9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more...Posted on September 20th, 2007 |
Categories: Inflammation | autoimmune | Asthma
Click on right arrow button above to start playing the video.
Ever wonder how some doctors can miss what's right in front of them?
This week, I'd like to tell you why conventional medicine doesn't always get it right when it comes to disease -- autoimmune diseases, especially.
If you suffer from things such as acne, allergies, asthma, arthritis or other related conditions, then you'll want to read on.
Recently, I flew to Rochester, New York, to participate in a national PBS show called SECOND OPINION.
This is a fantastic opportunity for viewers to see a living room discussion about a medical topic between specialists, general practitioners, patients, patient advocates, and odd characters like me who don't quite fit in.
We shot three shows: one on migraines, one on osteoarthritis, and the last on inflammation.
There were renowned, smart and very qualified specialists and doctors there, from whom I could learn much.
But as we sat there during the inflammation show talking about a woman who had an autoimmune disease, I felt sad and distraught.
And try as I might, I couldn't break through the basic foundational idea of conventional medicine.
That's the idea that all we have to do is NAME that disease (like some sort of medical "Jeopardy!") and then find the right treatment (the right drug or combination of drugs) to help that person.
It was frustrating.
I couldn't help them realize that there is a different way of THINKING about disease that could help us get to the real cause of the inflammation, instead of finding clever ways to shut down the inflammation.
That's sort of like taking the battery out of a smoke detector while the fire burns down the house!
You see, the producer had called me in panic the last week before the show, asking if I had a good "inflammation" patient who might be willing to come be on the show.
I immediately thought of a hard-working patient of mine who had suffered for years and traveled from doctor to doctor, getting all kinds of labels without getting help, before landing in my office.
I called him and he agreed to fly up. His story was quite amazing, but it didn't penetrate the other doctors' beliefs. I felt like they were saying, "Don't confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up."
It's sort of like what one of my teachers once said.
"Do you see what you believe or do you believe what you see?"
In the face of a paradigm-shattering medical case, these docs were hardly curious and quickly dismissive, saying this was just an anecdote.
Well, let me tell you -- medicine is not for statistics, it is for real people and this all was VERY real for the 46-year old, hard-working father of three who could once barely function.
He is now in vibrant good health.
This is not an anecdote but a giant COMPASS pointing us to where we should really be looking to find answers on how to find answers to our health problems.
The one highly trained academic doctor -- an allergist, rheumatologist, and immunologist, who was far more knowledgeable than I am in these areas -- did say one thing that SHOULD have been a thorn in his side, getting him to look in different places for answers.
When asked why he thought we are having an epidemic of allergic (60 million people), asthmatic (30 million people) and autoimmune disorders (24 million people) in the 21st century, he did note that these disorders are almost totally isolated to developed countries.
Poor countries without all of the modern amenities like running water, flush toilets, washing machines, and sterile backyards DON'T get these diseases.
And if you grew up on a farm with lots of animals, you are also less likely to have any of these inflammatory disorders.
Playing in the dirt, being dirty, and being exposed to bugs and infections somehow trains your immune system to recognize what is foreign and what is "you" -- to distinguish YOU from ME.
But here in this country, autoimmune diseases when taken all together are a HUGE health burden.
These include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, celiac disease, thyroid disease, and the many other hard-to-classify syndromes of inflammation, pain, swelling, and misery that afflict so many.
But what exactly is autoimmunity?
Your immune system is your defense against invaders. It is like your army and has to clearly distinguish friend from foe -- to know YOU from OTHER.
Autoimmunity occurs when your immune system gets confused and your own tissues get caught in friendly cross-fire.
Your body is fighting something -- an infection, a toxin, an allergen, or the stress response -- and somehow it redirects its hostile attack on your joints, your brain, your skin, or sometimes your whole body.
This whole concept is called molecular mimicry.
And it's sort of accepted by conventional doctors -- but they stop there. They don't look for the insult that is causing the problem. They don't dig to find out WHICH molecule the cells are mimicking.
As my teacher Sid Baker says, if you are standing on a tack, it takes a lot of aspirin to make it feel better.
And sometimes the treatments can make you feel worse.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, or steroids, or immune suppressants like methotrexate, or the new TNF alpha blockers like Enbrel can lead to intestinal bleeding, kidney failure, depression, psychosis, osteoporosis, muscle loss, and diabetes, not to mention overwhelming infection and cancer.
Don't get me wrong.
These drugs can help people get their lives back. But they miss the point -- the root cause of the disease.
But, there is another way to deal with this.
Now let me tell you about Sam, my patient who came to the show, and his remarkable misadventure through the medical system.
He was generally a healthy trade professional, working hard to support his family.
But then he suddenly developed a series of problems, including chronic sinus infections and prostate infections.
He took many antibiotics for these.
Then, a while later, he developed severe chest pains and went to the emergency room.
While he was there, the doctors found swollen lymph nodes and told him he had lymphoma, a form of cancer.
For 3 weeks he lived in despair until the biopsy results came back.
And guess what? He didn't have cancer.
But he did have an autoimmune disease.
Which autoimmune disease?
Well, the doctors weren't quite sure.
Yes, he had lots of abnormal blood test results -- like low white blood cell and platelet counts, high levels of auto-antibodies of all types (antibodies that attack our own tissues), high immunoglobulins (the foot soldiers of the immune system), and autoimmune thyroid disease.
