Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 kefir would be an excellent food for this lovely child - it can be made with sheeps milk or goats milk, thereby avoiding the dairy. I wish you well in your search to find natural remedies for him - God Bless. marianne > The intestinal bacteria and yeasts that occur naturally are very > important to digestion also. See the kefir link on our links page. > When someone has been on medicines the natural flora is usually > disrupted. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 I have a 15 mo. old brain injured son. We are starting an all natural healing process with him after no luck with " conventional " medicine. This regimine will include whole foods/no dairy diet, vitamin and nutritional supplements, excercise program, chiropractics and a total holistic approach to his well-being. We are excited and know we are heading down the right path. So, to my question. He has had an on going problem w/constipation (he is low-tone). We had been giving him 1 - 1 1/2 t. Milk of Magnesia every night. this worked fairly well. The Neurodevelopmental Consultant we recently saw suggested we take him off of that. He is getting 1/2 t. a day of Cod Liver Oil and he thought that should help, but it's not. His BM's are as hard as ever and I have had to help him out w/ a glycerin suppository, which I don't like to do, but can't stand to see him miserable and straining so hard. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions, like maybe mineral oil? Added fiber so far in whole grains isn't helping. HELP!!!!!! Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 I would try a pediatric acupuncturist. Works great on constipation. Susan Arnold - jennifer9252001 Gettingwell Wednesday, November 06, 2002 9:50 AM question on constipation I have a 15 mo. old brain injured son. We are starting an all natural healing process with him after no luck with " conventional " medicine. This regimine will include whole foods/no dairy diet, vitamin and nutritional supplements, excercise program, chiropractics and a total holistic approach to his well-being. We are excited and know we are heading down the right path. So, to my question. He has had an on going problem w/constipation (he is low-tone). We had been giving him 1 - 1 1/2 t. Milk of Magnesia every night. this worked fairly well. The Neurodevelopmental Consultant we recently saw suggested we take him off of that. He is getting 1/2 t. a day of Cod Liver Oil and he thought that should help, but it's not. His BM's are as hard as ever and I have had to help him out w/ a glycerin suppository, which I don't like to do, but can't stand to see him miserable and straining so hard. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions, like maybe mineral oil? Added fiber so far in whole grains isn't helping. HELP!!!!!! Jennifer Getting well is done one step at a time, day by day, building health and well being. list or archives: Gettingwell ........ Gettingwell- post............. Gettingwell digest form...... Gettingwell-digest individual emails Gettingwell-normal no email......... Gettingwell-nomail moderator ....... Gettingwell-owner ...... Gettingwell- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Dear Jennifer, Welcome to the group. I firstly must want to tell you that I am not knowledgeable enough to really advise you in the special circumstances that you and your baby are presented with. I recommend that you get someone very knowledgable with nutritional therapy to help you. That may not be as easy as it sounds. In babies as well as adults, what we eat and drink usually determins what kind of BM's and how the intestinal tract acts. The exception is if the intestinal tract has received any damage from any toxic substances like medicines etc. Don't be alarmed by that statement, it almost always rights itself with the right stuff that it needs. A lot of medicines can temporarily disrupt the natural flora also. Since I am not sure what you and your consultant know and not know about nutritional therapy I am trying to cover some basics. In almost all babies, the digestion and elemination proces works fine if it has not been messed with to much and the proper foods are taken in. I suggest that you read most of the links on general nutrition on our links page also. Especially the one at: http://www.doctoryourself.com It is one of the best educational sites on the web for nutrition. I think that a good rule of thumb would be, to think natural. What is natural for a baby, etc. Which isn't a bad rule for adults either. The natural food for babies and very small children includes milk although the quality and what kind etc. of milk will certainly play a part, so you may want to consider this. The intestinal bacteria and yeasts that occur naturally are very important to digestion also. See the kefir link on our links page. When someone has been on medicines the natural flora is usually disrupted. Vitamins and minerals and the good fats and oils are also necessary. We also have to keep in mind that very young children have an underdeveloped intestinal system compared to an adult, so the diet is a little different too. Not all health and nutritional consultants are equal. Most will see a solution that is different from the other depending on what kind of training they have had and how wide and deep is their understanding. There is an old saying that goes something like " to a hammer everything looks like a nail " Meaning that to a chiropracter it is likely with some they might want manipulation which can be dangerous to a toddler. An accupuncturist will probably see an answer in his field, while