Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Children
Sniffly noses, scratchy skin, and upset tummies are just a few of the ailments common among young children. Most Moms and Dads don’t want to have to turn to harsh medications to treat their baby’s boo-boos, so effective, natural remedies are becoming more popular among parents. These treatments include many alternative medicine therapies formerly reserved for adults, but that are now being successfully utilized with infants, toddlers, children, and teens.
Common Uses of Complementary & Alternative Medicine for Children
One of the most common uses of alternative medicine for children is nutritional supplementation, specifically the use of a multivitamin, fish oil , and probiotics.
- Multivitamins are fine for children of any age and ensure the child is getting the nutrients he or she needs to develop mentally and physically. Liquid or gummy/candy vitamins can be great for kids who can’t or won’t swallow pills.
- Fish oil provides EPA & DHA that are essential for proper brain and nervous system development.
- Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and can provide relief for children with diarrhea.
Mothers can help improve the health of their child by taking these supplements themselves throughout pregnancy and while breast feeding. If a formula is used, low doses of these supplements can be added to it, although most modern formulas are already enriched with these nutrients.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Childhood Developmental Disorders
Complementary and alternative therapies for childhood developmental disorders – especially autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – are of particular interest to parents of children with these conditions. The etiology and symptoms of ASDs and ADHD can vary greatly on a case-by-case basis.
In many instances, there is a deficiency of certain neurotransmitters or excess of heavy metals , both of which can be discovered through simple blood or urine testing. After correcting these and any other physiological abnormalities (nutrient deficiencies, pathogenic organism infections, etc.), the child’s condition can be reassessed and further treatment efforts undertaken.
For autism, vitamin C, trimethylglycine, folinic acid, and vitamin B12 supplementation may help improve symptoms, and various types of music therapy have shown a benefit. Potential adjunctive therapies for ADHD include zinc and omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA), although more research is needed with both nutrients.
Other conditions commonly affecting adolescents include obesity and depression, and both allopathic and alternative medicine practitioners are examining various natural interventions for these health concerns.
Why Choose Complementary & Alternative Medicine for Children
No matter what physical or psychological ailment afflicts their child, a parent will do whatever it takes to help them get better. They will not, however, support harsh treatments with harmful side effects. This is why many parents have turned away from conventional medicine and turned toward complementary and alternative medical therapies for their children. In most cases, alternative treatments have much milder side effects, and parents often cite a lack of effective conventional treatment options as an important reason for choosing complementary and alternative medicine.
