Now You Know

BABY PURITY MOTHER'S CONFERENCE

2008-09-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Do you feel confused and overwhelmed by all the allergies in our children, the debate between organic versus non-organic and the frequent green living conversations?

As a mother, I certainly have and thought it would be great if all this information could be condensed to help mothers understand how these issues affect her family. Hence, the reason for the Baby Purity Mother’s Conference. Come to this one day event, have a great lunch in downtown Vancouver and listen to experts discussing first foods for your baby, safe household products and good nutrition for your entire family.

Receive and purchase NEW PRODUCTS
Be served a delicious LUNCH
INTERACT with other mothers
Discover why you should be concerned and learn what you can do about it!

Join us as we learn from leading organizations that are fighting for a safe, healthy environment for our families. Speakers from organizations such as Healthy Child Healthy World and The Environmental Working Group. Please check out their informative websites.

PRESS RELEASES in regards to the Baby Purity Mother's Conference (Sydney Carlaw, founder)

NOW Newspaper

The Georgia Straight

Environmental Working Group

Urban Baby

ORGANIC SHAMPOOS, ARE YOU SERIOUS?

2008-06-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

With all the natural and organic products on the market some may wonder what all the hype is about. You may even question how can a soap be organic and why would I bother paying more? Believe me, I have thought the same thing. Our concern is the continued allergies in our children and cancer in our families, could we make changes in our daily routines that would begin to slow this down.

There seems to be numerous products in our bathrooms that could be seriously harming our health. There has been research on the affects of many ingredients being carcinogenic yet critics argue that the amounts are very small. Don't be fooled, what we put on our bodies is absorbed and think about how frequently you may be using these products. Shampoos, moisturizers, fragrances, shaving creams, make-up... the list of products used daily goes on, especially for women, it has been said we use up to nine products a day. The government is not regulating the cosmetic industry not in Canada nor in the US. There has been some concerns brought forward to cosmetic companies, hoping in good faith that there will be product changes eliminating some of the better known carcinogenic ingredients.

Please read this from EWG's website:

FDA, the agency that regulates the safety of personal care products, cannot require safety testing of products before they are sold, and does not systematically assess the safety of ingredients. Instead, the cosmetic industry polices the safety of its own products through a safety panel that is run and funded by the industry's trade association. In the absence of mandated testing or even Agency guidance on product safety, some companies make products safe enough to eat, while other companies add carcinogens to their formulations. Until cosmetic safety standards are overhauled, consumers must choose products carefully, with an eye toward avoiding potentially hazardous ingredients.

As a start, we recommend that consumers choose products free of carcinogenic impurities. To avoid 1,4-dioxane, read ingredient labels and avoid any of the 56 cosmetic ingredients that can contain the contaminant, including "sodium laureth sulfate" and ingredients that include the clauses "PEG," "xynol," "ceteareth," and "oleth."

You may want to look at your labels, well, start with organic products and then look at your labels. It's easy to get bombarded by all this and to begin feeling like you have to start from scratch and throw out all your products. Take one step at a time, do what works for your family. Next time you go buy a shampoo for your baby, look in the organic area, some better brands tend to be California Baby, Burt's Bees and Aveeno. Take a look at this handy little PDF from EWG: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/EWG_parentsguide.pdf

FURTHER RESEARCH AND READING
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/health/labels-cosmetics.html
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=2483603

OUR ALLERGY PRONE CHILDREN

2008-05-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

As children's allergies continue to rise we have to wonder what we, as a society, have been doing to ourselves and our children which may have resulted in these increased issues. In the last twenty years there has been:

300% increase in asthma
400% increase in food allergies
400% increase in ADHD
between a 1500% and 6000% increase in autism
Allergy Kids

Those are alarming numbers and definatley cause for concern. There is growing scientific evidence that the chemicals in our processed foods and non-organic vegetables and fruits are damaging our bodies. More importantly there is even more cause for concern to a developing fetus and our growing babies. Toxins are ingested through a mother or a baby's food, overwhelming their little digestive tracts resulting in their bodies rejecting foods, such as wheat, dairy, soy and nuts. These allergic reaction become present in obvious cases such as hives, asthma, vommitting yet also an allergy to food may result in ezcema, itchy skin and temper changes. There is also growing concerns of new unknown skin ailments on children, ailments that some doctors may just gloss over as an unknown contact dermatitis.

To keep your family as healthy as possible try to stay away from processed foods, eat organic USDA certified foods. Remember that just because a product says "natural" does not mean organic. The term "natural" is often just a label trying to encourage buyers that the product is a more healthy choice when in fact it may have the exact same ingredients as the previous unnatural label.

If you are finding it hard to pay for all organic products, purchase the organic produce that you are not peeling off the skin, such as berries, grapes, tomatoes and apples. Other products that have high levels of chemicals are corn and soy. Not only are pesticides a concern in non-organic products but also genetically engineered produce is of great concern. Genetically engineered produce does not have any label informing a customer of the chemically enhanced changes it has undergone. Therefore another reason to try and stick with organic as much as possible.

NOT WORTH THE EASE OF USE - DAMAGING PLASTICS

2008-04-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

As we await the Canadian government to do more testing on our baby's bottles and water bottles it appears many retailers are concerned enough that they have removed these harmful plastics from their stores. Mountain Equipment Co-op and Lululemon Athletica Inc. removed products containing bisphenol A from it's shelves and other retailers are preparing to as well.

CTV news continues this information stating, the Forzani Group Ltd., Canada's largest sporting goods retailer, and Hudson's Bay Co., which includes the Bay and Zellers stores, said Tuesday they are removing BPA products and will refund money to customers who bought the bottles at their stores.

“Pending the government announcement, the company will immediately move to clear all 94 Bay stores and 280 Zellers stores of BPA baby products, and effective immediately, HBC will no longer sell any baby feeding products that are not BPA-free at any of its stores,” the company said in an e-mail to The Canadian Press.

