Guest guest Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it seemed like we were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of pride in that. This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out much to a city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is also in a childcare setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if this is the reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing session. So she isn't getting many antibodies from that anymore. 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of being around more kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she is lacking something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just want to be sure of myself. 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune system and to help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 My veg daughter is just about 4 and has NEVER had an ear infection. We've had colds here and there just like the rest of the kids and we live in a small town but get out a fair amount. This year, we had every cold that ever existed (mostly over the summer!!!) I think it just happens. It sounds like she's definitely exposed to more stuff than she was before. I wouldn't attribute it to diet. Just keep making sure she's getting what she needs nutritionally. Every once in a while - once or twice a year I look up the going " requirements " and write it all down for her age/weight and then sort of look carefully at what my daughter is eating these days, a little dietary checkup. It's always better than you think it will be (especially when all she had for lunch was 2 strawberries and some crackers, toddlers are soooo picky). My saving grace has been (for the last 6 months or so and YES it's a suggestion and recipe from this group) green smoothies. At least I know she's getting some greens every day - the one item that seems to be hardest to get into her in a non-stealth fashion these days. Also vitamin C (I put oranges and mangoes in). Plus when we're sick this also provides more liquids and feels good on a sore throat. And the other thing, which is obvious and you're probably doing it already is just make her wash her hands, a lot, especially when you're leaving one of those places with lots of kids. Do you give her a multivitamin yet? That could help too although we do it and we're getting sick a lot this year too. What can you do? She's really building up some immunities for later at least. . . It's pretty awesome that you were able to nurse her for this long, and that probably helped, but she's going to have to deal with her own issues now, you can't do it forever! :-) Good luck! Dee - ad00rable_1 Thursday, November 06, 2008 11:10 AM Immune booster? My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it seemed like we were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of pride in that. This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out much to a city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is also in a childcare setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if this is the reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing session. So she isn't getting many antibodies from that anymore. 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of being around more kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she is lacking something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just want to be sure of myself. 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune system and to help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 Our experience with preschool (continues now, in 8th grade) was that Alyssa was sick less often and for a shorter duration than the other kids; though there was definitely a transition period of several months where it seemed that she had a runny nose every other week. She has always taken echinacea (I never spell it right) during fall and winter, three weeks on and one week off. She also eats a bowl of frozen blueberries almost every night. Robin --- On Thu, 11/6/08, ad00rable_1 <nkiffer wrote: ad00rable_1 <nkiffer Immune booster? Thursday, November 6, 2008, 1:10 PM My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it seemed like we were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of pride in that. This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out much to a city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is also in a childcare setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if this is the reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing session. So she isn't getting many antibodies from that anymore. 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of being around more kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she is lacking something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just want to be sure of myself. 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune system and to help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 We had this problem when our son started attending school with my husband (who teaches preschool in a Waldorf school). He's been vegan since birth and he was almost never sick. For those six months it seemed like we could not keep him from being sick no matter what we did. My husband sees this all the time in just about every first-year child he gets - parents are completely bewildered by how sickly their children become as soon as they go into school. This is doubly true for children who are quite isolated before school, as our son was. We exposed our daughter to more people from an earlier age and I feel that this has made her more defensive against sickness. Our son ended up with croup after months and months of overlapping colds and it was at that point that I became far more aggressive about treating him. I put him on a regimen of elderberry-based cough syrup to treat the symptoms and then I treated him with tinctures of immune-boosting herbs, B-vitamin complexes with zinc, and huge doses of vitamin C. I transitioned him out of heavy proteins and into a diet based on whole grains with miso, yogurt, fruits and vegetables, a very simple diet to make digestion easy as he healed. I also exposed him to morning sunlight for 20 minutes a day. I kid you not that within a week he was healthier than I'd ever seen him and he didn't get sick again for almost nine months after a solid six months of being almost constantly sick. It's hard for kids the first time they are exposed to a lot of people and any sort of childcare center is a petri dish of illness activity. I doubt that this has anything to do with your daughter weaning. It's just the cycle of exposure for a system that is unprepared for such an onslaught. Over time she'll adjust and in the meantime there are some steps you can, like those that I outlined above, to support her system. Chandelle Whole Food Whole Family <http://www.wholefoodwholefamily.blogspot.com> earthfruit apothecary <http://www.earthfruit-apothecary.blogspot.com> On Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM, ad00rable_1 <nkiffer wrote: > My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it > seemed like we > were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of > pride in that. > > This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out > much to a > city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While > I am at the gym 3 > times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is > also in a childcare > setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if > this is the > reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. > > She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing > session. So she isn't > getting many antibodies from that anymore. > > 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of > being around more > kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she > is lacking > something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just > want to be sure > of myself. > > 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune > system and to > help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? > > Thanks so much! > > > -- " The demand for equal rights in every vocation of life is just and fair; but, after all, the most vital right is the right to love and be loved. " ~Emma Goldman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 When they were young, I gave my kids part of a chewable C (100 mg), children's echinacea mixed into a bit of juice and Zand zinc lozenges (cranberry raspberry) as soon as they said their throat hurt or got a runny nose. It works very well. Also, if you can get fresh garlic into her somehow, this could help. We also use Zicam. Good luck! Tracy On Nov 6, 2008, at 11:10 AM, ad00rable_1 wrote: > My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg > it seemed like we > were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot > of pride in that. > > This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't > get out much to a > city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a > blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 > times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. > She is also in a childcare > setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't > know if this is the > reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold > after cold. > > She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime > nursing session. So she isn't > getting many antibodies from that anymore. > > 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/ > c of being around more > kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is > that she is lacking > something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that > so I just want to be sure > of myself. > > 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost > her immune system and to > help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? > > Thanks so much! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 Hi- IMO, your daughter is ABSOLUTELY getting more colds because she's being exposed to more germs. My daughter (oldest of 3) started Kindergarten this year, never having previously been in a school setting of the non-small-parent-co-op-variety. We, too, have been a family of few colds for as long as we've had kids, and this year, let me tell you, it's been one thing after another. I also tell you this as a former public school teacher- kids really spread it around. Teachers are renowned for being constantly sick their first few years of teaching, and then after they've built up the immunities, all is back to normal. I also read one study where school teachers have more germs come home with them on their clothes than any other profession- including nurses (something like up to 52,000 different types)! I know she's not in 'school' per se, but the concept's the same. I've found Kids Emergen-c to be helpful, and tasty. No worries. This, too, shall pass. ________________________________ ad00rable_1 <nkiffer Thursday, November 6, 2008 1:10:15 PM Immune booster? My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it seemed like we were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of pride in that. This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out much to a city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is also in a childcare setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if this is the reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing session. So she isn't getting many antibodies from that anymore. 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of being around more kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she is lacking something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just want to be sure of myself. 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune system and to help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 The way a mother's milk works to create immunity for the child naturally weans at about 2 years of age, so my guess is that wouldn't make much of a difference. I also started putting my 2 year old in the childcare at my gym last year, she was immediately sick all the time. It just takes time for their immune systems to get used to all the stuff they were never around. My son has been in there since about 2 months old, he is 10 months now and hasn't been really sick for months and when he is it usually only lasts a day or two. The only thing I would recommend for boosting the immune system is plenty of fresh produce. We juice and my daughter loves fresh vegetable juice, which is way better than any juice you can buy at a store and full of all the good vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. For the most part I wouldn't worry though, kids get sick, their bodies will get used to it and build immunities themselves. :-) Tiffany , " ad00rable_1 " <nkiffer wrote: > > My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it seemed like we > were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of pride in that. > > This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out much to a > city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 > times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is also in a childcare > setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if this is the > reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. > > She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing session. So she isn't > getting many antibodies from that anymore. > > 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of being around more > kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she is lacking > something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just want to be sure > of myself. > > 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune system and to > help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? > > Thanks so much! