Our Little Bear was born during cold season and unfortunately got Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) within his first few months of life. This meant he was introduced to a nebulizer and steroids early on. As a first time mom, all I wanted was for my baby to be well and clear up that crunchy, congested breathing. We followed the prescribed regiment and within a week he was well.
Once our routine stabilized again, the granola mom in me surfaced. His doctor had explained that babies who contract RSV are often prone to recurrent broncholitis and the treatment, of course, would be to resume use of the nebulizer and steroids. A sick baby is hard on any mom, and for me, the thought of recurrent steroid use for Little Bear's lungs just did not sit well. So I did what I do and dove straight into my next researching binge.
What could I do to naturally strengthen my baby's lungs and help prevent or treat any congestion or broncholitis and reduce future risk of asthma?
I found some good simple solutions. No medications needed, all they involved was adding some key ingredients to our Little Bear's plate. These were the top three ingredients we chose to integrate.
1. Vitamin C
According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, people with asthma are usually deficient in vitamin C. Increasing one's intake of vitamin C can reduce the number of attacks and or prevent and/or treat asthma. Vitamin C can be easily increased in your baby's diet by adding lemon to purees or water, choosing orange juice, eating foods high in vitamin C (broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, etc.), or adding a multivitamin with Vitamin C to your baby's daily diet.
2. Ginger
Top 10 Home Remedies highlighted, "the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties present in ginger help relieve irritated, inflamed and swollen bronchial tubes." I just mix a little ginger in with Little Bear's apple juice. It's actually delicious! When I'm feeling fancy, I also throw in some cinnamon (it helps fight common colds, is sweet, and safe for babies - no sugar). But, be careful not to add too much seasoning. Babies are much more sensitive to spices and if its too evident, they will reject it. You can also add ginger to applesauce or carrots. It's truly yummy!
3. Turmeric
I guarantee I will soon be dedicating an entire post to this bad boy. Turmeric, in our household, is regularly referred to as the "elixir of life." One of its many, many qualities is its ability to effectively resolve inflammation. We mix a small amount of turmeric in Little Bear's "orange vegetables," (sweet potatoes or carrots). It tastes great. Countries like India introduce spices into their children's diets prior to year one of age (not salt or sugar, of course), and turmeric is one of their first.
What is better than using food to cure baby?
1. Vitamin C
According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, people with asthma are usually deficient in vitamin C. Increasing one's intake of vitamin C can reduce the number of attacks and or prevent and/or treat asthma. Vitamin C can be easily increased in your baby's diet by adding lemon to purees or water, choosing orange juice, eating foods high in vitamin C (broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, etc.), or adding a multivitamin with Vitamin C to your baby's daily diet.
Top 10 Home Remedies highlighted, "the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties present in ginger help relieve irritated, inflamed and swollen bronchial tubes." I just mix a little ginger in with Little Bear's apple juice. It's actually delicious! When I'm feeling fancy, I also throw in some cinnamon (it helps fight common colds, is sweet, and safe for babies - no sugar). But, be careful not to add too much seasoning. Babies are much more sensitive to spices and if its too evident, they will reject it. You can also add ginger to applesauce or carrots. It's truly yummy!
I guarantee I will soon be dedicating an entire post to this bad boy. Turmeric, in our household, is regularly referred to as the "elixir of life." One of its many, many qualities is its ability to effectively resolve inflammation. We mix a small amount of turmeric in Little Bear's "orange vegetables," (sweet potatoes or carrots). It tastes great. Countries like India introduce spices into their children's diets prior to year one of age (not salt or sugar, of course), and turmeric is one of their first.
What is better than using food to cure baby?
We have been practicing these habits along with the regular use of eucalyptus oil and regular hydration since our first illness. At our nine month, check up the doctor was very impressed that Little Bear hadn't been sick more often. I, of course, attribute these gems as mentioned above.
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