You have seen multiple physicians… You easily get upset… You’re cold, you’re hot… You cant get your GI system to function well…. Just to name a few things you have experienced today…. You are not alone.

Your baby/child is hyper emotional, cries often, cant get a hold of their feelings and it doesn’t seem quite “normal” to the extent this occurs…. You are not alone

Before we dive into why you’re still symptomatic, lets briefly go over the basics.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of the neck. It secretes three hormones and affects the developmental, cardiovascular and metabolic system in the body. The treatment for thyroid disorders is very misunderstood by many.

Function

The thyroid secretes three hormones:

• Triiodothyronine (T3)
• Thyroxine (T4)
• Peptide hormone (Calcitonin)

The Thyroid Influences

• Metabolic rate- T4 and T3 hormones help regulate your appetite, the absorption of food and gut motility. This can have an affect on your blood glucose, the way you break down fats, cholesterol, and secretion of bile. Many thyroid patients suffer from Gut dysbiosis, which basically means your gut is off balanced. Gut health is very important in the treatment plan of thyroid patients.
• Cardiovascular- Thyroid hormones help control blood flow and body temperature.
• Developmental- Thyroid hormones play an important role in normal growth and brain development, particularly brain maturation in the first few years of life.
• Calcium homeostasis- Calcitonin regulates blood calcium levels by decreasing it when necessary.
• Other- Sexual function, menstrual cycle, sleep, and thought process are all affected by thyroid hormones.

Thyroid Hormone Regulation

The pituitary and the hypothalamus control the thyroid gland. The production of T3 and T4 is regulated by TSH (TSH is released by the pituitary gland). TSH is regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus. When thyroid hormones are too high, TSH production is suppressed and vice versa when thyroid hormones are too low. Still with me?…..

-TSH regulates T3 and T4

-Pituitary releases TSH

-Thyrotropin (TRH) regulates TSH

-Hypothalamus produces TRH

These thyroid hormones and regulators are on a continuous feedback loop. Feedback loops refer to the nervous system telling the endocrine system to control body conditions by receiving a signal, responding with the proper hormone and reacting. The hypothalamus acts like a thermostat of a feedback loop, the endocrine glands act like an air conditioning system and both determine if you need added heating or cooling to maintain balance.

• TSH– A high TSH is telling your body to produce more hormones.
• Free T4– This hormone is stored until needed. When the body needs more hormone, T4 will convert to the active form of T3
• Free T3– is the active hormone that is unbound and able to enter and affect the body tissues.
• Reverse T3– An inactive form of T3. Your body will rid of unneeded T4. It is suggested that 40% of your T4 hormone will convert to T3 and 20% of unneeded T4 will go to reverse T3. If you’re sick or your body is under going an inflammatory process (i.e surgery, chronic stress, the flu) then your percentages will change. Your RT3 will look more like 50% and not 20%. This is not good for your body to be in this constant state of flushing out T4 when it is needed to convert to T3.

Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is low or under active thyroid hormone production. This condition has various causes such as decreased iodine or pituitary gland disorders, just to name a few but commonly resulting from congenital (birth) or autoimmune disorder such as Hashimoto’s

Symptoms

• Constipation, weight gain
• Hoarseness
• Slow heart rate
• Depression, fatigue, impaired memory (brain fog)
• Dry skin, thinning hair, puffy face
• Cold intolerance
• Muscle aches and pain/swelling joints
• Irregular menstrual periods, can be heavy
• Kids- Some kids can experience sensory sensitivity, “bipolar” like episodes from having difficulty with controlling emotional outbursts due to development age.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is excessive thyroid hormone production. This condition can be caused by various reason such as autoimmune disorder Grave’s disease and excess iodine just to name a few.

Symptoms

• Difficulty sleeping, fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Heat intolerance
• Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
• Weight loss
• Sweating, thinning of the skin
• Rapid heartbeat, tremor
• Changes in menstrual pattern
• Enlarged thyroid gland

Congenital Hypothyroidism

Congenital Hypothyroidism is a deficiency of the thyroid hormone present at birth. It can be due to many reasons

• Abnormal location of the gland (ectopic thyroid)
• Under developed gland (thyroid hypoplasia)
• Lack of Thyroid gland (thyroid agenesis)
• Low TSH signal- the signal between the pituitary and the thyroid gland does not work. This can be associated with pituitary hormone deficiencies.
• Ineffective functioning thyroid
• Maternal hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism) or maternal anti-thyroid medication usage (for hyperthyroidism)

Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial due to the nature that the thyroid plays a major role in fetal brain development. Hypothyroidism in an infant can lead to neuro-developmental disorders such as intellectual disabilities and cretinism. Other symptoms associated with congenital hypothyroidism….

