Modern medicine in many ways is a really good thing. However, I think in some ways it has become a crutch for many people that needs to be swept away. Using a medicine to replace what is naturally out there for the taking is not only unhealthy, but also just plain lazy. It has taken me a long time to realize this and unfortunately for my children, a lot of unnecessary discomfort.
I've eluded before to the fact that my daughter has had some health struggles. Throughout her path to healing I have been on the internet and in books researching the correct "treatments" to get her where she needs to be. One of the most simple to fix problems that arose over time was constipation and upset stomach. For a long time we used, as directed by her doctors, products such as additives and softeners to help with the problems. During a conversation with her physical therapist I realized the biggest part of the problem was her diet. While she came close to the requirements she wasn't close enough. As a matter of fact, in reality she was probably only about half way to where she needed to be.
It hit me like a ton of bricks that by prescribing additives and softeners the doctors were not recommending that I fix the problem, only that we make the wrong the thing okay. Modern diets are riddled with poor nutrition and lack of key vitamins and nutrients that help our bodies function as they were designed. Instead of seeking out a treatment to "fix what ales us," we need to work on the underlying issue of what is causing the aliments in the first place. I'm not blaming the doctors. They probably get to the point of feeling like broken records harping on our way of life. But at the same time, I don't think a society of drug dependent individuals is the way to go either (sorry big pharm.)
Getting Started
I am NOT a doctor, do your own research and figure out the right answer for you and your family!
For each of my children, I wrote out what they eat and drink in a normal day and added up the nutritional values of those foods. This information can be found on the packaging and online. My children were required to be involved in the process. We did research on the recommended amounts of things like fiber, vitamins, water intake, etc. for them in not only their age group, but also their size. Surprisingly my son at age 10 needs as much as an adult in many areas. Certainly less than he was getting.
More Research
Once our food logs had been updated on what they were getting versus what they needed, we dug deep into what foods we could substitute and add to make their daily diet better. This was not an easy task. While my daughter is very open to trying new things and eating much healthier options, my son is extremely picky. We are still tweaking the diet here and there, as well as searching for new options, but overall we are noticing big changes. One thing I will say is that allowing them to pick items from the list gives them a sense of control.
Stick It Out
One of my biggest struggles when I try to diet is sticking to the plan. Instead of labeling this plan as a diet we are thinking of it as a new way of life. We live in an area where Walmart offers grocery pickup service, so we take full advantage of this. It helps in the sticking it out process in a few ways. First, it means we can order only the things we need, and not things that aren't on our approved list. Next, it means no impulse purchases! Let's face it moms, the biggest struggle for us and our children are those candy racks right by the check out. Not having this impulse purchase option in front of me means I'm not only helping my children out, I'm saving myself those extra calories too.
Allow The Occasional Splurge
Okay, I know this sounds like I'm contradicting myself, but hear me out. Once a month, we each get to pick one splurge item. For my son it is usually his favorite chips, my daughter is a chocolate lover, and so the story goes. Admittedly, the splurge generally disappears quickly, but none of us go through life feeling like we are missing all the good things. Morale stays high, and we are still sticking to the plan.
Not only do my children's bodies operate better, they feel better than before. Whatever challenges might lay around the corner I feel empowered by the work we have done. I know that whatever comes next we can work together to fight it to the best of our abilities using the "natural medicine" God put here for us.
Photo courtesy of Michael Stern, https://www.flickr.com/photos/68711844@N07/