We are still waiting to see what results from the continued government research, yet with this much concern it seems time to change our frequent use of these products and go back to the use of glass. in the end, the ease of using a plastic product does not seem worth the risk to our health.

http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080415.wbottles0415/business/Business/businessBN/ctv-business

HARMFUL PLASTICS

2008-03-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

There is growing evidence for more concern about PVC or vinyl. This chemical is found in our adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, solvents, automotive plastics, plastic clothing, personal-care products (such as soap, shampoo, deodorants, fragrances, hair spray, nail polish), as well as toys and building materials. PVC leaches through it's products into our bodies causing concerns of cancer.

One of the main concerns of this product is it's ability to replicate estrogen in our bodies. Too much estrogen has been shown to cause breast cancer, reproductive issues and many other issues especially for women. Another confirmed carcinogen is vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), as a result, advocacy groups, including Greenpeace, Children's Health and Environmental Coalition (CHEC) and the U.S.-based Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) have called for a restriction or prohibition of PVC in consumer products including toys, building materials and packaging.

QUICK TIPS from CBC news

Choose refillable containers. Glass, for example, can be re-used for food storage.

Choose packaging that's made from truly recyclable materials: paper, glass, metal cans. (Purchasing recycled paper products completes the recycling loop, too.)

Buy in bulk, whenever possible. It's the least-packaged option.

For wrapped foods, choose butcher paper, waxed paper or cellulose bags.

Bring cloth bags when you go shopping, rather than using PVC-based plastic bags.

Choose things made from #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) whenever plastic cannot be avoided. These are the most commonly recycled plastics.

Avoid plastics that aren't readily recyclable: #3 (PVC), #4 (LDPE), #5 (PP), #6 (PS), #7 (often polycarbonate).

Avoid single-use, disposable packaging.

Bring your own non-plastic container to salad bars, yogurt shops, etc. — any place you'd otherwise be served food in plastic containers.

Avoid plastic cutlery and dinnerware. Use stainless steel utensils and look for recycled paper products.

Microwave foods and drinks in oven-proof glass or ceramic dishes with lids. Never let plastic wrap touch food while in the microwave, as this is one way chemicals are suspected of leaching from plastic into food.

When purchasing cling-wrapped foods from the supermarket or deli, slice off a thin layer where the food came into contact with the plastic and store the rest in a glass or ceramic container, or in non-PVC cling wrap.

Information gathered from CBC News, on dangers of PVC plastics in our toys, cleaning products and lubricating oils
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/plastic.html

Brain Development in ADHD Children

2007-12-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

There has been a recent study showing a link between ADHD and slower brain development in children. This lag can be as much as three years. The brain regions that suppress inappropriate actions and thoughts, focus attention, remember things from moment to moment, work for reward and control movement. "That was the finding of researchers, led by Dr. Philip Shaw of the National Institute of Mental Health, who reported the most detailed study yet on this problem in Monday's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." This is important information in understanding how these children seem to be biologically different.

Globe and Mail/ Brains of ADHD Children Slower to Develop/ Nov 12, 2007 /Randolph E Schmid

JUST A THOUGHT...
My question would be to look at these children at birth, watch their diet throughout childhood and then test years later to see if the difference in brain development occured at birth or was somehow influenced by a combination of external factors, such as diet.

FLU SEASON

2007-11-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

The flu season is upon us and I wanted to remind you of a few strategies you could take in order to best equip yourself with health. Limiting your consumption of white sugar is a must because it paralyses the white blood cell. White blood cells that cannot move cannot engulf bacteria. Replace sugar with honey where possible.

At the first sign of a cold, if your tummy can stand fresh garlic, crush a clove, cover with a bit of honey and swallow it. If you are concerned about the garlic smell, take it right before bedtime and by morning there will be no trace of it. Garlic is a powerful tool against bacteria and virus’.

Vitamin C and zinc are my two favourite “immune nutrients”. Take 2000mg of C twice daily from October to March and 30-50mg of Zinc once a day during the same time period is helpful for prevention.

If you want to get a bit more aggressive, I recommend the infect-2 “natural flu shots” we give at the Family Health Clinic as a means to preventing the flu. Children can take an oral version to avoid the poke. In addition to this shot every 4-6 weeks during the winter, I also recommend muccococinum. This remedy is taken once every 2 weeks for added protection between your shots. My patients love the success of this immune protocol for their entire families.

Don’t forget about the power of exercise when it comes to immunity. In a recent study of post menopausal aged women who exercised for 45 minutes 5 days a week, the incidence of infection was 3 times lower than their non-exercising counterparts. Fantastic! Not only do you stay in shape for that little black New Years dress, but you protect yourself from getting sick as well.

Chubak J, McTiernan A, Soresen B, et al. Moderate-intensity exercise reduces the incidence of colds among postmenopausal women. American Journal of Medicine 2006;119(11):937-942.

DISEASE IN A CAN

2006-10-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Out of over 100 soft drinks and other beverages analyzed by the government, five contained levels of benzene -- a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia -- that exceed federal standards set for benzene in drinking water, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

While the federal benzene limit for drinking water is 5 parts per billion (ppb), researchers found benzene levels as high as 79 ppb in the drinks, and most had at least some detectable level of benzene present.

Benzene is able to form in beverages that contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and the preservatives sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate. Exposure to heat and light can trigger the formation.

The five drinks that contained excessive benzene levels were:
• Safeway Select Diet Orange
• Crush Pineapple
• AquaCal Strawberry Flavored Water Beverage
• Crystal Light Sunrise Classic Orange
• Giant Light Cranberry Juice Cocktail.

I am still shocked every time I reflect on the fact that the number one source of calories in America comes from soda. We clearly have a long way to go to share even the most fundamental, basic nutrition concepts to the typical highly deceived and manipulated American consumer.

One of the most important physical choices you can make is to discontinue the use of any types of soda and replace it with clean water or soda alternatives (see below). This can have absolutely profound influences on not only your health but the health of your children.

Studies demonstrate that phosphorus, a common ingredient in soda, can deplete bones of calcium. You will see it on the label as “phosphoric acid”. The acid nature of the ingredient causes the body to release calcium from bone in order to buffer the blood back to a neutral pH. The blood wins, but the bones lose.

