Ad Info
Google
 WWW  Mommy Chats
 

Mothering Magazine Sponsored Chat with Randall Neustaedter OMD - Dr. Randall Neustaedter has practiced holistic medicine for more than thirty years in the San Francisco Bay area, specializing in child health care. He is a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, as well as education diretor of the Holistic Pediatric association www.hpakids.org, author of Child Health Guide and The Vaccine Guide, and father of five children. Visit his website, www.cure-guide.com to register for a free newsletter with pediatric updates.

Chat topic: Allergies, Eczema, and Asthma. These problems can be managed with holistic medicine, eliminating the need for antihistamines, steroids, and other suppressive drug treatment. Children with asthma are being overtreated with toxic medications that do nothing to address the underlying problem. Dr. Neustaedter discusses how diet and natural parenting methods can prevent these problems, and how holistic medicine can treat them effectively.www.mothering.com
5/17/06

33 mamas  & 1 dad in attendance

All Mothering Sponsored chats with Dr. Neustaedter:


                 

Books by Dr. Neustaedter:

11:57:43 mod_Beckie Our speaker today is Dr Randall Neustaedter
11:57:53 oopidsnot This is my first chat ever!  *giddy*
11:57:58 mod_Beckie Friendly Reminder: Please do not post unless it is your turn to ask a question. If you have a question, please post a single ?" and you'll be added to the queue. Have your question ready when your name is called. THANKYOU! :)"
11:58:25 mod_Beckie Dr Neustaedter, can you post some about yourself, your background and such?
11:59:45 RandallNeustaedter I practice holistic pediatrics using homeopathy, Chinese medicine, herbs, nutritional supplements and wok with lots of kids with allergies, eczema, asthma, and chronic sinus problems. Our topic for today.
12:00:04 RandallNeustaedter Everyone can also view my website for much more info at www.cure-guide.com
12:00:31 mod_Beckie wonderful! And I already have questions in the queue for you :) When you are finished answering a question, please let me know by saying next question, thanks!
12:00:44 RandallNeustaedter I also wrote the book Child Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents that gives the details of most things we will discuss today.
12:00:50 RandallNeustaedter Questions welcome now.
12:00:58 mod_Beckie OneTrueRobin, you are first!
12:01:19 OneTrueRobin May I ask about the mumps since it is now in my area?
12:01:26 RandallNeustaedter sure
12:01:43 OneTrueRobin We live in Madison and it is just showing up.
12:01:53 OneTrueRobin no one in our house is vaccinated.
12:02:18 OneTrueRobin I have heard about Parotidinum and wonder if this is effective for prevention, or what else you might recommend?
12:02:26 OneTrueRobin (homeopathic)
12:02:36 RandallNeustaedter Mumps is a normal childhood disease that usually causes no complications, especially if it is treated appropriately.
12:02:59 RandallNeustaedter Do not use Tylenol or other antipyretics.
12:03:18 RandallNeustaedter It does not cause sterility, the usual concern with males.
12:03:42 *SagEsMomMy* ?
12:03:42 RandallNeustaedter I would use Parotidinum with known exposure, but not otherwise.
12:03:51 RandallNeustaedter Mumps is actually a good thing.
12:04:20 RandallNeustaedter Do not fear childhood diseases. They are beneficial to the immune system.
12:04:21 RandallNeustaedter Next.
12:04:38 mod_Beckie Laurasb26 you are next
12:04:41 laurasb26 doctor, i have an unvaccinated almost fully breastfeed 11 month old boy who at early age, around 3 months started to develop a patch of dry skin on his arm. Now he has them in his back and stomach. Not noticeable unless you put your hand across. Homeopath
12:04:48 laurasb26 gave me remedy but still there
12:05:00 laurasb26 stopped the only formula milk i give him
12:05:02 laurasb26 and still there
12:05:46 RandallNeustaedter This sounds very mild, luckily. Eczema has become epidemic in our highly vaccinated pediatric population.
