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	ask the experts nancy gahles

Dr. Nancy Gahles, DC
Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Snuffles
• Teething remedy
• Epilepsy
• Dental sealants for children
• Whole body cleanse while nursing
• Routine dental x-rays
• Healing and preventing ear infections
• Bedwetting
• Good prenatal vitamin
• Persistent leg and foot pain
• Questions and issues to review with a potential pediatrician
• Supplementing a healthy child with flouride
• Frequent ear infections and antibiotics.
• Fluid in the ears
• Anxiety and potty issues

I have a two-and-a-half week old baby girl who developed a cold I believe. Her nose is clogged and is now interfering with nursing, as she has difficulty breathing. So she does a lot of short nursing sessions, or we have to latch on more than once. The pediatrician says her lungs are fine and that's normal—but she is having a hard time breathing especially at nights. We tried saline solution, sitting her upright, aspirator and nothing comes out, breastmilk dropped in the nose, cold mist humidifiers. She is too young for most alternative solutions I know like ginger and onions. Please help us with any solutions for stuffiness in a baby this young.

Snuffles in babies is a condition that is very responsive to homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is safe to use in infants. To find a Certified Classical Homeopath go to www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org. Hopefully, you will develop a relationship that will serve you throughout your child's life, and yours as well!

I have a question about the safety of a particular herbal teething remedy on the market.  It contains a diluted blend of white willow bark extract, chamomile and  clove oil.  It has REALLY helped my daughter's teething pain, however, I have discontinued use since I have become concerned about the white willow bark in the product.  I didn't realize white willow bark was a danger until a few weeks ago when I learned of the connection between aspirin-containing products and Reyes syndrome. All of the online research I have done recommends against the use of white willow bark with children. My question is: would you consider this product safe for use in children considering it is a topical, diluted use of white willow bark instead of an ingested dose? Or, is there enough unknown about the link between aspirin (and therefore white willow bark) and Ryes syndrome that that you would recommend erring on the side of caution and discontinuing use? The product itself advises against use when the child is running fevers, so this  makes me additionally question the product's safety.

The children's products that I use for teething (both topical for the gums and also an ear oil for associated earaches) also use willow bark.  Without any knowledge of what brand you are using, I would suggest that you contact the company directly and get their indications and contraindications for the product you are using and the research they have for willow bark. 

My nine month old son has form of epilepsy that is difficult to treat. In addition to three anti-epileptic drugs, we have tried several different complementary modalities, including acupuncture, Integrated Manual Therapy, and dietary changes. We are nervous to try chiropractic medicine because it is believed he suffered a stroke at birth. However, I've often wondered if it would help him. Is it safe for a child with his health concerns? Do you have any other suggestions?

Chiropractic deals with retoring the integrity of the nervous system and is a credible, licensed profession.  There are chiropractors who specialize in pediatrics and undergo rigorous training and certification. I do encourage you to explore this option. Look for a practitioner near you through contacting the International Chiropractic Association, Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics at www.icapediatrics.com, 1-800-423-4690.

I also recommend that you consult with a Certified Classical Homeopath to determine whether a constitutional homeopathic remedy is indicated for your son.  Go to www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org.

My children's dentist has suggested using dental sealants to prevent cavities. Do you have any information about the safety and effectiveness of sealants? Could you point me in the right direction for finding information about dental sealants? Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

My first question to you is, "Why don't you explore this issue further with your dentist?" If you cannot do this, it may mean that you don't trust the advice you are getting. In that case, I suggest you change dentists. In any professional relationship, trust is an important factor. As to the benefits of dental sealants, I suggest you search the archives of the Holistic Dental Association at www.holisticdental.org as well as the American Dental Association at www.ada.org for the most recent and pertinent information. Then discuss your findings with your dentist and come to a mutual decision. Good luck!

I have been thinking about doing a whole body cleanse and wasn't sure what the most natural and safest method was. I am nursing and do not want it to have any effect on my son.

