Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry. “My kids drink a lot of milk, which leaves them congested with excess mucus. I want them to get the extra protein and calcium since they are such picky eaters. Do you have any suggestions for what I can do for them?” Donna D, Lancaster, PA A. Dear Donna. I can think of several things. First, I would make sure they are not eating any sugar, sweets and refined grains and flour. I would even like to recommend they eat no grains containing gluten. They may have buckwheat, millet, quinoa, rice and in some cases, rolled oats. I assume they are drinking cows’ milk so I would switch them to goats’ milk which is much easier to digest and does not leave them with excess mucus. If it’s possible, look for a farmer that might be able to sell you raw goats’ milk. It’s one of the best foods I know. You also might be able to find goats’ milk powder and goats’ milk protein in your health food store to boost the protein and calcium in their diet. If they continue to have a lot of mucus such as sinusitis, colds, cough, bronchitis or even asthma, I would recommend two herbs that have been highly researched in Europe for these specific indications, ivy and thyme. When used together they make a very excellent combination for adults and children. You may possibly find tablets and/or chewable tablets in your local health food store. Also, with ivy, look for standardization on Hederacoside-C, because that is the kind of ivy supplement that has been used in clinical studies with adults and children.