12:06:15 OneTrueRobin ?
12:06:19 RandallNeustaedter You should be taking a good fish oil supplement so that he gets omega 3 fats through breast milk.
12:06:20 laurasb26 do you have any recommendations for its dissapperings?
12:06:38 laurasb26 and for him as well?
12:07:02 laurasb26 recommendations good fish oil supplement?
12:07:36 RandallNeustaedter There are also some excellent Chinese herbs safe for children. The one I have seen work the best is a formula called Fire Fighter made by Chinese Modular Solutions and available through practitioners.
12:08:24 laurasb26 thank you. btw, i  swallowed your Vaccination Guide and others are to follow!
12:08:34 AlexisFryer ?
12:08:48 RandallNeustaedter Fish oil. Nordic Naturals (2000 mg EPA) capsules. Or Carlsen's cod liver oil 1 Tbspn.
12:09:02 laurasb26 for me or the baby? or both?
12:09:35 RandallNeustaedter Don't give up on the homeopathy. These skin eruptions resolve slowly and the goal is to prevent them from worsening as they grow.
12:09:48 RandallNeustaedter Watch out for dairy in your diet as well.
12:09:49 laurasb26 thank you. i wont
12:10:17 RandallNeustaedter I don't think a 3 month old needs to take fish oil directly, but you could give him a 1/2 tspn of cod liver oil too.
12:10:20 RandallNeustaedter Next
12:10:25 mod_Beckie *SagEsMomMy* your turn!
12:10:36 *SagEsMomMy* yes doctor, my daughter had her 2 m/o checkup this past friday and that meant her first real round of shots.  i was debating whether or not to vax but decided to ultimately, i gave infant tylenol 30 min. before and that seemed to help-
12:10:58 *SagEsMomMy* she was subdued for the remainder of the day and had a sore arm, however i've heard that giving tylenol can mask a reaction
12:11:08 *SagEsMomMy* has that been true in your experience?
12:11:37 *SagEsMomMy* i've been watching her like a hawk since- but she was back to her little self the following day- though she was sore
12:11:39 RandallNeustaedter I don't think that acetominophen or ibuprofen are appropriate meds for children.
12:11:40 laurasb26 ?""
12:11:53 *SagEsMomMy* in her leg excuse me, not arm
12:12:10 *SagEsMomMy* so your recommendation would be not to administer tylenol?
12:12:42 RandallNeustaedter I usually recommend vit C, vit A&D, and homeopathic aconite.
12:12:44 RandallNeustaedter next
12:12:55 *SagEsMomMy* thank you doctor
12:13:19 TheLightbearer Severe allergies in 16 month old?
12:13:42 RandallNeustaedter What's the question exactly?
12:14:12 TheLightbearer She's on Zyrtec, wondering if any herbs, homeopathics would help??
12:15:25 RandallNeustaedter Yes, I get children off these antihistamines and steroids for allergy and asthma symptoms with Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathy. But constitutional homeopathic treatment is indicated, not OTC remedies.
12:16:05 TheLightbearer What about echinacea?
12:16:10 RandallNeustaedter of course there are directories of practitioners in your areas.
12:16:22 RandallNeustaedter No echinacea is not appropriate for allergies.
12:16:32 TheLightbearer ok, thank you so much
12:16:35 RandallNeustaedter next
12:16:37 marmoseley What do you recommend for small children with asthma?  Does proper nutrition help and if so any particular suggestions?
12:17:21 RandallNeustaedter We have a whole protocol for asthma. You can hear a radio show about it at www.hpakids.org, click on the radio links.
12:17:32 RandallNeustaedter Yes nutritional support is essential.
12:17:42 Mod_beckie Soo sorry!! My baby shut down my computer
12:17:50 marmoseley Back to seasonal allergies - what types of Chinese herbs?
12:18:57 RandallNeustaedter For example, avoiding all trans fats, giving fish oils and vit C. Then transitioning from bronchodilators and steroids to an herbal program of support, while doing constitutional immune system strengthening.