My first question would be why are you considering a whole body cleanse at this time? How old is the child you are nursing? Is this a newborn and you want to cleanse because of the extra weight gain, for example? My advice is to examine your motives for a cleanse while you are nursing, as detoxifying the system will impact your child's milk. My suggestion is to begin a cleanse by eliminating foods that are high in unsaturated fats, refined sugars, white flour products. Begin by choosing only organic (if possible) fruits and vegetables and eat them raw, in juices, salads or as accompaniment to entrees. The high fiber content in these as well as that of legumes such as chick peas, beans and lentils will naturally detoxify the colon. Unsweetened cranberry juice diluted with water will serve as a kidney cleanse and fat flush but be mindful of the child and go lightly with these drinks. Start with one 8 oz. glass per day. Use whole grain breads but sparingly as they can be higher in calories. Choose nuts and seeds for the energy of the fats but not more than 1 handful at a time. Small frequent meals with hard cheeses and water is helpful. Most important is movement, be it walking, exercising or doing yoga. A simple mental/emotional/spiritual cleanse is the quiet reflection time you spend while you are nursing. Love is very cleansing! May the Blessings Be!

I'm concerned about the routine dental x-rays my dentist advises. He is very kind, but I tend to question things done on a routine basis. Everything I've read says the dose is very low, but it is in a very localized area. My son's teeth are just fine. Have you heard of digital x-rays that may have half the dose? Any thoughts or advice? Thanks for your time and expertise!

I do not agree with the need for routine x-rays especially when there is no present indication of benefit as, for example, following up an infection or other recurring pathology. Indeed, the question of x-ray exposure in routine mammography is being evaluated in light of the less invasive ultrasonography. A recent Medscape article on the digital x-ray scans of the body and particularly, the colon, has raised serious questions regarding safety. It appears to be the general consensus that routine radiography is questionable in terms of safety, at this point. Always ask questions as to necessity and use your intuition and intelligence to assess the risk/benefit ratio at the time the procedure is being suggested.

My almost 6 month old (exclusively breastfed) son just got his first cold which resulted in an ear infection in one ear and fluid in the other. His pediatrician suggested Tylenol for the pain and a wait and see approach. She said many ear infections will go away on their own. I was glad not to give him antibiotics but would like to know what I can do to help speed the healing process and try to prevent this from happening again.

In this case I look at the structure first by consulting a chiroractor who is trained in pediatrics. Go to www.icapediatrics.com for a practitioner near you. The birth trauma often causes subluxations that can be easily corrected. Chiropractic adjustments stimulate the immune system as well. I would be sure to eliminate environmental factors like cigarette smoking in the house and other causes of allergens like dust, painting or construction going on in the house. The fish oils are excellent for preventing colds and ear infections. I suggest Nordic Naturals as they have a flavorful and well tolerated children's formula. Check out their website and give them a call regarding dosage for your child's age. I also suggest that you read Healing Childhood Ear Infections by Dr. Michael Schmidt. A classic! Many good wishes for health & harmony.

My seven year old son is wetting the bed almost every night. I would like to know if enuresis is the result of physical or emotional disturbance. He has haa a lot of changes such as the divorce of his father and I, my remarriage and a new sibling, who is now 3. I keep waiting for him to frow out of it, but I've heard stories of 15 yr olds who still suffer from it. Is there a natural solution to this?

Enuresis can be a physical problem that must be checked out with a pediatric uroligist. In the absence of any pysical pathology, the emotional upheavals that you mention are most likely the causative factor.  If that is the case, I suggest a consultation with a Certified Classical Homeopath. I have seen excellent results with the appropriate remedy which will alleviate his suffering on all levels, mental, emotiona and physical and will allow your life to gain stability and harmony.  For a practitioner in your area go to www.homeopathic.org.Much health & harmony to you and your family.

I'm looking for a really good prenatal vitamin and wondered what your suggestions would be.

I have used DaVinci Laboratory's Ultimate Prenatal Vitamins for 20 years with excellent results. It is in a base of herbs so consult with your midwife or doctor about your own health needs in this area. Some vitamin shops carry this product although it was formerly for professional use only.  Ask your doctor to order it for you if you cannot find it locally visit their website at www.davincilabs.com Wishing you a beautiful pregnancy and birth experience.

