I saw one-year-old T.J. and his mother a few weeks ago.  She was at her wits end with lack of sleep and concern for her son.  He had been on antibiotics several times in his short life for recurring ear infections.  He was chronically constipated.  His doctor prescribed laxatives produced cramps and bloating.
    He suffered from insomnia, and when he did finally fall asleep, often woke up restless and crying.  He had a chronically runny nose and was irritable most of the time.
    Aside from the laxative, his pediatrician had prescribed Levsin, an antispasmodic.  His mother was concerned about the medication, since in warm weather it can cause heat prostration and fever due to lack of sweating.  It can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, fatigue and insomnia, increased heart rate, nervousness, weakness and dizziness.  This, of course, explained many of his symptoms.
    He had already had barium x-rays at his tender age and was proclaimed "fine" by his doctor.
    I suggested every other bottle of formula be replaced with strained, diluted carrot/apple/celery juice to boost his nutrient absorption, gently cleanse his blood and stimulate his liver.  We used acidophilus with bifidus 2 times a day in a little water or juice, to restore the friendly bacteria to his intestine.  We then added a homeopathic remedy for constipation including some "carbo veg." to ease the gas.
    A week later (or sooner, his mother didn't call until then because she couldn't believe it), he was sleeping through the night, moved his bowels easily, no more runny nose, and was a "happy baby".
    Prevention, of course, is always better than the cure, and simply nursing an infant for a minimum of 9 months will usually forestall these kinds of problems.  It is not always the answer to everything, and there are often and sadly circumstances where the mother cannot nurse.  It is at times like these where tried and true remedies that have always been available to us come in so handy.