But they had a hard time labeling him.
Meanwhile, Sam had also developed metabolic syndrome and weight gain (pre-diabetes) as a result of the inflammation.
This is a quote from one specialist's note:
"Whether he has lupus or Sjogren's syndrome is a bit unclear. Regardless, he merely needs observation and no therapeutic intervention at this time."
Wow.
What exactly did they plan to observe? How bad he felt? Or would they just wait for him to get worse?
Then he came to me.
Given my different way of thinking, I began by asking Sam some simple questions.
Then I went hunting for toxins, allergens, and infections -- and hit pay dirt.
He had taken so many antibiotics that he was a mold and yeast factory. It was growing between his toes, on his toenails, in his crotch, and scalp.
He had H. pylori bacteria in his gut.
He had a leaky gut and reacted to many foods, including dairy and gluten.
He was exposed to toxins at his job and had high levels of mercury.
He had chronic sinus infections.
So we went to work cleaning house.
I treated his yeast with anti-fungals and the H. pylori with antibiotics, got rid of his food allergies, fixed his gut, detoxified him from metals, and cleaned up his sinuses.
And I helped heal his immune system by supporting it with nutrients. I gave him zinc, fish oil, vitamin D, herbs, probiotics and put him on a clean, whole-foods, allergy free, anti-inflammatory diet.
So what happened?
At his next follow-up visit, I asked Sam how he was doing, expecting him to say that he felt a little better.
But he said that he was fine.
I asked, "What about the fatigue?"
He said that he had great energy.
What about the bloating and gas?
Nope.
What about the reflux?
Gone.
What about his sinuses and chronic phlegm?
All clear.
What about his memory and concentration and tingling?
All better.
And he lost 15 pounds.
Then his labs came back to normal. His white cells increased and his immune markers calmed way down.
Sam's results simply reflect the application of a new model of thinking about problems called functional medicine -- a way to get to the root of things.
If you have an autoimmune disease, here is what you need to think about and do:
1. Check for hidden infections -- yeast, viruses, bacteria, Lyme, etc. -- with the help of a doctor, and treat them.
2. Check for hidden food allergens with IgG food testing or just try The UltraSimple Diet, which is designed to eliminate most food allergens.
3. Get tested for celiac disease, which is a blood test that any doctor can do.
4. Get checked for heavy metal toxicity. Mercury and other metals can cause autoimmunity.
5. Fix your gut. For details, see my blog on irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Use nutrients such as fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics to help calm your immune response naturally.
7. Exercise regularly -- it's a natural anti-inflammatory.
8. Practice deep relaxation like yoga, deep breathing, biofeedback, or massage, because stress worsens the immune response.
9. Tell your doctor about Functional Medicine and encourage him or her to get trained or buy them a "Textbook of Functional Medicine" as a holiday present - go to www.functionalmedicine.org for more information.
Give these steps a try -- and see if you don't start feeling less inflamed. As I said earlier, the answers are right in front of you.
Now I'd like to hear from you...
Have you been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease?
How is your doctor treating you?
Have you been frustrated by the medical advice that you've been given?
What steps have you taken to get to the root of the problem, and what have your results been?
Please click on the Add a Comment button below to share your thoughts.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, M.D.
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re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Doctors thought I had lymphoma and never did really diagnose me. One doctor finally said sarcoidosis. Why do you never mention that disease? I take no prescription meds and try tumeric curcumin and others (they seem to help) can not take Vitamin D obviously..I need help.
I put this on in September
I put this on in September 2007 and cannot find a reply. Is there an answer somewhere? Libbym
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
i was surprised to hear that you would prescribe antibiotics to clear up this man's yeast problems. don't you feel that they are what caused his problems in the first place. i've heard that a cleanse would be a better approach.
Read the article more
Read the article more carefully. I think you'll see that Dr. Hyman states that antibiotics were actually largely to blame for the patient's yeast overgrowth.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Doctors thought I had lymphoma and never did really diagnose me. One doctor finally said sarcoidosis. Why do you never mention that disease? I take no prescription meds and try tumeric curcumin and others (they seem to help) can not take Vitamin D obviously..I need help.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I have read so much recently about how food allergies/yeast infections/toxins affect one's health. My daughter developed symptoms of depression and anxiety and repetitive habits at six years old, was finally diagnosed with OCD at 10. She is now 16 and it has been years of ups and downs trying different drugs, some with disturbing side affects. She is now doing very well, but still on medication. Is there any other solution to treating OCD and anxiety besides using powerful drugs?
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
My doctor prescribed your book to me. After I completed three weeks I felt so much better, my blood pressure went from 140 to 119 and I lost 10 pounds. I called him and thanked him! He could have just given me blood pressure pills.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Hello
Ofcourse I like to add a comment. I'm living in The Netherlands and I have m.s.
Progressive from the start, 5 years ago. I've been looking since day one for a cure, because I feel there must be one. I have tried a lot already but am encouraged by your words and will start taking your advice seriously. Thank you.
I wished you were living in the Netherlands though.
Kind regards Leonoor
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I am a 40 year old woman who has suffered from the severe pain and discomfort of endometriosis for most of my adult life. In the past I used birth control pills to control the pain, which I recently discontinued. After having 3 beautiful children my body has changed considerably, most notably my inability to bounce back to a healthy weight. And now, I have been diagnosed with asthma due to allergies. Now I'm scared that there are other health problems hiding within me...
