Natural Health Help

And now for something completely practical! I am seeing a lot of folks with gut disruption. We have all become wary of tomatoes and peppers from the grocery store, and before that it was what? Spinach? When your food passes through many hands the chance there will be a bug that eventually gets you grows and grows. We have a generally reliable food supply- but, not infallible. Prevention is best- know who your farmers are would be Rule #1, buy local-grown and fresh. And - Wash Everything! If you get into distress, the following will help. If there is fever, or signs of dehydration, which little kids are especially prone to- lethargy, dull eyes, dry-looking lips- get to your doctor.

Diarrhea and/or Vomiting Self Care

1. For the first 24 hours diet should be clear liquids only. This means water, herbal teas, vegetable broth or very dilute fruit juice to replace lost body fluid. Take liquids by sipping small amounts frequently. Some people, especially kids, will do this best by taking all liquids from a spoon rather than drinking from a cup. If fluid loss has been severe it will help to replace electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, as well. You can buy products like Knudsen’s Recharge, Emergen-C or Pedialyte at food stores or pharmacies (Gatorade and other products may have un-necessary sugars or colorings added) Raspberry leaf, blackberry leaf, nettles, chamomile and peppermint teas are good choices. A little honey is ok to add. Or, see the recipes below.
2. After 24 hours on clear liquids, the diet should be light and bland., including vegetable soup, miso soup, whole grain toast or whole grain cooked cereal, brown rice, bananas and applesauce. Slippery elm bark powder as a gruel is very soothing. Vegetables should be steamed or baked. Limit fats to a little butter or olive oil. Avoid all known or suspected allergens.
3. For infants or children with diarrhea, mix 1/4 cup applesauce with 1 TBS carob powder. Feed in small frequent amounts.
4. A hot water bottle or heating pad and a castor oil pack over the abdomen is soothing and will reduce intestinal cramping.
5. One tablespoon of psyllium seed husks in 8 oz water or 1/2 water. 1/2 juice daily will help firm up stool.
6. After any intestinal disruption it is important to normalize gut flora. A 3 to 4 week course of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, sporogenesis, bifidus, etc) will ensure that beneficial bacteria are replenished.

Tasty and Beneficial Fluids

• Blackberry or cherry juice
• Cabbage juice (1 part) plus carrot juice (3 parts)
• Apple juice (1 part) plus carrot juice (1 part)
• Bieler Broth : Steam 2 medium zucchini, a handful of green beans and 2 celery stalks until soft. Place these veggies plus the steaming water in a blender with a handful of fresh parsley, puree and drink.
• Alkaline broth: fill a pot with 1 1/2 quarts of water; add two unpeeled potatoes, one cup carrots, one celery stalk and one cup any other vegetable; add cayenne pepper powder to taste, also basil, oregano or other seasonings to taste. Cover and simmer slowly for 30 minutes, Cool, strain and drink.

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