an allopathic doctor (normal MD) will see answers in pharmacutical drugs etc. So I think it is very important thta you educate yourself to be able to evaluate their modes of treatment that anyone may offer, to judge what is right for you and your son. If you are seeking nutritional therapy advice then I suggest you find someone who has a real indepth understanding of nutrition. this leaves out most MD's, most chiropracters, and most nutritionists and dieticians sadly to say. There again if you learn about nutrition and what is true, you can be the most helpfull of all. There have been some books and studies done on healing children with nutrition who have suffered injury like you describe. I will try and find some for your consideration. Yes, I think that you are on the right track, but in searching there can be many roads and branches to explore. You as the mother are in a position to evaluate, judge and decide. The better that you know the processes involved the better you will be able to do that. Good luck, Frank Gettingwell, " Susan Arnold " <susan1289@c...> wrote: > I would try a pediatric acupuncturist. Works great on constipation. > > Susan Arnold > - > jennifer9252001 > Gettingwell > Wednesday, November 06, 2002 9:50 AM > question on constipation > > > I have a 15 mo. old brain injured son. We are starting an all > natural healing process with him after no luck with " conventional " > medicine. This regimine will include whole foods/no dairy diet, > vitamin and nutritional supplements, excercise program, chiropractics > and a total holistic approach to his well-being. We are excited and > know we are heading down the right path. So, to my question. He has > had an on going problem w/constipation (he is low-tone). We had been > giving him 1 - 1 1/2 t. Milk of Magnesia every night. this worked > fairly well. The Neurodevelopmental Consultant we recently saw > suggested we take him off of that. He is getting 1/2 t. a day of Cod > Liver Oil and he thought that should help, but it's not. His BM's > are as hard as ever and I have had to help him out w/ a glycerin > suppository, which I don't like to do, but can't stand to see him > miserable and straining so hard. Was wondering if anyone had any > suggestions, like maybe mineral oil? Added fiber so far in whole > grains isn't helping. HELP!!!!!! > > Jennifer > > > Getting well is done one step at a time, day by day, building health > and well being. > > list or archives: Gettingwell > > ........ Gettingwell- > post............. Gettingwell > digest form...... Gettingwell-digest > individual emails Gettingwell-normal > no email......... Gettingwell-nomail > moderator ....... Gettingwell-owner > ...... Gettingwell- > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Jennifer, Here is a copy of an aricle I wrote and that was published in a Canadian national health magazine. Getting to the Bottom of Constipation Rand Smith, Master Herbalist Every year Canadians spend almost a billion dollars on laxatives and yet constipation is on the rise. Conventional medicine gives little attention to what usually proves to be chronic functional condition - constipation that is not symptomatic of any underling disease, such as bowel cancer. The Physician’s Manual for Patients even offers the misleading assurance that “daily bowel movements are not essential to health.” Herbalists, like myself strongly disagree. We feel that not one, but two or three bowel movements a day is ideal for health maintenance. Instead of automatically suggesting you pop a pill or herb to make the problem go away, we consider constipation a symptom of deeper lifestyle problems. We try to identify underlying causes and make changes that will get your bowels moving and improve your overall health in the bargain. Virtually everyone, even those with cast-iron stomachs, suffer bouts of constipation from time to time as a reaction to stress, erratic meals, illness, or jet lag. In addition to the pain or discomfort, constipation often produces a bloated feeling, as the bowels have become distended with gas and liquid, not to mention the surplus of stool. Stools can, of course, be hard, causing straining and hemorrhoids. The extended transit time of elimination can contribute to colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. Lifestyle Changes Chronic constipation is a symptom deserving of more than just another round of laxatives. Identify and treat the major lifestyle causes and most cases will disappear. Your entire body -- not just your bowels -- will thank you for it. Fibre. The key to treating and preventing constipation is eating a high fibre diet and drinking plenty of water. We need at least 30 grams of fibre a day, yet the average North American diet provides only about 10 grams The British Medical Journal recently stated that “fibre increases stool bulk, holds water, and acts as a substrate [catalyst] for colonic microflora,” all of which “decreases transit time, reduces intracolonic pressure, and produces a softer stool. " You need both soluble and insoluble fibre in the diet. For a laxative effect, insoluble fibre found in wheat bran, whole grains, beans and raw fruits and vegetables (brussels sprouts, cauliflower, corn, apples, berries, figs, pears) is what the doctor ordered. One cup (250 ml) of kidney beans provides almost six grams of total fibre. One cup of oat bran offers four grams. Food allergies and sensitivities. Pasteurized cow’s milk is the most common culprit here, especially in children. Water. Drink six to eight glasses a day. Insufficient fluid intake can contribute to the hard stools that cause so much human