects very young children between 6 months and 3 years of age while whooping cough can cause serious illness in babies, children, teens and adults.
• Croup symptoms can last just 48 hours while coughing fits due to whooping cough can last for up to 10 weeks or more, which is why whooping cough is sometimes known as the “100 day cough.” (15)
• Whooping cough is more serious than croup. It can even be life-threatening, especially in babies.

Croup Cough Precautions Possible Complications 

Seek urgent medical attention when the croup patient:

• Struggles to breathe
• Is unable to speak or cry from lack of breath
• Breathes at a faster rate than usual
• Makes noisy, high-pitched breathing sounds (stridor) both when inhaling and exhaling
• Begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing
• Seems anxious and agitated or fatigued and listless
• Develops blue or grayish skin around the nose, mouth or fingernails (cyanosis)

If you do have to seek emergency care for your child, it’s important to stay calm and try to keep your child as calm as possible. Stress and fear only make breathing more difficult for your sick child.

Seek medical attention immediately if your child is exhibiting signs of dehydration, high fever, difficulty breathing, drooling and an inability to swallow saliva. He or she may have acute epiglottitis, which is an uncommon yet possibly life-threatening infection of the epiglottis.

Final Thoughts on Croup Cough

• A barking, seal-like cough is one of the most telltale signs of a croup infection.
• Croup mainly occurs in very young children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
• One of the best ways to prevent the spread of croup is by frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Even conventional pediatricians discourage the use of over-the-counter medicines for croup.
• Antibiotics should very rarely be prescribed for croup since the very large majority of croup infections are caused by a virus not a bacteria.
• Whooping cough is a much more serious infection than croup.
• A distinct sign of whooping cough infection is the presence of a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like “whoop,” which is quite different from a croup cough sound.
• More than 95 percent of croup cases can be managed successfully at home with natural remedies.

The post Croup Cough Symptoms + 6 Natural Remedies appeared first on Dr. Axe.