Other options for colic that are safe and gentle are homeopathic remedies.  The most common homeopathic remedy is Chamomila.  This remedy is indicated for a colicky infant who is very irritable and restless and wants to be carried.  The infant will have one or both cheeks are flushed red, and the abdomen will be distended.

I also recommend a gripe water formula by Wellementsâ.  It contains all organic ingredients that help to relieve gas and soothe the digestive system such as chamomile, ginger and fennel extracts.

Dr. Agnieszka Matusik, ND practices family medicine at Mountainview Wellness Centre in South Surrey/White Rock.  For more information call 604-538-8837 or e-mail her at askanexpert@urbanmommies.com or visit.  www.mountainview-wellness.ca.

A – Mood swings during pregnancy are experienced by many women.  There are several reasons why this occurs.  The level of your hormones is changing, especially during the first and third trimester.  This affects the production of various neurotransmitters in your brain that play a role in controlling how you feel.  Typically women experience a whole range of feelings that stem from the change that is about to occur in their lives with a birth of a baby.

One of the best ways to stabilize mood is through regular physical exercise. Going for a walk or joining a prenatal yoga class helps you to relax and also boosts neurotransmitter production.  Making sure you have plenty of rest is another important factor.  Sometimes 8 hours of sleep is not enough.  Take a nap during the day if you feel fatigued.  Eating a balanced whole foods diet also helps to prevent fatigue and mood swings.  Always carry a healthy snack with you, such as raw nuts, a piece of fruit or a protein bar.  There are also mood stabilizing supplements that can be prescribed but they should only be implemented under the supervision of a qualified health professional.  Finally, if the above strategies are not helping you, and your mood swings become more frequent or more intense, seek further advice from your health care provider.

Dr. Agnieszka Matusik is a Naturopathic Physician practicing family medicine at Mountainview Wellness Centre in South Surrey/White Rock. To contact her please email her or visit www.mountainview-wellness.ca.

Each year many young children are diagnosed with middle ear infections – or otitis media.  Typical symptoms that occur with otits media include fever, ear ache and irritability. Many times these infections become recurrent and parents are forced to make several trips to the child’s physician to get treatment.  Parents often want to decrease their child’s suffering and may be quick to administer antibiotics to do so.  Although the use of antibiotics is warranted in some situations, they often do not address the root cause of the problem.  The use of antibiotics can leave the child more susceptible to other types of infections as bacteria become resistant to drugs.  Side effects of antibiotics can include digestive upset leading to diarrhea, gas and tummy ache.  In many instances, the ear infection is not due to bacteria, but due to a virus, which anti-biotics will not be useful in eliminating.

Bacteria and viruses need a specific media in which they can grow, reproduce and cause symptoms associated with ear infections.  The media is provided by the environment of the ear.  Structurally, children are more susceptible to mucus and fluid build up in their ears because their eustachian tube – a canal between the middle ear and the back of the throat – is shorter and more horizontal than in adults.  The structure of the eustachian tube may prevent proper drainage of fluid, especially if there is any mucus already present in the tube.  Mucus provides a good environment for bacterial or viral reproduction which leads to inflammation of the middle ear.  This in turn creates the symptoms associated with the ear infections and discomfort to the little ones.

Instead of blaming bacteria or viruses as the cause of the infection, naturopathic medicine looks at the underlying susceptibility to mucus build up and infection as the root cause that needs to be addressed.  In other words, the internal environment in the child provides a terrain where bacteria and viruses can reproduce and give rise to infection.   With this model the questions that are raised are 1) what is causing increased mucus build up in the ear and ear structures?  and 2) why is the child’s immune system not able to resist the bacterial or viral infection?

Mucus and fluid build up the ear can occur as a result of several factors.  It could be that the ear infection occurred after a bout of cold or flu symptoms.  The child could also be suffering from sinusitis that has made its way over to the ear.  In these cases the immune system of the child needs to be strengthened.  This can be achieved by using select botanical medicines and homeopathic remedies that strengthen the child’s vitality.  In other cases the child may have food allergies that are contributing to excessive mucus production.  The common food allergies include dairy, wheat products containing gluten, soy products and some nuts.  Although blood tests can identify specific food allergens, often elimination of the offending food group for a period of time resolves reoccurrence of ear infections.  In addition dietary elimination of sugar is beneficial in all cases, as sugar decreases the function of the immune system and provides a growing medium for many types of bacteria.  Sugar is the main breakdown product of simple carbohydrates such as bread, pastries, cookies, sweets and soft drinks.