My 3 year old son has persistent leg and foot pain mostly at night. My pediatrician ran tests, found nothing and is not concerned. However, I feel that his lack of sleep is now starting to affect him during the day as well. A few months ago, I started him on Calc. Phos and Mag. Phos. (alternating days) and tried to increase his water intake, and it does seem to be helping a little. He has chronic diarrhea and has been anemic on and off since he was a baby. He is perfectly online developmentally. Any ideas?

At first glance, I would have recommended chiropractic adjustments for the leg and foot pain. I still would do so, however, any chronic condition such as diarrhea and anemia, bespeaks an underlying problem that must be addressed. These issues must be addressed and certainly have a link to leg and foot pain particularly in the area of electrolyte imbalances, iron deficiency and a host of related metabolic patterns that should be investigated thoroughly. I would revisit this with your pediatrician and ask the question WHY? Why does my son have chronic diarrhea and anemia? This is not a normal situation and pain and lack of sleep certainly will affect a child's development. Additionally, I would seek the advice of a Certified Classical Homeopath. Dr. Jennifer Jacobs published a peer reviewed study on the efficacy of homeopathy on chronic diarrhea . Worth noting. You can find a Doctor of Chiropractic who specializes in pediatrics at www.icapediatrics.com and a homeopath at www.homeopathic.org. Good luck and congratulations for listening to your mothering instinct that something was not right even if the test results were all normal.

We are about to have our first child and need to find an appropriate pediatrician. My partner and I subscribe to alternatie healing practices and use a naturopath as a primary doctor. I am scheduling inerviews with several pediatricians to choose an appropriate one. Is there a good resource with questions or issues I should review with the potential pediatrician to help us choose the right one?

Firstly, I would ask the naturopath for a recommendation. Secondly, I would ask friends in the neighborhood who they use as they are likely to tell you stories of how they were treated, etc. The best resource is your own instincts when you meet the doctor. Listen to your gut. If you feel comfortable and the doctor takes the time to listen to you that is a good first sign of rapport. A key ingredient in a pediatrician is accessibility. Are they available in an emergency? At night? Will they simply refer you to the ER or will they meet you in the office? Parents of newborns are nervous and in unfamiliar territory. It takes a bit of hand holding to negotiate the first year. Make sure the pediatrician you choose is willing to make that committment. If you do not want to vaccinate your child or are interested in using alternative and complementary practices, discuss this with the doctor. Be sure he/she is commuicative and open and aware of your preferences in health care. As in any relationship, trust is imperative.

My pediatrician is pushy about fluoride because it's not in our water supply. I feel that she is undermining the child's innate ability to form natural healthy teeth when provided a balanced diet. I feel unarmed to reply to her and I end up nodding to appease her, implying I will consider giving my child fluoridated water which I have no intent to do. Can you please help me learn more about why not to supplement a healthy child with fluoride?
A recent study from harvard School of Dental health found that young boys exposed to fluoridated tap water from ages 5-10 suffered an increased risk of osteosarcoma-bone cancer-between the ages of 10-19. This study was the first to link the toxic effects of fluoride to a child's development and the beginnings of bone cancer. No such link was found among young girls.

Interesting fluoride facts from Dr. Mercola's website www.mercola.com:

• Fluoride is more toxic than lead and is used as a pesticide for mice, rats and other small pests
• The fluoride used in tap water is not closely monitored and often contains high levels of carcinogens like arsenic.
• The fluoride we ingest from the water supply and from a number of other sources is associated with a number of negative health effects such as cancer, weakened bones and osteoporosis.
  

My 2 year old has frequent ear infections. As soon as he gets a cold, it goes right into his ears. It seems that he is constantly on antibiotics. Is there anything else that I can do?

Whenever there is chronic ear infections the first thing I do is eliminate cow's milk from the diet. Many children suffer from milk allergy and this can be the easiest first response. It is usually not necessary to eliminate cheese or yogurt but if the child drinks a milk bottle or cup, switch to rice milk.

If the child is a slow teether, the constant irritation and mucous production associated with this can be a causative factor. Try an over the counter homeopathic teething formula. These are not specific to your child's individual temperament but may work. If the problem persists, and is associated with other characteristic symptoms like foul smelling diarrhea, restless sleep and irritable temper, you may want to consult with a Certified Classical Homeopath. To find one near you visit the National Center for Homeopathy website www.homeopathic.org or you can e-mail me for advice at askDrNancy@aol.com.

