i-Food Medical Conditions

i-Food Medical Conditions

ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is an umbrella term given to two types of conditions involving joint pain. One type of arthritis is properly termed rheumatoid arthritis, and this comes under the category of autoimmune diseases. This is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the entire body but especially the synovial membranes of joints. It may also be accompanied with fatigue and weakness. Its treatment requires controlling as many contributing factors as possible, including dietary measures and digestive aids and the use of nutritionals with anti-inflammatory properties. Certainly many of the nutritionals and antiiflammatories may be used for both types of arthritis to good effect.

Osteoarthritis is the more common type of arthritis and is the one discussed here. It is characterized by the degeneration, destruction and erosion of the cartilage of the joints and bony outgrowths at the edges of the joints. The joint surfaces become irregular and do not articulate well with each other. The joint cavity between adjacent bones gradually narrows so that eventually the bones may directly scrape against one another. Osteoarthritis is more prevalent in weight-bearing joints such as those of the knees, hips, ankles, elbows, wrists, spine and shoulder.

Symptoms:

Onset is gradual with progressive pain, soft tissue swelling and some joint enlargement.

Aetiology:

The incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age.

Poor digestion and enzyme deficiency may be implicated, as are chemical imbalances and dietary deficiencies, especially those which promote an overly acidic environment. Food intolerances (which provoke an inflammatory response) may also be involved. Excess wear and tear on or trauma to joints may be a factor and excess weight bearing (obesity).

Dietary considerations:

Avoid processed and refined carbohydrates. Consume high fibre foods and plenty of green vegetables. Minimise fats and eliminate foods from the solanaceae family (potatoes, tomatoes, aubergine, capsicum, and tobacco).

Physical therapy:

Avoid physical activity which involves traumatic strain, but undertake non-weight bearing aerobic exercise daily if possible (eg, swimming). Some postural correction may be required.

Supplements:

Glucosamine Sulphate – 2 caps tds to reduce joint pain and swelling and improve range of movement. It is necessary for the healthy formation of numerous bodily substances including articular surfaces, ligaments, tendons, synovial fluid, skin, bone, nails and mucous secretions.

Bromelain enzyme – 2 tabs tds between meals to help digest protein. Decreases soft tissue swelling, inflammation and pain.

Essential Fatty Acids (fish oils) – 2 – 4 caps tds. To help down-regulate inflammatory prostaglandins.

Herbs:

Boswellia serrata – part used – gum

Specifically inhibits formation of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes.

Dosage: 1ml three times daily.

Devil’s Claw – Harpagophytum procumbens – part used – root

Harpagosides are responsible for analgesic action, while the iridoids are bitter and stimulate digestive secretions. The whole extract shows significant activity as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Fluid extract dosage: 1 – 2 ml three times daily.

Celery seed – Apium graviolens – part used – seed

Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, pain relief in joints. It helps excrete the waste metabolites responsible for the irritation and consequent inflammation of joints.

Dosage: 1 ml three times daily.

COMMON COLD

The common cold is an infectious disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by any one of hundreds of different viruses.

Symptoms:

• Nasal discomfort with watery discharge and sneezing

• Dry, sore throat

• Red, swollen nasal mucosa

• Swollen cervical lymph nodes

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is the difficulty in passing stools or infrequent passage of stools.

Ideally, a person should pass formed stools once daily. Twice daily is not usually considered too frequent; once every two days is probably not frequent enough.

Consistency should be formed, that is, of a bulk. Hard pellets or semi-liquid consistency are not desirable.

Contributory causes include: highly refined and low fibre food, inadequate fluid intake, inadequate exercise, pregnancy, advanced age, certain pharmaceutical drugs, certain bowel diseases, neurogenic abnormalities, structural disturbances or abnormalities.

As the causes are varied, first one must identify which are the main causes of the constipation being treated. Regardless, a diet high in fibre and with sufficient water should be followed. Even if the patient is not aware of any structural problems a visit to a reputable chiropractor or osteopath may be helpful to correct irregularities or misalignments in the spine which may be affecting the nervous system serving the digestive system.

Never repress or ignore the urge to defecate.

Foods:

Bran (15g per day) may alleviate constipation due its cellulose content. The following fruit may also help: figs soaked overnight, prunes, kiwifruit and watermelon.