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I've got psoriasis and lipoma, and have had for a number of years now. I'm desperate to get rid of it - have tried all kinds of things, chinese medicine/homeopathy/and all kinds of supliments, but it hasn't shifted.
Can you help?
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Dr Hyman, I felt as if I were reading my own story just now. In the past two years I have gone from being a healthy slim active young woman to someone who is overweight, in constant pain, fatigue, etc. I have allergies and my gut is in bad shape. I eat healthy and do exercise several times a week but nothing is helping me. I have seen 12 different doctors. The thing that has helped me the most is my own research unfortunately. At one time I was on about 8 different medications, I am now on just Celebrex and a very low dose of Hydrocodone to manage pain. One doctor even told me I was crazy. My Rheumatologist feels I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and there is nothing they can do for me. I am frustrated and just want my life and my health back. I will do whatever it takes to achieve this.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I was awed by the serendipitous reading of this article today when only an hour before I was lamenting about how I lived for years with some sort of autoimmune issue. I had chronic yeast infections, uticaria, sinusitus (of which I tested out with no sensitivities or allergies), horrible itchy facial acne, tingling ... etc. I began to do my own research and for a minute thought I might have Sjordens syndrome (excuse spelling). At any rate, I know now that all is linked. Curing the chronic yeast helped with most symtoms (prescribed pill) but I'm still looking for answers. MDs who think traditionally actually are not that helpful (which is why I chose to help myself). It is incredible how the medical community (science in general, almost) operates!!! I would be further dumbfounded if I hadn't taken a graduate course in the philosophy of science. But knowing the how is not helpful when one is suffering.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
What you do when you have an autoimmune disease such as oral lichen planus that doesn't really fall under any doctor's purview. This condition doesn't seem to belong to the dentist, the oral surgeon or dermatologist so where do you turn for knowledgeable care?
Abbie
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
You asked for feedback from other people with autoimmune diagnoses, so I am responding.
Three years ago, after many tests, I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepititis. The treatment I was given was Prednisone and Imuran. I had a severe reaction to the Imuran and now only take 10mg of prednizone daily. In March, I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esphagus which is being treated with Protonix.
I'm concerned that I still have some problems swallowing and sometimes I have pain in my upper chest. I trust my doctor but I am concerned that the drugs interact negatively on my body.
Appreciate your comments.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
For years I have suffered many symptoms described in the current blog. I resorted to a variety of medications which ended up creating additional problems or I read early enough to find alternatives, thus finding a better route to health. Proper diet, nutrients, exercise, restful sleep is imperative. Get off the sugars, refined carbohydrates, take in the best possible supplementation, avoid artificial and adulterated foods and of course get into a proper frame of mind and stay there. By all means start early enough in life while you still have functional body parts and a greater ability to recuperate.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
You may find this interesting. I have had an underactive thyroid and was diagnosed with Hashimodo's disease, an autoimmune disease. Over a year ago I started taking an Iodine supplement. Recent bloodtests are negative for the thyroid antibodies.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I have Dercum's Disease. (Many many PAINFUL lypomas, symptoms include obesity, fatigue, stiffness . . . ) Doctors offer no treatment, no cure. Nothing at all. Nothing.
What am I doing about it?
1. I am doing a full body cleanse. It will take several months to do it all. Also, a blood analysis showed that I was not utilizing fats, not digesting them at all! I guess my body is just storing them (in the lypomas?) not using them. For a long time, I have intuitively felt that I need more fats (not less, as diet advisors are constantly telling me) but of course those would be good Omega 3's and 9's . . . . I think!
So 2. is after the bowel, kidney, liver gallbladder and lymph cleanse, I will continue to work on getting the right kind and amount of fats into my system.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
i always enjoy getting your information....and am a huge fan of your work/knowledge and tenacity to go against the norm....
infact, i am such a big fan that i have your books on my website and will be writing articles on my success with your program.
i had polio as a child and took my health into my own hands about 21 years ago and have not felt better, i have gone to "post polio" meetings and seen the true affects of what the medical field has done to most of them, and i am thankful that i took the holistic route...and now that i have found your information and have applied it to my life 100% i feel, look, move even better and look forward for my health to only get better and better..thank you from the bottom of my heart for being who you are and doing what you are doing....with such love, passion and tenacity. www.spiritedboutique.com
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Hi Dr. Hyman,
I so appreciate what you do. I know this is the way to heal a person. I am being certified in nutrition. I want to heal the person from the inside. Having said that, I recently developed an ear problem. Quite painful, plugged, swollen, etc. Never had an ear problem before. Tried garlic oil, hydrogen peroxide, etc. Finally, from pain, I went to my family doctor. Of course, antibiotics and an ear wick to dispense hydrocortisone to relieve the swelling. The swelling did go down. It still was not healed in a month. I went to a naturopathic doctor, she has a ph.d. She tested me for imbalances. Seems I have a yeast infection, allergies to cow milk, and a gluten intolerance, sensitivities to ethylene derivatives, thyroid issues and I am overweight. Didn't need tests for that! I take a natural progesterone cream because I am experiencing peri or pre menopausal mild hot flashes and flushing. My thermometer is broken, as my husband puts it!
I am a little puzzled, though. I eat well. I don't mean calorie wise. I do organic veggies and fruit, grass fed meat and free range poultry. I eat nuts and seeds and I make my own kefir from raw milk with grains, I exercise several times a week, I don't take any rx drugs and rarely take antibiotics. (Two times in 8 years) I always replenish with probiotics or my homemade kefir from grass fed cows. I also use cod liver oil regularly, and take mg, zinc/copper, vit c and e. I drinks lots of spring water, get enough sleep. I have had some higher amounts of stress. I do yoga 1x week at my fitness center. I also just go out for a hike or bike ride in nature, and take hot lavender oil baths when needed.
WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?! I don't feel as healthy as I know I could. Is there something else that could be out of balance?
Grateful for any advice and thanking you in advance for all that you are doing to truly heal people.
Judy Ritsema
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Hi,
I agree with Dr. Hyman. Medical profession is in a really sad state. Old school doctors don't understand alternative medicine and don't want to learn. But, I also find that there are not many functional doctors who can help with the whole person. In my experience, I found a thyroid specialist who treated my thyroid and adrenals, but not food allergies. I had to find someone else who specialized in food allergies and another doctor who prescribes bio-identical hormones. With all the doctors and specialists, it has been my experience that my pharmacist was the most knowledgeable person and cared the most if I got better or not. He is the one who told me to check for bacteria infection. I have been active all my life. 6 months ago I went from running marathons and races to not being able to work and function. I know that I will get better. I know that knowledge is power and I will do whatever it takes to run again and to live a normal life. Thank you Dr. Hyman for this article. There are a few steps that I haven't done, which I plan to do this week.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
A few years back I started to gain weight. I had a stressful job, was tired when I got home so I didn't feel like cooking and basically started eating crap that was easy to fix or out of the vending machine at work.
So a friend turned me on to Atkins and I tried and hated it. It didn't seem right. The concept of low carb seemed to make sense but the application of this diet seemed wrong. So I dug around on the internet and found the Paleolithic diet and a book called Neanderthin. This thing spoke to me. I was on the diet for two years and it took care of everything. My allergies, which I'd taken shots for since I was 6 (I was 33 at the time of the diet) went completely away. I'd started to develop pain in my joints and those went away. My cholesterol went down 40 points to 160 in the first few months. I did a lot of research on diet and health after that, and if not an expert I'm a well informed layperson.
After two years on the diet though I met a woman and got married, she didn't follow and I got off the diet. It actually took a year or so (which says something for the program itself) for everything to come back but it did eventually come back. Now I've since divorced but the weight is back, the allergies are as bad as ever and I have pain in my joints again. My memory and concentration are bad and my gut is upset.
I've finally touched on it again and can't understand why I'm delaying. It's odd how bad diet can make you lazy and make it difficult to concentrate; it gives you a defeatist attitude. But, only I am keeping me unhealthy and it's high time I got back to the diet I was so successful with and the only way I'm not going to be lazy and defeatist is to buck up and change what I'm doing.
It was just odd to have come to these decisions a few days ago and then see this email in my box.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Since childhood in a home with two smoking parents, my sister and I have struggled with managing eczema and asthma. Dad quit smoking before I was ten. Mom still smokes.
In the past, I tried medically supervised detox dieting with multiple supplements. The sinus infections went from six a year to five. That was not enough of an edge to continue with that particular program. When I followed Ultra-Metabolism to the letter, the mucus and phlegm improved. I didn't stick with the plan for enough time to see if inhaled steroids could be eliminated, as my diet is already restricted due to severe food allergies and food choices were further limited.
Recently I commenced immunotherapy for environmental allergies. After six months the improvement is remarkable. No sinus infections this year! I watch what I eat and will consider combining the immuntherapy approach with Ultra-Metabolism.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
In April I started having difficulties with the skin on the plams of my hands. My hands would burn, break out in water blisters, and the skin would get thick and hard and chapped feeling. Lotion wouldn't help, just make it worse. I finally went to the doctor in july. It was first mentioned that I may have scleroderma, then wheat and or gluten allergy. Prednisone was prescribed to help the inflamation, that just made me sick, although it helped my hands (ironic isn't it). Since I don't have health insurance and couldn't afford all of the tests that the doctor wanted to put me through(blood tests, biopsy, and being sent to a specialist for arthritis-for the scleroderma) I decided to be my own detective. I quit eating wheat or gluten, or drinking the occasional alcoholic beverage. My hands seemed to have healed up a bit, but I still don't feel as good as I think I should. (I'm still bloated and miserable even thought I drink at least 64-96 ounces of water a day). Then we went to a friends home for dinner. She thought she had it all taken care of regarding the wheat and gluten, and unfortunately she hadn't read the back of the teriyaki marinade jar. The second ingredient was wheat! This unfortunately was after I had eaten the chicken that was marinated with this sauce. I have been miserable since, it has been two weeks! Any suggestions from the gallery?
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I am frustrated. I have suffered from seasonal allergies most of my life, however, in the last few years, they have become much worse.
Finally, I gave in and got a steroid shot. Within two days I felt wonderful. The symptoms were gone...for a while. Then they returned and I went for a second shot.
This year I went to back for a shot and had to see another doctor. She told me that I really should not be taking these shots due to side effects.
She instead prescribed other allergy meds and recommended that I take two Claritin daily instead of the recommended dose on the bottle.
