Nutrition, Immunity and Children Dennis Brown DC Jennifer Brown RN, CCRN

Overview

What conditions might result in a flora imbalance in a baby or child? taking an antibiotic Having a bought of diarrhea eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber

A child born via caesarian will miss out on that first opportunity to pick up microflora, and may have a compromised immunity and decreased ability to digest the mother’s milk. Breastfeeding will help to expose the infant to microflora through contact with the mammary areola, breast skin, and the milk itself.

Many parents note that caesarian born infants have an increase in colic, constipation, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD. Thrush and cradle cap are additional signs that an infant could benefit from probiotics

first few months after birth, the Bifidobacterium species is the first to appear in the infant, followed by the Lactobacillus species followed by the Lactobacillus species

So, when giving probiotics to infants younger than 4 months of age, it is best to follow nature and only give the Bifidobacterium species (bifidum, longum, infantis, breve) then follow up with both the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species (rhamnosus, casi, salivarius, paracasei).

Infants have safely been given up to 140 billion CFUs per kilogram body weight Children can easily take 50–100 billion CFUs daily for several days when fighting a cold 10–15 billion CFUs daily for preventative measures

Good nutrition is essential to developing and keeping the immune system healthy and strong vitamins A, C, E essential fatty acids

The most important minerals include Manganese Selenium Zinc Copper Iron Sulfur Magnesium

Consider probiotic supplementation if: history of antibiotic use ear infections oral thrush Diarrhea Constipation Colic food allergies eczema intestinal viral infections Candidiasis bottle-fed

Chiropractic for Creating Strong Immunity The nervous system affects the immune system and plays an important role in the immune response. Subtle misalignment of the bones, with tightened muscles and ligaments can lead to irritation of the nerve system and can alter the ability of the nerves to supply the tissues, organs and cells of the body with vital communication from the brain. The scientific study of neuroimmunology (the link between the nervous system and the immune system) clearly indicates that nerve system stress can cause decreased immunity and may increase susceptibility to disease.

Spinal misalignments can occur during childbirth, from tumbles or falls, or from any other normal childhood activity. A chiropractor can detect spinal misalignments and correct them by properly adjusting the spine. With proper nerve supply, the immune system can function at fuller capacity, allowing the body to naturally defend itself against disease.

Babies first solid food? This is because in the 1950's, baby food companies launched an advertising blitz trumpeting the benefits of white rice cereal There is no scientific basis for this recommendation. None at all If babies are getting used to the taste of highly processed white rice and flour, it could set them up for a lifetime of bad habits.

USA Today reports: "White rice -- after processing strips away fiber, vitamins and other nutrients -- is a 'nutritional disaster'... White rice and flour turn to sugar in the body 'almost instantly,'... raising blood sugar and insulin levels."

Rice is the number one source of calories for infants in the first year of life, according to Stanford University pediatrician Alan Greene, and this is a nutritional disaster.