Flax seeds - 2 – 3 tsp of ground flax seeds meal (eg in yogurt or on cereal) consumed with water.

Psyllium seeds – 1 – 2 tsp after meals in a full glass of water.

Aloe vera juice – 20 ml (approx) two or three times daily.

Supplements:

Magnesium (150mg/day) may relieve chronic constipation.

Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 caps, morning or morning and night) is of some benefit to 90% of constipation patients.

Cascara sagrada – 3 -8 ml per day. Cascara is contraindicated in pregnancy and for children, and those with intestinal inflammation or obstruction, those with Crohn’s Disease and appendicitis. Cascara may cause griping or cramping pain & is usually prescribed together with another herb to reduce the discomfort.

Rhubarb leaf and senna are two other herbal tinctures used to treat constipation and have the same cautions as cascara.

Laxative preparations should not be used on a daily basis as constipation is merely a symptom of an imbalance. The best approach is to correct the imbalance so that constipation does not occur.

DIARRHOEA

Diarrhoea involves the chronic or acute frequent passing of loose, watery stools. It is a symptom of other ailments and is not in itself a disease. Diarrhoea lasting for more than a few days should not be taken lightly and its cause should be properly determined.

Diagnosis may require microscopic examination and culturing of the stools for infectious agents, or special tests like intestinal biopsy and X-rays.

Generally speaking, acute diarrhoea is usually due to dietary problems such as excessive fruit consumption, excessive vitamin C intake, eating allergic food, or an intestinal viral or bacterial infection.

Chronic diarrhoea is one of the most common symptoms of food allergy.

Food allergies are often accompanied by eczema, asthma, dark circles and puffiness under the eyes headaches and sometimes behavioural changes.

Deficiency in the enzyme lactase, responsible for digesting the lactose from dairy products, is a common cause of gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms range from minor abdominal discomfort and bloating to severe diarrhoea.

Intestinal infections can be divided into viral, such as rotavirus or enterovirus, or bacterial, such as campylobacter and salmonella. Parasitic infections such as giardia may also cause diarrhoea.

Antibiotic therapy can cause diarrhoea.

Untreated Coeliac Disease (severe wheat allergy) often causes diarrhoea.

Caution: prolonged diarrhoea may cause dehydration and loss of essential electrolytes and professional assistance may be required.

Supplements:

Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria bifidus and longum – 2 capsules taken three times daily. Re-establishment of proper bowel microbial flora is important in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Bentonite clay may absorb poisons from the intestinal tract and thereby alleviate diarrhoea. This is available in liquid form.

Charcoal tablets may alleviate many cases of diarrhoea by removing the underlying toxins that often cause it.

Slippery elm is a demulcent and can be taken either as a herbal extract, or as a powder mixed to a paste, or as a tablet.

Goldenseal (liquid extract) may alleviate diarrhoea especially when caused by a bacterial infection.

Marshmallow (liquid extract, not the confectionery) is a soothing demulcent and helps settle the mucous membranes.

Echinacea is antibacterial and promotes the normalization of the immune system.

White Oak Bark (liquid extract) has a high tannin content, the astringency of which may alleviate chronic diarrhoea).

Chamomile (liquid extract or as a tea) may be taken to relieve diarrhoea and also as an antispasmodic may help with the cramping that often accompanies diarrhoea.

A combination of the above five liquid herbs may be taken as a 2.5 ml dose three times daily.

During the acute phase of diarrhoea no solid food should be eaten. Fluid intake should be maintained, especially dilute fruit and vegetable juices to help maintain electrolyte balance.

After the acute phase easily digested low allergenic foods may be taken, including soups, active yogurt, grated apples, well cooked fruits and vegetables.

Dairy foods should be avoided especially if the patient is deficient in lactase.

ECZEMA

Eczema is a skin complaint involving superficial inflammation of the skin characterized by itching (often intense) with a red rash accompanied by small blisters that often weep. Scaling may develop. The skin is often dry and thickened. There may be a personal or family history of eczema and/or asthma.

Eczema may be caused by hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid, causing intestinal permeability), or allergies or sensitivity to a substance that is in contact with the skin. It is aggravated by stress.

Candida albicans overgrowth is often a causative factor.