Symptoms

• A puffy-looking face
• Large, thick tongue
• Hoarse cry
• Feeding problems (sleepy for feedings and difficulty swallowing)
• Constipation, umbilical hernia
• Hypotonia (poor muscle tone, floppy)

Other Thyroid Disorders

1. Goiter- Swelling of the thyroid. Usually represents iodine deficiency
2. Thyroid nodule- A small nodule. Common. Can be cancerous but usually not. May secrete excess hormones resulting in hyperthyroidism.
3. Thyroiditis- Inflammation of the thyroid.
4. Thyroid cancer
5. Thyroid storm- High thyroid levels causing severe illness

Diagnostics

There are numerous diagnostic tests to determine a thyroid condition. However, in regards to babies and children…

• Lab work- See below
• Newborn screening- This is the heel stick your baby gets at birth.
• Ultrasound- This is usually a follow up to the newborn screening and/or if your child’s lab work comes back abnormal. The ultrasound will determine if a thyroid is present including the size, location, etc.

Labs to consider

Most physicians request only a TSH, some will request a TSH, T4 and T3, and then there are some really intelligent doctors out there who think outside the box and will order an entire thyroid panel. THOSE are my kind of doctors.

If your child is diagnosed or believed to be suffering from a thyroid disorder, these are the labs that should be ordered every single time their levels are assessed in order to be properly treated. I repeat… Every. Single. Time. You can’t treat a thyroid patient with half the information. If your child’s physician does not understand the importance of these labs, find one who does understand or one who is willing to learn

• TSH- This is a messenger hormone. It does not tell you the amount of hormone that is in your body.
• Free T4
• Free T3
• Reverse T3- These levels can go up due to low iron, high cortisol, inflammation
• Thyroid Antibodies
• Iron Ferritin, serum iron, % Saturation, & TIBC
• Vitamin D- This vitamin plays a role in modulating your immune system. Although it is not conclusive, there is evidence pointing toward Vitamin D affecting the incidence of autoimmune disease.

Other labs to consider during initial diagnosing

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)- Minerals like Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium can get depleted with thyroid patients. Also, low levels with certain minerals can indicate other hormone issues such as aldosterone related to adrenal insufficiency. Aldosterone is produced in the Pituitary and remember we said the Pituitary releases TSH. If the pituitary gland is not functioning properly, how is your body supposed to release the hormones it creates to control the thyroid. Its a domino affect.
• 24 hour saliva cortisol
• sex hormones
• MTHFR Genes
• Selenium, iodine

Common Medications

There are plenty of medication options to choose based on lab values. It takes a bit of commitment to design a care plan specific to the thyroid patient needs but it is worth it in the long run to have some symptomatic relief. Thyroid patients suffer from subtle and not so subtle symptoms that can be a nuisance or very debilitating. It is so so so important to learn what works for you to find relief. Below is a few different forms of medication to educate yourself about.

T4-

• Synthetic– Synthroid, levothyroxine are medications that are generally prescribed. However, a T4 medication is more often than not, enough to provide optimal thyroid levels. T4 converts to T3, however, some people have difficulty converting. For example, Low iron can stop the conversion of T4 to T3.
• Natural– Armour and Naturethroid are natural desiccated thyroid medication and comes from animal thyroid. It provides T4, T3, T2 and T1. Some providers will not prescribe this because the medication does not have exact measurements of each thyroid hormone but it is very effective for those who do not respond to synthetic T4 and/or would prefer a natural approach. Some react better to Armour and others to Naturethroid because of the way it is compounded and the additives utilized to form the medication. When you consider natural, it is trial and error for patients who are dedicated to finding a balance that works for them. I cant say how important it is to find this balance for your child or even for yourself.
• NP THYROID- A brand of desiccated thyroid. The Active ingredients are listed as 38 mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 9 mcg liothyronine (T3).

T3-

• Cytomel (liothyronine) are T3 medications. Some have described this as the Holy Grail to their thyroid treatment because it is straight T3 active hormone ready for use.

