Managing Hirschsprung's Disease naturally.. #43

This post has been long overdue! But this journey has been really difficult because there is not a standard plan of care to follow for HD kids. There is still a lot of unknown about Hirschsprung's. More often than not, the parents know what is best for their kids and what works or doesn't work for their kid. Over the past couple months we have really dug into the "alternative" and "holistic" care network. I have always been into natural parenting, natural remedies, organic products, etc but there isn't much out there in terms of the natural approach for kids with HD. I am going to explain what we have done and what we are currently using in managing my sons HD. 

First off, if you haven't read our entire story or know us, here is a little background. My son was born full term, natural childbirth. I had exceptional OB care during my pregnancy and on NONE of the ultrasounds did we see anything wrong. When he was 2 days old he was transferred from the postpartum floor to the NICU due to him not eating, having abdominal distention, and throwing up green bile. He did not have a colostomy. Instead he had his bowel resection (pull through) when he was 6 days old. He only had 5 cm's (2 inches) of his colon removed. He has what is considered Short Segment Hirschsprung's Disease or SSHD for short. His surgeon did the Swenson method. His recovery was fast and normal. He had no issues with weigh gain. He did have food allergies and he was fed a soy, dairy, gluten, nut, oat, free diet until he had his allergy testing at 2 years old. He was  put on a medical grade formula called Elecare when he was 2 months old. His HD case has always been pretty straight forward. 

Now to talk about the supplements we have him on... 

We took Isaac to see a holistic nutritional practitioner who does a technique called applied kinesiology. Most people have never heard of this, and there is not a lot of "science" to back this technique up. Some people say it is quack work, but I know from personal experience, this does work. And this IS working for MY SON. Our practitioner was able to read things off Isaac that we did not even tell her about. She knew what things in his diet were bothering his stomach. Before we began the supplements she prescribed him based on what she read off his testing, he was having issues with his colon not emptying fast enough. Which our surgeon was concerned about, obviously HD parents know why. She was worried about his colon getting stretched out, not functioning properly, and also him getting constipated. We did a series of xrays in a certain time frame. We tried chia seeds, dietary changes, all to no avail. Our surgeon then wanted to put him on senna. That is when we consulted with the nutritional practitioner. She did some muscle testing on him, based on her findings she put him on 2 supplements to start healing his gut. After a month under the supplements from the nutritional practitioner, everything changed for him. We cut out high fructose corn syrup and any corn products. GMO's are a BIG no no for HD kids. GMO's inflame normal peoples intestines, imagine how much worse this would affect an HD kid. If you do give your HD kiddo yellow corn, or corn products, MAKE SURE IT IS ORGANIC or to be safe do white corn. BE very conscious about these products in our foods. The supplements she put him on are.. 

Lymph-Tone 1

Which helps the lymphatic system and aid in digestion and excreting toxins from the body. Lymph-Tone 1 is designed to assist in the beginning stages of blockages where the body can begin to react due to insufficient resources to successfully excrete toxins. This basically is to help the digestive system move things along in a timely manner. 

Para-Chord 

Para-Chord was formulated to help with intestinal parasites, dysbiosis, constipation or diarrhea. Dysbiosis  refers to a condition with microbial imbalances on or inside the body. Dysbiosis is most prominent in the digestive tract or on the skin, but can also occur on any exposed surface or mucous membrane such as lungs, mouth, nose, sinuses, ears, nails, or eyes. It has been associated with different illnesses, such as  inflammatory bowel disease, as imbalances in the intestinal microbiome may be associated with bowel inflammation.

For more information on the ENERGTIX supplements we use, visit their website at  

www.goenergetix.com

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I am also BIG on Essential Oils. We use a line called doTERRA. We specifically use the essential oil blend called DigestZen. 

 

DigestZen is one of the doTerra Blends that is considered an effective metabolic

blend. This is major active relief in a bottle. Dr. Hill’s experience with patients and his research has concluded that most gastrointestinal disorders are secondary to inflammation from bacteria, viruses, parasites and other microbes and a lack of good nutrition. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-micorbial, anti-nausea, anti-parasitic, anti-spasmodic, soothes hangover symptoms (alcohol, sugar, carbohydrate or meat protein), soothes and subdues acid reflux,stimulates repair of damaged tissues of the digestive system, been credited with reducing polyps in the intestinal tract.

Ingredients:

Ginger:

anti-spasm and anti-nausea, dissolves old mucus, warming and comforting, can inspire courage, excellent digestive aid; warming to tissues and organs, uplifting and motivating of spirit. Excellent for Rheumatic Fever recovery.

Peppermint:

It relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract and promotes peristalsis. Soothing and cooling for the whole body. Kills bacteria, parasites,yeasts, fungi and mold. Known to help relieve distress from food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, halitosis, colic, nausea, and motion sickness. Enhances bile processing. And reduces heat of fever so body can deal with restoring healing with less discomfort.

Tarragon:

Antiseptic and combats intestinal parasites and urinary tract infections; anti-infectious, prevents fermentation in the intestinal tract, assists absorption of B Complex vitamins in intestinal tract. Anti- microbial, reduces muscle spasms, is great in helping to relieve urinary tract infections.

Coriander:

Is soothing to the Pancreas and the Gall Bladder, besides assisting in processing of nutrients; anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and motivates good oxygenation. Increases action of basic digestive enzymes so nutrients can be absorbed to create healthy new cells.

Fennel:

Helps to improve digestion by supporting the liver. It may also help balance hormones.

Caraway:

Subdues acid reflux, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-parasitic. Good relief of gas and pain of colic.

