**Lack of information...that seems to be where we all sit when it comes to home remedies for our kids and ourselves even. But there are ways of getting your child some relief and household staples have been proven to work and believe it or not proven by science and many doctors!!**
1. Sleep:Sleep and immune functions are 1 in the same! Studies have found people who don't get enough sleep are more susceptible to colds! If your child does get sick keep him home from school and turn off the games and T.V. for awhile. Making sure your child gets enough rest may be the most important thing you can do for him when he's sick, Dr.'s emphasize! It may seem like all a Dr. says when your child is sick is "rest and fluids" but that really is the best thing you can do for your child! Your Dr. isn't always being lazy by saying this. If your still concerned there is nothing wrong with getting a 2nd opinion.
2.Vitamin D:Is an important infection fighter, most children dont get enough of it, while many kids are exposed to enough sunlight in the summer to get enough. It is hard to get enough from the sun in the winter time, check your childs vitamin D levels, discuss a supplement with your dr. The AAP recommends 300 IU per day. An eight-ounce glass of milk is about 100 IU.
3.Salt: The International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found thhis natural anti-inflammatory helps release mucus and ease breathing, as well as sooth sore throats and coughs. For congestion, make a saline rinse with a half to a full teaspoon of salt per pint of warm water, then administer it with a dropper. To treat a sore throat or cough teach your child to gargle with the same warm saltwater solution. if you do not feel comfortable mixing your own saltwater solution at home there are many cheep and easily accessible over the counter saline solutions to be bought in just about any store with medicine for sale!
4.Probiotics: Research suggests the bacteria found in yogurt may help prevent respiratory infections. One study shows kids ages 3-5 who consumed active lactobacillus cultures daily for 6 months during cold season were less likely to get sick and when they did their colds lasted a shorter time!!
**PROBIOTICS--A daily dose of this good bacteria can help you or your kiddo fight off infection!! It also comes in handy for girls little and big a like to use yogurt with live cultures whenever you are prescribed an antibiotic! it will help fight yeast infections and UTI's!
5.Relaxation: This means YOU MOM!!! Parents stress when their children are sick. Meanwhile their icky sicky kiddo is playing away with a minor cough and a snotty nose like nothing is wrong. They often feel better then we do when we are sick. If your child develops a fever or his symptoms seem to worsen, consult your pediatrician; your little guy may have developed a secondary infection (ear or sinus for example) and that will require an antibiotic to get over. When all else fails try to remember that a normal cold will run its course in about a week or so! NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO!!! If you treat it your child will get better, if you dont, your child will get better!!
6.Moist Air: A cool-mist humidifier or a warm vaporizer in your chil's bedroom can help nasal passage and reduces congestion. Remember to keep whichever method you go with out of reach of children and atleast 2 feet off the floor, also check to make sure that you are cleaning the model frequently and refilling it when it is empty or dumping it out when necessary!! You can also steam up your bathroom, it is like a little homemade sauna for your icky sicky kiddo!!!
7.Honey:A study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found hone at bedtime was more effective with quieting coughs then any honey flavored cough medicine! The dose of just honey is pretty much the same as that of the over-the-counter cold medicines. 1/2 teaspoon for kids 1-5, 1full teaspoon for kids 6-11 and 2 teaspoons for children 12 and up. Please remember it is unsafe and strongly urged against to give a child under the age of 1 any honey of any kind or dose! It could cause a rare but very serious bacterial illness known as botulism in babies!!
8.Chicken Soup: The go-to get-well meal research shows that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory powers that stimulate the release of mucus,reducing congestion. Who knew a tasty soup was so helpful when you or your kids are sick?!
**Sleep: Getting enough rest when you're fighting a bug of any kind may be the most important thing you or your kiddo can do!!