A 1994 Harvard study of bone fractures in teenage athletes found a strong association between cola beverage consumption and bone fractures in 14-year-old girls. The girls who drank cola were about five times more likely to suffer bone fractures than girls who didn't consume soda pop.

Surveys have found that parents are major role models for their kids' eating habits, even more so than their peers.

• Almost one-third of the children surveyed drank soft drinks daily, and most drank "regular," not "diet," drinks.
• Consumption was greater among boys than girls and their intake increased as they got older
• Virtually all of the respondents liked or "strongly liked" the taste of soft drinks. The "strongly liked" group was almost five times more likely to have soft drinks at least five times a week
• A child's odds of having a soft drink daily almost doubled if they watched at least 3.5 hours of TV
• Soft drinks are far more likely to be consumed when they're available in homes and schools

So what are the alternatives for the odd treat when you want to serve a beverage other than pure water to your little ones? Health food stores and health supermarkets offer terrific soda look a likes. One of my favorites is the “light mango organic spritzer”. It is fizzy and yummy and nice over ice on a hot day. The ingredients are organic mango purée and naturally carbonated spring water. The “light” has no artificial sweetener, just a lower proportion of the mango so it is not as sweet.

I even cut the light version with Perrier, but those who are used to drinking sweet sodas should have no problem with the full strength version. There is a wide variety of flavors and they come in convenient soda cans for packing to a picnic or party. So for summer time barbeques and special occasions do your family a huge favor and spare their bones, teeth and immune systems by choosing a healthy alternative to regular soda pop.

MINERAL OIL

2006-09-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

Mineral oil is a petroleum product which has a highly stable quality to help bind together cosmetic ingredients, and therefore it is commonly used as a base or stabilizing ingredient in lotions, makeup and many of the other products which we use on our skin. It is a cheap and readily available additive, which we believe is not so harmless as its name implies!

You may already know that mineral oil has been used for generations as a powerful and effective laxative when taken internally. This is how it functions as a laxative: after entering the intestines, it draws the moisture out of the intestinal walls and uses these body liquids as a lubricant to move waste out of the body. Although effective, this is usually not a pleasant laxative method, and gentler herbal laxatives have fortunately taken its place in popularity.

If mineral oil's action is to draw out fluid from the intestinal walls, what will it draw out of the cells on the surface of your skin? The precious moisture and water, of course. Take a look at the labels of the most popular brand names of skin lotions and you will find mineral oil listed on nearly all of them, even those which claim to be "natural," and are made by companies we have trusted all our lives!

How can the big cosmetic companies get away with this? It's easy. It would cost hundreds of thousands in research dollars to prove that mineral oil may deplete surface skin cells of moisture. The traditional cosmetic companies don't want you to know all about their ingredients, so they're keeping quiet ... after all, everyone keeps buying their products, so the products must be safe, right?

Did you know that the biggest selling brands of "baby oil" contain just mineral oil and fragrance? Can you believe that we put this stuff on our babies? Would you rub Quaker State Engine Oil onto your precious baby's behind?

Although the natural products manufacturers cannot make the claim that mineral oil is harmful, they still do not use it in their products. When you read the labels of lotions found in natural products stores, you will not (and should not) see mineral oil listed as an ingredient.

Now that you may have discovered that your favorite cosmetics and lotions contain mineral oil, you may be wondering why these lotions seem to have an adequate emollient effect on your skin. Yes, these products may coat the skin smoothly and evenly, and they do seem to protect from chapping, and they do seem to soothe dry skin. Don't be fooled! The mineral oil may cause your skin to get progressively drier, and you will have to keep applying these products more frequently. So you might begin to accept that your skin is just getting drier, and that it needs more lotion that it used to. But what is happening may be that the ingredients in your favorite skin care products are slowly doing you more harm than good.

In the meantime, your body may be continually trying to re-hydrate your skin cells, but you are using mineral oil-based products on your skin and drinking diuretics such as coffee, which also draws water out of the skin cells from an internal level. So why are you getting all those little crinkles and wrinkles? Could it be from getting sunburned every summer when you were a child? We think not.

The lotions and cosmetics found in natural products stores use natural or vegetable-derived emollients such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, glycerin, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, and a host of others. If most of these ingredients sound good enough to eat, that's because they are mostly food-based, which means that if it's good for your insides, it's good for your outside, too.

Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it is a living, breathing, porous, sensitive, reactive organ which needs good care. What you put on your skin will be absorbed into your body, to varying but profound degrees.

There is also an important connection between our skin and our liver, which is why those who have impaired liver function often suffer from psoriasis and other related skin ailments. So we implore you, do not use products on your skin which contain questionable ingredients, and do not use perfumes, colognes, products which contain alcohol, or those with heavy, artificially-derived fragrances. (In a future newsletter issue we will address the reasons why you should not use alcohols on your skin.)

If you look around you, you will find natural products which satisfy every cosmetic and skin care need you could possibly have, and without harmful ingredients. For instance, instead of using an alcohol-based aftershave, you can choose from witch hazel-based products which may also contain excellent herbs for the skin, such as calendula and aloe vera.

As always, we encourage you to do your own research, read labels, ask questions, and make informed decisions about your health.

FENNEL FOR DIGESTION

2006-08-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

The seeds of this little plant, not only taste wonderful, but have numerous healing properties as well. It may be worth planting a few seeds this spring in your garden for use as an after dinner tea.
Uses: The seeds flavor breads, curries, apple pie, and fish sauces and are sprouted as a salad herb. The seeds are chewed to decrease hunger and ease indigestion. Fennel is fantastic at relieving gas pains associated with intestinal discomfort. The seeds can be brewed as a tea for relieving constipation, to increase breast milk and regulate menstruation. Seed and leaf steams aid deep skin cleansing. The essential oil (used conservatively) is used in a muscle-toning massage.

Women's Health: The antispasmodic action of fennel helps to soothe muscles contractions in the uterus, but in a strong enough dosage it may stimulate the uterus to bring on menstruation. Fennel has a mild estrogenic effect, which means it acts like the female hormone estrogen. This is why it is contributed to increase mother's milk and bring on menstruation. Older women may wish to try fennel to aid the discomforts associated with menopause.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons fennel seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
A weakened tea can be given to babies to ease colic.