Iron

• When your thyroid is under active (hypo), people tend to have low stomach acid, and this causes a malabsorption including iron. Other contributing factors to low iron in thyroid patients is chronic inflammation, gluten sensitivities or food allergies, and having MTHFR. Low iron can stop or slow the conversion of T4 to T3 sending you deeper into a hypothyroid state with symptoms. Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme responsible for chemical reactions resulting in T3 and T4 production. This enzyme is dependent on iron to function properly. First, find out if your iron is low. Next find out why your iron is low. Lastly, consider taking vitamin C to help absorb the iron in your body.

Other Considerations

Is your gut in check? Thyroid disease and GI disturbances go hand-in-hand. A big part of the immune system is in the gastrointestinal tract. Poor gut health can exacerbate autoimmune diseases by the body initiating an immune attack on foreign (undigested food particles). Hypothyroidism also contributes to hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) leading to acid reflux. There is a big misconception that high stomach acid can cause reflux. This can be true in some cases, however, more often than not, low stomach acid causes reflux. When your stomach acid is low, you dont have the proper tools to break down food causing food particles to sit in your gut leading to bad bacteria also known as SIBO but that is for an entirely different conversation.  Another factor the thyroid can affect in the GI system is the gallbladder. If your body does not metabolize fats properly, this can cause a sluggish, congested gallbladder leading to gallstones. A sluggish, congested gallbladder also leads to poor liver detoxification hindering conversion of T4 and T3, and also preventing eliminating excess hormones such as estrogen. The above mentioned GI issues are one of the reasons a lot of woman have hormone disturbances. Repairing the gut starts here…..

• Educate yourself about proper nutrition. Most people think they have a “healthy diet”, however, there are a lot of hidden ingredients. Read your labels. A good rule of thumb is to try and avoid the inside aisles of the grocery store.
• Start a journal. Keep a journal with food intake, GI habits, and symptoms. This will help determine if there are any food intolerance. A pattern will trend and this will help your physician determine what works and what does not.
• Discuss with your physician about starting a digestive enzyme and probiotic. A good probiotic needs to be refrigerated.

Another thing to consider for kids who are having a hard time coping with emotional and/or sensory difficulties is Counseling/behavior modification therapy. Counseling can help your child with understanding why and how to cope with emotional highs and lows stemming from thyroid disease. Behavioral modification will help achieve the same thing but also educate the care giver to work with your child during the highs and lows.

If you take anything from this, it is that you are your child’s biggest advocate

The thyroid is a very complex gland because it controls our hormones. I even at times, have difficulty wrapping my brain around how it functions in our body including how lab levels and medication can affect that function. The thyroid plays a part in other systems of the body. It has a domino affect on your other hormones in that when one hormone is affected, they all are affected because one takes from the other but that conversation is for another time when we dive into the adrenal glands and sex hormones. If you take anything from this, it is that you are your child’s biggest advocate with their health care. Seek a physician that will listen to your concerns and help treat the cause not the symptoms. A physician that will hear you when you/ or child is still symptomatic despite the lab levels are in “normal” range. A physician who will think outside of the box and dig deeper into labs and diagnostics that help answer these “why” questions. If your child is still having symptoms, seek a physician who is willing to explore alternative options. YOU know your child best and only YOU can help them live their best life with optimal health care. I know too many people who are symptomatic and continue to suffer.

Do you or someone you love suffer from a thyroid disorder? If so, how do you manage your disorder? Will you share your story with us?

First and foremost, process your own fears. Don’t dismiss your child’s fears.

Babies, Toddlers and Young Preschool Age

• Maintain normal routines as much as possible
• Shield babies and toddlers from media coverage as much as possible
• If your preschooler inquires about absence from pre-school or activities, discuss the reasoning
• Let them ask questions and keep answers short and simple

School Age

• Limit media coverage.
• Maintain a normal home routine, especially bedtime
• Educate why there are School and after school activity closures.
• Educate why we are taking the extra precautions. It doesn’t mean that all of their loved ones and friends are or will get sick
• Educate on all the things adults are doing to help and prevent the spread of the virus
• Educate on hand washing
• Let them ask the questions. Keep answers short and simple
• Allow them plenty of outside play. Play is the most therapeutic relief for a child

Middle & High School Age

• Make yourself available to talk to you children and answer any questions. This will help you determine how much they know, what they see on TV, read online or hear from friends. Stick to facts in your conversation.
• Point them towards reliable sources. Discuss the difference between the media and reliable resources such as the CDC website.
• Enforce a tech curfew at night and to take media breaks.
• Make them get outside for sports, bike rides, walks, etc
• Make yourself available to listen and acknowledge feelings of fear, panic and anxiety
• Educate on why we are “Social Distancing”
• Educate on their “what if”….. Stick to the facts and don’t burden them with dystopian scenarios
• Educate against xenophobia and discrimination against certain people and populations.
• Educate on hand washing and ways to reduce the spread

When in doubt, contact your Pediatrician if you feel your child is not coping well or their behaviors have greatly changed.

