What Would Emily Do? (8/15 Edition)

Fresh or Frozen Raw Milk – Natural Beauty Products – Supplements for Kids – Alternative for Milk Based Formula – Feeding a Picky, Teething Toddler – Is my Baby's Vein a Sugar Bug? – Reducing Bone Broth – Seasonal Allergies Natural Remedy

My inbox and Facebook wall runneth over with questions from readers about Real food and holistic health, so I have created this Q&A to get your questions answered and for other folks to benefit from the answers as well.

If you have a question, you can first Google “holistic squid” and your topic, for example: “holistic squid protein powder.” This is the best way to see if the answers are already on my site.

If you still have questions email me: emily at holisticsquid dot com. I will only include your first name in this post (or if you prefer, initials or anonymous), and I will try to respond as soon as possible.

To never miss a Q&A, be sure to sign up for email updates here so that you get an email every time I post.

Question 1: Frozen vs fresh raw milk for lactose intolerance?

I started my real food journey about a year ago. We drink raw goats milk, however it comes frozen and we thaw it. About three months ago I started not being to eat dairy AT ALL. I get very sick. Doc says lactose intolerance. Now even a little cream in my morning tea or coffee makes me have terrible bloating and cramping. I'm so angry about this as I know how crucial dairy is. Would raw fresh milk be better rather than raw froze/thawed milk? Would that make a difference? Please suggest something. I'm distraught over this. Thank you. Amy Jo [via Facebook]

Hi Amy Jo – I understand your frustration, having had bouts of lactose intolerance at different periods of my life as well. Despite the health benefits of dairy, it is not good for you if your body rejects it.

If I were in your shoes now, I would first take a break from dairy (other than ghee) and drink lots of bone broth to help heal your gut and get some good nutrition at the same time. Then after at least several weeks, I would try introducing raw, unfrozen, cultured dairy like yogurt or kefir in very small amounts (a spoon or two per day). If you are ok with that, add a bit more at a time into your diet. Then gradually introduce raw, unfrozen dairy in the same way before moving onto the frozen stuff. If fresh raw milk/cream is not available to you, follow the same protocol, but go slower and take smaller amounts at a time. 

Question 2: Advice on natural beauty products?

I am new to your sight and was wanting to know if you could share with us females about makeup, I am looking into buying all new makeup for myself – but it is so confusing!! just want something thats the most natural and safe to wear. Thank you so much!!!!

Hi Michelle. It is certainly frustrating trying to find natural, safe cosmetics. To be honest, I haven't found a completely perfect brand. When it comes body products like lotion and deodorant, I make my own. With makeup, I tend to look for a fair compromise between natural and effective that makes sense for me. I prioritize eyeliner that doesn't run all over my face, but with lip products I demand that are safe enough to eat. There are several ‘natural' cosmetic lines out there, so experiment and research to find a balance that makes you comfortable. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database will guide you through the risk factors of ingredients. If you want perfection, you many need to make your own! Maybe some other readers have favorite natural cosmetics they can recommend?

Question 3: Supplements for kids?

I got my 10 month old son since 6 weeks old on Nordic Naturals fish oils DHA along with probiotics, multivitamin, all organic homemade food, etc. However I just ordered the Carlson fish oil for kids, but it says from age 2? Also do I give both fish oils and Cod liver oil? I get various info. And what elderberry cough syrup to your recommend for his age. Thank you.

Hi Kinga. My basic supplement recommendations for babies your son's age are a probiotic and fermented cod liver oil. If he is taking FCLO, he does not need additional fish oil, and if he eat a good, nutrient dense diet (with plenty of animal fats) he does not need a multi-vitamin. I prefer to make my own elderberry syrup, but if you want purchase one, check the labels and avoid products with addition flavors, preservatives, or junky sweeteners.

(Also, I must point out that while I am a health practitioner, I am not your health practitioner. Any health advice that I give is my opinion based on my general professional experience but not your specific case. As such, you should always seek the advice of your own health professionals before acting on something that I have published or recommended.)

Question 4: Alternative to milk based baby formula?

I am looking to use the liver formula for my newly adopted daughter, I noticed she had cow formula reactions whilst in Ethiopia so I put her on goats formula which caused diarrhea too. I have had to put her on a lactose free commercial formula for the time being. 

Can you please let me know if there is another formula I can use for when I am out and about? Or is there a suggestion for warming bottles on the go?

Hi Dallas. What you should feed your baby will depend on her age and health status, and if your daughter exhibits any problems or delays in growth or development I urge you to seek the support of a qualified health practitioner near you.

The bone broth formula (a.k.a. liver based formula) can work great for babies with extreme sensitivity to milk proteins. You can read my recommendations from best to worst options for feeding babies in this post: Is Breast Always Best?

If she does well with the bone broth formula, I would do my best to stick with it until she well-established on solids. To warm bottles on the go, I would simply carry a thermos of hot water if hot running water is not available. Place your bottle of formula in a separate container, add the hot water, and remove when sufficiently warm. Want the health benefits of bone broth, but don't want to make your own? Buy bone broth online here. 

Question 5: How do I feed a picky, teething toddler?

I'm in desperate need advice for a teething, growth-spurting toddler who only wants to eat blueberries, granola bars, pb&j, and cheese quesadillas. Any suggestions on foods for a super picky (at the moment, she used to be a fantastic eater) eater? Leah [via Facebook]

Save