As a holistic pediatric health practitioner who cares deeply about your child’s long-term wellness, I know that late January can feel like the height of illness season for families. By this point in winter, many children have already battled multiple infections, and immune systems are working overtime.
Things like the flu, constant colds passed around classrooms, RSV that can hit babies especially hard, and lower respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis.
Most of the time, these infections are viral and will run their course with rest and supportive care. But sometimes symptoms become severe enough that antibiotics are the right and necessary next step.
When that moment arrives and a provider says, “I think it’s time for antibiotics” - parents in the holistic health community often feel a wave of mixed emotions.
There’s relief, because you want your child to feel better already. And there’s worry, because you’ve likely heard the other health issues that can follow antibiotic use.
Believe me - I’ve been there with my son as well.
If you’re feeling torn, you’re not overthinking it. You’re paying attention.
Antibiotics can be incredibly helpful, and in some cases absolutely essential. But they are also powerful medications, especially for small, still-developing bodies. That’s why the question I encourage parents to ask isn’t just “Do we need antibiotics?” - but also “How can I support my child’s body while they’re taking them?”
That’s where food, gentle remedies, and intentional gut support can make a meaningful difference.
What Antibiotics Are Really Doing Inside Your Child’s Body
Antibiotics do exactly what they’re meant to do: they go after bacteria that are making your child sick. The tricky part is that they don’t have a way to separate the “bad guys” from the helpful bacteria your child relies on every day for digestion, immune support, and nutrient absorption.
When antibiotics enter the picture, some harmful bacteria try to protect themselves by grouping together and becoming harder to eliminate. At the same time, many of the beneficial microbes in the gut take a hit. That sudden shift can leave the digestive system feeling off balance - sometimes for weeks.
You might notice this showing up as things like:
Tummy troubles, including diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach pain
A noticeable dip in energy or changes in appetite and food preferences
Skin flare-ups or signs of yeast overgrowth
Other health challenges getting worse or showing up soon after (i.e. Allergies)
This is why gut support isn’t an optional “nice to have” when your child is on antibiotics. It’s a core part of helping their body recover, rebuild, and truly move forward after illness.
My Practitioner-Approved Support Plan for Supporting Little Guts
When a child is on antibiotics, my goal is never to “undo” the medication or overwhelm parents with complicated protocols. This plan is about supporting the body while it heals, in ways that are realistic, gentle, and doable - even when everyone is tired and sick of being sick.
1. Keep Meals Simple, Nourishing, and Gut-Supportive
Antibiotics can make digestion more sensitive, so this isn’t the time to push heavy, complicated, or unfamiliar foods. Simple really is better here—but that doesn’t mean meals can’t be supportive.
I often encourage parents to lean into foods that are easy to digest and gently nourish the gut at the same time, such as:
Warm soups and broths
Soft foods like oatmeal, rice, potatoes, or scrambled eggs
Steamed vegetables such as carrots, squash, or zucchini
Prebiotic-rich foods like bananas, cooked apples, oats, and sweet potatoes
Healthy fats like olive oil or avocado, added gently
These foods help fuel healing, support beneficial gut bacteria, and provide steady energy—without putting extra stress on a tender digestive system.
2. Gently Reintroduce Helpful Bacteria
Because antibiotics don’t distinguish between harmful and beneficial bacteria, replenishing the gut matters - but there’s no need to rush it.
Food-based sources are often a gentle starting point:
Plain yogurt with live cultures (I prefer plant based yoghurt to actual dairy)
Kefir, which many children tolerate well
Small amounts of fermented foods if your child is open to them
Even a few bites consistently can support the rebuilding process.
3. Continue Support After Antibiotics Are Finished
One of the most common things I see is families stopping gut support as soon as the antibiotic course ends. In reality, this is when rebuilding truly begins.
It can take at least three months for a child’s gut microbiome to recover after each round of antibiotics. Continuing support during this time can make ALL the difference in how your child feels moving forward.
Along with nourishing foods and gentle routines, targeted gut support may be helpful for some children, including:
- Probiotics to help restore healthy gut bacteria
- L-glutamine to support the gut lining and healing
- Immune-supportive proteins like immunoglobulins to strengthen the gut–immune connection
- A whole-food greens blend to replenish nutrients and support digestion and energy
Not every child needs all of these. The goal is simple, consistent support while the gut finds its balance again.
Foods to Avoid and Embrace
Certain foods can worsen asthma by promoting mucus production or triggering inflammation. Here’s a guide to foods to avoid and incorporate:
Avoid:
Cold foods and drinks
Dairy products
Sugary foods and snacks
Foods with preservatives such as sulfites, FD&C Yellow #5, MSG, and aspartame
Incorporate:
Mucolytic foods like white mushrooms, papaya, radishes, pumpkin, and string beans
Foods for phlegm reduction like asparagus, apples, carrots, celery, and pears
Warming foods like honey and lemon to soothe airways but careful too much honey can also increase mucus production
Powering the Body with Nutritional Supplements
Supplements play a vital role in supporting the body’s natural defenses and managing asthma symptoms. By providing essential nutrients, they can help reduce inflammation, relax airways, and boost overall immune function. These are some of my favorite supplements to recommend because they not only complement other asthma treatments but also create a more holistic approach to improving your child’s health and quality of life.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish or algae-based) for anti-inflammatory benefits
- Vitamin D to improve asthma control
- Buffered Vitamin C to support immunity
- Magnesium, because it relaxes airways and reduces inflammation (amongst many other things)
Daily Habits for Managing Asthma During the Cold Season
1. Warm-Up for Outdoor Activities
Before your child runs off to play in the cold, encourage them to warm up indoors first. A little light stretching or marching in place can do wonders for preparing their lungs for the colder air. Pro tip: A scarf around the mouth and nose can help warm the air before it hits those sensitive airways.
2. Stay on the Offense
The best defense is a good offense, right? Help your child stay healthy during cold and flu season by making immune-boosting habits a priority. A balanced diet, daily supplements, and regular exercise can keep their immune system in tip-top shape. Here are some extra resources to help reduce your child's flus and colds:
What Nobody Tells You About Boosting Your Child's Immune System
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Since we spend so much time indoors during the winter, it’s essential to make sure that air is as clean as possible. Air purifiers are a game-changer when it comes to reducing triggers like dust mites, mold, and environmental toxins. The CDC, EPA, and WHO all recommend combining medical-grade HEPA technology with activated carbon for powerful air purification. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Looking Ahead: Tapering Medications and Long-Term Wellness
As asthma symptoms improve, many kids can start tapering off medications under their doctor’s guidance. The goal is to help them live their best lives by improving their diet, adding supplements, and being mindful of environmental changes. It’s all about long-term wellness!
In Conclusion: A Holistic Path to Asthma Management
At the end of the day, managing asthma is about finding that perfect balance. It’s not just about controlling symptoms - it’s about supporting the body naturally and proactively so that your child can thrive, no matter what the weather’s like outside.
With a little planning, some healthy habits, and the right tools, your child can breathe easier, live better, and enjoy all the fun that comes with every season. Because, let’s face it - every kid deserves to feel their best, no matter the weather.
If you're looking for a personalized plan to better manage your child's asthma, schedule a free call with me! Let’s chat!
I’m here to guide you through the next steps on your journey to better health for your child. It’s completely free, with no obligations - just a friendly conversation between two moms.
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