Antioxidant Power of Breast Milk

2006-07-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

In a study involving 54 healthy term infants 3 to 6 months of age, breast milk was found to provide better antioxidant power than cow’s milk modified formula. The infants were fed breast milk or a cow’s milk-modified formula. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), vitamin C, albumin, bilirubin, and uric acid levels were measured as indicators of antioxidant markers, and plasma total peroxide (TP) levels were measured as an oxidative stress marker. Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C levels were significantly higher in breast-fed infants than in formula-fed infants, whereas plasma TP levels and OSI were higher in formula-fed infants than in breast-fed infants. Thus, this study suggests that breast milk provides greater antioxidant power than formula, while producing less free radical stress.

Just another reason to breast feed our kids now backed by mainstream medical research.

“Breast milk provides better antioxidant power than does formula,” Aycicek A, Erel O, et al, Nutrition, 2006; Apr 22; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Sanliurfa, Sanliurfa, Turkey).

TEFLON IN TROUBLE

2006-06-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

More than 20 attorneys, representing a total of 73 people, recently met to discuss the first steps in a $5-billion federal lawsuit, spanning at least 15 U.S. states, over injuries caused by the chemicals released from Teflon-coated pans.

The attorneys hope to combine all of the individual complaints into one class-action lawsuit against Teflon maker DuPont. If they receive class-action certification, hearings could come as early as January.

This could eventually lead to refunds for millions of Teflon cookware purchasers throughout the United States.

Teflon is the trade name for the polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) used in electrical insulating tape; combustion engines; chemical apparatus and tubing designed to resist attack from most chemicals, and in non-stick frying pans and other cookware.

Several disturbing facts about Teflon chemicals:
• They tended to be very persistent in the environment
• They are fat soluble and resistant to normal detoxification processes in the liver
• They accumulate and concentrate in animal and human body fat,
• They get passed on by the mother to the fetus through the placental membrane and then to the infant via breast milk,

• A number of them are endocrine disrupting chemicals (i.e. they interfere with the production or performance of hormones, which are the messengers produced in special glands to regulate body chemistry) To top it all, when these substances are burned in any facility ranging from a back yard burner to a trash incinerator, they produce highly toxic byproducts including dioxins and furans ( PCDDs and PCDFs).

It is time to get rid of your toxic cooking utensils. It is counter-productive to invest time, money and love into making healthy, organic meals for your family while cooking them in toxic pans.

New Information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

2006-05-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants who are 1 month to 1 year old. Most deaths occur between 2 to 4 months of age. One factor that may be associated with SIDS, are the flame retardant chemicals found in crib mattresses. According to researcher James Sprott, when naturally occurring fungi grow in a mattress, they react with flame retardant chemicals producing a toxic gas cloud that hovers just above the bed. Turning babies onto their back has decreased SIDS because their noses are not placed right in the toxic gases.

Covering your mattress in one of two ways can prevent this problem. One way is to buy a BabeSafe mattress cover for a bassinet or crib. Search BabeSafe or www.healthychild.com or www.preventcribdeath.com to find crib mattress covers. The other option is to make your own mattress cover using polyethylene from a hardware store. Sprott’s research has shown that no infants have died in New Zealand since 1994 when wrapping mattresses with a polyethylene covering.

How to Wrap a Mattress for SIDS Prevention:

Wrap any mattress until baby is well past the age of a risk from SIDS (12 months).

1. Use thick, clear (not colored) polyethylene sheeting, available in the paint section of your hardware store. The thickness must be at least 125 microns, or 5 mil. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) should never be used. Measure the mattress and figure enough extra to cover the sides and part of the bottom of the mattress along the entire perimeter. Cut the approximate size for the mattress and air it outdoors for a few days before wrapping your mattress.

2. Place the polyethylene over the top of the mattress and down the ends and sides, and then secure it firmly beneath the mattress with strong adhesive or duct tape. The polyethylene should not be airtight on the underside of the mattress, but it must be airtight on the top and sides of the mattress.

3. On top of the polyethylene place a pure cotton blanket or mattress cover and tuck this in securely. Look for organic mattress covers. Place sheets on as usual. Refrain from using acrylic blankets, sleeping bags, or moisture-resistant mattress protectors.

Other precautions to prevent SIDS:

·Do not allow babies to sleep in soft mattresses or on other couches or soft
surfaces (beanbag chairs, overstuffed chairs, waterbeds).

·Do not smoke or expose them to cigarette smoke.

·Alcohol and recreational drug use, sleeping pills and other sedatives taken by mothers during pregnancy has been linked with SIDS.

·Poor prenatal care and low birth-weight are also risk factors. Receive optimal prenatal care.

·Have your baby sleep on their back.

SOME ACTIONS TO TAKE FOR RECURRING EAR INFECTIONS

2006-04-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Recurring ear infections can be painful and frustrating for children and their parents. Ear infections are the most common reason for acute pediatric visits in the United States. While ear infections are not generally life threatening, they are often chronic, and can require extensive antibiotic or surgical treatment.
Resent research has been conducted on supplementation with a multivitamin-mineral supplement together with cod-liver oil. The results showed a 72% reduction in childhood ear infections. Prior to the beginning of this clinical trial, the authors studied the nutrient concentrations in the blood of children with chronic ear infections. They found lower concentrations of vitamin A, selenium, and a fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in children with ear infections when compared to a population of healthy adults. Those findings led the researchers to use cod-liver oil (a source of concentrated EPA) and a multiple vitamin-mineral as the treatment protocol.

There have also been numerous studies that have proven ear infections can be reduced up to 86% by eliminating food allergens from the diet. Dairy seems to be a common sensitivity in those children who suffer from ear infections, asthma, allergies and eczema. It is interesting to note that in countries where children do not consume dairy products, there are no ear infections reported.

