Does my kid NEED dairy?

 

Does my kid NEED dairy? My simple answer to this is NO.   But the complicated answer is:  NO, but then you need to make sure your child's diet is sufficient in calcium.   There are many kids, myself included, that have issues digesting dairy products.  There are many alternatives nowadays that are amazing.  Goats milk is actually an excellent source for humans.  Their milk is the closest to human milk.  If you are looking for sources of calcium then green leafy vegetables are an excellent source.

Food sources of calcium outside of dairy 1. Green leafy vegetables 2. Nuts and seeds 3. Tofu 4. Salmon and Sardines 6. Fortified orange juice Reacted Calcium If you feel like your child's diet is inadequate for calcium you can give them a supplement.  Reacted calcium is one that you could open the capsule and sneak it into a smoothie.  You could also add spinach which is really high in calcium as well.

Osteoporosis

 

Bone Health Who should worry about their bone health?  The simple answer is EVERYONE!  Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are all important factors in maintaining good bone health throughout life. We only get one set of bones in our lifetime, and we should work hard at keeping them healthy.

Food sources of calcium 1. Dairy products (now don't worry, if you can't eat dairy there are MANY other sources 2. Green leafy vegetables 3. Nuts and seeds 4. Tofu 5. Salmon and Sardines 6. Fortified orange juice Reacted Calcium If you feel like your diet is inadequate for calcium, you are nearing menopausal age, or you have an increased risk factor for osteoporosis you should consider taking a supplement.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

 

Stomach Virus A stomach virus is caused by an invader in your GI tract that you body recognizes as a "bad guy" and needs to get rid of it.  Our body does that by 3 ways: a fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.   You may have some or all of those symptoms.  So when we are vomiting or have diarrhea we should be thanking our body for eliminating the invaders.  (I know it is no fun being sick, but it's actually a GOOD thing!) When should we worry?   Most stomach viruses only last a day or two.  IF you are vomiting for more than 2 days and you are unable to keep any water or solids down I would recommend contacting your physician.  (Obviously, if you feel it is something other than a stomach virus seek medical attention sooner.  Symptoms to be concerned about would include: severe abdominal pain, blood in the vomit, and if there was a head injury.

What you can do? During a stomach virus it is important to keep your body hydrated as well as possible.  Coconut water is a great source.  Just take small sips frequently.  When you are done vomiting start with easy solid foods such as toast, banana, rice and apple sauce.   FloraBoost After you are sick it is important to replenish your probiotics again.  FloraBoost is an AMAZING probiotic for my younger patients.  It is a tasteless powder and goes well in applesauce.

Let's Get Going!

 

CONSTIPATION Not moving your bowels daily can make you feel so crummy.  Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to constipation because their bowels slow down so they can absorb more nutrients for their growing baby.  That doesn't make it any less miserable.  That is also one of the possible causes for morning sickness.  Ways to help make sure you are going regularly:  1. Drink more water  2. Eat LOTS of fibrous vegetables 3. Eat most fruits 4. Avoid foods that thicken feces (for most people) such as bananas, pastas, cheese, etc 5. Get adjusted!  When your system is working properly then it's easier to go.  ;)

DG Protect  This supplement helps to break down Dairy and Gluten so that you don't have the unpleasant symptoms associated with mild dairy or gluten sensitivity.   Super Aloe 250 Super Aloe 250 is the supplement I prescribe for the occasional issue with constipation in adults.  This supplement works wonders.  (Not to be used by pregnant women.)

Otitis Media

 

EAR INFECTIONS (aka Otitis Media) There is nothing worse than when you kids are sick.  It's hard not to feel helpless, but I want to give you ideas on things you can do at home.  When your kids have stuffy noses or ear infections you should: 1. Avoid dairy and sugar.  These will increase mucus production and cause it to thicken.   2. Get adjusted !  This will help tremendously to get the sinuses and ears to drain.   3. For ear pain try Mullein Garlic drops in the ears.  4. Kids: take D-Hist Jr and ViraKid,  Infants: FloraBoost.   5. Adults: take Sinatrol.

ViraKid ViraKid is a booster of your immune system again viruses.  This works best when taken at first sign of a virus.   D-Hist Jr The NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) in this product will thin out mucus which helps the mucus to drain.

Nocturnal Enuresis

 

BED WETTING (aka Nocturnal Enuresis) Bed wetting is FAR more common in our kids than people talk about.  This is one area that can be a very complicated diagnosis and treatment or can be quite simple.  By the time I see these patients they have usually ruled out all sorts of things, and have tried so many things.   Chiropractic adjustments, in my office, have helped MANY kids with this issue.  Both boys and girls from 4-16 years of age.  Let me know if you have any questions!  If someone you know is struggling with this in their home please let them know about our office.

CopaCalm This product helps to calm your sympathetic nervous system.  Sometimes when we are running stressed all the time it makes it hard to urinate during the day.  It is a liquid and tastes great.   Reacted Magnesium Powder This product is so good at helping you get a restful sleep, calming your sympathetic nervous system, and can aid in bowel movements for some.  It is a powder with a great taste.

Torticollis

 

TORTICOLLIS One of the symptoms I see most for infants in my office is a persistent head rotation or Torticollis.  I true torticollis has a rotation and lateral tipping of the head but both persistent positions can cause major issues with the shape of the infant's skull, issues with eating and swallowing, and comfort in an infant.   Chiropractic adjustments, and cranial work can, when done together, can help significantly with the restoration of motion and head shape in your infant.   Next time you see an infant that looks similar to the sweet baby above let them know Chiropractic care can make a difference.   Schedule An Appointment

Vitamin D3 with K2 Vitamin D, in nature, is best absorbed from the sun.  We are well into the winter months, bundled up and avoiding being outside in the sun.  This supplement is an easy way to make sure you get the Vitamin D that you need.  Seasonal Depression I would highly recommend finding fun outdoor activities in the wintertime.  It will help to combat the seasonal depression most of us start to feel this time of year.  Get outside.  Play with your kids.  Go for a walk.  Make a snowman.  Ski.  Have fun again!