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As many of you know my mother-in-law works for a naturopathic doctor and has introduced me to some really worth-while things.  She has also tried to get me to try a few “questionable” things, but that is a whole other blog.  I thought it would be nice to share some of the things I use to keep my family healthy. 

My little Kara has battled infections from the time she was born.  We fought Thrush (yeast infection) forever.  Her mouth was purple pretty much her first six months of life.  She has also battled ear infections.  It was like one every six weeks, always in the right ear, never going away on it’s own.  So Gail (mother-in-law) researched some stuff for me at work and we realized that Kara develops bacteria more easily.  Here is what I use to keep those bad bacteria things from growing:

Grapefruit Seed Extract:

“Grapefruit seed extract is being used successfully in humans to fight many types of internal and external infections caused from parasites (single and multi-celled), viruses, bacteria, fungus and more! The greatest benefit is due to it’s multipurpose (broad spectrum) effect. It is effective even if the causes of the infections are known, unknown or misdiagnosed. Grapefruit seed extract naturally detoxifies, enhances and supports the immune system. Grapefruit seed extract contains high levels of vitamin C and E, and bioflavonoids. The important substances have an antioxidant action and can neutralize free radicals that damage cells and cause a number of illnesses.

I put a single drop of this extract into both of the girls’ juice/milk cups.  Or sometimes I will put in about ten drops in a pitcher of juice.  I also take it to fight of yeast and bladder infections and to get the extra dose of Vitamin C & E.  I take three drops a day…usually in my CALM tea.  It can be found at any health food store including Fred Meyer-cost is about $10 for a little bottle that will last forever. 

Kefir Lowfat cultured milk 

A creamy low-fat pro-biotic beverage lightly sweetened with billions of live pro-biotic cultures, which published studies have proven to promote digestive health, strengthen immune system, and fight of bad building bacteria.  I buy the Nancy’s Organic kind that comes flavored (Peach, blueberry, or strawberry).  It is basically a liquidy yogurt.  Tastes yummy.  I give it to the girls each morning at breakfast.  I used to use one of those medicine siringes but now they take it in a spoon-fulls because they love it.  I call it their “medicine” so they know they have to take it.  The girls usually get about four TBSP an I just drink about a quarter cup.  It can also be used to make some YUMMY smoothies.  Found at Fred Meyer in the health food section.  It costs about $3.50 and lasts over a month around here.

Kara has not had any infections for well over four months now…WELL WORTH THIS EFFORT!

Other things I use just to boost immune system:

Vitamin C

Antioxidant- Helps boost the immune system.  I buy a big hum-dinger tub of the chewable tablets-500mg per tablet.  We all take one every day and more if we feel like we are fighting a cold or something.  According to Gail if you feel you have a cold coming on you should take around 5,000 mg of Vitamin C and a little less of Vitamin E.  Beware of taking that much of either because you’ll get the runs.

Natural Vitality CALM

This product is part of Peter Gillham’s Natural Vitality Line.  He says “Calcium and magnesium are two different sides of a coin. Calcium excites nerves while magnesium calms them down. Calcium makes muscles contract. Magnesium is necessary for muscles to relax. Calcium is needed for blood clotting but magnesium keeps the blood flowing freely. It is easy to see that it is vital to keep these minerals in balance and that too little magnesium to balance calcium could be both uncomfortable and unhealthy.  Magnesium influences many bodily processes, including digestion, energy production, muscle function, bone formation, creation of new cells, activation of B vitamins and relaxation of muscles, as well as assisting in the functions of the heart, kidneys, adrenals, brain and nervous system.” 

Gail introduced this to me while I was in therapy for my hip.  Specifically to relax my muscles in that area.  I didn’t feel a huge change in that general area (it’s going to take a miracle), however, LISTEN UP LADIES, I did feel a big change in my general mood!!!  No Joke.  I feel so much more relaxed and patient especially with the kids.  I do have some anxiety problems too and this really helps!  You can find out where this product can be purchased by going to this web site : www.petergillham.com  (Pretty much at any Health/Vitamin store) I don’t have a clue how much it costs either cuz my momma hooks this sista up.  It is a powder that needs to be mixed with boiling water.  I take the recommended dose every morning and add the Grapefruit seed extract drops…it’s my tea for the morning.  Oh yeah, it doesn’t taste great so you have to drink it fast….once it’s cooled of course. 

Cod Liver Oil

This one took a while to convince me mostly because of the name and the smell.  “Cod liver oil is derived from cod livers. It is a nutritional supplement, in the past commonly given to children. Cod liver oil is one of the most effective providers of omega-3 fatty acids, and an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin D. It is widely taken to ease the pain and joint stiffness associated with arthritis but has also been clinically proven to have a positive effect on heart, bone, and brain health, as well as helping to nourish skin,hair, and nails.” 

I started taking this a few days ago to see if it helps with my SI Joint (Hip) problems since it is proven to reduce joint inflammation and arthritis.  I take a teaspoon of this liquid in the morning along with my CALM tea (My gag down session).  It can be purchased at any health food store and costs around $15 for a bottle that lasts a long time.  http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/cod-liver-oil.htm  Apparently there are some sunlight issues with it.  You aren’t supposed to take it on days when you are sunbathing all day.  It is also really good for children, but I just can’t imagine forcing my girls to swallow this stuff. And I haven’t figured out how to mix it into anything yet. 

So who’s the hippie now Rachel???  Do I make you proud? 

I won’t say that we are illness free from taking all of this because the sick season has just begun, but I can say we have all felt good for a handful of months now.  It doesn’t hurt to try right?  Does anyone else use herbal remedies?  I am still trying to get the secret weight loss formula from Gail.  Sorry this is so long.  I must really sound like a Eugeneian now.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 4th, 2007 at 2:18 pm by Sara Becraft and is filed under Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.