15b. Children's Health - Colic, Teething & Anxiety Flashcards
What is colic?
Regular, prolonged crying for unknown reason
Signs and symptoms of colic
Infant appears in pain
Crying for long periods
Stiffens body/curls legs upwards
Causes of colic
Undeveloped digestive system
Trapped gas
Food intolerances
Low gut microbiota diversity
Natural approach to colic
Check for intolerances
Avoid gas-forming foods - cruf veg, fried foods, peanuts
Probiotics
Fennel seed tea
Chamomile tea
Burping them for as long as they feed
Gentle pressure on abdomen
Bicycling of legs
Abdominal massage - clockwise only
Remove excess stimulus
Create closeness
Why is fennel seed tea good for colic?
Antispasmodic
Carminative
Galactagogue (if mum drinking)
(cooled for baby)
Why is chamomile tea good for colic?
Antispasmodic
Carminative
Nervine
(via mum or age adjusted dose for baby)
What is teething?
Cutting of baby teeth through the gums
Causes local inflammation
When does teething usually begin?
4-7 months
Signs and symptoms of teething
Irritability
Mild temperature
1 flushed red cheek/ear
Constant dribbling
Diarrhoea
Natural approach to teething
Cold, wet muslin to chew
Chilled cucumber/carrot/celery sticks
Frozen banana
Homemade frozen lollies
Tea - chamomile, lemon balm, lavender
How can childhood anxiety present?
Digestive aches
Headaches
Irritability
Anger
Fatigue
Causes and risk factors for childhood anxiety
Bullying
Social media
Friendship issues
Poor teaching at school
Chronic stress
Blood sugar dysregulation
Nutritional deficiencies
Why do blood sugar dysregulation and chronic stress lead to impaired cognition, disrupted sleep and altered neurotransmitter functioning?
Hypoglycaemia impairs cognition
Chronic stress - raised cortisol leads to periods of hypoglycaemia
Which nutrient deficiencies are linked to childhood anxiety?
EFAs
Mg
Zn
Se
D
Why is an EFA deficiency linked to childhood anxiety?
Linked to neuroinflammation
Lower dopamine
Reduce neuroplasticity
Impacts myelin sheath functioning
Why is a Mg deficiency linked to childhood anxiety?
HPA dysregulation
Reduced monoamine levels
Why is a Zn deficiency linked to childhood anxiety?
Increases cortisol
Reduces neuroplasticity
Alters hippocampal synaptic transmission
Why is a Se deficiency linked to childhood anxiety?
Thyroid dysregulation
Increased OS
Why is a vit D deficiency linked to childhood anxiety?
Alters neurotrophic factors
Alters monoamine levels
Naturopathic approach to childhood anxiety
Remove caffeine, sugar, food additives - drives anxiety
Stabilise blood glucose levels
Hydration
Probiotics to support gut-brain connection
Address any nutrient deficiencies
Herbal nervines
Regular exercise
Time outside
Music/art therapy
Examples of herbal nervines to support childhood anxiety
Chamomile
Lemon balm
Lavender
Passionflower
(to influence GABA receptors)
Examples of Bach flowers to support childhood anxiety
Aspen
White chestnut
Larch
Why is aspen good for childhood anxiety?
Anxiety but don’t know why
Why is white chestnut good for childhood anxiety?
When mind gets fixed on a particular thing and can’t let go
