Page 41 - Winter2020

A 2018 study in mice showed that the laxative can actually be the catalyst for constipation to Children
could cause “a long-lasting perturbation to develop. under one
the gut microbiota” as well as immune system Children under one year of age are not fully
alterations. As the researchers concluded, equipped to digest grains, which makes the year of age
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“These unintended consequences of PEG treat- widespread practice of feeding cereal grains to are not fully
ment are particularly important in light of the infants particularly ill-advised. Some main- equipped
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increased use of osmotic laxatives in pediatric stream nutritionists are belatedly conceding
populations, where the long-term health impact this point and are also admitting that processed to digest
of PEG-related immune response is currently cereals are a leading constipation culprit. Ac- grains, which
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unknown.” Suggesting that this research may cording to the Dr. Sears website, the main reason makes the
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explain the troublesome connection between that so many babies become constipated when
Miralax and neuropsychological symptoms, one initiating solid foods is that health care profes- widespread
group of lawyers has remarked that “When the sionals tend to recommend the very foods (such practice of
gut is ‘off’ per-say [sic], many other things in as rice cereal) that they know to be constipat- feeding
the body can, in turn, be ‘off’ as well.” 25 ing! “The truth is,” Dr. Sears confesses, “there
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Consumers should be aware that PEG is is nothing special about these foods that makes cereal grains
a common component of many other drugs them better to start out with,” and “babies don’t to infants
and cosmetic products (as well as some of the actually even need rice cereal.” particularly
Covid-19 messenger RNA vaccines under de- Wise Traditions parents know that babies’
velopment). Its use is increasingly controversial first solid foods should be animal foods, which unfortunate.
due to a wide range of documented adverse the immature digestive system is best able to
PEG-related immune reactions, including life- handle and thus far less likely to promote con-
threatening anaphylaxis. 26 stipation. This can begin with a daily pastured
egg yolk (starting as early as four months of
AVOID THE RICE CEREAL age) and small amounts of grated raw liver
For the infant who is ready to embark on (beginning at six months). Pureed meats and
some solid foods, Campbell-McBride points to simple watery patés, easy-to-digest bone
the critical importance of introducing foods in broths, vegetable purees (with plentiful animal
such a way as to create healthy gut flora and fats), fruit purees and small amounts of kefir or
a healthy digestive function. When adequate yogurt can be gradually added around eight to
care is not taken, the transition from exclusive ten months of age, with new foods introduced
breastfeeding (or even formula) to solid foods one at a time. Properly prepared (i.e., soaked,

OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR CONSTIPATED BABIES
1. Try a small amount of diluted, homemade prune juice (the juice from cooking prunes) or some pureed cooked
prunes.
2. Make a digestive tea (see Nourishing Traditions, page 604). To make this folk remedy used for constipation and
intestinal gas in infants, bring two quarts of filtered water to a boil and pour the water over two cups of fresh anise
(fennel) leaves and two cups of fresh mint leaves. Let steep until the water cools, then strain. Give the tepid tea to
baby about four ounces at a time. Nursing mothers may also drink this tea and pass along the digestive benefits to
colicky babies.

3. For babies who are constipated on the Wise Traditions raw milk formula, try eliminating the nutritional yeast and
gelatin and adding more cream (one or two tablespoons). This should be a first step before switching to the liver
formula.
4. Consider the possibility of a vitamin B deficiency. Vitamin B —found almost exclusively in animal foods such
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as meat, liver, fish, shellfish, milk products and eggs—is essential for healthy digestion and intestinal functioning
(particularly movement of the bowels) but also requires a sound digestive tract for proper absorption. Soy is a key
culprit interfering with the ability to absorb B —yet another reason to avoid giving babies soy!
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WINTER 2020 Wise Traditions 39