Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (94 page)

Alcohol.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Echinacea, astragalus, Siberian ginseng, barberry root, burdock root, oregano leaves, pau d’arco, and elderberries are all useful for your immune system. They can be taken as teas or tinctures.

Take milk thistle daily to aid the liver in its work.

Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that tend to get killed off when antibiotics are taken. Look for high-potency, good-quality products.

EXTRA TIPS

Avoid pesticides and environmental chemicals. These can all challenge the immune system. Eat organic foods when possible and use only natural household products.

ANXIETY DISORDER

Anxiety disorder can be either chronic or acute. Acute anxiety can manifest itself in the form of intermittent panic attacks. These may last from a few minutes to half an hour or so. Symptoms include increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, feelings of impending disaster, chest pain, dizziness, shaking, nausea, and difficulty in thinking clearly. Those who suffer from panic attacks often become fearful about going out and avoid certain situations. I am seeing an increasing number of anxiety-ridden individuals, and one thing they all have in common is a magnesium deficiency. Chronic anxiety involves more general feelings of unease and tension with an inability to relax. Sufferers tend to overreact to small stresses.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Chronic or acute stress and adrenal imbalance.

Food allergies.

Poor blood-sugar control.

Use of stimulants: caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and drugs.

Nutrient deficiencies.

Hyperthyroidism.

Depression.