How are your babies doing? How have you helped them cope with being home?

“Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.”

Consent matters. It is our job as parents to educate our children on consent and it doesn’t just start with high school sex education. In the eyes of the law, if you do not ask before you touch, kiss or do anything sexual with a partner, and they don’t give consent, that is a form of sexual assault. Here are some ways to educate your children on consent for each age group to ensure your child and their future relationships are safe.

Toddler and Elementary Grade

• Teach the correct vocabulary. A Vagina is a vagina. A penis is a penis. These are the foundational concepts surrounding consent for this age group.
• Teach body autonomy. A great lesson for early consent is during a game of tickle monster and your child says “stop or no”, that request should be immediately respected. Stop does not mean keep going and No does not mean yes. If your child does not want to hug nana or Uncle Joe, then do not force them. Their body, their choice.
• Teach the importance of reporting. Educate your child on good touch vs bad touch…. “Only mommy, daddy and the doctor can touch our private parts for bath time, potty time or if there is a medical reason. What are your private parts…. where your bathing suit covers”. Educate your child on who a safe person is to report. A parent, teacher or doctor is a safe person to report.

Late Elementary and Middle School

• Build stronger boundaries. Teach concepts about coercion and peer pressure. If a friend says they dont want to jump in the deep end of the pool, they don’t have to jump. Their body, their choice.
• Teach critical thinking skills. If you see sexism in the world around you, such as in movies, on television or real-life situations, point it out and ask them what they think. Help them reach their own conclusions.
• Teach the concepts of sexism and misogyny. For example, it is not just the female who should seek consent. It works both ways. Also, it is not just the responsibility for the female to be responsible for for pacing/stopping a sexual act. A man can so no too.
• Be ready to respond with questions about sex and let them lead the conversation
• Discuss pornography. This can lead to a misguided message about sex and intimacy. It can also portrayal an unrealistic expectation or preconceived notion regarding the male/female body and the act of sex.

High School and Young Adult

• Everything mentioned in the Middle school years including…..
• Peer pressure- No means no…. not maybe. Educate your teen that its not okay to pressure or be pressured. Sex is a big decision and any one that puts pressure on that decision is not worth their time.
• Be specific- Going to the other room to “make out” is not code for “lets have sex”
• Verbal vs non verbal consent- Non verbal would be the act of kissing, eye contact and pulling your partner close; However, if non verbal consent is not clear, ask for verbal confirmation.
• Under the influence- Drinking and drugs can affect consent. Any one under the influence is not capable of giving consent. If they can not drive, they can not give consent. It is equivalent to rape.
• Teach that they can change their mind at any moment. Before, during, at any moment.
• Informed- Using protection and informing their partner
• When sex is against the law- Anyone under the age of 13 can not consent to sex even if they agree. When a person is drunk/high, asleep, passed out or disabled in a way that inhibits them to understand. Check local state laws regarding specific teen ages.

Positive Vs Not Positive Forms of Consent

Positive

• Is this okay?
• Can we try this?
• We can stop if you’re not comfortable.
• Checking in on your partner before, during and after

NOT

• Not acknowledging the word NO!
• Under the age of consent
• Drugs and alcohol involved
• Assuming revealing clothing, flirting and kissing is an invitation to more
• Pressuring and intimidation
• Assuming you always have permission after the first time

The most important thing to take away during educating your child about consent is to keep an open mind and keep calm. The idea of talking about sex with your child/teen is scary and awkward but if you dont do it, then who will. It is better for this conversation to come from the parent.

How do you educate your child about consent?

For every feeling or thought we experience, a hormone/chemical is released.

Thoughts affect neurotransmitters known as chemical messengers. These messengers tell the brain to communicate to different parts of the nervous system controlling almost all of the body’s functions including hormone function in the adrenal medulla.