I have read your book, "Ultra Metabolism" and "The Ultra Simple Diet" but have not put any of your suggestions into practice yet.
Are my allergies a result of inflammation? And will following the UltraSimple diet relieve my symptoms?
Taking allergy meds year-round cannot be good for you.
I am ready to try anything at this point.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I have been reading everything I can over the last four years in order to heal myself. I have been to many gastroenterologists, who look at me with that "blank stare"
I have tried just about every supplement, herb, relaxation tape, etc.
My problem is the following and I was hoping you might have heard of this or might be able to help.
The last colonoscopy, I was given a diagnosis of friable mucosal lining. There are no tumors, polyps and hardly any divertculosis. I hope you can hear the frustration and sadness in the tone of my letter, as I have not been able to heal my colon mucosa.
A day doesn't go by in which I have a smell just before my colon empties. In other words, I smell, in my nostrils, not in the air, the chemical (or food) in my colon as it passes through my transverse colon. Once it passes into my lower colon, the smell goes away. It doesn't matter what I eat, bland food, etc, for the odor changes depending on the food ingested.
I know some things get through the colon wall, but it is not normal to smell it. This must mean the chemicals are getting through my bloodstream and I am concerned about where else it goes to.
I feel like I am constantly bailing out the boat, rather than fixing the leak.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I just posted something a little farther up but I'm burdened with the same issue. I've had allergies since I was 6 years old. I'm now 39. I stayed very regularly to a paleolithic diet a few years ago and my allergies went away after about three weeks. Worst I would get is a little eye itch and minor congestion. The diet is simple: meat, veg, fruit, nuts and berries you can eat, dairy, sugar, legumes, potatoes and grains you don't eat. No processed foods.
Cured my allergies, cured my joint pain, improved my energy and concentration. I've since had some life issues that got me off the diet but my allergies are so bad this year that I've already started down the path 4 days now.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Mark,
You talk and refer to celiac disease a lot in your blogs and in general. This thrills me every time I see you mention something about it, because it means others(conventional doctors) see it too, which gives me hope that it is finally making its way out of the dusty pages of the 'rare' medical desk references (you know the ones that usually end up as door stops).
I have celiac disease; I have only known how to label it since 1999. Once I started researching all I could about the disease, I was able to identify and answer a lot of characteristics in my life and childhood. However the irony of being a celiac is a tough one for me in many ways. I grew up never being able to focus on or complete book work, of any kind, paperwork, homework, journals etc. No matter what I tried I just never could get myself to complete such things nor could anyone else force me to no matter how they tried, routine tasks fell under the same scenario, so of course I was labeled as lazy, unproductive and undisciplined. My current job is tough and very physically demanding and requires lots of discipline which over the years has wreaked havoc with my body. I have arthritis from head to toe, osteoarthritis in most of my joints, I have had life long chronic sinusitis, chronic fungal, dermatitis herpetafomis of course, and a myriad of other medical deficiencies. The irony is having the concentration blockages and not being able push through them, knowing that celiacs have to be disciplined to become entirely gluten free(which takes lots of work and lots of repetition) makes it more frustrating. It is nearly impossible for many celiacs to do this on their own(granted all celiacs are different) The main malfunction in many celiacs that is cause by the ingestion of gluten is the very function that is needed by those celiac to overcome the cause of the malfunction So the circle is quite vicious and very frustrating. So thanks for bringing us more into the lime light, maybe one day we will get completely out of the dusty books, and life for future celiacs won’t be as hard.
Magnolie7
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Judy,
cut back on the kefir and any other dairy (or eliminate dairy alltogether). Keep a food intake journal for a few weeks or even a month so you can really see what your calorie intake is and you can identify the food trends in you eating habits. then cut or increase your calories based on which way you want the scale to move. plus try a parisite clense then if you can stand it do a colon and kidney clense. Good luck.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Dear Dr. Hyman,
After suffering for many years with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and recurring sinus infections, etc., I have tried many different medications and approaches to treatment and doctors. I want to stay as drug free as possible and through trial and error I have noticed that I feel the very best when I follow a low carb, very low grain diet ala Dr. Atkins, Dr. Mercola and others. Whenever I go off the diet and eat "normally" I get miserable again.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
This sounds exactly like me. Cronic sinusitis, fatigue, muscle aches and stiffness, horrible stomache aches, tender to the touch, extreme bloating, headaches. I have had a bunch of blood work done, but do not have the results yet. Since I am a cancer surviver, my oncologist has also ordered a bone scan and chest x-ray. He also wrote a script for an endoscopy. I go to the gastroenterologist on Oct 4th. Sounds like I have to start reading your books!
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I forgot to let you know I also am 70 pounds over weight. June 2006 I was diagnosed with aschemic colitis. I am only 47 years old. I hope the tests I am having done give me some answers. I am tired of being like this.
Help!
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I just thought I would post a little blog about my situation since Dr. Hyman invited us to. I was married in 1999 and found out 4 months later we were going to have a baby. During my pregnancy I became so abnormally tired, but at the time thought it was due to having a baby. All I wanted to due was sleep all the time. It was so bad MY Grandmother came over to do my housework. At 6 months along I had only gained 3 pounds, the next 2 months 10, and then I exploded. I gained 50 plus pounds eating only boiled plain chicken and lettuce. I was extremely swollen. It hurt to move. Some of the swelling went away but never completely.