Supplements:

Essential Fatty Acids in the form of fish oils or flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil at a therapeutic dose of 3 – 4 grams daily may have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects.

Low zinc is very common in people with eczema and is necessary for the conversion of fatty acids to prostaglandins.

Supplementation with vitamin C and bioflavonoids may be helpful.

Topically, lavender oil or tea tree oil may alleviate the itching.

Licorice, consumed orally or applied topically may relieve the symptoms of eczema.

Burdock (liquid extract) corrects the underlying defects in the inflammatory and immune system commonly found in patients with eczema.

If lesions become infected they should be treated with antibiotics.

FOOD INTOLERANCES

Food allergies or intolerances cause immediate or delayed adverse reactions to the ingestion of specific foods. It may be the culprit behind chronic mysterious undiagnosable symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of food allergy include dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, chronic diarrhoea or stomach cramps, malabsorption, chronic infections/, chronically swollen glands, chronic inflammation, chronic candidiasis, behavioural problems including ADD –type behaviour, anxiety and depression, asthma, eczema, acne, sinusitis, migraines.

It may be a temporary sensitivity, where the sensitivity slowly develops by the repetitive eating of a food. If the food is avoided for a period of time (usually about 4 months) it may be reintroduced and tolerated again when eaten infrequently (eg once every 4 days).

It may be a permanent allergy which occurs every time the food is eaten, whether a long time or a short one has elapsed between ingestion.

The causes can depend on whether one or both parents are allergic. Actual trigger factors may be physical or emotional trauma or stress, immunization reactions or excessive frequency of consumption of a specific food.

Incompletely digested proteins may reduce the responsiveness of the immune system leading to long-term allergic reactions by producing a state of low tolerance.

Some of the conditions and foods that may provoke a reaction of intolerance include:

• Excessive intake of histamine –containing foods – preserved meats like sausage and salami, sauerkraut, tuna, preserves, spinach and tomato;

• Excessive intake of histamine-releasung foods – eggs, crustaceans, strawberry, tomato, chocolate, bananas, lecithin-containing nuts, alcohol.

• Intolerance to foods containing vasoactive amines – tyramine (cabbage, cheese, citrus, seafood, potato), serotonin (banana), phenylethylamine (chocolate).

Definitive diagnosis may depend on food allergy tests. The most common and well-known one, the skin-prick test only measures frank allergy, and does not uncover "hidden" or "masked" allergies are involved in 80% of all food allergies.

The oral challenge test is accurate for immediate hypersensitivities but is not easily applicable to delayed sensitivities.

Hair sample tests can provide a reliable and non-invasive comprehensive report on food sensitivities.

TREATMENT

• Avoid identified allergens

• Rotate diet until sensitivity decreases

• Re-establish proper microbial environment

• Heal damaged intestinal mucosa

• Correct causative factors such as maldigestion

Supplements:

Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria – 2 caps three times daily - promotes normal bacteria in healthy intestines and suppresses toxic microbes.

Aloe vera juice – 20 ml 3 times daily – and slippery elm to heal and soothe damaged intestinal mucosa.

Quercetin with vitamin C to inhibit inflammatory response and intestinal smooth muscle irritability. 250 mg three times daily 20 minutes before meals.

Essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA fish oils) to reduce inflammation – 3 – 4 g daily.

Glutamine to stimulate regeneration of gut mucosa – 100 mg three times daily.

Oral hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzyme supplement to reestablish normal digestion, taken 20 minutes before mealtimes.

Note that improvement will take time and some discipline as often the person will crave the allergy provoking food.

Note also that severe allergic reactions involving anaphylaxis and obstruction of the airway will require immediate medical attention.

HYPERTENSION

Hypertension involves the repeatable elevation of blood pressure above the normal range expected in a particular age group and is a major risk factor for heart attack or stroke.

Borderline high blood pressure = 120-160/90-94 mmHg

Mild hypertension = 140 -160/95 -104 mmHg

Moderate hypertension = 140 -180/105 -114 mmHg

Severe hypertension = 160+/115+ mmHg

Most cases of hypertension, especially borderline to mild cases, can be brought under control via diet and lifestyle.

Obesity is a major factor in hypertension.

Coffee consumption, alcohol intake, a diet low in potassium and high in sodium, lack of exercise, smoking, stress and anxiety all may contribute to elevated blood pressure.