Anice:

Calms and strengthens the digestive system, calms the sphincters ,balances acid and supports creating an environment for healthy digestion.

Protocols:

DigestZen on the wrists for indigestion.

DigestZen around the core of the stomach and on the wrists for nausea, severe indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, food poisoning, acid reflux, esophageal burning, gas, bloating, colic (tiny baby on bottom of feet).

DigestZen ingested prior to each meal will assist in good digestion and depress

Candida overgrowth in the stomach, discourage mold circulation, calm acidic food

reaction, and assist in eliminating parasites, will reduce acid and inflammation of tissues it comes in contact with to allow system to return to natural state of excellent good health.

DigestZen applied on the forehead will help relieve cold and sinus infection congestion, applied along the nose and on the cheeks can relieve more congestion.

DigestZen applied to the reflex points on the bottoms of the feet and hands can assist people getting off of over the counter anti-acid medications. Will stimulate great digestion and assist in absorption of nutrients from food

DigestZen applied around the core of the stomach can relieve seasonal allergies.

DigestZen applied around the core of the stomach and on the low back for low back pain (and when the pain is relieved or lessened while in motion) can indicate that long term constipation can be relieved with consistent use and increase in water intake and walking for minimum of 20 minutes each day at a steady pace (not fast just steady and consistently).

DigestZen: 1 drop added to warm water makes a great soothing cup of tea when recovering from flu or during lots of travel stops to help body get back in balance.

DigestZen 3 drops, Melissa 2 drops, Lavender 2 drops, Oregano 2 drops in a capsule 2 times a day suggested upon return from a recently flooded zone (hurricane or flood where mold could have sprung up or after tornado destruction–like in Joplin,Missouri)...to eliminate molds that might have been breathed or eaten from the air.

Ulcer:

Dr. Hill recommends DigestZen, Oregano and Lemongrass in capsules 3-4 times a day to heal ulcer and balance H-Pylori that may have been cause.

Colitis:

DigestZen 3 drops, Lavender 2 drops, Melaleuca 2 drops

Headaches:

For headaches associated with flu, cold, cough or sinus issues apply DigestZen to bottoms of feet, especially the big toe and the bones behind the ear (may dilute with coconut oil if very sensitive skin) on the headache points on the hands and wrists. 

Candida:

Sometimes when applying DigestZen on the core for the first couple of times in people who are new to oils a little rash may appear on the stomach, which is just Candida that was already present in the system, that the wonderful pure oils released thru the skin. Discontinue use on the tummy area and just ingest or apply to the bottoms of the feet.

Menstral Cycle Cramping and constipation: 

DigestZen 3 drops, Whisper 3 drops, Marjoram 3 drops rub on the stomach area of cramping as needed before sleep in anticipation of relief

DigestZen can be used in suppositories with virgin coconut oil in ratio of 20 drops of DigestZen with 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil to sooth vomiting and intestinal distress.

DigestZen may be used in a retention enema for ridding the colon of parasites and Digestive Candida.

Rheumatic Fever: DigestZen applied to chest after diluted 4-5 times a day. Avoid dairy products and white sugar during recovery.

Morning Sickness: Dilute with coconut oil and massage into tissue of the outer ear gently, and drink plenty of water. 

Caution: Not for use by people diagnosed with epilepsy.

This information was taken off the doTERRA website and PLEASE CONSULT a physician before attempting any of these techniques. I am NOT a medical doctor, I use just alternative medicine techniques for my son. I use the DigestZen blend on the core of his stomach to help with any of the above listed GI issues - cramping, upset stomach, constipation, etc. I dilute 1 drop of the oil with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. I massage his it onto his stomach clockwise at bedtime or when he is complaining of stomach pain. You can also rub it on the bottom of their feet. We do not ingest oils.

For more info on doTERRA's essential oils, their website is: 

www.doterra.com/us

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Smooth Move senna tea 
Lastly, we use a regiment of a senna tea instead of using the medication senna. The senna tea is called Smooth Move. For gentle, relief, it gets the “movement” moving again. Senna works by gently stimulating your intestines and aiding your body’s natural elimination process. It is combined with fennel, coriander and ginger to reduce the potential for unpleasant feelings like cramping. The traditional senna medication can cause cramping, nausea, upset stomach. However, the senna tea is from a natural plant that is combined with other herbs to avoid all the harsh side effects. 

 

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Chia Seeds 

We also do chia seeds daily. We add 1 or 2 tsp in a smoothie. They blend down nicely and he doesn't even know they are in there. You can use chia seeds in other recipes too. Some people do a chia pudding or add it to yogurt. I haven't tried that yet. We use the Bob's Red Mill organic brand but any brand would probably be ok. 

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As for the dosage on our all supplements, it is based of weight and age. My son is 2 yrs old (27 months) and weighs close to 33 pounds. Each supplement is as follows:

*Lymph-Tone 1 - 2x daily - 15 drops AM and 15 drops PM

*Para-Chord - 2x daily -15 drops AM and 15 drops PM

*doTERRA DigestZen - used as needed topically on the core of the stomach and/or feet - 1 drop to 1 tablespoon coconut oil. 

*Smooth Move senna tea - 3 oz every other day added into a smoothie. Standard adult dosing is 8 oz daily. You may have to do trial and error to see what works best for your kiddo. 

*Chia seeds - 2 tsp daily in a smoothie.

If you have any questions or would like some more info, please email me. Again, I am NOT a licensed medical practitioner. My son is under the care of 5 practitioners that guide me in dosing and usage of these products. Each HD child is so different, so what may work for my son, may not work for yours! :)