I wish I had enough data on the subject to give you a reliable answer. Unfortunately, I don’t.

An alternative therapy that has been shown to modulate immune function & support higher neutrophil counts is massage. You might consider discussing this option with your daughter’s pediatrician.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1142199/?tool=pubmed

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12218940

http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2009.0634

Be well!

JP

What are you thoughts on taking elderberry for a child with neutropenia. It is auto-immune and a mild case. The reason I ask is a few things I’ve read about elderberry is to be cautious when taking if you have an auto-immune disorder – however – it didn’t mention neutropenia – just lupus and a few others. She is 14 months old and eats a colorful whole foods diet. I’m just looking for a little something for her to take during the cold winter months during cold and flu season. Thank you! Great article!

Thank you for your thoughtful post!

I agree that the money issue is significant. However medicine, like most other industries, is partially consumer driven. The more we, as patients, demand holistic care … the more likely it is that it will slowly become integrated into the mainstream. I know it’s an uphill battle. But it’s one worth fighting.

BTW, I regularly search through Asian medical journals. There’s so much to learn from the Asian culture and healing traditions the world over.

Thanks for sharing your insightful thoughts. I appreciated reading them.

Be well!

JP

And by the way, it would be nice if somebody also recognized the tons of research done in Asia on common foods. With their tradition of natural medicine reaching back so many years, they’ve know about things like bitter-melon for diabetes, jujube for palpitations, sweet potatoes for diabetes OR constipation, etc… AND now they’ve had some number of decades experience running scientific experiments on them. But we dont pay attention to their journals, or is it we dont trust the source?

Be well yourself, and thank you.

You can probably find it at most of your local health food stores – in liquid or lozenge forms. If it’s not available locally, you can almost certainly find it online. I usually buy mine from Internet sources since it tends to be less expensive that way.

As to the appropriateness of using elderberry in toddlers, please read my prior exchange with Mary – which is contained earlier on in this comment thread. I think that will likely answer your question.

Be well!

JP

Please do share anything that you come across. I love that kind of thing because I know other readers often benefit from such information.

Your priorities and game plan sound spot on to me! Your kids are lucky to have you as mom!

Be well!

JP

I was glad to see I do follow most of your guidelines – especially when it comes to eating. I’ve been successfully reducing the stress part that seems to come automatically as a mom w/2 YOUNG kids, but the sleep…that’s out of my hands for the time being. I live in California so sunshine comes easy.

I do research most everything a bit before I try anything new so I will contact the companies whose products I am considering – good suggestion. I recently tried that for this so-called miracle juice “monavie” several of my friends have been getting into (don’t know if you’ve heard the latest craze) and swearing by first hand…but they, nor the representatives I contacted, could safely answer my breastfeeding question so I decided to forgoe it this round…and it seems like it’d be so safe b/c it is just a juice.

I have also just started the search for a new pediatrician who is more of what you described. I understand about the insurance but believe there is no price when it comes to my children’s good health. So…I just don’t get to upgrade my wardrobe or get my hair done for a while…oh well. I think my husband will still stand by me (ha!).

I will be passing on your blog to all my fellow friends – esp. my mommy friends. If I come up with any new findings myself I’ll also be sure to share them with you.

Thanks, again, for your help and advice. You are very generous.

Take care,
Mary

Thank you!

I have a few suggestions for you to consider. The best piece of advice I can think of is to take the best possible care of yourself. All that goes into your body and through your mind (joy, stress, etc.) has the potential to influence the health of your youngest child. I mention this knowing very well that no one is perfect! I’m not trying to set impossible standards for you or any mother!

I would primarily focus on eating the “cleanest” possible diet that is centered around whole foods that are low in sugar. Eating foods that support your immune function (such as those with probiotics – kefir, yogurt, etc.) *could* possibly be of assistance as well. I would also consider taking a high-potency pre-natal multi that is appropriate for use during breast feeding.

The trouble with most supplements is that they haven’t been tested with regard to being passed along from mother to child. Therefore, I think we need to look at each product individually. This would involve researching at the manufactures’ web sites and contacting the companies directly. Their research and development staff may be able to pass along some practical information. Many of these companies employees scientists who are quite knowledgeable.

I would also strongly suggest getting in touch with a pediatrician that practices “integrative medicine” – a conservative approach to medical care that incorporates the best of alternative and conventional care. The main reason for this is that these doctors have used many natural remedies in their own practices – sometimes on hundreds and even thousands of young patients. This is often as close as we can get to a reliable answer regarding the efficacy and safety of these supplements.

The down side of this is that such physicians are generally not covered by most health insurance policies. However, there may be a viable compromise to be had here. You may be able to visit such a physician for one visit only – as a consultation. Once there, you can ask all the questions you may have. The answers will hopefully last you for years. If not, an additional consultation may be necessary/useful. Here’s a web site of one such pediatrician:

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/index.asp

There are quite a few safe suggestions in the many columns I’ve written about H1N1 – avoid processed sugar, get regular sunshine, laugh often, ensure adequate sleep, practice stress management, eat berries and other antioxidant-rich foods, etc. These are all things that may support your good health and, by extension, could strengthen your child’s immunity.

http://www.healthyfellow.com/223/swine-flu-prevention/

I’m not a father myself but these thoughts are based on what I would recommend to my own wife in this circumstance. I hope this helps.

Be well!

JP

I have both a 2 and 1/2 year old, and a 4 month old. I see your reply to Nicole regarding younger toddlers so I will look into that – but do you have any suggestions about those under the age of one…or even under 6 months (since vaccines aren’t an option)? I am breastfeeding – do you know if I can (and should) be taking any/all of your suggestions and does it SAFELY pass onto my infant?

Also – going beyond just the flu…we stopped all vaccinations at 4 months after my (now) toddler boy had an odd reaction. Now we’re leary about vaccinating my infant girl as well. I am VERY interested in building their immunities and wondered if your suggestions apply to the prevention of other diseases (or helping to prevent) – especially the ones the vaccines claim to protect against. I know this is a very controversial topic – so if you’d rather not get into that I understand. We are not one sided so ANY advice/info. is much appreciated. (you can email me direct if you’d like).

Either way – thanks for your info. Your domain name is catchy!
Good health to you as well!

Mary