Cranio-sacral therapy is another line of treatment that helps re-align the eustation tubes, which opens the ear canals and prevents fluid buildup.
Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology ( 2002; 111: 642-ð52 )

SMART FOODS TO EAT DURING PREGNANCY

2006-03-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

RESEARCH CONTRIBUTED BY DR. JENNIFER MOSS

The nurturing of your baby starts even before baby’s conception. Think of your body as the soil from which your child will grow from a seed into the beautiful being they are destined to become. A garden well fertilized and mulched is ready to sprout the seeds of spring flowers and summer harvests. A body full to the brim with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients will also be ready to grow a beautiful healthy baby. Treat your body with the love and care and unconditional acceptance that you will your child. Your health (physical, emotional and spiritual) is as important for your well being and journey on this planet as it is for the well being of your child. The start of nurturing yourself and your baby comes from all that you feed your being - the foods, thoughts, emotions, experiences all become a part of every cell of your body as it moves through our ever changing growing life.

Here are a few nutritious foods for boosting the wellness of your body, mind and spirit. Nurture your body with whole, natural, unprocessed foods which your body understands and uses to keep the soil of your body healthy and full of life. The foods that we choose to support the growth of our physical energetic body must also resonate the life and energy that we wish for ourselves and our family.

ORGANIC
Choose certified organic foods when possible. If you can only choose some organic foods it is best to choose organic meats and oils as pesticides and other toxins concentrate in the oils of plants and animals.

The Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network explains what certified organic means to the quality of our foods and environment:

Certified Organic’ assures the consumer that the product has been produced according to regulated standards, which include, production without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, sewage sludge, irradiation to preserve food or genetically modified organisms or genetically engineered seed/stock. Livestock are not subjected to intensive feedlots, nor to antibiotics, medicated feed or growth hormones. Farmers also judiciously employ management techniques such as well-designed crop rotations, replenishment of organic matter, use of green manures and composting.
http://www.acornorganic.org/certification.html

AMARANTH
Amaranth is an ancient grain used originally by the Aztecs for its valuable nutritive value. Amaranth looks like tiny yellow, brown, and black seeds. Containing high levels of protein and calcium, amaranth is an excellent grain to choose for those with higher nutrient requirements such as pregnant and nursing moms. In fact, amaranth contains more calcium, and the supporting calcium cofactor magnesium, than milk.

Although amaranth is a very nutritious grain it us unfortunately not very tasty. The flavor is like graham crackers without the sweetness. Amaranth tastes best when used in recipes - mixed with other grains; as flour mixed with other flours; or as puffed cereal.

IRON
Keep your iron stores high and help to boost them up to prevent iron deficiency anemia and to ensure you have lots of energy for the go-go-go world of parenting with these iron rich foods:
◦ Dried fruits like raisins, apricots and prunes
◦ Seaweeds
◦ Molasses
◦ Dark leafy green vegetables like kale, collard greens, Swiss chard
◦ Free range Eggs
◦ Lean meats
◦ Kidney, lima and soy beans

OILS
Healthy oils are very important for optimum reproduction and infant brain development. Particularly the essential fatty acids – omega 3 and 6 found in flax and fish oils which promote healthy blood, nerves and arteries; boost immunity and are required for normal growth and energy. Choose cold pressed unrefined vegetable oils to ensure the sensitive essential fatty acids are not destroyed. Choose organic oils when possible and avoid trans fatty acids (ie margarine) as they lower the essential fatty acid status of both mothers and babies.

FOLIC ACID
Folic acid is a very important nutrient for women during childbearing years, as well as before and during pregnancy. During the first 13 weeks of pregnancy it prevents birth defects of the spine and brain such as spina bifida. Folic acid rich foods are the dark leafy greens such as:
◦ Kale
◦ Swiss chard
◦ Collard greens
◦ Spinach
◦ Turnip greens
◦ Mustard greens
◦ Beet greens
◦ Bok choy.

CALCIUM
When you think of calcium what is the first word that comes to mind? Milk? Milk does contain calcium but so do many other foods containing other important nutrients such as iron, fiber, folic acid and vitamin C. Here are a few calcium rich foods to keep in mind when you are thinking of boosting your calcium stores.
◦ Blackberries
◦ Currents, dried
◦ Dates, Figs, Raisins
◦ Papaya
◦ Beans sprouts
◦ Almonds
◦ Sardines, anchovies, salmon
◦ Leafy greens: beet greens (boiled), bok choy, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, turnip greens
◦ Broccoli
◦ Butternut squash
◦ Chickpeas, lentils, fava beans, adzuki beans

TAINTED BABY FORMULA

2006-02-28T00:07:00.000-08:00

Nestle, the world's biggest food company, has recently recalled hundreds of thousands of gallons of baby milk from France, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Traces of the chemical isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) had leached into the product from the packaging ink.

Up to 8 million gallons of contaminated milk were confiscated, and as much as 530 thousand gallons were recalled, in Italy alone. Spokespeople for Nestle claimed the substance posed no health risk, and that the recall was "an extreme precautionary measure to reassure consumers.

European Union food safety experts said the presence of the substance is considered "undesirable" in food by the EU's Food Safety Agency. This is definitely something for parents to be aware of.

THE LATEST RESEARCH ON ACNE

2006-01-24T20:28:00.000-08:00

Acne may result from the very diet that feeds it, suggests a new study that flies in the face of three decades worth of conventional thinking on the cause of facial blemishes. And this time, it's not just isolated items such as chocolate or pizza being implicated. It's the entire typical western diet, a gamut of highly refined starchy and sugary foods that not only includes those "junk" foods but also the very breads, cereals, and carbohydrates that are the cornerstone of the USDA Food Pyramid.

The theory, reported in the December issue of Archives of Dermatology: Most staples in the American diet are high-glycemic foods -- those that tend to spike blood sugar levels and have already been implicated in increasing risk of diabetes, obesity, cholesterol, and other health conditions. But they also cause acne, says Loren Cordain, PhD, a Colorado State University health and exercise scientist and lead researcher of the study. He says these foods cause acne by triggering a "hormonal cascade": By raising levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), more male hormone testosterone is produced, which leads to overproduction of more sebum -- the greasy gunk that blocks pores and triggers acne. Researchers have long known that elevated testosterone levels does trigger acne. "If you eat grains, drink milk, or have any processed foods, you essentially have a high-glycemic load diet," Cordain tells WebMD. "About 85% of the grains in the western diet are refined and highly glycemic. Half of the total per capita calorie intake in this country is high glycemic load foods. It's a universal manifestation of western foods." But why are teens most likely to wear the battle scars of a national diet consumed by those of all ages? "Because the teenaged years are a time of natural insulin resistance," Cordain explains. "The teens are growth years; for tissues to grow, they become insulin resistant." In the U.S., acne plagues up to 95% of teens and about half of adults under age 40.