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 Include more raw foods - veggies and fruit - in her diet. When I give my children more raw foods, I notice less colds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 I heard somewhere that after 6 months, the babies don't get anymore antibodies from mom. Not sure if it is a true statement, but that is the reasoning they use for giving more vaccines after 6 months and for giving the flu shot after 6 months. As for her increased illness, it is most likely because she is around other children. There really isn't anything you can do short of putting a respirator on her!! They spread germs like wildfire. All ittakes is her to breath in while someone is coughing or sneezing. Then the classic putting hands, fingers, toys in the mouth or nose. Germs can be passed that way. Although it is a pain, she will most likely miss less kindergarten by being exposed to all of these colds and such now. Just make sure she gets a lot of vitamin C and fluids and she will be fine. Also, avoid isles in the stores if people are coughing and sneezing. And, whenever you get home from any outting, wash her hands as soon as you get inside! Hope these help!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 The Herbs for kids line does Echinacea, plain or with Golden root, and Astragalus. Our 5yr daughter's pediatrician is a homeopath. Her recommendation is to give a dose of Astragalus daily from Nov to Feb, flu season. Echinacea shouldn't be used for more than 9 weeks straight with a week or 2 off in between. Astragalus doesn't have the same sort of caution, and they work in a slightly different way. Echinacea is an immune system booster. Astragalus is an immune system builder. When our daughter was on chemo, diagnosed 3 days after her 3rd birthday, it was Astragalus and Host Defense drops that we gave her to keep her immune system supported. Both remedies were recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil. Also, some reports state that high protein intake can lower the immune system. Maybe because protein is harder to burn? I know as a vegan it's kind of tough to overdo it on the protein. Experiment with lowering her protein a bit during the illness and see if there is any difference. I was pharmacy tech for 15yrs. and now I am a nursery school teacher. It is SO hard to keep the fluid exchange to a minimum. The best thing I've taught my little 2yrs is to wash their hands while singing the Alphabet song. Of course they don't know the words, but by now they've got the melody and do a great job. It bugs the teacher that relieves me in the afternoon, but I let them wash their hands as MUCH as they want to in non-antibacterial soap. Super high 5 for almost making it to 3yrs with the BF!!! Our girl stopped herself at 2.5yrs. Best of health to you all! ~Lina , " ad00rable_1 " <nkiffer wrote: > > My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it seemed like we > were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of pride in that. > > This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out much to a > city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 > times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is also in a childcare > setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if this is the > reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. > > She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing session. So she isn't > getting many antibodies from that anymore. > > 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of being around more > kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she is lacking > something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just want to be sure > of myself. > > 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune system and to > help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? > > Thanks so much! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2008 Report Share Posted November 9, 2008 Lina, thanks for sharing this information. That is new for me.Last winter my son (now 2 years old) had ear infections (almost 3 months) and of course with antibiotics the whole time (which was kind of scary for me) and then he was developing by August again another ear infection. Now I am looking for homeopathic pediatrician here in Lincoln, NE where we live. Do you guys have any idea of a HP here that you could recommend me? thanks in advance Rebeca --- On Fri, 11/7/08, adobedwellers <linaeasom wrote: adobedwellers <linaeasom Re: Immune booster? Friday, November 7, 2008, 11:30 PM The Herbs for kids line does Echinacea, plain or with Golden root, and Astragalus. Our 5yr daughter's pediatrician is a homeopath. Her recommendation is to give a dose of Astragalus daily from Nov to Feb, flu season. Echinacea shouldn't be used for more than 9 weeks straight with a week or 2 off in between. Astragalus doesn't have the same sort of caution, and they work in a slightly different way. Echinacea is an immune system booster. Astragalus is an immune system builder. When our daughter was on chemo, diagnosed 3 days after her 3rd birthday, it was Astragalus and Host Defense drops that we gave her to keep her immune system supported. Both remedies were recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil. Also, some reports state that high protein intake can lower the immune system. Maybe because protein is harder to burn? I know as a vegan it's kind of tough to overdo it on the protein. Experiment with lowering her protein a bit during the illness and see if there is any difference. I was pharmacy tech for 15yrs. and now I am a nursery school teacher. It is SO hard to keep the fluid exchange to a minimum. The best thing I've taught my little 2yrs is to wash their hands while singing the Alphabet song. Of course they don't know the words, but by now they've got the melody and do a great job. It bugs the teacher that relieves me in the afternoon, but I let them wash their hands as MUCH as they want to in non-antibacterial soap. Super high 5 for almost making it to 3yrs with the BF!!! Our girl stopped herself at 2.5yrs. Best of health to you all! ~Lina @gro ups.com, " ad00rable_1 " <nkiffer > wrote: > > My vegan daughter is a month shy of 3 years old. Since we went veg it seemed like we > were rarely ill and if we were the duration was short. I took a lot of pride in that. > > This summer we were transferred from a small town where we didn't get out much to a > city where we are out all the time (which is absolutely a blessing)! While I am at the gym 3 > times a week she is in the childcare there for an hour at a time. She is also in a childcare > setting for Sunday school for a couple of hours each week. I don't know if this is the > reason, but it seems like since autumn hit she is getting cold after cold. > > She is naturally weaning and is down to just a short nighttime nursing session. So she isn't > getting many antibodies from that anymore. > > 1. I'm looking for feedback...is she starting to catch more colds b/c of being around more > kids? B/c of shorter nursing sessions? Both? My bigger concern is that she is lacking > something nutritionally. I think I often fear judgement from that so I just want to be sure > of myself. > > 2. What can i do to help her? Is there a way I can help to boost her immune system and to > help her to not get bombarded with virus after virus? > > Thanks so much! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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