Colds - Recurring

QUESTION: I have three children (two year old daughter and twin sons that are one). My daughter attends preschool and is constantly getting viruses or some type of infection. Subsequently, her brothers also get the same illnesses. Sometimes my husband and I also get the viruses. As soon as we get over one virus, here comes another. What can I give kids that are so young that would strengthen their immune systems so that we can significantly reduce the number of illnesses or eliminate them altogether? PLEASE HELP US!!! Additionally, can you recommend a Naturopathic Doctor in Atlanta, GA that would can see? Thank you, Yvonnia

ANSWER: Dear Yvonnia,

I treat a lot of children and families like yours. Here is what I recommend to my patients:

1) Eliminate all white sugar in candies, cookies, cakes, ice cream, cereal, etc. (100 grams of Sugar suppresses the immune system by 50% within 1/2 hour and lasts for 5 hours.)

2) Take herbal immune support formula: Echinacea + Goldenseal Root (liquid-non-alcoholic glycerite, without sweetener, for children: 2 ml twice daily for 1 month as immune boost; 4 ml 3 times daily for acute colds, coughs, flus, etc; for adults take PhytoBiotic : 2 capsules twice daily for 1 month as immune boost, 3 Capsules 3 times daily for acute infections.)To learn more about Phytobiotic, click here

3) Make sure children get 9hrs of sleep and adults get 7 1/2 hours minimum per night.

4) If your children or you have been on antibiotics you need to take Lactobacillus acidophilus to rebuild the good bacteria that were killed by the antibiotics. These healthy bacteria produce important immune factors. (Children: Natren's Megadophillus: 2 billion units per day for one month; Adults: Natresn's Healthy Trinity: 1 Capsule once daily for one month)

Here is a list of the two Naturopathic Physicians who practice in or around Atlanta.

Best in health,
Dr. Hansen