Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (189 page)

Pau d’arco is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and healing. It can be drunk as a tea or taken as a tincture.

Flax seed tea can aid healing and ease bowel movements.

Supplement with probiotics to improve bowel function and immunity. A lack of beneficial bacteria is often at the root of bowel disorders.

Take digestive enzymes with meals. These can help to break down food so it can pass through the bowel without becoming trapped.

Fiber supplements such as psyllium may be helpful in maintaining regularity of bowel movements and cleansing the intestinal tract.

Echinacea root supports the immune system.

L-glutamine provides fuel for the colon and aids healing of the mucus membranes.

Vitamin K deficiency is common in intestinal disorders so may need to be supplemented.

Vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and essential fatty acids can all reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and aid healing and protection of the colon lining.

EXTRA TIPS

Do not combine animal protein with grains or starchy vegetables such as potatoes. Eat fruit on an empty stomach. This will allow food to pass through the system more quickly so there is less chance of particles becoming trapped and causing pain.

Keep your stools soft by drinking nettle tea and taking supplements of magnesium citrate.

DRY SKIN

Dry skin is due to a slowdown in natural exfoliation, while chapping occurs when dryness has weakened the skin’s natural barrier to the extent that irritants creep in, leaving you with rough, chapped, sometimes itchy skin. Skin tends to get worse during winter when colder climates play havoc with the skin’s natural oils.