Treatment:

Attaining ideal body weight should be prioritized. Dietary revision may be required, where higher levels of vegetables, cold water ocean fish, whole grains and legumes and less saturated fat and refined carbohydrates and salt should be consumed.

Regular exercise within the patient’s capabilities should be undertaken. This will also help with stress relief.

SUPPLEMENTS:

Vitamin C, 500mg - 1 g three times daily

Essential fatty acids – 1g three times daily

Magnesium - 800 mg per day in divided doses

Hawthorn 1:1 liquid extract – 1-2 ml three times daily

Note: If BP has not normalized in mild to moderate hypertension after following the above measures for 1 – 3 months or if BP is further elevated, antihypertensive medications are required. In the case of severe hypertension, drug intervention is necessary. High blood pressure should not be taken lightly.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

Insulin resistance or "Syndrome X" is a condition that involves a decrease in the sensitivity of the body’s cells to the actions of insulin. It is characterized by decreased sensitivity of the insulin receptors for insulin. The lack of sensitivity to the effects of insulin results in a progressively increasing production of insulin, which drives a craving for more and more refined carbohydrates, namely, sugar.

This leads to hypoglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, and glucose intolerance, followed by diminishing insulin sensitivity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity and type II diabetes.

Causative factors include a familial metabolic predisposition, ie endocrine vulnerability, a diet already too high in refined carbohydrates, coffee, alcohol, smoking, the ageing process and stress.

Signs and symptoms include behavioural problems or changes, for instance depression or emotional instability, premenstrual syndrome with sweet cravings and headache, migraines, angina or atherosclerosis.

Treatment:

Reduction in consumption of refined carbohydrates and a change to a high complex carbohydrate, high fibre, low glycaemic index diet to stabilize blood sugar.

Reduce or cut out alcohol and tobacco.

Start regular exercise appropriate to the patient, but that elevates heart rate for 30 minutes at least three times a week.

Supplements:

Chromium (especially the chromium picolinate form – 400 – 800mcg per day) in a high potency mineral formula which includes vanadyl sulphate and zinc.

Essential Fatty Acids – Fish oils – 3000 mg/day

Bitter Melon –an antidiabetic

Gymnema – an antidiabetic, to reduce the craving for sweet foods - 2 ml three times daily

PREMENSTRUAL TENSION/ PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS or PMT) is a combination of recurrent signs and symptoms that develop during the 7 – 14 days prior to menstruation.

Typical symptoms include: decreased energy, tension, mood swings, irritability, depression, headaches, altered libido, breast pain, backache, abdominal bloating, sugar cravings or an increase in appetite, acne.

Hormonal patterns may involve elevated oestrogen and reduced progesterone, possible hypothyroidism and elevated prolactin.

Diagnosis is usually made by the association of symptoms attributed to PMS and their occurrence during the luteal (second) phase of the menstrual cycle. Further blood tests may be performed to confirm hormone levels.

PMS is divided into 4 main sub-types:

PMS-A (A= anxiety). This is the most common category, linked to excess oestrogen and deficient progesterone during the luteal phase. The most common symptoms are anxiety, irritability and emotional instability. These patients often consume excessive dairy products and simple sugars. Vitamin B6 is often effective for this form.

PMS-C (C= carbohydrate cravings). This category has increased cravings for sweets, headache, fainting, fatigue, excess secretion of insulin, high salt intake, decreased serum magnesium and prostaglandin E1. These people may be helped by magnesium and essential fatty acids EPA/DHA.

PMS-D (D= depression). This is the least common in its pure form. It is the opposite of PMS-A – as it is caused by decreased oestrogen possibly resulting from stress induced increase in progesterone and/or androgens. Its symptoms are depression, confusion and forgetfulness.

PMS-H (H= hyperhydration). The characteristics of this are water retention, weight gain, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, occasional swelling of face, hands and ankles. It is a result of excess aldosterone during the luteal phase arising from stress, oestrogen excess, magnesium deficiency or excess salt intake. It is aggravated by coffee, chocolate, nicotine and sodium and may be eased by vitamin B6 and vitamin E.