I had always been a perfectionist who always was on top of things and had everything in its place. After having the baby I started feeling sick all the time. It was mainly my stomach feeling sick, but I had a general sense of feeling tired all the time. Our house turned into a wreck along with my body. My whole family thought I was a hypocondriac always saying I was sick. After years of hearing this but not really seeing any outward physical signs of illness, my husband told me I was a hypocaondriac too. I went to doctors and they did thyroid test, blood test, etc. Everything came back fine. Finally 5 and a half years I found a doctor who said I had gallbladder disease and needed it out. I did not think this was the answer but had numerous tests and scans. All they came up with was that the walls of my gallbladder were thick. This did not merit surgery in my opinion. The only symptom of gallbladder disease I had was the sick stomach.
My stomach trouble became so bad that I felt pain and on the verge of throwing up almost all the time.My dad finally spoke up one day when I was calling my mom telling her I wanted to die if I had to live this way any more. He said it sounded alot like the problems he had. He has Celiac disease. I have no idea why it took us so long to put this all together, but I got a blood test which came back 99% positive. I had Celiac. I cut out all gluten. I thought this would take care of my problems. I did feel alot better, but not whole. I still had stomach trouble at times, but contributed it to hidden gluten.
After 7 years I went to a womens show in Tulsa, Oklahoma where Dr. Hyman was giving a lecture. I was interested to hear him. I spoke with him afterward and asked if he knew a good doctor around here to go to. At the time he told me he wasn't familiar enough with any here to recommend. I told him I had some knowlegde of what I should eat, but was so tired and so busy I don't take the time. I told him I wished he had a meal order plan. He told me he was working on one. A year later I had my 3rd child and 3 months after that had a gallbladder attack and had my gallbladder removed. Many more problems especially stomach problems came.
In the mean time I was still going to doctor after doctor to help me. I found an ear nose and throat person who did allergy testing. I found out I had developed allergies to egg and corn now on top of everything. I was like what am I supposed to eat?!I received Dr. Hymans emails that the food ordering system was out there. I jumped right on it. In the beginning I had a total toxin level of 123 I believe. When you have a level that high, Dr. Hyman reccomends that you need to work with a doctor for max benefits. Well that was out. So I was on my own.I have been doing this for 2 weeks as of today. The first week I still had miagraines, felt nauseous, etc. I wanted to quit. But the money I spent kept me going. This week has been so much better. I am still not abounding with energy, but do not have crashing moments. My energy level is even most of the day. My swelling problem is almost gone. Which 2 weeks ago used to be so bad it would wake me from sleep. Oh yes, I have lost 6 pounds! All I can say is thanks for the help Dr. Hyman. I am going to try to stay with it even when my shipments run out. Hopefully this will be the end to all my problems that many other doctors didn't help me with.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
hello Dr Hyman,
I did try your diet,but I was still allergic to many foods in the diet,soy,nuts,even beans and legumes and sweet potatoes.Do you think I have serious leaky gut?
How do you treat this condition?Do you recommend taking digestive enzymes for this?
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I enjoyed this blog. I have been so unhealthy for years. But the worst was in the past year. I became so fatigued, I could hardly function. About the time I started reading USD, I found a doctor who I believe is going to help me rise above my health problems. He practices integrative medicine which I think is great. My initial cellular readings were off the charts. He started me out on a 30 day detox. Now I am on a 30 day yeast free diet which I am having a hard time with. I know in the end though it will be worth it. I initially lost 10 lbs on the detox and am still losing, although more slowly now. He found, obviously, the yeast problems that I had low testosterone levels, which I had never considered being a woman, and slight adrenal fatique. I am taking testosterone, DHEA, and also sublingual allergy drops as I have chronic allergy problems. I am starting my 3rd week of the yeast free diet. I am hoping to at least get more energy out of all this. I also have insomnia, which I haven't been able to beat yet. But I have hope now. My previous conventional doctors did nothing but treat the symptoms which only masked the real problems. My doctor does not deal with insurance and although I may get some reimbursement, this is very expensive for me. Between his costs and supplements he recommends, I am having a tough time financially. But I will continue to move forward as I am 51 and don't want to end up old, sick and depressed. Thanks, Dr Hyman, for all that you do. Your information is invaluable.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I enjoyed this blog. I have been so unhealthy for years. But the worst was in the past year. I became so fatigued, I could hardly function. About the time I started reading USD, I found a doctor who I believe is going to help me rise above my health problems. He practices integrative medicine which I think is great. My initial cellular readings were off the charts. He started me out on a 30 day detox. Now I am on a 30 day yeast free diet which I am having a hard time with. I know in the end though it will be worth it. I initially lost 10 lbs on the detox and am still losing, although more slowly now. He found, obviously, the yeast problems that I had low testosterone levels, which I had never considered being a woman, and slight adrenal fatique. I am taking testosterone, DHEA, and also sublingual allergy drops as I have chronic allergy problems. I am starting my 3rd week of the yeast free diet. I am hoping to at least get more energy out of all this. I also have insomnia, which I haven't been able to beat yet. But I have hope now. My previous conventional doctors did nothing but treat the symptoms which only masked the real problems. My doctor does not deal with insurance and although I may get some reimbursement, this is very expensive for me. Between his costs and supplements he recommends, I am having a tough time financially. But I will continue to move forward as I am 51 and don't want to end up old, sick and depressed. Thanks, Dr Hyman, for all that you do. Your information is invaluable.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I see you recommend fish oils, like a lot of people these days. They've become conventional wisdom. However, I note that Brian Clement of the Hippocrates Institute in Florida says that all fish oils are rancid and therefore cause cancer. By the time the fish is processed to the oil extraction and encapsulation stage I presume it is already rancid. So right now I am alarmed enough to stop taking them and sticking to plant-sourced oils. Some one should look into this. Meantime, I would appreciate your comments.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Hi everyone! first post...first let me say that i lost over 30lbs after reading this book...
