DGL spells relief!

Caleb and I both have sensitive tummies, along with prescribing yogurt our alternative doctor also suggested we use DGL chewable tablets.  I had 4 previous doctors of different specialties (family doc, pediatrician, pediatric gastroentronologist, and an allergist) prescribe Caleb (age 5 at the time) heavy duty adult heartburn drugs.  When I asked them how long Caleb would have to take these drugs, they all said he would probably have to take them for the rest of his life!!!  I was not at peace with this coarse of action.  So I sought out the opinion of one of the dad's from Caleb's school who also happens to be an MD with a more alternative approach.  He also suggested that I read the book "Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You", which I did and highly recommend for anyone who deals with sensitive tummy issues...  

I love that the DGL is an all natural product and I can give Caleb and entire bottle if I needed to without the risk of overdosing or side effects.  I always leave them out for the babysitters, and don't have to fear weather or not the babysitter knows how to correctly portion the meds...  And they are extremely effective!  My heartburn is usually gone within 15 MINUTES!!!  Needless to say, I'm a huge fan now!  :)  

Here is some info I found on the internet about DGL:

Stomach Discomfort

Almost everyone is familiar with the discomfort of an upset stomach. Most of us have indulged in our favorite foods, only to pay for it later during a sleepless night. Over-the-counter antacid tablets help, but recent research has revealed some concerns for those who consume them on a regular basis. Most prescription medications used to treat stomach discomfort do so by inhibiting or blocking acid secretion. Though temporarily effective, these medications often come with unpleasant side effects. Chewable DGL tablets offer a safe, effective way to relieve stomach discomfort naturally.

Features & Benefits of DGL Licorice Licorice flavonoids help inhibit acid secretion* Increases blood flow to gastric mucosal cells* Promotes secretion of the protective mucosal layer* Promotes the growth of new mucosal cells* Licorice extract is de-glycyrrhizinated to avoid side effects

How Does Licorice Work?

Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used for over 3,000 years, making it one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in history.* Licorice naturally contains 10 triterpenes and 22 different flavonoids, which are believed to be responsible for its benefits.*1

 

Licorice has been used as a highly effective alternative to antacids and acid-blocking drugs. By comparison, licorice works not by inhibiting acid production, but rather through supporting and stimulating the stomach’s natural protective mechanisms.*2 Stomach discomfort is usually attributed to an imbalance between acid secretion and the stomach’s ability to protect itself against the irritation caused by acid. The presence of harmful bacteria can also be a factor. The stomach’s primary defense against corrosive gastric acid is a fine layer of mucin, secreted by millions of mucosal cells that line the stomach wall. Licorice has been shown to stimulate both the secretion of mucin and the formation of new mucosal cells, probably through its ability to increase blood flow to mucosal tissue.*2 In addition to supporting a normal chemical balance, licorice has also been shown to help inhibit the growth of potentially harmful intestinal bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori.*3

Yummy Gummy Gators

For Easter this year I went to Chamberlain's (health food store) in search of some more natural goodies to include in our celebration.  Justus was with me and picked these Strawberry Alligators out...  (I wonder if I can figure out how to cut out veggies in the shape of alligators if he would eat them then...???)

Aren't they cute!  :)  They are gluten free, dairy free, have no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no artificial citric acid...  Ingredients:  apple extracts thickened, apple pectine, strawberry juice thickened, lemon juice thickened, slightly sprayed with vegetable oil, natural flavor.  (thickened = water reduced)

They weren't a big hit with Caleb, "Mom, did you make these like the fruit roll ups you tried to make?"  (which he wasn't a fan of either...)

But Justus and I devoured these little gator snacks!

Sweet!

A friend from my high school youth group is hosting a chance to win a candy package on her blog (http://www.chattahoocheemama.com/chattahoochee_mama/2009/03/surf-sweets-giveaway.html). 

Here is a little of what she had to say:

I LOVE promoting natural alternatives to mainstream foods and treats... and this is one treat that kids and adults alike will love and appreciate! Besides being delicious, all Surf Sweets Candies are:

• Made with Organic Fruit Juice & Sweeteners
• Made with Natural Colors & Flavors
• Contain 100% of Your Daily Vitamin C
• Free of Corn Syrup and GMOs
• Made in a Nut Free Facility
• Gluten Free

"Oh I wish I was an Oscar Mayer...

...Natural-smoked-uncured-no-nitrate-or-nitrite-Beef-Frank..."  okay so it doesn't fit into the song well, but it does fit nicely into a healthier lunch box for Caleb!  I've recently learned that nitrates and nitrites are linked to childhood cancers, so cutting them out just makes sense to me.  And Caleb LOVES them!

Where the Buffalo Roam

While reading a couple of Jordan Rubin's books, and pouring over hours and hours of yahoo group postings for WAPFTampaBay (Weston A Price Foundation of Tampa) and DiscussingNT (discussing Nourishing Traditions) I've been concerned about (among many many things...) the current practices for raising beef...  Now I've had my eye out for Grass Fed Beef, but it's not easily available.  I found this ground buffalo at Publix awhile back and we've been eating it, and loving it for several months now.  It's not gamey tasting at all, which I was afraid it would be, and I was very surprised to read on the label that buffalo has 40% iron, opposed to the only 10% in ground beef...  and I KNOW I need more iron in my diet!  It is pricier for sure, but I'm hoping the healthier change will save us money in the long run.

Chocolate Syrup I can feel good about

One of the baby steps I've taken lately is making my own chocolate syrup in an attempt at getting a product that is closer to real, whole food...  Not filled with all sorts of ingredients that I don't have a clue what they are, nor have the ability or patience to pronounce...  Simply cocoa, vanilla, a splash of filtered water, and raw honey.  (Read more about why "raw" honey at the bottom of this post.)  The kids love it and haven't noticed that I've switched out their commercial syrup for a healthier version to make their chocolate milk in the mornings.  Now if I could only find a way to get Justus to eat his veggies...  

"...phytonutrients found both in honey and propolis have been shown to possess cancer-preventing and anti-tumor properties.  These substances include caffeic acid methyl caffeate, phenylethyl caffeate, and phenylethyl dimethylcaffeate.  Researchers have discovered that these substances prevent colon cancer in animals by shutting down activity of two enzymes, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and lipoxygenase.  When raw honey is extensively processed and heated, the benefits of these phytonutrients are largely eliminated."  

source:  The Worlds Healthiest Foods - www.WHFoods.org