Anti-Stress Nutrition Programme to Improve Mood,
Health, Behaviour and Learning
By Brenda Sampson
PURE WATER IS THE BEST DRINK
Of all the millions of different kinds of living organisms on earth, every one except man is perfectly satisfied with plain water to quench its thirst. Man is the only one who is foolish enough to insist on his water being flavoured. It must be our early training which leads us to expect flavouring in drinks. Sir Truby King, founder of the Plunket Society, thought mothers should accustom babies to plain water by giving drinks of water between feeds.
Excessive thirst is a common symptom of essential fatty acid deficiency and diabetes. It seems to occur in hyperactive children and maybe in allergic children also. This excessive thirst often diminishes with the Feingold diet, which eliminates artificial colours and flavourings, antioxidants, preservatives and natural salicylates found in fruits.
Thirst or craving? A point to consider is whether a thirsty child or adult, actually needs fluid or whether his desire to drink is really a craving for an addictive substance. Most of our beverages are addictive. This includes tea, coffee, alcohol, soft and powdered drinks, cordials and caffeine, even milk for those who are allergic to it. Addictive substances increase the total stress load and therefore make allergic symptoms more likely. Water is the safest bet; one cup of water will usually satisfy thirst without setting up a craving for more.
Fruit versus fruit juices. Remember that most fruits and green vegetables eaten raw, provide fluid. They are about 90% water. An apple probably contains about a half cup of water. If a child can tolerate a fruit, and has teeth to chew it with, give it to him whole. One of the causes of allergy is a shortage of digestive enzymes. The act of chewing stimulates the flow of digestive enzymes, so those with allergies should do as much chewing as possible. Pure fruit juices are too easy to swallow and too concentrated. They are made for the convenience and profit of producers, rather than for the benefit of consumers. For health the fibre of the fruit is needed with the juice. Possibly tummyaches are caused by lack of fibre, and fruit provides a natural source.
A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR DRINKS WHICH MAY HELP
It is estimated that about 60% of people who are allergic to cow's milk can take goat's milk. Other alternative milks can be made by liquidising a cup of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or some nuts, in a cup of water. Add further water to dilute it, and strain it, if you wish.
Pears seem to be low allergen fruit often tolerated by those who react to salicylic acid in other fruits. If pealed pears or bananas are tolerated, make a milkshake by liquidising sesame seeds or nuts, with a pealed pear or banana and water.
Meat or vegetable stock, (i.e.. the water they have been cooked in) or a mixture of both, make quite a nice drink either hot or cold. Meat stock is also rather nice frozen. I have often wondered if it could be used for ice blocks.
Dr. Feingold, who was an allergy specialist of long experience, thought lemon juice less of a problem than other citrus fruit, and allowed it in his diet. A pleasant drink can be made with hot or cold water, and a very small amount of lemon juice, sweetened with a little honey if required. The less lemon juice used, the less sweetening that is necessary. If your child does not tolerate lemon juice, try replacing it with a pinch of ascorbic acid powder (vitamin C). This is available from a chemist. A small level teaspoonful scraped off level with a knife is approximately 2000 mg. One eighth of a level teaspoon is enough for a cup of water. Ascorbic acid in water is a good drink for a sore throat. Take it every hour till the sore throat has gone.