12:19:29 AlexisFryer I am interested to know your recommendations for dealing with asthma. My 5 year old son has asthma. He  is seeing a homeopath, but we just cannot get a handle on the asthma. His episodes are becoming more severe, and we are forced to use steroids to help.
12:19:38 Mod_beckie Dr Neustaedter, when you are finished with marmoselay, AlexisFryer was actually next in the queue
12:19:44 marmoseley How do I find out what kind of herbal program?  Is this info on your website?
12:19:49 AlexisFryer sorry, I hit send by accident
12:20:22 RandallNeustaedter CMS has a line of herbal formulas for asthma including Open Air for acute symptoms, Deep Breath for ongoing maintenance. Grow and Thrive for immune support. Chest Relief for cough. The list goes on. These are all designed as pediatric formulations.
12:21:10 yubefit Which homeopathic remedies do you recommend for eczema?
12:21:14 RandallNeustaedter My experience is that homeopathy will not solve the problem in children on its own, that is most children will need acute symptomatic treatment as well either with allopathic drugs or the Chinese herbs I have mentioned.
12:21:21 yubefit sorry
12:21:22 Mod_beckie yubefit, this is a moderated chat
12:21:26 RandallNeustaedter Acupuncture also works very well in children.
12:21:34 marmoseley Any books you can recommend with complete info?
12:21:38 Mod_beckie i will add you to the queue
12:23:10 RandallNeustaedter There is a book that has partial info called Natural Relief for your Child's Asthma by Steven Bock. But listen to our radio show on the subject, which provides the best reasoning and protocol.
12:23:13 RandallNeustaedter next
12:23:29 Mod_beckie alexisfryer, your next
12:23:38 oopidsnot ?""
12:24:05 RandallNeustaedter By the way, make sure that an acupuncturist you see has experience with children. And do not stop asthma medications without supervision.
12:24:19 AlexisFryer Well, I accidentally sent my question earlier about asthma. Do I need to see a Chinese Doctor or you to get the herbal formulas for support?
12:25:02 RandallNeustaedter Yes these are only available through licensed practitioners, acupuncturists, MDs, DCs, etc.
12:25:21 AlexisFryer Thank you.
12:25:28 RandallNeustaedter next
12:25:34 Mod_beckie laurasb26 you are up
12:25:49 laurasb26 sorry Dr. a quick correction my baby is 11 months not three, fish oil aside of the one in the actual fish for him? also, do you have any recommendations of homeopaths in london uk?
12:26:59 RandallNeustaedter There are hundreds of registered homeopaths in London. I recommend you contact the homeopathic colleges there.
12:27:13 RandallNeustaedter I don't think fish is a safe food for children.
12:27:42 RandallNeustaedter So give fish oil from a reliable source free of contaminants or krill oil.
12:27:56 RandallNeustaedter next
12:27:58 Mod_beckie yubefit, your next
12:28:17 yubefit Which homeopathic remedies do you recommend for eczema?
12:28:54 hillaryncookie ?
12:30:23 RandallNeustaedter Eczema is a constitutional problem. Acute OTC remedies will not have much effect usually. It is necessary to treat it with the correct remedy prescribed by a qualified practitioner. This means considering the entire constitutional picture, even in a baby. Directory at homeopathicdirectory.com for certified homeopaths.
12:30:25 RandallNeustaedter next
12:30:59 yubefit currently working w/homeopathic practitioner to no avail
12:31:01 Mod_beckie sunshinestarr you are up
12:31:09 marmoseley I know I'm not supposed to do this but....... my son had severe eczema problems.  Jojoba oil in bath and after almost completely healed him.
12:31:51 sunshinestarr I'm wondering about what an adult (myself) can do for asthma.
12:32:04 sunshinestarr It's totally uncontrolled, I take lots of vit C and I usually take fish oil (I should take more) but I get lots of Omega 3s in general.
