Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (233 page)

Drink before you eat. Avoid slurping down copious amounts of liquid when eating.

Do not lie down after a meal. You would be much better going for a gentle stroll. Lying down may cause stomach acids to wash back up.

Don’t chew gum. It won’t help!

HEMOPHILIA

Hemophilia is a hereditary disease transmitted by mothers who carry the recessive gene to their sons. It only affects males. It is characterized by a failure of blood to clot. This is caused by an impairment in the production of clotting factors leading to excessive bleeding from minor injuries. There may also be blood in the urine. External bleeding is less of a problem than internal bleeding, as blood can leak into joints, muscles, air passages, the brain, and other organs. The severity of the disease varies, depending on how impaired the clotting mechanism is.

Action plan

Internal bleeding requires immediate medical treatment. Signs and symptoms include a blow to the body or a fall, bubbling sensations, tingling, feelings of warmth, stiffness, headaches, confusion, drowsiness, difficulty using the limbs, excessive bruising and swelling.

EAT/DRINK

Alfalfa sprouts, kale, asparagus, oats, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and soybeans, which all contain vitamin K, needed for blood clotting.

Vegetable juices daily. Include carrots, celery, beets, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and asparagus.

Buckwheat, which contains rutin, which can strengthen capillary walls and reduce the likelihood of bleeding.

Raw peanuts, which can be helpful to stop bleeding. Make sure they are organic and very fresh.

Fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamin C and bioflavanoids. These are vital for strong capillary walls and blood coagulation. Good sources include the pith of citrus fruits, kiwis, peppers, black currants, apricots, cherries, prunes, and rose hips.

Green vegetables, almonds, sesame seeds, tahini, figs, quinoa, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, oats, sea vegetables, and kidney beans, which are all good sources of calcium and magnesium needed for blood clotting.

AVOID

It may be advisable to avoid taking fish oil or vitamin E supplements, as these can thin the blood, as can garlic. Check any supplements you are taking with your GP.