Yet some primitive populations eating all-natural foods are virtually pimple-free, says Cordain. His international team of researchers studied 1,200 people (including 300 teens) in New Guinea and 115 (with 15 teens) in remote Paraguay and couldn't detect a single zit in two years of study. These people only eat what they hunt, gather, or grow themselves -- fruit, vegetables, seafood, and lean meats -- and no refined foods.

"We then looked at other studies that examined incidents of acne in
similar populations -- South Americans and New Guineans now living in
westernized settings," he tells WebMD. "We found that when they become
more westernized and start eating like Americans, they do develop acne,"
he notes. "So it's not genetics." His advice: Eat foods with a low glycemic index -- a prediction of how much a particular food will raise your insulin levels. Low glycemic foods include lean meat and fish, vegetables, and fruit. A new study is under way in Australia to test the effect that high- and low-glycemic foods have on acne-laden teens.

"This study shows the American people that there is a link between diet and acne and that it is treatable by altering diet," Cordain tells WebMD. But not all are convinced. "Hypothetically, a high-load glycemic diet could lead to (acne), but I'm not convinced that going on a low-glycemic diet would improve acne," says Diane Berson, MD, of Cornell Medical College and a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatology. "There are many factors that play a role in acne -- genetics, stress. It could be these people studied were genetically less susceptible or that their lifestyle is less stressful than western civilizations. It's hard to definitively conclude that diet is the factor.

" Meanwhile, the academy has no plans to rewrite this long-standing policy: "Acne is not caused by food. While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas,peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet, but diet shouldn't really matter if the acne is being appropriately treated."

That policy -- along with the thinking of Berson and most health experts -- stems largely from studies in the 1960s and 1970s that found no scientific cause for the popular notion (at least by patients) that breakouts occurred after certain foods were consumed. "One of the ways in which everyone kind of blew off the food connection was because of a paper published in 1969 in The Journal of the American Medical Association examining whether chocolate caused acne," says Cordain. "One group was fed chocolate and another fed a placebo. And lo and behold, the incidences were the same. But the placebo had the same glycemic load as the chocolate - virtually all the ingredients were the same except for cocoa. Bingo!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOURCES: Archives of Dermatology, December 2002, Loren Cordain, PhD,
professor of health and exercise science, Colorado State University,
Diane Berson, MD, assistant professor of dermatology, Cornell Medical

IMMUNE BOOSTING SOUP

2005-12-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

As we haved moved into cold and flu season Dr. Moss thought it appropriate to add an Immune-Boosting Soup recipe to nurture the body’s vital force with nutrition to be strong through the winter weather.

IMMUNE BOOSTING SOUP

For ages: 2 years and up
Yields: 6-8 servings

1 large Onion, chopped (antibacterial, antiviral)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (antibacterial, antiviral)
2 Tbsp Olive oil
4 or 5 Astragalus sticks (immune stimulant, antiviral)
1 cup Celery, chopped (fiber and vitamin source)
1 cup Green beans, chopped (fiber and vitamin source)
2 cups Carrots or other root vegetables, chopped
(rehydrating, potassium source)
2 large Potatoes, chopped (potassium source)
4 dried or 2 fresh Shitake mushrooms (immune stimulant)
Basil, parsley, tarragon,
or other culinary herbs to taste (antibacterial)
1 pound Tofu, cut into small cubes (protein source)
1-2 Tbsp White miso (alkaline, rehydrating)
1 cup Pasta:whole grain or rice (fiber source)
8 cups Water

Sauté onion and garlic in oil in a large stockpot until softened. Add water and bring to a boil. Add vegetables and astragalus. Simmer, covered, 30 minutes. Add tofu and simmer an additional 20 minutes; add herbs and pasta and simmer 10 more minutes. Remove from heat. Remove astragalus sticks and stir in miso to taste. Depending on your child’s tolerance for spiciness, you may want to add hot pepper sauce, fresh ground pepper, or additional garlic.

Variation: To make the soup more appealing to your child add other foods that your child likes. As well children tend to like the soup more when pasta or nuts added to it.

Astragalus is one of the most popular immune tonic herbs in China, used for thousands of years. It has a sweet taste and is a warming tonic particularly suited for young active people improving resistance to cold. You may find it in Chinese grocers, Chinese herbal shops, or try you local health food store. The astragalus sticks look like doctor’s tongue depressors!

Pregnant women need fish for fetus

2005-11-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

Women wanting to boost their babies’ cognitive development need to tread a fine line in fish consumption to avoid excess mercury, suggests a new study on the risks posed by mercury and the benefits of omega-3.

A raft of studies has indicated that omega-3 has an important role to play in brain development, as well as the prevention of heart disease and certain cancers and promotion of bone health. But just as consumers are becoming more aware of omega-3 and its benefits, a note of caution has issued from the FDA on organic mercury levels in fish, one of the best natural sources of the fatty acid.

Certain fish contain higher levels of mercury, which is believed to affect the development of a baby or young child’s nervous system. The FDA therefore recommends that pregnant women and nursing mothers eat up to 12 ounces (two average meals) of fish that are low in mercury each week in order to support fetal brain development. Varieties such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock and catfish are lowest in mercury.

Since albacore or white tuna contains more mercury than light tuna, it should be restricted to one 6 ounce serving per week. Shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, which contain high levels of mercury, should be avoided altogether. Researchers set out to study whether women’s fish consumption, when pregnant, harms or benefits fetal brain development.

The study group consisted of 135 mother and infant pairs who were involved in Project Viva, a prospective pregnancy and child cohort study. The mothers recorded their consumption of canned tuna, shellfish, dark meat fish and other types of fish in a food frequency questionnaire throughout the second trimester. On average, they ate 1.2 servings of fish.