12:32:10 sunshinestarr I avoid dairy.  What can you recommend for an adult? (I realize that this discussion is really for children) :)
12:32:23 RandallNeustaedter The chat room police will get you now.
12:32:29 Mod_beckie LOL
12:32:33 sunshinestarr hehhehe
12:33:32 RandallNeustaedter Thanks for the comment about moisturizers. These are important, including jojobe oil. But my experience is that moisturizers and external oils themselves are not adequate for most cases.
12:33:58 RandallNeustaedter the principles in adult asthma treatment are similar, but adults are more difficult to treat
12:34:46 RandallNeustaedter Adults have more history of suppression. Nutritional supplements are good, but not adequate to cure or even significantly eleive the symptoms in adults.
12:35:04 sunshinestarr Ahh
12:35:34 RandallNeustaedter It must be treated at the root cause level, which is miasmatic in homeopathy, and usually a kidney/lung axis deficiency pattern in Chinese medicine.
12:35:44 RandallNeustaedter next
12:35:46 sunshinestarr Wow
12:35:48 sunshinestarr Thanks!
12:36:07 Mod_beckie opidsnot, you are up!
12:36:10 oopidsnot I have a two month old daughter who has recently become quite congested.  I'm thinking she might be developing allergies.  Is there anything you can recommend to help her breathe better?  It gets really bad at night when she's sleeping.
12:36:37 RandallNeustaedter Adults with asthma also require treatment over a long period of time to build up immune function. Don't give up.
12:37:02 sunshinestarr :)
12:37:23 RandallNeustaedter This kind of nasal congestion is really common in babies who cannot clear their noses themselves.
12:37:32 RandallNeustaedter It is usually not allergic.
12:38:06 RandallNeustaedter Try steam in the bathroom. Not humidifiers.
12:38:15 oopidsnot Okay, thankyou :)
12:38:44 RandallNeustaedter They usually grow out of it, or you could try stopping dairy yourself which could be contributing.
12:39:03 oopidsnot I don't eat much dairy myself, lactose intolerant
12:39:44 RandallNeustaedter Then I would just wait it out. Sounds normal unless it persists for months.
12:39:45 RandallNeustaedter next
12:39:47 lauraw I have a nonvaccinated 3 year old who gets eczema on her cheeks and behind her knees.  Do you believe that eczema is related to diet?  For instance, I do see it gets much worse when she eats strawberries.
12:39:48 Mod_beckie hillaryncookie, your up!
12:39:57 Mod_beckie lauraw, I will add you to the Queue :)
12:40:12 hillaryncookie i have a 6 month old son that has eczema. It is on his back shoulders and on his head. His dr. told us to use hydracortison and it isn't working. It seems like it is spreading. Is there anything i could put on it?  Also it was red at first and is now dry
12:40:29 hillaryncookie is that a sign of it getting better?
12:42:12 RandallNeustaedter Steroids are not appropriate for children.They should be reserved for emergency use only. That includes topical treatment. And other topical meds have very bad side effects (protopic).
12:42:46 RandallNeustaedter You could try using Florasone instead, made by B&T. But really eczema cannot be cured with topical treatment.
12:43:02 RandallNeustaedter Steroids will suppress the eruption and it usually comes back in a worsened form.
12:43:21 RandallNeustaedter Children who have been treated with steroid creams are always more difficult to treat.
12:43:21 rinboduffy ?
12:43:34 kristie ?
12:43:35 hillaryncookie Thank you for clearing this up for me
12:43:44 Mod_beckie I am going to close the queue after Kristie
12:43:50 RandallNeustaedter And I always tell parents that the more cortisone treatment the longer it will take to cure.
12:43:54 Mod_beckie let's see how much time we have after her, and I may reopen it :)
12:44:23 RandallNeustaedter Really internal curative treatment is the only way to resolve it.
12:44:52 RandallNeustaedter I am also very concerned about suppressed eczema developing into asthma.
