Antibiotics and Kids' Health: Empowering Parents to Be Advocates
As parents, our primary goal is to ensure the well-being of our children. One critical aspect of their health is understanding the appropriate use of antibiotics. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware that antibiotics are not always necessary or effective in treating certain infections, such as viral illnesses or chronic ear infections. I want to dive into the importance of empowering and educating parents to become strong advocates for their children's health. I will also shed light on the long-term health consequences of antibiotic misuse and emphasize the need to address the root causes of common childhood infections.
Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Concern
Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This poses a significant threat as these infections become difficult, or sometimes impossible, to treat with conventional antibiotics. By understanding that antibiotics are not always the solution, and there are always natural alternatives, parents can play a crucial role in preventing the development of antibiotic resistance.
The Disruptive Effects of Antibiotics on Children's Health
Weakening and Suppression of the Immune System
Disruption of the Microbiome
Disruption of the Neurotransmitters and Gut-Brain Communication
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics, while they can be effective against harmful bacteria and lessen symptoms at the moment, they can also weaken and suppress the immune system. This can leave children vulnerable to recurrent infections and compromise their long-term health.
The human body hosts a vast community of microorganisms, known as the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Antibiotics indiscriminately kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the delicate balance of the microbiome. This disruption can lead to various health issues in children, such as increased risk of infections, digestive issues, allergies, asthma, anxiety, etc.
There is a neurological link as well. Emerging research suggests that antibiotics may also disrupt neurotransmitters and the communication between the gut and the brain. These neurotransmitters are essential, and this disruption can impact children's mental health, cognitive development, and overall well-being.
Lastly, as previously mentioned, repeated exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This not only limits treatment options but also perpetuates a cycle of antibiotic reliance, further compromising children's long-term health. If antibiotics are continuously taken for smaller issues early in life, they won’t be as helpful later on for helping any serious, life-threatening issues.
Addressing the Root Causes: "Poor Plumbing" and Neuro-Immune Imbalance
As Neurologically-Focused chiropractors, our goal is to get to the root cause of your children’s challenges. The overuse of antibiotics for conditions like ear and respiratory infections fails to address the underlying cause. The real root problem lies in "poor plumbing" and impaired drainage, along with an imbalance in the neuro-immune system. These factors contribute significantly to recurrent infections and compromised health in children.
Pediatric chiropractors can help a child’s nervous system and overall physiological function improve and better hold off and clear out respiratory and immune challenges. We make this happen by increased “plumbing” and drainage of the ears, sinuses, lymphatic system, throat, lungs, and gut and by lessening the sympathetic fight or flight response of the body, which leaves it in a pro-inflammatory and immune-suppressed state.
By improving the “plumbing” and wiring of the body, a child is often able to clear out congestion, inflammation, and infection faster and more efficiently, all without the use of dangerous and overused antibiotics and other medications.
For those parents that want to learn even more and better understand the science behind Pediatric Chiropractic, it is described here in this article on subluxation, which means stress stuck on the nervous system, and the neurological imbalance piece is called dysautonomia.
Birth Interventions and Trauma: Unveiling the Connections
Another thing to keep in mind when digging into the root causes of children’s health challenges is that certain birth interventions and trauma, such as forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-sections, have been linked to long-term health issues in children. Research has shown associations between C-section deliveries and respiratory and autoimmune conditions later in life. These interventions can disrupt the delicate balance of the microbiome and cause physical tension that affects the function of the Vagus Nerve and the Autonomic Nervous System's regulation of immune function and inflammation.
This is another reason why Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is so important. Our PX doctor will consult with you and your child to dig into the child’s case history, look for root causes, and will do a deep dive into the child’s function of the nervous system. They do this by using incredible technology called INSiGHT scans that can detect subluxation within their stressed-out nervous system.
Empowering and educating parents about appropriate antibiotic use is crucial for safeguarding children's health and combating the rise of antibiotic resistance. By understanding the disruptive effects of antibiotics on the immune system, microbiome, and neurotransmitters, parents can make informed decisions and seek alternative approaches to address the root causes of infections.
We are trained and ready to provide those drug-free, natural options you have been looking for! Please reach out to a PX Doc in your area if you’re not local to our office.
