I had no idea when I became a parent of special needs children that I would learn so much about poop. But when your children have digestive issues, poop is a part of everyday life. There can be constipation, diarrhea, mucus, gas and the list goes on. Since around 80% of the immune system is based in the intestinal tract, it’s very important to focus on “healing the gut” as the saying goes in order to have a healthy immune system.
Digestive System
When you improve the digestive system, then the immune system can heal as well. There are so many ways to improve digestion that it’s hard to know where to begin. First and foremost, you must improve your diet. Eating an organic, whole foods diet is key to improving digestion. You can take all the supplements you want, but if you’re not eating a healthy diet, it will all go to waste. Processed foods laden with chemicals hurt the digestive system and drastically impair the immune system.
Gluten intolerance and/or Celiac’s disease will often cause digestive issues. If you or your child are having digestion issues, then you might consider a gluten-free diet. Testing for Celiac’s disease and/or gluten intolerance (IgG allergy testing) can be done through a holistic doctor. Digestive enzymes can assist the body in breaking down food which helps digestion.
Probiotic supplements
These infuse the intestines with good bacteria. The benefits of probiotics are many but digestion and immunity are high on the list. If you avoid dairy or casein, many probiotics are cultured from dairy so be sure and read the ingredients. Aloe Vera Juice is soothing to and can repair the stomach. Drinking aloe vera juice is simple as it has a mild flavor and can be mixed with water, juice, etc. Make sure you buy organic.
Herbs
Herbs are useful for the immune system and digestion. Some that might be useful for constipation (natural laxatives) are Irish Moss, Bladderwrack, Atlantic Kelp, Arrowroot, Cascara Sagrada, Marshmallow, Golden Seal, and Brewer’s Yeast. Herbs that might be useful for diarrhea are Calendula, Irish Moss, Bladderwrack, Atlantic Kelp, Arrowroot, and Shepherd’s Purse. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but is a good place to start. Always do your homework and find out what is the best solution for you and your family. I am not a doctor; these are simply supplements or diets that I have tried or considered for my own family.
