allergy help for chidren

Question
Hi Dr. Connor,

I have 2 children 11 & 9 who have constant allergies. The youngest also has asthma. As a result of these allergies being present daily, they frequently become sick. What can I give them to keep the allergies at bay & build there immune systems. They both also have knots in there muscles & are always in pain. I have Fibromyalgia...can they be showing signs of this as well?



Sincere thanks!


Answer
Hello Elena,

Thanks for your question.  The most common reason for allergies is environmental or food exposures, so that would be the first place to look at.  If there are constant strains on the immune system, there is the likelihood of recurrent infections.  Pain & muscle aches are a sign of that as well.  Common sensitivities are pollutants, dust, pet dander, flowers, grass, trees, molds, & foods like wheat, dairy, corn, soy, peanuts, and artificial colors/ additives/ sweeteners/ flavorings.  You might try limiting exposures to these substances and see what occurs.  Once these are removed, then consider supplementation, but even natural substances can mask the symptoms & not provide long lasting relief, if the cause is never addressed.  You would also want to consider lifestyle issues, and make they are getting adequate sleep, exercise, sun & air exposure, water, and managing stress well.  Supplements to consider to helping relieve allergies are vitamin c, bioflavonoids, quercetin, nettle leaf, and bromelain (pineapple enzyme).  In addition, immune regulating supplements like probiotics may be helpful, a high quality kids multivitamin, and a fish oil supplement to help decrease the inflammation associated with asthma and allergies.  For more specific advice, I'd suggest seeking out a natural medicine practitioner in your area, because there are a lot of things to consider and these will vary depends on each child's needs and health conditions.

In health,

Dr Conner