Think of it as this way, consider an emotion you have recently experienced. When you are sad, worried, angry or frustrated, how does your body react? Your muscles tense, you get over heated… possibly sweat, your heart pounds and you even experience gastrointestinal discomfort to the point of sickness. These are known as fight or flight symptoms. These symptoms mentioned above is considered acute, short term experience. Chronic fight or flight symptoms can lead to co-morbidities.

It is like a domino effect… when one thing is off, the rest will be affected.

Many who experience this are often sent from doctor to doctor, as it is sometimes difficult for medical providers to diagnose and treat.

Path To Improved Health

There are ways to take control of your life and head down the path to improved health.

Balance Lifestyle-

Life can get hectic! Learning to created a balance around work, school, and home life is important to mental health. A positive outlook can help you achieve a balanced lifestyle. Dont take on that extra project. Learn to put yourself first at times. Also, find ways to let some things go in life that is out of our control. Dont sweat the small stuff.

Resilience- By managing our outlook and stress levels, we can control excessive neurochemical transmission. Resilient people recover quicker because they are able to manage their attitude and stress effectively. Resiliency is a learned behavior. Here are a few key things to keep in mind… Keeping a positive outlook, accepting change, having a good social support system, and the capability to keep things in perspective.

Therapy

Therapy can help you achieve the above mentioned goals.

• Behavioral therapy
• Meditation/Relaxation
• Prayer
• Art therapy (art, music, dance)
• Hypnosis/ Guided imagery
• Exercise
• Yoga requires proper skeletal alignment, coordination and flexibility. The part of the brain responsible for achieving these core movements and posture directly inputs information to the adrenal medulla by regulating the stress response. Here is a few common yoga poses to help with immune function: Thymus gland support- Kurmasana (tortoise pose); Sinus and lungs- Downward facing dog; Chest and lung openers- Camel pose

Signs of Poor Emotional Health

You may not feel like exercising, eating nutritious foods, or taking medicine that your doctor prescribes. You may abuse alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Other signs of poor emotional health include:

• Back pain, stiff neck
• Change in appetite, upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, weight gain/loss
• Chest pain, Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (the feeling that your heart is racing)
• High blood pressure
• Extreme tiredness, insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Headaches
• General aches and pains
• Sexual issues such as low libido

When to Seek Help

• Thoughts of suicide or hurting others
• Negative feelings that wont go away and keep you from enjoying life

I bet you are wondering….. Why is she posting this in a Pediatric blog?

A healthy mind starts at any age. In fact, being proactive on ways to properly handle stress in the pediatric years will benefit your mind and body in the adult years. The best way to educate our children to have a healthy mind is to lead by example and help them learn to manage stress at their development level.

Stress can have a negative impact on our immune system, making people more vulnerable to a disease. This is why managing stress by practicing the various techniques mentioned can lead to a healthier mind and body resulting in a better quality of life.

How do you manage stress and find peace in times of increased stress? How do you educate your children? Comment below.

History

Zinc was originally established in 1869 but it wasn’t until 1961, human trials began for individuals in countries where bread, potatoes and milk were abundant in their diet. Administering animal protein and zinc supplements corrected the symptoms associated with the deficiency.

Health Benefits

• Immune Function- Zinc is required for T-lymphocytes proliferation. Zinc deficiency can impair macrophage and neutrophil, natural killer cell activity. These alterations might explain why low zinc is associated with susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections.
• Common Cold- Zinc reduces the severity and duration of the cold symptoms by inhibiting replication in the nasal mucosa and suppressing inflammation.
• Wound Healing- Helps maintain integrity of skin and mucus membranes.
• Diarrhea
• Elderly Associated Issues such as macular degeneration

Forms

Zinc is naturally present in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement.

• Cold lozenges
• Tablets
• Capsules
• In some over-the-counter medicines (OTC)

Chelated- Organic ZInc is easily digested and is attached to another substance such as an amino acid.

• Zinc Gluconate- Very popular OTC. Made with fermented glucose.
• ZInc Orotate- Bound to orotic acid
• Zinc Citrate- Water soluble made with citric acid. Less bitter taste
• Zinc Acetate- Made with acetic acid. Most commonly used in lozenges and for the common cold
• Zinc Picolinate- made with picolinate acid. Best for absorption and used for treating deficiency.

