Misc. questions re naturopath, bacteria, etc.

[Tesscorm]

Hi,

I took my son to see a naturopath (first time I've ever dealt with a naturopath) a few days ago and am not sure how I feel about her recommendations and how she came to her 'diagnosis'. Am just curious how others feel about naturopathy, etc.

Dr. tested my son for food sensitivities and vitamin/mineral deficiencies using electrodermal testing. This seemed a bit 'off the wall' but am willing to be open to new and/or unconventional treatments/procedures. So, first question - has anyone had similar testing and how accurate have you found it?

Through this testing, she found evidence of Sdf. Schimmelpilz I (a type of bacteria) and recommended that he use Fungisode for six weeks. I have tried to find out what exactly Sdf. Schimmelpilz I is but, strangely, haven't had any luck... (what isn't on google???). Has anyone heard of this? Or has anyone used Fungisode and why?

Also through this testing, she found that other than a 'slight' lactose sensitivity (cow's milk only, yoghurt and all cheeses are fine), he had no other food sensitivities. Until he was diagnosed in May, he's never had a problem with milk (that we noticed) and, since diagnosis, he's had a little milk but not much (hasn't been limited, has just been drinking more juice lately...). We happened to leave on holidays the day after the naturopath apptmt. and that first morning he had a greasy breakfast sandwich (not McDonalds but close!) and a large chocolate milk. That day, he wasn't feeling 100% and later on had a very small mucus discharge with specks of blood (mucus and blood together would be a little bigger than a pea - seems small to me but not sure...). I'm thinking that the sandwich with fried egg, sausage and cheese could create more issues than than the milk but...??? Can anyone with a sensitivity to lactose tell me if they react the same way, as quickly? (He says he felt completely fine by the next day.)

Could travel also cause that sort of reaction? I don't have Crohn's but I know that when I travel, my digestive system is off for a few days.

Sorry for the long, detailed questions (thanks for take the time to read!)...

 

[Lisa]

Here is what I found about Fungisode -

Fungisode is a broad-spectrum homeopathic sarcode and nosode preparation containing a variety of common yeasts, molds and fungi, specifically formulated to stimulate immune functions and combat pathogenic infections. Compromised immunity, due to an abnormal microflora, increases incidents of allergic reactions and infections, and the possibility of contracting diseases. Fungisode is indicated for conditions associated with systemic candidiasis, parasitic and fungal infections, and for vaginitis, toe and fingernail fungi, thrush and athlete's foot. For maximum benefits, use Fungisode with the Can Albex Candidiasis Program.

I peronally would stay away, as it is supposed to be an immune booster - and the immune system is over-active as it is.....

I agree the sandwich could be the culprit - I have certain foods that trigger responses, even when I am not flaring.....

And as for travel - yup...things get messed up while traveling! Sitting for long periods without moving around much, change in altitude, temps etc...can all mess with things.

ok - as for the sdf. schimmelpilz - most of what I ahve found is in German, but I did find this -

16 Schimmelpilz I Nos. Sdf. ( mold ) * D6 / D8 *

17 Schimmelpilz II Nos. Sdf. ( mold ) * D6

off a web site selling different kits....

and this -

* Schimmelpilz I Nos. Sdf. is a mixture of: Alternaria tenius + Botrytis cinerea + Cladosporium sp. + Curvularia sp. + Fusarum sp. + Helminthosporium hal.

* Schimmelpilz II Nos. Sdf. is a mixture of: Aspergillus sp. + Penicillium sp. + Pullularia pullulans + Mucor mucedo + Rhizopus nigricans + Serpula lacrimans



The testampoules „ borax “ serve to test out a load of the mucous membranes ( especially in mouth, pharynx and paranasal sinus ) with mycoses.

A response of the ampoule

„ borax D 6 “ indicates an acute,

„ borax D 12 “ indicates a chronic complaint.

You can test out the exact localisation of the load by filtering the „ borax - testampoules “ via the corresponding organ - ampoules ( see our testkit "organs", order no. 8210000 resp. 8215000).

 

[David]

I can't comment on the milk or travel, but believe me, I am ALL for natural and alternative healing techniques and feel some are very beneficial. So I absolutely understand and respect your desire to explore that route. But there are a LOT of people out there preying upon others so we must be careful.

Regarding the electrodermal testing: http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/electro.html

Regarding Fungisode, I found:

Fungisode is a broad-spectrum homeopathic sarcode and nosode preparation containing a variety of common yeasts, molds and fungi, specifically formulated to stimulate immune functions and combat pathogenic infections. Compromised immunity, due to an abnormal microflora, increases incidents of allergic reactions and infections, and the possibility of contracting diseases. Fungisode is indicated for conditions associated with systemic candidiasis, parasitic and fungal infections, and for vaginitis, toe and fingernail fungi, thrush and athlete's foot. For maximum benefits, use Fungisode with the Can Albex Candidiasis Program.

