Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I have three grade school children who have upper respiratory issues. They are always coughing and sniffling, and the doctor thought one may even have asthma. My doctor is considering putting the little one on an asthmatic drug but I would also like to know if there is something nutritionally that could help them.” Nancy T., Omaha NE A. Dear Nancy, “There are some natural options that I can share with you for improving respiratory function, but please check with your doctor. This advice does not replace his/her oversight and medical care. The best recommendation I can give you for upper respiratory conditions is to get you and your children off grains containing gluten, dairy products, sugar and soft drinks. Even the natural juices and natural desserts can contain too many carbohydrates for your children. There has been excellent research in Germany and other European countries on the use of ivy and thyme for colds, cough, bronchitis and even asthma. In fact, ivy, standardized to hederacoside C, has been clinically studied in very young children with excellent lung-clearing results. I would suggest approximately 250 mg of a combination of these two herbs several times a day. This combination functions as an expectorant (helps cough out phlegm), mucolytic (breaks up congestion), which naturally reduces the need to cough frequently. This will help to thin the mucous and make it easier to expel. Not only is this a great combination for children, but it’s great for adults as well.”