NonChelated- Inorganic Zinc is not digested but used out side of the body

• Zinc Sulfate- Generally used for eye drops or skin healing
• ZInc Oxide- Used topical for skin disorders such as dermatitis, eczema, diper rash and psoriasis. Also a main ingredient in most sunscreens.

Foods

Zinc is found in a variety of foods such as lean meat, seafood, eggs, beans, chick peas, seeds and nuts (cashews and almonds). Oysters contain more zinc then any other food. Whole-grain breads, cereals, legumes, and other foods containing phytates can inhibit absorption of zinc. The bioavailability of zinc from foods containing phytates is decreased compared to animal food products. In other words, you can still absorb zinc from all these food items mentioned above but you get more bang for your buck with animal foods.

Symptoms of Deficiency

• Impaired immune function
• Delayed healing of wounds
• Delayed sexual maturation, impotence, hypogonadism in males
• Eye and skin lesions (dermatitis)
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Taste abnormalities, Loss of appetite, Weight loss (anorexia), Diarrhea
• Mental lethargy
• Growth retardation, especially in children infants

Risk Factor of Deficiency

The following can possibly cause a deficiency in Zinc.

Common Side Effects

Zinc is generally safe. However, toxicity can occur from acute high doses of zinc

• Nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea
• Headaches
• Mouth irritation, sore and bad taste

Prolonged period of high zinc levels can inhibit copper metabolism

Zinc can interfere with absorption of certain medications and supplements

• Some quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics.
• Penicillamine
• Diuretics
• Copper supplements

What do you use Zinc for? What form do you use? Does your sunscreen contain Zinc?

If you are looking to make your own vapor rub with age appropriate essential oils and natural ingredients, this is place to be…..

Most store bought vapor rubs have a lot of toxic chemicals in them. Chemicals such as parabans, diazolidinl urea, PEG-100 Stearate, Turpentine and petrolatum. Some of these are often contaminated with PAHS. These very toxic compounds is linked to cancer and toxicity in the immune and reproductive system.

For the most part essential oils are natural and considered safe. However, not all are considered safe to all. Some oils can counteract the effectiveness of other medications. Some oils can irritate your mucus membrane and make your symptoms feel worse. Always use carefully with small children, pregnant women and pets. Below are some guidelines that will help you choose what is best for your child.

Under 2 years of age

Infuse the following for 30 minutes on and one hour off as needed.

• Thyme
• Cinnamon
• Cedarwoodl
• Lemon

Ages 2-6 years

Dilution at 1% is the recommended starting point. However, it is appropriate to go up to 3% for short periods of time.

• 1 drop cinnamon
• 1 drop thyme
• 2 drops lemon
• 2 drops cedar wood
• 2 tablespoons shea butter

Instructions

• Mel tthe shea butter in a double boiler (stainless steel bowl inside a pot of boiling water)
• Remove it from heat and stir in the essential oils
• Transfer the mixture to a container with a tight fitting lid.

Older Ages

• Half cup of pressed Castor oil
• 3-5 drops of black pepper oil
• 3-5 drops of Eucalyptus oil
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• Half teaspoon of Cayenne pepper
• Half teaspoon of grated ginger

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a small jar with a fitted lid
• Rub onto chest (Wear an old shirt as the castor oil can stain)
• Cover chest with saran wrap or flannel
• Put a thinly wrapped hot water bottle on top (heat causes the castor oil deeper into the tissues)
• Can be left on over night but 30 minutes to one hour will work as well
• Do daily until cough improves
• Can refrigerate remaining for next use

How These Ingredients Work

Castor oil has been used for centuries due to its therapeutic properties by penetrating deep into tissues to increase circulation and enhance healing. Do not digest castor oil internally.

Cayenne pepper clears out mucus.

Ginger acts as a diaphoretic to help bring out the toxins in your lungs

Garlic is an antimicrobial

Black pepper stimulates circulation and mucus flow

Eucalyptus adds more antimicrobial and works as a decongestant

Thyme leaves contain flavanoids that relax and lessen inflammation.

Cinnamon is knowns for reducing inflammation, boost immunity and eliminate viruses.

Cedarwood reduces coughs and congestion by its antispasmodic ability. It also rids buildup of phlegm

Lemon is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

Do you have a DIY chest rub? What ingredients do you use? Comment below. 