misery. Exercise. Exercise stimulates the peristaltic action of the colon (the wavelike contractions and dilations that expel waste matter) and decreases emotional stress, itself a cause of constipation. Feelings. Emotional upset and anxiety go straight to the " stomach " and provoke ulcers, diarrhea and constipation. In some serious cases, peristalsis becomes extremely weak and the colon becomes severely dysfunctional. Posture. Another type of stress, the misalignment of the spine, can also contribute to constipation. Lumbar spinal adjustments by a chiropractor may be helpful, as may other forms of bodywork. Medications and other chemicals. Hundreds of common medications can be constipating. The worst offenders are opiates and derivatives of nightshades (atropine, scopolamine). Bismuth and iron salts as well as exposure to certain toxic metals (arsenic, lead, mercury) in air, water, or food can also promote constipation. Coffee. Because they stimulate nerves that increase intestinal contractions, coffee and other sources of caffeine are strong laxatives. But when used addictively, these beverages and drugs prevent the bowel from following its natural rhythms. Not a good thing. Helpful Supplements Perhaps you've attended to the basic causes of constipation and still have a problem; or your bowel movements are fine but you want to go a step further to promote your gastrointestinal health; or you're just looking for a harmless quick fix for that isolated case of pre-exam constipation. The following gentle, natural remedies are effective. Acidophilus supplements feed the growth of “friendly bacteria,” which decrease transit time by maintaining more moisture in the digestive tract. Insufficient levels of digestive enzymes – hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes, and bile salts - can cause constipation. Digestive enzyme supplements are the solution when eating cooked food. Enzymes are still intact in unheated fruits and vegetables. The dietary mineral magnesium is " hydrophilic " , meaning it draws water into the bowels. This makes magnesium a natural stool softener. Chlorophyll is an excellent source of magnesium, be it in liquid tablet or green drink form. If you're still not having regular bowel movements, try herbal laxatives. Basically there are two types. Lubricating bulk laxatives that include Demulcent(soothing) herbs such as psyllium and flax seed. These comparatively nutritious herbs work like a sponge. By swelling up with absorbed fluid, they act as an " intestinal broom. " The second type is purgatives include aloe, senna, rhubarb, leptandra, buckthorne and cascara. These often contain bitter principles in the form of anthroquinones, which work by stimulating the peristaltic action of the intestinal lining, either directly or by promoting the secretion of bile through the liver and gall bladder. Use these strong herbs only for short periods of time (for example, to do a cleanse) and in combination with gentle aromatic herbs, such as anise, caraway, or fennel. It is important to realize that there is always a cause behind an effect. Constipation is an effect. Taking a laxative does not touch the cause. In most cases, simple lifestyle changes do work. When they don't, it generally is best to try the gentlest agents, like acidophilus, digestive enzymes, and magnesium, before bringing out the heavy herbal artillery. --- jennifer9252001 <dwayne925 wrote: <HR> <html><body> <tt> I have a 15 mo. old brain injured son. & nbsp; We are starting an all <BR> natural healing process with him after no luck with & quot;conventional & quot; <BR> medicine. & nbsp; This regimine will include whole foods/no dairy diet, <BR> vitamin and nutritional supplements, excercise program, chiropractics <BR> and a total holistic approach to his well-being. & nbsp; We are excited and <BR> know we are heading down the right path. & nbsp; So, to my question. & nbsp; He has <BR> had an on going problem w/constipation (he is low-tone). & nbsp; We had been <BR> giving him 1 - 1 1/2 t. Milk of Magnesia every night. & nbsp; this worked <BR> fairly well. & nbsp; The Neurodevelopmental Consultant we recently saw <BR> suggested we take him off of that. & nbsp; He is getting 1/2 t. a day of Cod <BR> Liver Oil and he thought that should help, but it's not. & nbsp; His BM's <BR> are as hard as ever and I have had to help him out w/ a glycerin <BR> suppository, which I don't like to do, but can't stand to see him <BR> miserable and straining so hard. & nbsp; Was wondering if anyone had any <BR> suggestions, like maybe mineral oil? & nbsp; Added fiber so far in whole <BR> grains isn't helping. & nbsp; HELP!!!!!!<BR> <BR> Jennifer<BR> <BR> </tt> <br> <tt> Getting well is done one step at a time, day by day, building health<BR> and well being.<BR> <BR> list or archives: <a href= " Gettingwell " >G\ ettingwell</a><BR> <BR> ........ Gettingwell- <BR> post............. Gettingwell <BR> digest form...... Gettingwell-digest <BR> individual emails Gettingwell-normal <BR> no email......... Gettingwell-nomail <BR> moderator ....... Gettingwell-owner <BR> ...... Gettingwell- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> </tt> <br> <br> <tt> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Jenifer, I have a suggestion that might help but it is a prescription fiber. That is what my doctor explained to me. It is called MiraLax. It is a powder you put in your water or jucie once a day with a large meal like your supper. The ingredient in it is Polyethylene Glycol 3350. I don't know if there is an age limit to taking this. He explained that it is not good to take laxatives on a regular basis. And as you get older you have a tendency to develop lazy bowel and laxatives can cause this to occur sooner. This medicine helps draw in the right amount of fluid into the stool without the laxative effect. Now the information that comes with the medication says not to take for more than 2 weeks but my doctor said that this can be taken safely every day. And you can adjust the dose as you need to. I believe I am in this situation with constipation because of mercury effecting my system to work properly. I do hope that if I get this mercury out of my system then my constipation won't be a continued problem. Liz D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Dear Liz and Group, I think that this substance is very suspect and should be throughly researched before using this chemical. Isn't ethylene glycol a poison and highly toxic. I believe it is used as a radiator coolant for cars etc. If it is, when small animals or pets accidently drink it, they die from it. Frank Gettingwell, " elizdettrey " <Rabbitbrain@e...> wrote: > Jenifer, I have a suggestion that might help but it > is a prescription fiber. That is what my doctor explained > to me. It is called MiraLax. > > It is a powder you put in your water or jucie once a day > with a large meal like your supper. The ingredient in > it is Polyethylene Glycol 3350. I don't know if there > is an age limit to taking this. > > He explained that it is not good to take laxatives on > a regular basis. And as you get older you have a tendency > to develop lazy bowel and laxatives can cause this to > occur sooner. This medicine helps draw in the right > amount of fluid into the stool without the laxative effect. > > Now the information that comes with the medication says > not to take for more than 2 weeks but my doctor said that > this can be taken safely every day. And you can adjust > the dose as you need to. > > I believe I am in this situation with constipation because > of mercury effecting my system to work properly. I do > hope that if I get this mercury out of my system then my > constipation won't be a continued problem. > > Liz D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2002 Report Share Posted November 9, 2002 ---Good evening Jennifer, In my experience, Mineral oil is not all that beneficial for constipation as it tends to exhaust ones existing mineral stores. However, there are an abundance of wonderful herbs that alleviate constipation. I've found that herbal infusions are the most beneficial for these problems. A high-fiber diet is quite beneficial, also fruits and vegetables high in fiber and water content, such as pears,prunes, asparagus, melons, apples, grapes, rhubarb, rutabagas, mangoes, dates, figs, avocadoes and prunes. Herbalist,James Dukes recommends a change of diet to the " double high five " ... eating five fruits and five vegetables a day. However, he also relates that if the problems aren't alleviated in two days, we should diminish our intake of low-fiber foods such as refined breads and meats, and try replacing them with beans, lentils and legumes. In addition Dr. Dukes suggests Aloe, Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn and Senna, in that order. My personal opinion is that one shouldn't use senna since it very often causes heart arrythmias if very much of it is ingested. Apparently, most of the above-mentioned herbs contain powerful natural laxative chemicals called *anthraquinones*. My personal suggestion for you would be to try an elderberry tea. Elderberry is a fabulous natural laxative. It is available at a wide variety of health food stores and online natural food markets. There is a product called Sambucol containing large amounts of elderberry extracts. You might try this also. As for milk of magnesia, I would agree in that respect. It should only be used as a last resort. It tends to work by drawing fluids into the intestines and away from the rest of the body and can cause other problems with long-term use. Also, as always, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably not tap water which tends to be very high in fluorides, chemicals and free radicals. I would suggest that you find a good bottled water for him and provide him with at least eight glasses of water per day as a starter. Wishing you the very best! JoAnn Guest angelprincessjo Friendsforhealthnaturally DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html are the most beneficialIn Gettingwell, " jennifer9252001 " <dwayne925@h...> wrote: > I have a 15 mo. old brain injured son. We are starting an all > natural healing process with him after no luck with " conventional " > medicine. This regimine will include whole foods/no dairy diet, > vitamin and nutritional supplements, excercise program, chiropractics > and a total holistic approach to his well-being. We are excited and > know we are heading down the right path. So, to my question. He has > had an on going problem w/constipation (he is low-tone). We had been > giving him 1 - 1 1/2 t. Milk of Magnesia every night. this worked > fairly well. The Neurodevelopmental Consultant we recently saw > suggested we take him off of that. He is getting 1/2 t. a day of Cod > Liver Oil and he thought that should help, but it's not. His BM's > are as hard as ever and I have had to help him out w/ a glycerin > suppository, which I don't like to do, but can't stand to see him > miserable and straining so hard. Was wondering if anyone had any > suggestions, like maybe mineral oil? Added fiber so far in whole > grains isn't helping. HELP!!!!!! > > Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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