Primary causes may include:

• Oestrogen excess

• Progesterone deficiency

• Elevayed prolactin levels

• Hypothyroidism

• Stress and adrenal dysfunction

• Depression

• Nutritional abnormalities

Impaired liver function is implicated as oestrogen detoxification a liver function requiring adequate B vitamins. Its function may be impaired by birth control pills, pregnancy, alcohol, toxins, steroids or chemicals or drugs.

Endogenous and exogenous oestrogens can increase prolactin secretion; elevated prolactin is linked to breast pain. Chaste berry may help elevated prolactin due to corpus luteum deficiency and vitamin B6 and zinc can lower prolactin. It may also be linked to hypothyroidism.

Treatment:

Reduce fat and refined carbohydrate intake, eliminate caffeine, increase plant food, low to moderate use of red meat and dairy. Increase soy foods as soy contains phytooestrogens which bind to oestrogen receptors. They have only 2% of potency of endogenous oestrogens and as such act as anti-oestrogens.

Regular moderate exercise helps with hormonal regulation, to elevate endorphins and decrease cortisol.

Coping strategies for stress.

Supplements:

Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria 2 caps twice daily reestablish proper gastrointestinal flora as undesirable colon bacteria interfere with detoxification of hormones by the liver.

Liver detoxification by using "lipotropic factors" - choline, methioning, betaine, folic acid, B12, herbal cholagogues (especially milk thistle) to improve fat metabolism.

Essential Fatty Acids to overcome gamma-linolenic acid deficit; the best approach is to combine evening primrose oil (or blackcurrant oil or borage seed oil) with 3000 mg/day of EPA/DHA in fish oils. Vitamin E is usually included in essential fatty acid formulations and it may reduce nervous tension, fatigue, depression, insomnia and craving for sweets.

Vitamin B6 – some people can take it by itself but others need the other B vitamin co-factors to convert it to its active form. Dosage: 50mg 4 times daily.

Magnesium at a dose of 400-800 mg per day in divided doses to work in synergy with vitamin B6 and to assist with nervous tension and cramping pain.

Dong Quai – 2.5 ml of fluid extract three times daily from day 14 of menstrual cycle and continue until menstruation; as a uterine tonic, for menstrual cramps and for amenorrhoea.

Licorice – 5ml of fluid extract three times daily from day 14 until menstruation. Licorice may lower oestrogen and reduce water retention. Caution: not to be used in moderate hypertension.

Black Cohosh – 1 ml of fluid extract three times daily to help reduce depression, anxiety, tension and mood swings and also for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Chaste Tree – 2 mls of fluid extract 4 times daily to normalize secretion of hormones and reduces the oestrogen/progesterone ratio, lowers prolactin, also helpful for breast pain, headaches, nervousness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and depression, carbohydrate craving, infrequent or irregular periods or a history of ovarian cysts.

STRESS

Stress is a common feature in our society. Anything may be termed as a stressor – job, family, financial pressures, also exposure to heat or cold, environmental toxins, physical trauma and strong emotional reactions.

Stress triggers a number of biological changes known as the General Adaptation Syndrome.

The three phases of the GAS are alarm, resistance and finally exhaustion. These phases are controlled and regulated by the adrenal glands.

1. Alarm phase. The "fight or flight" response when faced with a stressful situation is designed to mobilize the body’s resources for immediate physical activity. It causes the release of adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol. These hormones direct blood toward the muscles and limbs in order to permit an individual to fight or flee and blood sugar levels increase dramatically. Production of digestive secretions is severely reduced since digestion is not critical for counteracting stress.

When the stressful situation subsides, the increased production of adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol revert to normal.

2. Resistance (or adaptive) phase. This is characterized by adaptation which involves learning to cope with the perceived threat (stressor). During this phase cortisol receptors in the brain become less sensitive. This causes increased production of cortisol and results in various disorders controlled by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Ideally, the resistance phase continues until the stressful situation is resolved, leading to a return to the resting state. Stress-induced conditions such as headaches, insomnia, hypertension and cardiovascular disease may occur during this phase.

3. Exhaustion phase. This occurs when the capacity for resistance is overwhelmed. This is where stress-induced diseases usually manifest. It is characterized by depletion of energy. Prolonged stress places a load on the heart, blood vessels, adrenals and immune system and may be experienced as angina, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancer, type II diabetes, depression, headaches, hypertension, lowered immunity, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual irregularities including PMS, ulcers.