*Disclaimer- Please seek health advice from your provider before trying any of the above mentioned supplements. Only you and your provider understand your child’s health history. These supplements are not considered cures for any ailments

Common Cause of A Cough

• Asthma– A very common reason for coughs. Mucus can build up from narrowing of inflamed air tubes. Usually causing a dry cough with or without wheezing.
• Illness– Many coughs are caused by a post nasal drip from a cold, allergy or sinus issue. It can be a dry or wet cough but it is not felt in the chest. This is generally worse at night. However, an respiratory infection can cause a cough. These can range from a persistent bronchitis like cough to a productive-painful pneumonia cough. These can be felt in the chest and cause shortness of breath. The patient just looks very unwell.
• Acid Reflux– Stomach acid irritation can illicit the nerve endings to cause a cough.
• Allergies– Drainage from congestion that drips down to the throat can cause a wet cough that is worse at night. It is more of a tickle from the throat then felt in the lungs.
• Blood Pressure Medications– PSA for heart babies, ACE inhibitors can trigger a dry cough.
• Second Hand Smoke– Excess mucus in the lungs can cause a wet cough. It is the body’s way of ridding the toxins in the lungs.

The following are a few suggested treatments for a cough….. 

Ten at home Treatment Options

1. Humidifier Steam from a hot shower will loosen up mucus.
2. Raise the head of the bed. Try not to let small children sleep on their back to avoid choking.
3. Nasal Spray and Rinse– We use a neti-pot syringe to clear the nasal sinuses. We use a natural nose spray for colds. For allergies, we use a nasal mist with a glucocorticoid (steroid) to help with inflammation causing post nasal drip.
4. Lozenges– Look for lozenges with honey, zinc and/or ginger. Not ideal for small children.
5. Chest Rub– You can find my recipe and safe to use essential oils here.
6. Warms fluids such as tea not only loosen the mucus but also thin these secretions. Most white teas are free of caffeine. However, you can just use warm filtered water with ginger infused. Test the warm water before serving. Bone and chicken broth is also a nutritious way to give warm fluids.
7. Honey– Swallow a teaspoon of honey. (This is not for babies younger than 2 years old.). Honey has antibacterial properties and coats the throat.
8. Ginger– Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to boost immunity and relieve discomfort. You can use ginger in tea, capsule form, or chew on a piece of ginger root.
9. Thyme– The leaves contain flavanoids that relax and lessen inflammation. You can use thyme in tea or soup.
10. Marshmallow Root– Type of herb that soothes the throat reducing irritation caused by a cough. The root and leaf reduce pain and inflammation of mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract by loosening mucus and inhibiting bacteria. Can be used in cough syrup and in lozenges to soothe a dry cough.

Essential Oils

Essential oils do not cure. However, they can alleviate symptoms. Here are the few takeaways for essential oils….. Use cautiously with children under the age of 6. Make sure you use a carrier oil. And do not skimp and buy cheap. You pay for what you get with oils. Here are a few essential oils that alleviate a cough.

• Peppermint Oil- Is antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Contains menthol used to numb nerve endings in the throat reducing the urge to cough. It can unclog nasal sinuses. Can be used in drinks and as a lozenge.
• Eucalyptus Oil- Antimicrobial and expectorant.
• Black Pepper OIl- Stimulates circulation and mucus flow. Can use in tea or as a chest rub

When to See A Doctor

• Mucus appears yellow or green
• Congestion gets worse
• Shortness or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Wheezing

What tried and true cough remedies do you use? Comment below. I am always interested in trying new remedies that work. 

*Disclaimer- Please seek health advice from your provider before trying any of the above mentioned supplements. Only you and your provider understand your child’s health history. These supplements are not considered cures for any ailments

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone (precursor of a hormone). Its absorption depends on the gut’s ability to absorb fat. Generally, vitamins are nutrients that the body cannot create, and so a person must consume them in the diet. However, the body can produce Vitamin D. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B energy (sunlight), it converts the precursor to vitamin D₃. Vitamin D plays an important role in the skeletal system, has many health benefits and very few side effects.

The most important role of Vitamin D is the regulation of the minerals calcium and phosphorus to assist with bone mineralization that maintains proper bone structure. It assists with bone growth and remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Vitamin D has other roles in the body including cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function. In addition, it may also protect against a range of diseases and conditions such as rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. The pathway for Vitamin D is carried in the bloodstream to the liver, where it is then converted into the prohormone calcifediol. Lastly, in the kidneys, it is converted into calcitriol.