There are several steps parents can take to prevent ear infections before they become a problem.  The child’s diet is key to any prevention plan. Breast-feeding your child is recommended exclusively for the first six months and then until the child is at least 1 years old.   This provides the infant with the necessary anti-bodies to deal with infections and allows for the proper development of the immune system.  Proper introduction of foods is important in minimizing the development of food allergies.  Once the child has been introduced to foods other than breast milk, consuming fruits and vegetables high in vitamin A, C and flavinoids such as kale, sweet potatoes and berries helps to build a robust immune system.

Once an infection process starts, there are still options available for treatment with naturopathic medicine.  Acute infection can be alleviated with ear oil containing a combination of garlic, mullein, calendula or other anti-bacterial and anti-viral botanicals.  Lymphatic massage of the neck may be helpful in increasing circulation to the area and thus helps to break up mucus.  Homeopathic medicines work very well with children and infants in relieving symptoms as well in improving mood and sleep without any side effects.  If antibiotics are used, it is important to also supplement with probiotics – or good bacteria – to repopulate the digestive tract and prevent or minimize side effects associated with antibiotic use.

In all cases of possible ear infections parents should contact a qualified health professional to make sure that the ear infection is properly managed and the child’s condition is monitored.  Naturopathic medicine offers gentle and effective treatment strategies to treat ear infections and to recognize and address underlying causes that contribute to ear infections.   Consult a Naturopathic Physician to further discuss prevention and treatment options for your child’s health concerns.

Dr.  Agnieszka Matusik, ND is a Naturopathic Physician practicing family medicine in Kerrisdale and Kitsilano communities of Vancouver.  For more information contact her at drmatusik@gmail.com.

A. It is possible that the baby’s skin is getting irritated from the types of diapers or baby wipes you are using.  Products can contain perfumes and chemicals that are harsh on the baby’s sensitive skin.  Try using unscented brand of diapers or using cloth diapers and switch from commercial baby wipes to cloth wipes using a mild natural soapy solution to clean the baby up.  Then use a mixture of 1 tbsp of baking soda to a cup of water and use cotton balls to apply the solution on the baby’s bum.  Also during this time allow the baby’s bottom to “air-out” as much as possible.  Yeast infections are also a common cause of diaper rash.  In this case using a probiotic would be helpful to treat the cause.  Did the rash come one after you introduced a new food item into their diet?  Infants and children can sometimes develop food sensitivities and allergies when new foods are introduced.  For symptom relief try a cream that uses natural soothing ingredients such as calendula and vitamin E.

Dr. Agnieszka Matusik, ND practices family medicine at Mountainview Wellness Centre in South Surrey/White Rock.  For more information call 604-538-8837 or e-mail her at drmatusik@gmail.com.  www.mountainview-wellness.ca.

A. Although fish are a great source of essential fatty acids (omega 3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA), research has indicated that they are also a source of harmful toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals such as mercury.  These harmful chemicals tend to accumulate “higher up the food chain”, meaning that the bigger the fish the more contaminated it is likely to be.

Because of potential toxicity, fish consumption should be limited especially during pregnancy, lactation and in young children.  Health Canada advises that all Canadians should limit their consumption of fresh and frozen tuna, shark, swordfish, escolar, marlin and orange roughy due to their mercury levels.  Heavy metals such as mercury have a negative impact on the development of the fetal nervous system as it tends to accumulate in the brain.  This can lead to health problems such as decrease in I.Q., delays in walking and talking, lack of coordination, blindness and seizures.

Omega 3 fatty acids, more specifically – EPA and DHA – are very important in healthy fetal development.  Research indicates that they prevent premature births, are involved in healthy development of vision and the nervous system and increase intelligence.  Essential fatty acids also have potential benefits for the mom.  In studies they have shown to be important nutrients in the treatment of depression.

Non-fish sources of omega 3 fatty acids include walnuts and ground flaxseeds.  However, these food sources do not contain enough of the essential fatty acids and you should not rely on these sources alone for the omega 3 health benefits.  Taking a supplement of fish oil during pregnancy is the best option available to ensure that you and your baby’s health are protected and nurtured during pregnancy and beyond.  Fish oil provides the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids without the risk of toxicity.  However, beware of the type of fish oil you choose to take.  You should make sure that the company that produces the fish oil uses strict guidelines that ensure the fish oil is molecularly distilled to remove the heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals that are commonly found in fish.

Dr.  Agnieszka Matusik, ND is a Naturopathic Physician practicing family medicine in Kerrisdale and Kitsilano communities of Vancouver.  For more information contact her at drmatusik@gmail.com.