Naturopathy-ayurvedic Medicines

Probably the most significant time for having a healthy diet is in the first seven years of our lives, when we are most actively developing our body, and our whole system. This is unfortunately not the easiest time to get healthy food into children. The need for energy-giving foods is high, and the metabolic rate burns calories up very fast, so snacks of fruit, fresh or dried, can be given ad lib. Intake of vegetables by children is mostly too low; encouragement and a varied diet can help, and in winter, soups and stews can be a way of disguising vegetables.

In acute, febrile illnesses such as chickenpox or influenza it is often helpful to allow a virtual fast for up to 48 hours(preferably check with your doctor first), but give plenty of fluids, especially fresh fruit juices. This stimulates a higher white blood cell count, improving the child's resistance to infection. Do not feed heavy stodgy foods in these illness; the appetite will nearly always come back with a vengeance after the acute stage has passed.

As for supplements, a multi-vitamin and mineral tablet can be useful, especially in winter. If the child is prone to colds, then Vitamin C is most important dietary intake can be topped up with a supplement of 100 mg(1-3 times a day, depending on age and need). As girls move into puberty and menstruation starts a multi-supplement containing a little iron can be a useful boost to the system.

The use of water applications, footbaths and so on, can be used quite effectively on children. For reducing fevers, sponge the face and upper body with water that is tepid, not cold, and allow to dry off naturally for a cooling effect. For dehydration, try a home-made rehydration preparation: dissolve 5 ml(1 tsp) of salt and 15 ml(1 tbsp) of sugar in 600 ml(1 pt/2½cup) of freshly boiled water, leave to cool and keep in the refrigerator in a screw-topped bottle. Give 5 ml(1 tsp), up to 5 times a day if needed.

On the following pages are some suggestions for a few of the ailments that occur in childhood. Using the above information about the use of the natural therapies for children, and the other sections of the site, should help you treat most other common complaints. If in doubt get professional advice or treatment.

When a child is running a temperature, cool compresses can help calm and soothe the child and reduce body heat.

A well-balanced, sensible diet is the best start in life you can give to your child. Healthy eating habits, begun now, will reap rewards in later adult life.

Although children love to eat sticky, chocolatey things, make sure their diet contains plenty of fresh fruit.