Northern Beaches Mums Group
Northern Beaches Mums Group

Sick again?

Your child is once again clearly unwell… and yet again you find yourself calling school to say they will be absent, phoning in-laws for childcare help, cancelling activities and playdates.

We know we shouldn’t compare our kids to others (and it is certainly unhelpful in many ways!) but when it becomes noticeable that our child seems to be the one who is always unwell compared to their friends or peers, or they are not meeting development milestones, it is natural to become concerned.

When your child:

  • Is never quite well
  • Always has a snotty nose
  • Has unusual bowel habits
  • Always has a headache
  • Seems to be vacant 
  • Is not meeting milestones 
  • Is not communicating like the others
  • Has respiratory issues…

Then you might find yourself at the doctor’s clinic yet again, desperate for a solution.

Normal and common

It has become quite normalised and acceptable for children to get grommets in their ears or have their tonsils (or even in some cases their appendix) removed.  However, every organ in the body has a role, and when there is a problem it is the body’s way of letting us know to pay attention and work out what is wrong.

Removing any organ unnecessarily is a bit like removing the oil filter from your car because it has a leak and not replacing it! It does in fact have a purpose, and without it the car will not function properly again.

The tonsils for example, are often the first warning sign that the body does not like what is being consumed. Tonsil discomfort, irritation or pain can be the body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong, and endangering the body’s system. 

While removing tonsils may seem like a good solution to stop the pain and the ongoing battle with them, it is also removing an important warning trigger. If we can look past the frustration and worry of our child’s recurring sore throats, and consider tonsils from the viewpoint of their primary function – we can then really look at what they are trying to tell us.

Allergies and intolerances

Allergies and Intolerances are not always the cause, but are worth investigating as a starting point, particularly with tonsil issues. 

We know allergies are increasing at a seemingly rapid rate amongst our children due to many factors both genetic and environmental, but that is a separate topic for another day! Allergy diagnoses might seem trendy or a like a current fad, however many allergy issues are still not identified and it is worth investigating as a possible cause when your child has health issues.

It is well established that dairy plays a role in many respiratory, ear, nose and throat conditions. Both dairy and gluten often play a role in behavioural, ASD, digestive and skin conditions and more. Removing these can provide real relief for many people.

The 7 most common known allergens are responsible for a variety of health issues, and these can be quickly identified by a qualified Nutritional Medicine Practitioner.  

Top 7 allergens:

  • Wheat
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Nuts
  • Soy
  • Casein (a protein found in milk and other dairy products)

A great way to start is a basic elimination trial. You can simply remove a possible allergen from your child’s diet for two weeks and see how their body reacts. Is there any change in your child’s symptoms? Are they better or worse?

If more than one allergen is playing a role it becomes a bit more complex, and finding a Nutritionist who specialises in this field can be a valuable resource.

Stepping back and thinking about your child’s optimum long term health means it is worth considering dietary and other less invasive changes first, before putting your child under the knife.

General anaesthetics all come with risk. And all our organs are there for a reason. So careful consideration needs to be given before we remove any of them… because what seems like a ‘quick fix’ now, may cause more problems down the track.


With extensive knowledge in Biochemistry, Microbiome, Genetics and Physiology and counselling, coupled with her qualifications in Nutritional Medicine and Emotional Health, Jacinta Callaghan is on a mission to help people better understand how amazing the human mind and body really are.

Jacinta is known to clients, students and other practitioners as blunt, honest whilst being compassionate, and just a little bit ‘nerd-like’ in her knowledge.
She is not afraid of telling like it is… with the science to back it up. And with science ever-evolving and new evidence supporting the efficacy of Nutritional Medicine being uncovered each and every day around the world, more and more people seek answers beyond big-pharma.

There is no one size fits all in Nutritional Medicine or Emotional Health, and Jacinta is on a mission to uncover what will ‘fit’ each and every person she treats.

Email: admin@jacintacallaghan.com
Website: www.jacintacallaghan.com