It is common practice for pediatricians to recommend mothers give their child Tylenol when they have a fever, are teething, or even after vaccinations.  But is this over-the-counter medication actually as safe as we’re told it is?  

Glutathione Depletion & Neurodevelopmental Concerns

Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, depletes glutathione.  Glutathione plays a central role in detoxification. It is made from three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine.  It is found in nearly every cell and helps neutralize harmful free radicals, bind to toxins, and escort them safely out of the body through the liver. Without adequate glutathione, our ability to clear pesticides, heavy metals, medications, and everyday environmental pollutants is compromised, leaving the body more vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage.  It’s especially concerning that acetaminophen is so often recommended to infants immediately after receiving multiple vaccine doses.  This is a time when their tiny bodies may already be burdened with exposure to aluminum adjuvants, trace heavy metals, and even glyphosate residues. Depleting glutathione during this critical window could further impair their ability to detoxify and recover.

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, “Cord biomarkers of fetal exposure to acetaminophen were associated with significantly increased risk of childhood ADHD and ASD in a dose-response fashion. Our findings support previous studies regarding the association between prenatal and perinatal acetaminophen exposure and childhood neurodevelopmental risk and warrant additional investigations.”   Infants with the highest levels of these biomarkers had three times the risk of developing ADHD and more than three and a half times the risk of developing autism compared to those with the lowest levels. Even moderate levels of exposure were linked to elevated risk, revealing a clear dose-response relationship.  The more acetaminophen detected, the higher the likelihood of a later neurodevelopmental diagnosis. These findings build on a growing body of research suggesting that both prenatal and perinatal exposure to acetaminophen may interfere with brain development. 

Why Fevers Are Your Body’s Natural Superpower

Fevers are often seen as something to quickly suppress, but they actually play a vital role in healing. When your body raises its temperature, it creates an environment that’s hostile to viruses and bacteria, helping to slow their growth and boost your immune system’s ability to fight infection. This natural response signals that your body is actively working to heal itself. Instead of immediately reaching for medications to reduce a fever, trusting this process can support faster recovery and stronger immunity over time. Embracing the fever as a healing tool honors the wisdom built into our bodies’ natural defenses.

What to Use Instead

Unlike acetaminophen, which can deplete glutathione and burden the body’s detox pathways, Earthley’s herbal remedies support the body’s natural healing processes without introducing synthetic chemicals. Feel Better Fast combines herbs like echinacea, elderflower, and fennel to help soothe symptoms, support the immune system, and promote recovery when you’re under the weather. For teething discomfort, Teeth Tamer offers a gentle blend of catnip and clove in a safe, alcohol-free formula that calms fussiness and reduces gum pain naturally. Both options work with the body rather than against it, making them safer, non-toxic alternatives for supporting infants and children through common illnesses and developmental milestones.  

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