How does his life story end?

Question:

After having read in Wellspring about the importance of supplementing with probiotics while on antibiotics, I recently followed this advice. I’m happy to report that I had none of the usual stomach cramps or yeast infections that appear when I’m on antibiotics. I also felt less hungry, less bloated, and calmer. Is it safe to continue taking a probiotic supplement even after I finish my medication? If so, which brand should I use? And what dosage is right for an adult?

Answer:

I’m happy to hear that your body took well to the probiotics baruch Hashem, and that you experienced various positive effects from the supplementation.

It is completely safe—and even beneficial—to take probiotics as part of your daily supplements. Probiotics, as you probably know, restore the balance of friendly bacteria in the gut, which aids digestion and keeps germs out of the body to avoid illness and viruses. Now that you’ve witnessed their benefit, by all means continue taking them.

Regarding the brand and dosage, it’s best to ask your nutritionist or physician to recommend the proper strength for you, based on your age and other factors.

On the topic of probiotics, readers might benefit from knowing that they can request a probiotic for themselves or a loved one who’s in a hospital and receiving medication, whether orally or intravenously. Probiotics can help avoid many side effects of medication and keep a patient as safe as possible in a hospital setting. This is something that’s worthy of discussion with one’s doctor.

Take care,

Miriam Schweid, Kinesiologist and Health Consultant

Through Our Crisis

Issue #90: Cup of Tea

It was so exciting for me to see Norma Pullman featured in your pages! The writer did a fabulous job at portraying this larger-than-life woman who is so much more than a fitness instructor. Her yoga classes leave you feeling grounded and energized to tackle whatever Hashem sends your way. It was interesting to read how she was introduced—and her initial resistance—to what would turn out to be one of her greatest contributions to society.

As a longtime member of Norma’s classes, I’ve benefited so much not only from her fabulous workouts, but also from her wisdom and intuitive counsel. When we recently experienced a mental health crisis in the family, she was so there for me, a solid presence in my life. May she continue helping the women of Klal Yisrael!

Name Withheld upon Request

Not the Material

Issue #90: Wellbeing Feature

As a mother of four kids in camp, ka”h, I’ve been trying to implement the excellent ideas from Shiffy Friedman’s article on maintaining close ties to the kids even when they’re not in our proximity. I loved the journal idea, and I wish I would have started it with my older kids when they were younger, but it’s never too late and I did start to write little notes for them here and there. What I loved about the article and I wish more parents would realize is that it’s much less about the material stuff we give our kids and more about the heart and thought that truly builds them. It bothers me that so much of parenting and giving to children has become about how much more stuff we can buy them. When kids are young, they don’t yet realize the beauty in the deeper parental bond, even though they certainly feel it and appreciate it subconsciously—and when they see the abundance that others get, they want it too. As a parent who tries to give her kids what they need, but simply can’t afford all those extras, it’s painful. It is my hope that more parents will heed the guidance of these words and recognize what they can give their kids that is truly lasting and connective.

To a beautiful parenting journey for all,

F. Rosenwasser South Fallsburg, New York

PSA Quick Fix for Swollen Insect Bites

I’d like to share with readers that the homeopathic remedy called Apis Mel is really helpful for alleviating swelling from insect bites. Spray under the tongue every 15 minutes for 1 hour, then 3 times a day (you can use the pellets also; they work just as well) and the relief is almost instant. It is now five years later and she’s baruch Hashem back to her old self, but there’s no denying the scars that have remained from

Get in touch!

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SPIRITUAL EATING

By Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS