Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (346 page)

Drink fenugreek seed tea daily—this is traditionally used to help with digestion, absorption, and weight gain.

Drink slippery elm bark tea—this is traditionally used to build up thin and undernourished people. Just mix 1 teaspoon of powder with some warm water and sip.

Include herbs and mild spices in your diet—these aid digestion and absorption and can improve the appetite; caraway, cayenne, celery seed, dill, fennel, fenugreek, and ginger are all useful.

Supplement with zinc to improve sense of taste and smell and appetite.

Take magnesium supplements daily—particularly if stress is an issue. Magnesium gets used up in stress and is needed for energy and relaxation.

Take a free form of amino acid complex—particularly where absorption is poor. This provides a readily available source of protein needed for building up body tissue.

EXTRA TIPS

Get tested for parasites, yeasts, and bacteria—where there are symptoms of bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and/or constipation there is a possibility of undesirable entities in the gut. Ask your GP about testing or see a nutritional therapist who can arrange for the appropriate tests to be done. In the meantime, take probiotic supplements to help to reestablish healthy gut bacteria.

Eat six small meals and snacks over the day and chew thoroughly. This will put less strain on your digestive system and make absorption easier. Always eat in a relaxed atmosphere.

Stop smoking and drug use.

Have regular olive-oil massages—rubbing oils into the skin can “feed” and nourish the body where absorption is poor.

Take moderate exercise such as walking and yoga—gentle exercise can improve appetite and assimilation of nutrients. Aim for 20 minutes a day. Stretching and taking some deep breaths before meals can improve digestion.