Combating Allergies (without drugs)

So... Allergy season is in full swing here in the Midwest. Quinn always gets hit the worst. It starts with a running/stuffy nose and itchy eyes and then will lead to either an ear infection or croup cough in the middle of the night. When we aren't diligent we find ourselves in the doctor's office for some antibiotics for an ear infection or steroids for the croup cough. This past spring we weren't diligent with our regime and he woke up coughing and crying that he was "going to die."  He ended up in steroids and boy oh boy do those make him emotional.

I learned my lesson and have stayed on top of his allergies and he's started to pick up in the importance of preventive care.

So... Here's what we do:

The first day of school both boys start taking a Vitamin D supplement. During the summer they get plenty of D from the sun. Vitamin D has many benefits, the most important (for the boys) is that it helps regulate the immune system.

Every day with his regular multi-vitamin Quinn takes one dose of Children's Sinus Support by Redd Remedies. He hates these chewables, but will take the dose with milk. Once his allergies start making their appearance we up the dose to twice a day. I wish we could find something that tastes better for him, because you should see his face as he's taking them. However, this is the only supplement for kids that contains Quercetin. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine.

In addition to the supplements Quinn has also started using the netipot! I am thrilled for this development and amazed at how great he does. We always do a round at night and there are some mornings when he asks for it. Good for him for listening to his body and reading the signs of what it needs.

Our last line of defense is a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide. We place a few drops in each ear. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antiseptic and by putting the H2O2 into the ears we are hoping to prevent ear and sinus infections. (Both boys do this, mostly because Liam likes the way it feels - lucky Liam doesn't suffer from allergies.)