Kitchen Medicine Part V

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by Marj Watkins

"After thirty," says the proverb, "you're either a fool or your own physician." Maybe before thirty, too especially if you live in an isolated spot and/or have a big, bump of independence. Of course. you're a bigger fool still if you meddle with a serious or persistent condition but both you and your overworked doctor will be better off if you can prevent or cure your own minor ills as Marj Watkins began pointing out in MOTHER NO. 28. Here's another installment of the health hints that work for her family.

PREGNANCY PROBLEMS

TO INHIBIT CONCEPTION: Raspberry leaf and borage teas are recommended by tradition. Also, it's known that primitive mothers-northern Eskimos, for example-who breast feed babies for two or more years have a lower fertility rate or are sterile during the nursing period. Don't count on such protection for yourself, however, unless you're an Eskimo or Hunzakit!. The most modern birth control method the pill-is far more certain but does have its drawbacks. In particular, it's reported to rob women's bodies of vitamin B6, causing various minor symptoms: halitosis, burning feet, vaginal irritation, headaches, hair loss, insomnia, nervous disorders, visual disturbances, and constipation. Some really serious conditions are also connected with lack of B6: anemia, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, cataracts, and gallstones. Anyone who suffers from such problems might do well to increase consumption of natural sources of B6: liver, eggs, wheat germ, food yeast (one teaspoonful daily sprinkled on cereal, in soup, or in fruit or vegetable juice), rice polish, brown rice, and yogurt. If you prefer to avoid the pill, consult your doctor or public health service about the many other forms of contraceptives that are available.

TO PROMOTE CONCEPTION: Eat whole-grain breads and cereals, slow cooked. Use corn germ oil and soy oil on salads and in cooking (keep the temperature below 375° F). Take vitamin E d-alpha-tocopherol, 100 units daily. Use the rhythm system backwards: Copulate during the most fertile period. During pregnancy, get plenty of exercise in fresh air. Think happy thoughts. Hear gentle music, but avoid hard rock even plants turn away from it and cease to grow.

NAUSEA: This problem usually strikes in the morning. Keep a few crackers and/or dried apricots by the bed to chew before rising. Take vitamins, including at least 5 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily. Don't overeat during pregnancy, but don't let your stomach get entirely empty. Carry a packet of sunflower seeds to nibble on. Share them around. Nobody will snicker you might even start a style.

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