So it sounds sorta like they're trying to do a probiotic or natural vaccine sort of thing. Validity? Not for me to decide.

Overall, I'd rate it:
:quack:

*edit* SO beaten by Pasobuff It's because I was uploading the new Quack smilie! I'll get you next time. NEXT TIME! :hallo3:

 

[handle]

Several studies have shown Electrodermal testing for food allergies and vitamin deficiencies to be completely unreliable, and in my opinion a hoax. Skin prick testing, or blood testing looking for allergen specific IgE are the normal ways to look for these things...
Schimmelpilz means mould (not a bacteria.) That formula, Fungoside, won't hurt anyone but it will likely do nothing as it contains only tiny bits of herbs. You'd be far better off taking some echinacea in a proper amount (there is a miniscule amount in that formulation) which has been shown to be of use in assisting immune function.
I am a supporter of some types of alternative medicine, practiced by an expert, but other types really leave me shaking my head!
Greasy food with chocolate milk would hurt most sufferers. You may wish to try him on more plain foods, perhaps low fibre, and see how he goes.
good luck.

 

[Tesscorm]

Thanks everyone.

I'm leaning towards the 'quack' status as well. Unfortunate because an intro to naturopathy through a quack can certainly leave the wrong impression!

My intent had been to discuss the benefits of certain supplements, etc. but the discussion re his background and testing took so long (1.5 hours!), that I didn't have time to get into the main reason for my appointment!
:confused2:

Perhaps a nutritionist is the better route...???

Think I'll try the milk again, smaller amount and WITHOUT the greasy sandwich! He's been pretty good at watching what he eats but... really wanted the sandwich and we were on holidays... thankfully, the negative effects were shortlived! (As his mom, I should have known better! :ybatty

Thanks again!

 

[Lisa]

*edit* SO beaten by Pasobuff It's because I was uploading the new Quack smilie! I'll get you next time. NEXT TIME! :hallo3:

bwahahahahahahahahahaha............................:medal1: give myself a medal!

 

[tiloah]

I don't have any input, but that Quack smiley is fantastic!

 

[D Bergy]

I have never heard of any homeopathic remedy that has substantially helped with Crohn's Disease specifically. But I do use a homeopathic remedy for a mold allergy which gives me trouble every fall. It works better than anything else I have used, so it does work for some problems.

Dan

 

[Pooh]

This is a very good thread for me and what lead me to this forum. I was researching dairy and Pentesa (?) and Endocort to see if the combination would make me toxic as I hadn't been before the medications (or so I thought). I have a very dear friend who had Lymes disease and healed after she removed herself from all medications. She explained to me that the growth hormones and other drugs given to dairy cows and the pesticides on the grass and sometimes remaining on the hay or feed - can be very damaging to people who are sensitive to foods and medications (I always take a child's dose of medications). Dairy is my favorite food group. I drank a quart of milk a day, plus cheese (colby jack) on crackers plus ice cream (and remained a size 8 until taking medications for Chrons). I completely removed dairy from my diet and in less than a week, I had more energy, less bloating and less lethargy. I'm still not sure if the medications exacerbated the dairy - but I know for myself that I will stay away from the dairy or until the day that I find a farmer who does not inject his animals. This is tough because the FDA frowns on unpasteurized milk - as they do minerals, vitamins, etc. I also began drinking 100% coconut milk and take a teaspoon of 100%, organic coconut oil and I am doing better than I have in four years - as far as pain and bloating and lethargy. However, I also have been taking my medications now for two months - so getting off the dairy completely in addition to the medication - may be the reason I feel better - but not back to my old self. I am looking forward to my next CT scan to see. I stay away from yeast - at least from the grocery store due to the information on parasites. Although, my friend says I ought to attempt yogurt - even tho it's dairy. So many changes - so many darn changes in the past three months. I still have some bad habits tho - like caffeine and nicotine which also aggravate Chron's but seem to help coilitus - I digress. Thank you for the post and for the repsonses.

 

[hugh]

There are all sorts of naturapaths, some quacks, some helpful,
unfortunately you don't find out till long after you've paid.
I don't have a high opinion of electrodermal testing, but i could be wrong

I'd say go with it for a while, and keep an eye out for another naturapath....
but i always try to pick alternative healers based on recommendations from someone i trust (and who isn't a flake).

I have to say that i think diet is soooooo important.
Giving up wheat made the biggest difference to me, and staying away from processed foods and pure evil poison (McD)