a few months ago i was diagnosed with asthma...i quit smoking and have been following the plan in the book but i still can not breath and i am gaining the weight back and i know it is from the medication!! i am taking the streoids (yuk!) and use the inhaler a few times a day and would love to stop all the meds!...any suggestions??
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
DEAR DR. HYMAN,
YOU ARE TRULY ONE SPECIAL DOCTOR. TO BAD THERE AREN'T MORE OF YOU IN THE MEDICAL FIELD.
TODAY, THE MEDICAL FIELD IS, IN MY OPINION, ONLY A MONEY MAKING BUSINESS. YES DOCTORS CARE, BUT THEY ARE ALSO SO READY TO PRESCRIBE A MEDICINE WITHOUT LOOKING INTO YOU AS A PERSON. I AM VERY SENSITIVE TO MEDICATIONS AND HAVE HAD MANY REACTIONS. I'M AT THE POINT WHERE I THINK NATURAL HERBAL REMEDIES ARE MUCH BETTER. ISN'T IT BETTER TO INJEST SOMETHING NATURAL THAT WON'T HARM YOU THAN TAKING MEDICATIONS THAT HAVE SO MANY SIDE EFFECTS?
JUST KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK; AND I WISH I HAD YOU AS MY PRIMARY HEALTH PROVIDER, OR THERE WERE MORE LIKE YOU!!!
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I am hypothyroid and also have allergies, arthritis, and now I believe a gluten sensitivity. I recently started the South Beach diet and after about 3 weeks with no grains began to feel really well, however after "falling off the wagon" everything in my body was hurting. I'm back on the diet and feeling much better again. My doctor treats with Armour thyroid. I am on 3 grains.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I just finished reading the post on autoimmunity but I'm still stumped. All of the steps recommended here have been taken by my doctor and myself but to no avail. I still have all the symptoms and other problems to boot, but all of my tests have come back normal, with the exception of B12 for which I now get a monthly injection. I was tested nearly hyperthyroid (normal but close enough to hyperthyroid to cause question) and yet I am 90 pounds overweight. Great diet, great excercise program (all shown to and approved by the doctor) and no changes.
I was also recently diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, even though I've been on Prevacid for nearly 5 years (the very medicine they use to treat it).
We are all stumped and I am extremely frustrated that I can't have my figure back despite doing everything right, although at least now for once I have medically documented evidence that I am NOT AN OVEREATER! As a matter of fact, I don't eat enough (no appetite).
I read recently a study on mice who were hyperthyroid and overweight, even though tryglycerides, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels were completely normal. Sounds familiar. All of those tests show I'm sparkly clean.
So why am I still sick? The world may never know...
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I have a very long laundry list of everything that has happened to me, but I think that a great deal of it stemmed from when I was a child. I had chronic ear infections and was always on antibiotics. I don't think that my body ever really learned how to fight anything off by itself.
Anyway, I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 2 and a half years ago. I started to feel better and then was sick all of the time again. Then after seeing my medical doctor many many times to no avail I went to a naturopath. He did wonders for me. I did have H.pylori bacteria that he cleared up and some other fun stuff. I felt great for awhile, but then came the fatigue and horrible joint and muscle pain that still won't go away. A few weeks ago I was tested for RA and lupus, both of which came back negative, but RA is a possibility because my father was disagnosed with it at the age of 3. Well, it turns out they told me I have fibromyalgia. I have all of the classic symptoms of the misunderstood syndrome. So, where do I go from here? I am, on the recommendation of my sister, going to read Ultra Metabolism and see where it takes me. I have tried many alternative health care techniques throughout all of this because I don't have a great deal of faith in the western medical community, so I will definitely give this a shot. I have also had much trouble with my weight as a result of all of this and was now told that I have insulin resistance. Where does it all end and what is the root of all of this?