At six months, the infants’ cognitive ability was assessed using visual recognition memory (VRM) testing. The research team found that higher fish intake was associated with higher infant cognition. However, in increase of 1ppm of maternal mercury resulted in a 7.5 drop in VRM score. It was determined that infants whose mothers consumed more than two servings of fish per week, but had mercury levels of 1.2ppm or lower had the highest VRM scores. “Women should continue to eat fish during pregnancy but choose varieties with lower mercury contamination,” wrote the researchers in the October issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.

In a white paper issued in July, the Council for Responsible Nutrition advised the general population to increase its intake of oily fish or take supplements to obtain protective intake levels of about 0.5g of omega-3 per day. Although dietary supplements were outside the scope of the Harvard study, they may prove beneficial for people who are concerned about the detrimental effects of mercury levels or who have some other aversion to fish.

It is incredibly important to not just consume any old fish oil supplement. Most of the brands you find at the drug store or at Costco have not been screened for heavy metals. Make sure you check brands with a health care provider that is up on this research before consuming fish oil supplements. If you can manage taking fish oil by the teaspoon, Carlson’s cod liver oil has no heavy metals. If you prefer the encapsulated version, Rx Fish Oil is a safe brand. Carlson’s can be found at certain health food stores and the capsule version at the Family Health Clinic.

Immune Support for this Year’s Flu

2005-10-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 60% of your immune system is in your gut? The friendly bacteria are responsible for keeping the immune system functioning up to par. This is why repeated antibiotic use, which kills the good bugs, sets you up for more infections. With any flu season, it is a good idea to be proactive about preventing as much as you can. Although it is healthy to get sick once a year, most of us do not want to let being sick slow us down.

If you have not checked the status of your gut flora lately, now would be a good time to do it. If you have recently been on antibiotics or have a history of chronic use, HMF replete is the choice for restoring bowel flora. This product is 16 times stronger than regular acidophilus. If you are under 2 years old, then NESS 801 is your bowel formula of choice. This is important to give to all newborns in order to set the stage for healthy growth of infant bacteria strains, which will reduce the incidence of allergies, asthma and immune dysfunction as they age.

Thymactive is a wonderful tool for kids of all ages for cold/flu prevention. This product combines homeopathic Echinacea and thymus glandular for top notch viral protection. Because it tastes sweet, kids have no problem taking it. I suggest 10 drops daily from October through February for prevention and 4 times daily when they seem to be fighting something.

The most effective way to treat sinus and upper respiratory congestion is to do warming socks before bed. The treatment may sound strange, but it has been used for centuries to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Place a pair of wet, cotton socks in the freezer. Before bed, put the frozen socks on your feet followed by a pair of wool socks. Within 5 minutes your feet will be HOT. You will sleep soundly and wake up to toasty, dry feet and less congested airways. Ask my patients…this crazy treatment works!

MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TREATMENT ALSO PRESENTED BY DR.MOSS IN THE TIP OF THE WEEK.

The Toxic Ingredients Concealed in a Typical Bottle of Sunscreen

2005-09-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Toxic Ingredients Concealed in a Typical Bottle of Sunscreen is regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter drug because it contains several "active" ingredients. The debate over toxicity of these active ingredients is still a controversy.

One study found that the main chemical used in sun lotions to filter out ultraviolet light may be TOXIC -- and the chemical's toxicity doubled when exposed to sunlight. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), which is present in 90 percent of sunscreen brands, was found to kill mouse cells even at low doses in a study by Norwegian scientists. When researchers shone a lamp for two hours to simulate midday sunshine, even more cells died.

A study in the April 2004 Journal of Chromatography found that there is significant penetration of all sunscreen agents they studied into the skin. So, it's fair to assume that when you use sunscreen your body is absorbing synthetic chemicals.

If you follow the recommendations on the sunscreen's label to apply generous amounts of the product every few hours, it's likely you will be absorbing your fair share of potentially toxic chemicals.

The vast majority of today's sunscreens are nothing more than poisonous concoctions loaded with suspect carcinogens. Finding a "safe" sunscreen is about as difficult as getting your kids out of the pool on a hot summer day.

Fortunately, there are some wonderful sunblocks that are virtually free of all toxic chemicals, made by the leader in natural skincare -- Aubrey Organics! Nature’s Gate is another company featuring natural sunscreens sold in most health food stores. Titania Full Spectrum Sunblock SPF 25 provides UVA and UVB ray protection with titanium dioxide, a mineral that actually deflects burning rays off your skin, and PABA ester. Both ingredients are the most natural sunblock agents allowed in sunscreen products. It's also made with shea butter, white camellia oil and other emollients to keep skin soft and supple for hours. Those of you with dry or mature skin will be amazed by this sunblock's long-lasting hydrating power. Green Tea Sunblock for Children SPF 25 is the best natural sun protection for children of all ages. This exclusive herbal formula provides full spectrum protection with PABA ester and a natural, sun-reflecting mineral. Plus it contains antioxidant-rich Matcha green tea to prevent free radical damage. While not recommended for infants under six months of age - it is perfect for children and adults sensitive skin.

Titanium dioxide, which you will find in both the Titania and Green Tea Sunblocks, acts as physical barrier that reflect UV rays, and is considered to be the least problematic in terms of absorption. The only other active ingredient you'll find in the Aubrey Organic sunscreens is Paba Ester (Padimate O), which is among the most natural agents you will find in sunscreen products today.

The Newborn Body Burden

2005-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

In the months leading up to a baby's birth, the umbilical code carries blood back and forth between the fetus and the placenta - where oxygen and nutrients are picked up by the blood for delivery to the developing baby.

Although it has been known that there are some substances harmful to a developing fetus which readily cross the placenta blood barrier; alcohol being a prime example, for a long time it was thought that the placenta acted as a rather efficient "filter" removing the majority of toxins from the fetal blood supply thereby allowing it to develop unaffected by harmful substances.