History of Vitamin D

In the early 1900’s, Elmer McCollum tested modified cod liver oil to cure sick dogs with bone issues. Cod liver is abundant in Vitamin A and D. The modified version included only Vitamin D. McCollum concluded the modified cod liver oil cured rickets. Several years later, an American biochemist Harry Steenbock demonstrated that Ultraviolet light increased the Vitamin D.

Health Benefits

Vitamin D has multiple benefits…..

• Supporting immunity
• Brain and nervous system health
• Helps regulate insulin levels
• Supports lung and heart health
• Promotes skeletal health
• Cancer

Forms of Vitamin D

Food

• Cod liver, Salmon, Tuna
• Egg yolk
• Orange Juice
• cheese
• Milk

Supplements

Vitamin D is available in two forms

• D₂ (ergocalciferol)
• D₃ (cholecalciferol)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that exclusively and partially breastfed infants should receive supplements shortly after birth and until they are weaned.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency

Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency

• Milk allergies/intolerance
• Veganism
• Born prematurely
• Minimal sun exposure
• Breastfed babies
• Children with dark skin- Dark melanin acts as a natural sunscreen
• Health conditions affecting absorption and excretion- cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease

Common Side Effects

Although, Vitamin D toxicity is very rare, the side effects can include…

• Hypercalcemia (too much calcium)
• Hyerparathyroidism (over active parathyroid)
• Kidney stones
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Renal osteodystrophy- A bone disease that occurs when the kidneys fail to maintain calcium and phosphorus homeostasis (balance).

Drug Interactions

Vitamin D is generally safe to use but can interact with certain medications.

• Steroids- Prednisone
• Weight loss drugs
• Cholesterol lowering medications
• Seizure medications
• Aluminum
• Cardiac medications
• Diuretics

*Disclaimer- Please seek health advice from your provider before trying any of the above mentioned supplements. Only you and your provider understand your child’s health history. These supplements are not considered cures for any ailments

What kind of outdoor activities does your family enjoy? 

Modern day scientific studies have proven that Echinacea increases white blood cells supporting the immune system by its ability as an immunomodulator and its ability of direct antibacterial/antiviral activity. Which basically means it acts as an agent that modulates the immune response. It inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines occur during oxidative stress, when the immune system becomes over whelmed by a cold or upper respiratory infection. Echinacea unloads its antioxidant properties to help during oxidative stress to “calm down” the response. It also acts by engulfing invasive microorganisms, bacteria, pathogens and other cellular debris. This immune response is known as “phagocytosis”. The herb also stimulates apoptosis also known as controlled cell death which can attack cancer cells.

Health Benefits 

1. Immunity- May shorten the lifespan of a cold, flu, upper respiratory infections
2. Inflammation- Pain
3. Blood sugar- Lowers blood sugar
4. Mental Health- Anxiety, ADHD
5. Skin health- Burns and wounds
6. Vaginal candidiasis, urinary tract infections, human papilloma virus
7. Laxative
8. Anti-cancer properties, low white blood cell count- Human-based research is limited

How to Use Echinacea

Echinacea comes in many forms including tablets, liquid extracts, a dried herb, juice, and teas. There are concerns regarding the quality of Echinacea products on the market. Some products are mislabeled and can contain contaminates such as selenium, arsenic and lead. Use caution regarding where you purchase.

Side effects

• Skin- Rashes, itchy skin, hives, swelling
• GI- Nausea, diarrhea and upset stomach
• Dizziness and confusion can occur with high doses
• Muscle or joint pain
• Unusual taste in the mouth, dry mouth, numb feeling in your tongue
• Headache, fever, sore throat
• Insomnia

Echinacea is considered safe for short-term use. It is not completely understood the effects of long term use. However, it is suggested that in can lead to hepatotoxicity due to components in the flower. It is not recommended for expectant and breast feeding moms or those with autoimmune disorders. Those with allergies to other flowers can develop an allergic type reaction.

Drug Interactions

• Caffeine
• Immune Suppresents
• Medications metabolized in the liver (i.e Tylenol)
• Echinacea might change how the body breaks down some medications

*Disclaimer- Please seek health advice from your provider before trying any of the above mentioned supplements. Only you and your provider understand your child’s health history. These supplements are not considered cures for any ailments