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I also have very similar issues. I take supplements, I exercise, I eat well (when I do eat enough since I don't have an appetite either), I drink lots of water, etc, etc and I too am about 90 pounds overweight. No one seems to be able to help me with my situation either. I am quite sure that my body has a great deal of inflammation, but I can't seem to correct that. Not that I am any help to you other than I know how you feel.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I was diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of 17 (I'm 38 now) and initially it was only on my scalp. Over the years, it has spread to my whole body and at it's worst, I had about 85% coverage on my limbs, trunk and back. I had noticed specific times - particularly of high stress - when the inflammation would get worse and the lesions would grow. I had tried every treatment known (except methatrexate) including coal tar, steroid creams, UV, acupuncture, ayurvedic, herbal etc. However, things are quite different now. For the first time in almost 20 years, the lesions are getting smaller and it was all after I read Ultrametabolism. I've been following a "cleaner" diet for some time but I read Ultrametabolism last year and made a few adjustments to my food and the change was quite remarkable. I dropped 10kgs (about 22lbs) in 3 months and large sections of lesions have shrunk or disappeared altogether. The interesting thing is that the lesions have disappeared in the reverse order that they appeared (newest lesions have cleared first). I stopped all treatments about 8 years ago for fear of the side-effects and had resigned to living with psoriasis for the rest of my life. I'm glad now that there is an alternative. I still struggle with stress sometimes but I'm making progress to being completely clear of this disease.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I have heart disease and had by pass surgery two years ago. Had a stint 3 months ago. My cholesterol is 209 good is 66. Which is coming down. But, my CRP level is over 11. It should not be any higher than 3. This is inflammation as you know. How do I get rid of it? I DO NOT LIKE MEDICINE, even though I take a lot. I am not taking anything except a detox of metals that I have been on for a month. I feel better, but I am concerned about the CRP.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Twelve years ago I had a radical prostatectomy for cancer. Until then I was exercising regularly, keeping fit, feeling well, but afterward I developed fibromyalgia and the pains kept me from exercising. I started putting on weight, went from l85 up to 245. My memory for recent events deteriorated. My allergies to tobacco smoke and pollen got much worse and I was congested, sneezing, coughing continually. I developed bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia, and my internist sent me to an allergist and a pulmonologist.
I started using SAMe, S Adenosyl Methonine, 400 mg per day, from the vitamin store, since one of my physicians told me there was no such disease as firbomyalgia. The fibromyalgia faded. The pulmonologist and the internist started me on Avelox the stop the pneumonia but I broke out in itching hives, so I was switched to another antibiotic, which quelled the pneumonia. The two also prescribed Advair diskus inhalant, and Flunisolide nasal spray, and Allegra. That quelled the bronchitis and asthma, but not the nasal allergies, running noce, sneezing, coughing, congestion.
My blood pressure started to creep up
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
First, I did try to use your blog for my comments, but for some reason it kept telling me that I had submitted too many comments in a short time period?? This was my first and only one comment....
Second, I want to thank you for your Blog on 9 Simple steps . It was very comforting to know that I don't stand alone in my uphill battle for good health. I'm really hoping you can help me!
I was a healthy, very active 53 year old female until cataract surgery in 6/06. Since then, I've had 8+ episodes of severe pain/burning in the back of my head(hospitalized 4x's), lost my eye sight twice, overall muscle loss/pain, numbness/tingling in hands/feet, sinus issues, severe body temperature changes(not menopause), fatigue and short term memory loss. I've had 2 lumbar punctures, numerous CT Scans, MRI's, so much blood work, I swear that the hospital has more than I do! I've seen every eye Specialist, Infectious disease, Neurologist, Rheumatologist, Cardiologist and family practioner. They "think" I may have low pressure glaucoma and an autoimmune disease(neither fully diagnosed). However, I have been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy and Fibromyalgia. No one can/will tell me what is causing the pain/burning in my head or what has brought on all of these additional debilitating symptoms. Everyone just wants to give me pain/sleeping pills. And, since they can't put a "label" on me, they're now wanting to send me to a psychiatrist for what they're calling a chemical imbalance in the brain!! This is NOT manufactured pain!!
You stated in your article that Sam was a mold/yeast factory? How did you find that.. through blood work? Could he only have acquired this through antibiotics? The reason I'm asking, is that after reading your article, it occurred to me that in Aug 06, I had gutted a bathroom that was full of active mold in the walls and the sub floor. Does mold get into your system and stay after the fact? Does it continue to grow or just lay dormant? Is there a blood test for airborne mold/bacteria? If so, what is it?
The medical community doesn't seem to be able to be able to help or know what to do. And I've exhausted everything else I can think of.
Do you have any suggestions for me?
similar situation
I am also a 53 yr old female with a similar situation. I'm interested in knowing if you found answers to any of your questions regarding mold and mold testing in particular, symptoms, diet, anything. I've also had some tipping points involving mercury toxicity, antibiotics, and infections. Similar but not identical symptoms to yours and terrible experiences with doctors.
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
I'd like to know if you have any information on carcinod syndrome or if in your opinion it is just another label. I've had severe "gut" problems for the past 10 months with no definite Dx. as of yet. Serotonin and Chromogranin levels increased. More tests in the future. Is there another way to combat this?
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Dr. Hyman, I would like to send you my email on the subjects of Sjogrens Syndrome and Von Willebrands Disease (the most severe type, I was born without the ability to stop bleeding) and when I was diagnosed with SS this made it very difficult to treat my SS because of anything starting internal bleeding. Fish oil, herbs, etc. were ruled out as Dr.s felt might start internal bleeding. Please get back to me. Cheri
re: 9 simple steps to fix allergies, asthma, arthritis and more
Gluten can hide in many many places -- not only salad dressings and almost all commercial soy sauces, but also in shampoo, cosmetics, toothpaste -- you name it.
Regarding alcoholic beverages, all beers contain gluten unless they are specific gluten-free brands of beer. Stick to wine until you know which ones you need to avoid.
Generally when someone is gluten intolerant, they are of course at higher risk of being affected by many other allergen foods -- corn, soy, dairy.
It can take a very long time to detox from all of that stuff. You might want to try a grain free diet -- it's what I'm on. Look up The Paleo Diet by Cordain and Neanderthin by Ray Audette. Ray suffered from immune disease too, and he is now much better, thanks to the diet.