Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (169 page)

Oatstraw, horsetail, or red clover tea.

Take supplements of magnesium as a safety net. If you can get a combination of magnesium, calcium, and boron, you should be well on your way to preventing muscle spasms.

GROWING PAINS

Children sometimes complain of pains in their legs when they are little. These are often referred to as “growing pains.” But I must tell you that if your child is experiencing these pains, then it is a sign of a possible manganese deficiency and possibly other minerals, too, such as zinc, and the vitamin B
₆
.

Deficiencies of these nutrients have now been connected to scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, which can be extremely painful as you get older and may affect the kidneys. You need to get your child liquid minerals from a health-food store to rectify such deficiencies if they are complaining of leg pains, or buy powder capsules, open up the contents, and blend into smoothies. Also take them to see a nutritionist and a GP.

CROHN’S DISEASE

Crohn’s disease is chronic inflammation, ulceration, and narrowing of the digestive tract.

Symptoms tend to flare up every few months and then go into remission. It is important to continue eating a healthy diet even when in remission to avoid triggering an attack.

SYMPTOMS

Diarrhea and constipation.

Pale, bulky stools.

Flatulence and bloating.

Abdominal pain.

Weight loss.

Lack of energy.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Imbalance in bowel bacteria.

Food intolerances.

Infections.

Drugs.

Nutrient deficiencies.