Infections of the ears are extremely common. Many children (and their distressed parents) suffer from recurrent bouts of middle ear infections called otitis media. These infections cause tremendous pain, misery and expense, and indeed may be accompanied by serious complications.
The usual conventional medical treatment often involves repeated courses of antibiotics, which can produce side effects by weakening the child's immune system and by creating antibiotic resistant germs. If medical treatment antibiotics are not controlling the problem, then more invasive and expensive methods are usually prescribed. Surgery can be done to drain fluid from the middle ear by inserting plastic tubes through the ear drum or having the tonsils and adenoids removed if they have become enlarged. None of these approaches in my opinion gets at the root of the problem - a disturbed immune system!
My experience has been that it is entirely possible to correct these problems, without drugs and surgery, and when it comes to ear infections, an Ounce of Prevention is indeed worth a whole ton of cure.
Preventative measures
Let's look at some ways to prevent ear infections in you and your child :
BREASTFEED
Breastfed infants get fewer ear infections than bottlefed ones. Breast milk provides immune factors from the mother called antibodies that assist the child to fight infections. Breast indeed is best.
AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS
The foods you eat are often irritants to the immune system. Dairy products are the commonest offenders. The proteins in cow's milk disturb the immune system in many adults and children. To make matters worse, over 70 per cent of Jamaicans are intolerant to a sugar in milk called lactose. Dairy also stimulates the production of excess mucus, creates congestion, and that sets the stage for infections to develop. If your child gets ear infections or recurring colds, replace dairy products with soy milk and soy products.
HAVE A NATURAL UNPOLLUTED DIET
Many processed foods contain chemical additives: artificial colourings, preservatives, flavour enhancers, to name a few. These substances often disturb the immune system and deplete the body of essential antioxidant nutrients.
Eat more unprocessed foods, especially organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Brown rice is better than white rice and wholewheat flour is less refined than white, bleached flour. Replace tap water with purified water.
STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
A cold can often bring on the ear infection. Strengthen the immune system by ensuring your child eats a healthy diet, drinks lots of water, gets enough rest and washes hands frequently.
Supplement with the antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, E, selenium, schizandra, rosemary and pycnogenol, combinations of these are available in tablet form. High doses of vitamin C along with herbs like schizandra, rosemary and echinacea are recommended if an infection appears immanent.
AVOID SMOKE
Children whose parents smoke get a lot more ear infections than those whose parents do not smoke. Also, do not let other people smoke around your children. To make it even worse, if you smoke, it increases the chance that your child will take up smoking later. Dust, especially house dust, fumes and chemical sprays should also be avoided.
EAR INFECTIONS IN ADULTS
Adults will more often get an infection of the ear canal (otitis externa) due to a bacteria or fungus. It causes pain and itching and is usually related to water in the ear from swimming or even washing your hair. A good natural prevention if you get water in your ear is to mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar and put a few drops in each ear. This will help to kill any germs and to remove the moisture from the ear. In severe cases, your doctor may need to prescribe a short course of antimicrobial eardrops.
I have seen these measures relieve and prevent a lot of suffering and expense for many families. Please make use of these simple 'Ounces of Prevention'.
Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at info@drvendryes.com or visit the website at www.drvendryes.com.