12:44:53 RandallNeustaedter next
12:44:54 Mod_beckie lauraw, can you repost your question now?
12:44:57 lauraw Do you believe eczema is related to diet?  Is it best to start by eliminating things from diet to see if it goes away?
12:45:41 RandallNeustaedter Elimination diets may help, and allergy testing may point the way, depending on the age of the child (ie over 2 years).
12:46:12 lauraw Which type of doctor can do allergy testing on a 3 year old?
12:46:23 RandallNeustaedter But treating the root of the problem will raise resistance and lessen susceptibility to allergens.
12:46:33 lrmcneil@cs.com My daughter is being tested at 2.5 years old, is this too young
12:46:42 RandallNeustaedter An allergist can do RAST tests (blood) or skin tests.
12:46:59 RandallNeustaedter In younger children tests are just less reliable.
12:47:01 RandallNeustaedter next
12:47:03 Mod_beckie laurasb26, you have a follow up question? Please post it now :)
12:47:38 laurasb26 it was about the nose congestion. what about sea salt water?
12:48:10 RandallNeustaedter For those of you lining up with more ? You can also send me an email at randalln@cure-guide.com. So don't despair.
12:48:39 Mod_beckie Thank you Dr! Can you stay a bit after 11 or shall I cut it off there?
12:48:58 Mod_beckie I have two more in the queue at the moment
12:48:58 RandallNeustaedter Kids hate having their noses sprayed or suctioned. It's only very temporary relief anyway. But sure some salt water drops might help.
12:49:09 RandallNeustaedter Yes I can do 10 more minutes.
12:49:12 Mod_beckie Thank you!
12:49:21 RandallNeustaedter next
12:49:32 Mod_beckie rinboduffy, your up!
12:50:04 rinboduffy You refered to treating the root of the problem - my son has ecsema and we just discovered a mild peanut allergy - where do i go from here?
12:50:24 AlexisFryer ?
12:51:12 Mod_beckie At this time, the queue is full. Questions already in line will be asked, but we cannot take anymore today. Sorry for the inconvenience.
12:51:50 RandallNeustaedter Peanut allergies are very difficult to treat. And they can be dangerous. Please see the transcript of treatment regimens above and our radio show about allergies.
12:51:51 RandallNeustaedter next
12:51:59 Mod_beckie kristie, your turn
12:52:02 kristie I have a question about hayfever.  My son (5) and I have bad hayfever, but can control it nicely with Hyland's Hayfever tablets.
12:52:10 kristie Currently, our allergies are out of contol" per my son's Ped.  We both have dry, barking coughs, do we need to try another remedy with it>"
12:52:23 kristie maybe hepr sulph calc?
12:53:03 RandallNeustaedter Uh oh. I am not a fan of combination remedies because they are imprecise and I do not recommend using them over any extended period of time.
12:53:18 kristie okay, then what should we do?
12:54:09 RandallNeustaedter Of course Hepar is appropriate for barking coughs, as are many other remedies. You need to get good constitutional homeopathic treatment if you can, because acute remedies will not cure the problem.
12:54:24 kristie the closest classical homeopath is about 3hrs away
12:55:01 RandallNeustaedter Allergies can be controlled and successfully treated with very infrequent treatment by a qualified homeopath.
12:55:44 kristie okay, i'll see if we can get in with this homeopath then.  This year has been much worse for our allergies than normal.  Thank you!
12:55:50 RandallNeustaedter Otherwise make sure you have enough vit C, pantothenic acid (500 mg), and omega 3 fats.
12:55:53 RandallNeustaedter next
12:56:02 Mod_beckie AlexisFryer, you are our last question of the day!
12:56:33 AlexisFryer YOu mentioned the root of the problem with exzema. If not food allergies, what do you think the root cause might be?
12:56:35 RandallNeustaedter I can stay on until 11:10.
12:56:53 kristie ?
12:57:00 Mod_beckie okay, gotcha kristie
12:57:25 AlexisFryer We are treating my 3 year old with homeopathy and chinese herbs, as well as restricting his diet based on blood tests. His eczema is still bad.