My son (6 years, attending Kindergarten) didn't pass the hearing test in school for the second time. The technician at school said her testing indicated that there is a considerable amount of liquid present in his ear. She referred me to an otology clinic and said that most likely he would needs tubes implanted in his ears. So far, I haven't heard a whole lot of good things about this procedure and I would like to avoid it. However, there seems to be an impact on my son's hearing. Any ideas besides tympanostomy?

When a routine hearing test shows evidence of an accumulation of fluid in the ear it is usually the result of a previous inflammation that has not resolved itself. A very useful homeopathic remedy in this case is Kali Muriaticum. It is chiefly suited to second or later stages of catarrhal (inflammatory) states where there is deafness or earache from congestion or swelling of the middle ear or Eustachian tubes. This can be accompanied by swelling of the glands around the ear as well. When the integrity of the tissue is restored with Kali Muriaticum a reabsorption of the fluid will ooccur. An over-the-counter homeopathic remedy can be taken in potency of 6c, 12c or 30c depending on severity of symptoms. Take one dose and watch for resolution of the symptoms. If the remedy is acting, do not repeat the dose. If it does not effect a change, consult a Certified Classical Homeopath in your area. If the situation is one of chronic, repeated infections then the state of the child needs to be addressed constitutionally by a qualified Classical Homeopath. Find one at www.homeopathic.org or e-mail me at askDrNancy@aol.com.

Impeded drainage of the Eustachian tube can also result from structural changes (subluxations) in the cranium and cervical spine and should be evaluated by a Doctor of Chiropractic who specializes in pediatrics. Find one at www.chiropractic.org/councils/peds.

My son is 3 1/2 years. He potty trained himself at around 1 1/2 yrs. I was worried this was too early, but he was very insistent. He hasn'hi t had any problems using the potty. Recently, since he started pre-school twice a week, he comes home and poops in his pants. i know this is directly related to anxiety or stress he may have regarding a transition to school. I would take him out and keep him home, but I am a single mom and feel the school he's in provides him with a loving, nurturing and creative environment while I can't be with him. Is there any herbal treatment you can recommend to ease his anxiety? Lately, he's also quick to burst into tears over minor stuff. He's ultrasensitive.

When a child is exhibiting signs of anxiety and stress and is verbal, my best advice is to talk to him. He was very insistent on toilet training himself at age 1 1/2 so I daresay he has a mind of his own. Ask him what is bothering him. If he responds, "nothing", ask him about his day. Ask about the teacher, the other children, his activities. Keep probing gently but with direction to his sensitivities. Ask his teacher what his behavior was like during the day. Something is definitely bothering him and she/he is likely to see evidence of a melt down during the course of the day. If there is no causation at school, then the fact t hat he poops in his pants when he gets home could mean that he is angry at you for leaving him. Children at the age of 3 still like the security of mom and home. Understanding the facts of your situation, try to determine if that is a cause and explore his feelings about this. Spend some quality time in the morning with him before parting. Make a tea and share a peaceful, nurturing breakfast together taking the time to talk about the possibilities for the day ahead and reminding him of the time when you will be together again after school. It is always an intriguing idea to have a "pill" to ease the anxiety, however, the root cause needs to be addressed. If you are having difficulty identifying the root cause, ask the school guidance counselor for help. Blessings to you and yours!

My 6 month old is breastfeeding and attends day care two days a week. He has contracted quite a few colds and ear infections this season. I am trying to boost his immune system and have heard good things about cod liver oil. Is it safe for a six-month old and if so, how much?

Cod liver oil is perfectly safe to give to infants. Nordic Naturals makes a product called Arctic Cod Liver Oil where the recommended dosage for infants is 1/4-1/2 tsp. When there is a need to boost the immune system, consider chiropractic care. Research shows that patients receiving chiropractic care are sick less often than control groups. With regard to infants and ear infections, chiropractic is a leading remedy. Be well!

Note: None of this advice should be in place of consultation with your medical doctor.