Treatment:

The best approach is to manage stress so that there is less chance of further health complications developing.

Regular exercise and its production of endorphins is an excellent stress management technique. It leads to an increased ability to cope with stress and reduces the risk of stress-related diseases. Yoga or meditation or prayer or some form of creative outlet such as painting or writing are also helpful ways of coping with stress.

Supplements:

Providing nutrients for ongoing adrenal hormone synthesis and function is very important.

Potassium – 3- 5 g per day

Vitamin C – 3 g per day

Vitamins B5 and B6 at therapeutic doses, 150 mg/day

Zinc - 15mg/day

Magnesium – 150mg twice daily

Licorice – 1-2ml of fluid extract three times daily. Licorice is a known adrenal tonic. However it is not to be taken by moderate hypertensives.

Rehmannia – 3ml of fluid extract three times daily. Rehmannia has supports adrenal function and is of benefit particularly when hypertension is present.

Ginsengs

The ginsengs Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and Withania (Withania somnifera or Indian Ginseng) are adaptogens which means that they:

• Protect against mental and physical fatigue;

• Provide non-specific resistance against stress;

• Normalize an abnormal state caused by some excess or deficient physiological factor.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS/CYSTITIS

Urinary tract infections are characterized by burning pain on urination, urinary frequency, lower abdominal pain and are much more common in women.

It may be caused by bacteria being introduced into the urethra by faecal contamination; compromised immune function; retention of urine.

Risk factors include pregnancy, rectal intercourse.

Diagnosis is according to signs and symptoms and urinary findings; microscopic examination of infected urine shows high white blood cell count and bacteria.

Only 60% of women with UTI’s have significant bacteria in the urine. Chronic interstitial cystitis is a persistent form not due to infection. Eliminating food allergies is indicated. The focus should be on promoting the integrity of the urethral and bladder lining. The fluid extract of the herb Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) improves the integrity of the connective tissue and heals bladder ulcerations.

Treatment:

Increase the amount of liquids consumed – water, herbal teas, fresh fruit and vegetable juices to promote urine flow. Avoid soft drinks, concentrated fruit drinks, alcohol and coffee. Avoid all simple sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Drink cranberry juice (or blueberry juice) or consume in tablet form. In order to acidify urine one litre of cranberry juice must be consumed in one sitting. Constituents in cranberry juice reduce the ability of the E.coli bacteria to adhere to the bladder and urethral lining. Avoid sweetened cranberry juice as the sweetener suppresses immunity. Instead use unsweetened juice and sweeten if necessary by using apple or grape juice.

Supplements:

Vitamin C – 500 mg every 2 hours

Bioflavonoids -1000mg four times daily

Zinc 15 mg twice daily

Bearberry – 1ml fluid extract three times daily. Bearberry is an antiinflammatory urinary antiseptic and works best in alkaline environment.

Buchu – 1 ml fluid extract three times daily. Also a urinary antiseptic.

Golden Seal – 1-2 ml fluid extract 3 x daily. The berberine content has anti-microbial activity and may inhibit the adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall.

Marshmallow – 2 ml of fluid extract three times daily. Marshmallow is a urinary demulcent and soothes the inflamed mucous membranes.

VOMITING

Vomiting is a digestive system ailment involving the ejection of the contents of the stomach via the mouth. It is a symptom of gastritis, gastroenteritis, and food poisoning.

Usually vomiting is not a process which should be interfered with as it is the body’s short-term way of ridding itself of something which may be injurious to the body in the medium to long-term.

Certain bacteria as encountered in food poisoning (eg salmonella) and certain pharmaceutical drugs may cause vomiting.

Migraines and premenstrual syndrome and inner ear infections may cause vomiting.

Bulimics may provoke themselves to vomit and the acidic nature of what passes through the mouth causes discolouration of the teeth over time.

Severe vomiting may cause dehydration.

Side effects of excessive vomiting may include phosphorus, potassium and sodium deficiencies.

Supplements:

Ginger (100mg per day) may prevent vomiting due to the volatile oil shogaol present in ginger.

Ginger may be consumed as a tea, as a fluid extract and as a culinary herb.

Peppermint tea may also be used to help control vomiting episodes