12:57:38 AlexisFryer I don't know what else to do!
12:57:48 brasilmom I am sorry, I missed most of the chat session, and it sounds that the eczema was already address, would it be possible for me to ask a question?
12:58:32 RandallNeustaedter The root of eczema is usually inherited (miasmatic) and heat in the blood (Chinese theory) which often comes from drugs and inherited deficiency states.
12:58:59 marmoseley ?
12:59:04 RandallNeustaedter I cannot emphasize enough the causative and aggravating effect of vaccines on eczema.
12:59:19 RandallNeustaedter Vaccinated children are at high risk of developing eczema.
12:59:33 AlexisFryer It did come on strong after getting the Hep B.
12:59:41 RandallNeustaedter And studies have also shown the association between vaccines and asthma.
12:59:43 RandallNeustaedter next
12:59:49 Mod_beckie kristie
12:59:51 kristie About eczema, my 17mo has it on his legs, what can we use to control the itching?  I find he's better with probiotics and Omega 3 supplements.  My 17mo has NOT been vaxxed (thankfully!).
13:01:11 RandallNeustaedter I find Florasone sometimes helps, but this is an internal not external problem as discussed above.
13:01:18 RandallNeustaedter next
13:01:23 Mod_beckie brasilmom, you are next
13:02:35 brasilmom my 8mo had severe eczema until I found out that me eating nuts was causing it. Maybe she had a mistaken diagnose. She is not vaccinated but still has a lots of skin rashs.I have used urtice urens and now am trying to find something to rid her skin from ras
13:02:42 brasilmom rashes
13:03:08 livia27 ?
13:04:12 RandallNeustaedter Certainly an allergen in your diet can be transferred through breast milk. But why did she have it in the first place. Please seek treatment for the rashes. They have the same cause.
13:04:58 RandallNeustaedter For anyone not online earlier. See our radio shows on eczema and asthma at www.hpakids.org
13:05:00 RandallNeustaedter next
13:05:01 brasilmom yet she also reacts to egg and I am very careful about introducing new foods. She had a very bad reaction to egg yolk and her ears even got puffed up
13:05:04 Mod_beckie marmoseley, is our last question.
13:05:16 marmoseley What do you recommend for itchy, red, watery, puffy eyes due to seasonal allergies?  Also, do you feel that using non toxic household cleaners help these issues?
13:06:08 RandallNeustaedter OMG do not use any toxic cleaners or detergents or insecticides in your house.
13:06:33 marmoseley I don't, but most people do!! How do we persuade our friends, family etc.
13:07:03 RandallNeustaedter For these symptoms the most common homeopathic remedies are Euphrasia, Apis, and Allium Cepa depending on the severity.
13:07:22 marmoseley How do I know the right dose?
13:08:05 RandallNeustaedter All you can do about others is offer your perspective. You can tell grandma that your kids are too allergic to go to her house unless she uses the products you suggest. and get a note from your Dr. to that effect.
13:08:13 RandallNeustaedter the dose does not matter
13:08:52 marmoseley Can you suggest a website to order from - our local healthfood store is very small
13:09:03 RandallNeustaedter Either a homeopathic remedy will work or not. Potency and dosage are not relevant in this situation. Just stop when symptoms improve.
13:09:34 RandallNeustaedter I use Boiron as my supplier. Their phone is 800 blutube.
13:09:45 Mod_beckie Thank you so much Dr! Such great information, we really appreciate it!
13:09:45 RandallNeustaedter Thanks everyone for your great questions.
13:09:49 marmoseley Thank you!
13:10:09 RandallNeustaedter If have more you can email me at randalln@cure-guide.com and I will try to be helpful.
13:10:13 RandallNeustaedter See you next month.
13:10:18 Mod_beckie Thank you to all of our chatters for being so understanding to a one handed moderator!

 

 

Web Template by Jen at Four Little Ducks