Antibiotics are the most frequently prescribed medicines for kids. Although antibiotics can save lives, most of the times they are over-prescribed and misused. You can’t cure every disease by merely giving antibiotics.
The body’s immune system can fight them even before they cause any illness but some take their own time like for example the cold virus. And antibiotics do not work on them. Despite the area of infection, antibiotic affects the complete body and kills loads of valuable bystanders.
Antibiotic-resistant: If antibiotics are used over the course of years, they become ineffective in killing some bacteria, making the child antibiotic resistant. In some such cases, stronger antibiotics are given to treat the problem. This is one of the main reasons why doctors have become wary of prescribing antibiotics until really required.
If someone prescribes antibiotics to kids for viral illness (other than bacterial), they are incompetent, and they can give a life-term effect to metabolism, gut microbiota, immune system, asthma, eczema, and allergies.
Tips to lower your child’s antibiotic prescriptions
Give them extra fluids: Make them drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. It also thins nasal secretion and flushes them out.
Gargle: Make them gargle with salt and lukewarm water.
– Give them a wholesome nutrient-rich diet.
– Get them in the habit of washing their hands after they come from school, play and before eating any meal.
– Give them nutrition supplements (consult a doctor)
– Support their gut health by giving them fermented food and fermented fibre.
Dietician Shreya’s three of the best home remedies that work instead of antibiotics.
Home remedies for cold and flu
Mustard oil with garlic cloves: Heat the mustard oil (do not boil), add 2-3 garlic cloves and ajawain. Rub this on your child’s feet, back and chest.
Ginger and honey juice: Grate some ginger and take out its juice. Mix the juice with honey and give it to your child.
Keep the room cosy: Use humidifiers to keep the rooms air moist which will break up nasal and chest congestion.