Pascale Richy

Baby’s and young children are commonly affected by minor ailments such as tummy upsets, runny nose, skin irritations, poor sleep and teething woes. As Beatrix Potters’ Peter Rabbit affirms, bed rest and a cup of chamomile tea can go a long way to calm the stomach, settle the nerves, reduce inflammation and boost immune defence against colds and flu, giving fast and effective relief alone or in conjunction with topical remedies. For the more persistent and troubling conditions associated with atopy or allergy however, we need to take a closer look at underlying “internal” factors that are compromising health, particularly immune function. Known as the Allergy Triad, eczema, food/environmental allergy and asthma are 3 conditions that effect susceptible youngsters, and although there is a genetic component here, it is understood that a major risk factor for triggering an “overactive” immune response is poor GUT Health.

Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria leads to inflammation throughout the body including skin and respiratory airways. This is largely due to the influence of lipopolysaccharides, a toxin produced by non-beneficial microbes, which contributes to leaky gut and triggers a TH2 immune response through the GUT associated lymphatic tissue (GALT). Research shows a link between composition of the microbiome and incidence of atopic conditions in children, for example higher levels of species such as Clostridium and lower levels of beneficial micro-organisms from the Bacteroidetes family are found in infants with eczema than those without. Influencing factors can start before birth, i.e.: with the nutritional status and gut health of the pregnant mum, so there is much that can be done to support prevention particularly if hereditary susceptibility to atopy is known.

What Can Be Done?

·       Healthy diets high in fibre and low in processed foods and avoidance of antibiotics and overuse of antibacterial products such as hand sanitisers reduces risk of damaging the microbiome.

·       Apple cider vinegar promotes good digestion, particularly of proteins (i.e.: milk) – gelatin gummies are a winning approach for children and also help heal leaky gut.

·       Vitamin D – essential for regulating immune response (Treg stimulation)

·       Zinc & vitamin C – essential for skin health and wound healing as well as immune balance and resistance to infection.

·       Fish oils – reduce immune activated inflammatory response (6-12 weeks to achieve maximum effect)

·       Probiotics – Restore immune control and moderate overactive responses. Researched beneficial strains for infants include L Rhamnoses GG, B. infantis, B. animalis, B. breve and L.paracasei.

·       Manage and relieve symptoms with additional therapies such as topical creams and herbal/homeopathic formulas…….

Ask our in-store Naturopaths about our growing range of Children’s herbal, nutritional and homeopathic remedies, and for advice on pregnancy care and lactation support.