The cooler weather approaching means Christmas music, Holiday parties, and the not so jolly sniffles. The Fall and Winter seasons tend to increase the incidences of cold- and flu-like symptoms. The cold, flu, and allergies promote sinus drainage, and excess fluid build-up in the ears often leads to ear infections. Many children are susceptible to ear infections due to their young immune system and their nature of sharing germs with each other.
As a pediatric chiropractor, I have many parents initially bring in their little ones due to re-occurring ear infections. Chiropractic adjustments have been known to be a safe and effective way to not only assist the body with healing from ear infections, but also as a means of preventing such issues. Below are simple yet effective tips on how to battle ear infections for you or your little one.
- Boost Immunity
The most effective way to battle ear infections is to prevent them from ever occurring. Boosting the immune system can be obtained through proper nutrition and chiropractic adjustments. Taking daily probiotics is a natural way to boost immunity. Probiotics are good bacteria that support digestive health by decreasing gut inflammation, which in turn, boosts immune function. Be sure to get a good quality probiotic, as it is being used to fuel your body. You can talk with Jessica, our nutritionist on staff, about supplement options.Chiropractic adjustments also boost the immune system. Adjustments take irritation and pressure off the nervous system, the master controller of the body (including the immune system). Adjustments are natural and gentle methods that increase immunity in order to make your body more adaptable to the changing environment.
- Eliminate Dairy and Gluten
Dietary changes are a big factor in immunity and drainage production. Foods that contain dairy and gluten are prone to increase the production and thickness of mucus and drainage. As mentioned, increased amounts and the quality of drainage can lead to excess fluid in the ear. Fluid that is not drained properly can lead to the accumulation of viral or bacterial organisms, leading to ear infections. Dairy and gluten can also promote gut inflammation, triggering autoimmune responses over time, resulting in the development of food allergies. Ideally, it is encouraged to eliminate dairy and gluten if you or your little one is prone to ear infections. Simply reducing the intake of food containing dairy and gluten is also helpful.
- Garlic Oil
Garlic has natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidizing properties. Garlic also contains an anti-microbial agent, allicin. All the properties of garlic can be used to decrease inflammation, infection, and pain associated with ear infections. Garlic can also help with excess ear wax accumulation. Garlic can be in the form of oil, allowing easy absorption through the skin, and inner ear. Many recipes can be found online to make your own garlic oil, or it can be purchased online or at Whole Foods. Apply a few drops to the ear, and use a cotton ball to cover the ear, once or twice per day. Use garlic oil drops for children when they are asleep so the oil can fully absorb. Although garlic oil is a natural and effective way to battle ear infections, it is not recommended when the eardrum is ruptured.
For more information regarding chiropractic care and ear infections, call Dr. Samaira Dumpson at 404-355-5499.