Now a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Commonweal has shown that the placenta is not as efficient a filter as was once thought. Using cord blood taken from 10 U.S. babies born between August and September 2004, tests were conducted in an attempt to detect some 260 different chemicals. Essentially all of the chemicals tested for were found in the cord blood samples including pesticides, consumer product ingredients (perfluorinated chemicals associated with products like Teflon, Scotchgard, carpet protectors and food wraps), and waste products produced by burning both coal and gasoline. This joint study is the first reported detection of over 200 of the chemicals in cord blood.

These findings are of particular concern for a number of reasons:
1. In a developing child, and particularly in the fetus, chemical exposure is greater on a pound-for-pound basis than for an adult.
2. An immature, porous blood-brain barrier allows greater chemical exposures to the brain - even into teenage years. (ADHD is on the rise)
3. A baby's organs and systems are rapidly developing. This makes them more vulnerable to damage from chemical exposures.
4. Systems such as the liver that remove toxins from the body are not yet fully developed in infants and children.
5. A longer anticipated life span of a child (when compared to an adult) allows more time for the negative effects of chemical exposure to arise.

Today there are approximately 75,000 chemical compounds in use in the United States. In addition - an average of 7 new chemicals are introduced into use every day. The vast majority of these chemicals are used with little or no testing with regard to the long-term effect they have on our health. This is in-spite of evidence that chemical exposures can and do have much more significant effects on the very young. There is also increasing evidence to support the notion that our genes may be re-programmed in ways that are both undesirable and lasting by the presence of heavy metals and other toxins in our bodies.

Couples planning to start a family in the near future are increasingly taking the strategy of consulting with an environmental medical specialist to test for chemical and heavy metal exposure. These are then chelated out of out of both prior to attempting conception, in order to give the children a better non-toxic start to their lives. Naturopathic doctors study environmental medicine, with some specializing more than others in this area. One of the best tests to check for heavy metal status is a DMPS urine challenge. At the Family Health Clinic, DMSA is given orally or DMPS given IV, then urine is collected and analyzed for 11 different heavy metals including mercury, aluminum and lead. Chronic diseases can be averted if heavy metals are identified and removed.

For further printed information on environmental medicine please see Dr Doris Rapp's books: Our Toxic World and Is This Your Child's World?

Gene Expression in the Womb

2005-07-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

In a study that demonstrates you are what you eat, scientists have reported they have changed the fur colors of baby mice simply by altering their mothers' diets.

They changed the color of baby mouse fur by feeding pregnant mice four nutritional supplements -- vitamin B12, folic acid, choline and betaine. Mice given the supplements gave birth to babies with predominantly brown coats. Pregnant mice not fed the supplements gave birth mostly to babies with yellow coats.

The study shows that common nutrients can influence which genes turn on and off in a developing fetus, and help explain some of the factors that decide which genes are expressed and which remain silent.

The researchers noted, "We have long known that maternal nutrition profoundly impacts disease susceptibility in their offspring, but we never understood the cause-and-effect link…For the first time ever, we have shown precisely how nutritional supplementation to the mother can permanently alter gene expression in her offspring without altering the genes themselves."

There is much support for the idea that nutrition can affect gene expression in people. Several studies have shown, for example, that women who eat a poor diet while pregnant have children who grow up with a tendency to diabetes and heart disease.

In this mouse study, the gene affected by the supplements was the Agouti gene. This gene affects more than fur color. Mice with overactive Agouti genes tend to be obese and susceptible to diabetes.

The supplements had the effect of turning the Agouti gene "off" so that it could not exert its influence on the embryonic mice. The result was that the baby mice had a different color fur for the rest of their lives. Turning off the Agouti gene during pregnancy also causes the mice offspring to be less prone to obesity and diabetes.

Bottom Line:

What you eat will profoundly influence your future health.
What your mother ate with you in her womb has profoundly influenced your past and present health -- and will influence your future health.
If you plan to become a mother, what you eat at conception and during early pregnancy will profoundly influence your child's future health.

We bring this study to your attention because it illustrates that what you put into your mouth is crucial in determining how your genes behave. Improving your diet is arguably the most important thing you can do to change the outcome of your health and the health of your children. “A moment on the lips may have greater impact than simply a lifetime on the hips”.

Source: Waterland RA et al, Transposable Elements: Targets for Early Nutritional Effects on Epigenetic Gene Regulation, Molecular and Cellular Biology, August 2003, 23(15):5293-5300 ~taken from Nancy Dune for PCOS research~

The Top Ten Studies in 2004
This is just an FYI on what studies were popular in 2004

Echinacea does work if you use an effective product
U.S. Government study acknowledges health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 index emerges as the most significant marker for heart disease
Black cohosh extract exerts anticancer effects against breast cancer cell
Combination of Glucosamine and MSM superior to either alone in treating osteoarthritis
Antioxidant supplementation reduces risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Long-term study shows CLA effective as weight loss aid
Even brief exposure to statin drugs lower CoQ10 levels
Lutein improves vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration
Ginkgo biloba extract continues to show benefits in elderly subjects

Prevent Recurring Ear Infections

2005-06-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Recurring ear infections can be painful and frustrating for children and their parents. Ear infections are the most common reason for acute pediatric visits in the United States. While ear infections are not generally life threatening, they are often chronic, and can require extensive antibiotic or surgical treatment.

Resent research has been conducted on supplementation with a multivitamin-mineral supplement together with cod-liver oil. The results showed a 72% reduction in childhood ear infections. Prior to the beginning of this clinical trial, the authors studied the nutrient concentrations in the blood of children with chronic ear infections. They found lower concentrations of vitamin A, selenium, and a fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in children with ear infections when compared to a population of healthy adults. Those findings led the researchers to use cod-liver oil (a source of concentrated EPA) and a multiple vitamin-mineral as the treatment protocol.

There have also been numerous studies that have proven ear infections can be reduced up to 86% by eliminating food allergens from the diet. Dairy seems to be a common sensitivity in those children who suffer from ear infections, asthma, allergies and eczema. It is interesting to note that in countries where children do not consume dairy products, there are no ear infections reported.

Cranio-sacral therapy is another line of treatment that helps re-align the eustation tubes, which opens the ear canals and prevents fluid build-up.

Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology ( 2002; 111: 642-ð52 ) .