Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (186 page)

Dairy products, as diarrhea damages the intestinal walls, causing temporary lactose intolerance.

Raw foods.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Peppermint oil will help to calm the bowel and relieve spasm.

The herb gentiana in liquid form can make a big difference.

Grapefruit seed extract can help to combat amebic or parasitic infection.

Take slippery elm bark to coat and soothe the wall of the colon. It can also be mashed into a ripe banana or stirred into oatmeal.

Apple pectin can help to reduce the looseness. It absorbs water from the contents of the intestines.

Astragalus can help to strengthen spleen function, which will have a positive effect on your bowels.

Cinnamon and ginger can benefit the digestive system.

Herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, raspberry leaf, and lemon balm are also recommended for their soothing properties. Agrimony tea can also help chronic cases. Drink agrimony for two weeks maximum.

Supplement with probiotics. These are beneficial bacteria that are needed for normal bowel function and protection from infection. Diarrhea can lead to a depletion in good bacteria and also be an indication that the good bacteria are not there in sufficient quantities to provide protection and support digestion.

EXTRA TIPS

Eat light meals. Just liquids are best to begin with. The more solids you eat, the more diarrhea you will probably have. Avoid putting a strain on the digestive system when it is already struggling.