Jinger Duggar recently offered a candid look into her “crunchy” health philosophy following a medical scare involving her seven-year-old daughter, Felicity. The reality television personality discussed her views on modern medicine during an October 29 episode of the “Jinger and Jeremy Podcast.” Her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, first noted Jinger’s increasingly natural approach to health.
Jinger, 31, acknowledged her shift, stating she is “becoming more and more ‘crunchy’.” She emphasized her increased awareness of products and ingredients within their home. She also suggested she might even adopt a more “crunchy” lifestyle than she currently maintains.
The couple used Felicity’s recent ear infection as a key example of Jinger’s medical stance. They explained that Felicity experienced “unbearable pain” during a wedding hosted at their home. Jinger recalled giving her daughter two chewable ibuprofen tablets, the correct dose.
Jeremy commented that this was a significant step for Jinger, who admitted, “I don’t like giving medicine. I’m anti-medicine.” Felicity was in such distress that she asked her mother for the entire bottle of pain reliever. Jinger also sought medical advice from wedding guests, but no doctors were present.
After searching Felicity’s symptoms on ChatGPT, which recommended an immediate emergency room visit, Jinger realized the pain medication was not helping. She noted that the pain persisted for an hour after medication. Jeremy eventually took Felicity to the ER.
Jeremy clarified that Jinger is not “totally against modern medicine.” However, a debate arose when ER doctors wanted to administer an antibiotic to Felicity immediately. Jinger decided against it.
She expressed concern that antibiotics could “really throw your gut off.” She also worried about the impact on good bacteria, especially before flu season. According to the Mayo Clinic, some ear infections in children can heal without antibiotics, allowing for “careful observation” before other treatments.
After a few days, Felicity’s pain subsided. Jinger then consulted her “very crunchy” friend, Audrey Roloff, 34. Audrey recommended ear drops that had worked effectively for her own children. Jinger stated these drops already appeared to be helping Felicity.
Jeremy observed that Jinger’s family had a notably different approach to medicine than his upbringing. He mentioned his mother did not give them Tylenol indiscriminately. He noted Jinger’s pronounced aversion to medication.
Jinger explained that her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, were not entirely anti-medicine despite their family’s strict religious beliefs. The Duggar family followed the Institute in Basic Life Principles, which included conservative guidelines on dress and other lifestyle choices.
She recalled that Tylenol and ibuprofen were common for her and her siblings. Beyond those, however, she said they did not take many medications. She added that the family was generally healthy, although they did not eat “super healthy.”
Beyond medication, Jinger also detailed other “crunchy” habits on the podcast. She tries to use healthier cleaning products at home and prefers mineral sunscreen, though she does not use it constantly. She admitted that her infrequent use of sunscreen might be contributing to more wrinkles.
Jinger explained she tries to avoid “normal sunscreens” due to perceived toxicity, especially in spray forms. She favors mineral sunscreens that can be applied manually. While she does not have time to research “everything,” she is more conscious of “reading labels” and monitoring ingredients like seed oils.
Jinger concluded her discussion with a pragmatic outlook. She admitted, “Yeah, we love McDonald’s ice cream.” While they enjoy it, she stated, “we can’t do it every single day.” She emphasized making small, beneficial decisions for her family’s well-being.