Thursday, November 13, 2008

Other Herbs on the Run


For the prevention of diarrhea caused by food poisoning, bacterial infections, or parasites, food enzymes with hydrochloric acid supplements should be used before every meal, especially when dining out or traveling. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an acid normally produced by the stomach to kill off parasites when we consume foods that are contaminated. As we age, our stomach produces less and less of this acid, which can leave us more vulnerable to infections caused by ingested foods, drinks, or anything that enters through the mouth. Supplementing with these can help protect us from getting diarrhea in the first place.
Acidophilus is the good bacteria normally present in our digestive tract. These bacteria keep other harmful bacteria and viruses in our body at bay. They also eat up other foreign substances that enter through our digestive tract and serve as another form of protection against invaders. Substances such as caffeine, carbonated beverages, and antibiotics can kill off these good bacteria temporarily, leaving us vulnerable to infections. Acidophilus or bifidophilus supplementation can help replenish our body with these helpful bacteria. Take four to six capsules on an empty stomach every day for best protection against picking up bugs and to stop diarrhea. Acidophilus will fight against any existing bacterial infection going on in your system.
Other herbs that can help slow things down include psyllium hulls or oat bran. Psyllium acts like a bulking agent in the colon and will help absorb excess water. For children suffering from diarrhea, red raspberry in a liquid extract is an excellent remedy.

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