Ear Infection Natural Treatments - Vitamins and Minerals

Good nutrition , combined with sensible supplementation can give you the edge in your treatment of an ear infection.

The average person doesn't consume an optimal amount of all nutrients in their diet . In fact, scientific trials indicate that all adults should take supplements, even more so if you're battling a potentially serious ear infection. You have a wonderful human body that when given the right nutrients in the right amounts can heal itself.

So here's a summary of what you should start on to boost your immunity and get rid of ear infections for good...

Vitamin CThe average adult will need to start on at least 3000 mg of vitamin C a day to fight an ear infection efficiently.

Everyone's requirements are different so it is best to start taking 500 - 1000 mg of vitamin C every hour until your stools become a little loose or watery. When your stools become watery it means that your body is well saturated with vitamin C and the excess is being excreted. This point is called "bowel tolerance" and it is at this point that the vitamin C is helping your immune system most efficiently.

Going to just under your bowel tolerance every day should be adhered to until the infection is cleared from your body. You may not see improvements in your symptoms if your vitamin C intake is too low.

When you feel better don't just drop your amount of vitamin C to nothing. Tapering the amount down to a maintenance dose of 1000 - 2000 mg over a few days is best to avoid blood levels of vitamin C dropping too suddenly. If vitamin C goes down too quickly you can become susceptible to infections again.

ZincZinc is a mineral that stimulates your white blood cells and antibody production to fight off infection. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps relieve the pain of sore ears, swollen glands and congestion that are often present with ear infections.

I am always amazed about how many of my patients show up as being low in zinc. On testing, at least 80% of people I see in my clinic are deficient in this essential mineral. In fighting ear infections I suggest you start with 60 - 90 mg of elemental zinc a day.

Vitamin AVitamin A and its precursor beta-carotene enhance immunity. Vitamin A has been shown to lower the rate of infections. It is essential for the repair and maintenance of the cells that line the mouth, throat, nose and lungs. Deficiency of vitamin A allows micro organisms, to more easily penetrate mucous membranes.

For immune support to get rid of ear infections, I recommend at least 10,000 IU of vitamin A or 15 mg of beta-carotene a day. In cases of confirmed vitamin A deficiency I recommend at least 20,000 IU a day.

Vitamin A should not be taken in large amounts by pregnant women as higher amounts are linked to an increased risk of birth defects. Below 10,000 IU a day is fine. Patients suffering from liver disease should also use caution. Diabetics and hypothyroid individuals should avoid beta-carotene supplements because they cannot convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.

Other nutrientsOptional but highly recommended nutrients I also dispense to my ear infection patients are vitamin E, selenium and the B complex.

Vitamin E helps a whole range of immune functions and is a powerful antioxidant. Selenium is good to take with vitamin E, as they enhance each other's absorption. To help nerve repair in the ears and to cope with stress and fatigue, a balanced B complex is essential.

For further information on these nutrients and the dosages for adults and children, please refer to my e-book or consult with your holistic doctor or naturopath.