Total Wellness - Poorly Functioning Immune System, Chronic Strep Throat

Allergies, Asthma, Behavior Problems, Sensory Issues, Chronic Stomach Ache

Background

Peter was four when he first came to see me. His mother’s primary concern was his high level of activity and inability to sit and attend. He also showed signs of sensory issues, no sense of personal space, and poor balance.

His diet was mostly carbohydrate and dairy with some fruit and protein sprinkled in. Peter frequently complained of stomach aches, and his bowel movements were usually mushy. He was on allergy medicine for a chronic cough and congestion and had been on antibiotics only once.

Treatment

My recommendations started with Peter’s diet. When a child has chronic allergies and asthma the amount of dairy consumed should be evaluated since it is mucus forming and increases inflammation. This child was consuming around 6 servings a day. I requested that Peter cut back on dairy products and check to see if he had food sensitivities that could be adding to his problems. I recommended more protein with each meal, less sugar and some fruits and vegetables to balance out his diet. In terms of vitamins, I suggested a natural complete multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, a chewable vitamin C and alfalfa. Vitamin C and alfalfa are natural antihistamines that help with coughing and congestion.

When we got back Peter’s tests, he was found to be low in minerals across the board and sensitive to 31 foods including milk, eggs, wheat, banana and cheese. His digestive test revealed bad bacteria and not enough good flora in his intestines. When a child is sensitive to so many foods there is most likely a “leaky gut” situation. His mother removed all of the high reactive foods except wheat to start (she thought it would be too much to do at once) and added some acidophilus and Sacromyces Boulardi* to help with the digestive issues.

Sacromyces Boulardi provides healthy bacteria to get rid of a lot of the unfriendly germs in the digestive system and helps restore normal gut flora. It is particularly useful when there are loose stools or a leaky gut. I recommended a digestive enzyme in the short-term, to help Peter digest wheat. I also added zinc, calcium/magnesium, flax oil and a product called Bio-Focus which is described in the resource section to help with attention and focus.

Results

After following the above program for about a month, Peter’s allergy/asthma symptoms were much better and his stools were normal. Peter was doing well in school with better attention and behavior. On our next appointment we planned to start Peter on a gluten-free diet to see if he could achieve further improvements. Gluten grains consist of wheat, barley, rye, and oats.

Peter’s Makeover: Before

Problem: Allergies, asthma, behavior problems, sensory issues, chronic stomach ache	Peter had trouble sitting still and other behavior problems. He always had a runny nose and often complained of stomach aches. He had mushy daily bowel movements. He was getting occupational therapy for some sensory issues.
Diet:	Peter’s diet was mostly carbohydrates and dairy with some fruit and protein sprinkled in. He ate no vegetables.
Supplements:	He took no supplements but took daily allergy medication.
Exercise:	Peter was a high energy kid but didn’t participate in enough organized sports activities.
Stress Mgt. & Self-Care:	It is hard to evaluate the level of stress that a child undergoes. Peter had trouble sleeping which could be an indication that there was something bothering him. It can also be a result of food allergies or nutritional deficiencies which we discovered Peter had.

Peter’s Makeover: After

Problem: Allergies, asthma, behavior problems, sensory issues, chronic stomach ache	After changing Peter’s diet and giving him some supplements to help with his attention and behavior issues he was more focused and doing better in school and at home. Once we identified his food sensitivities and removed those foods from the diet, most of Peter’s allergy and asthma symptoms subsided. He still needs to use his inhaler occasionally. Peter now has normal bowel movements and has shown a lot of improvement in his sensory issues.
Diet:	Peter’s diet was changed to remove dairy for a trial and his mother continued because his allergies and asthma symptoms were so much better. He also consumed more protein, less sugar and more fruits and vegetables.
Supplements:	I recommended a chewable multi and vitamin C. Peter also used alfalfa as a natural decongestant and nutrients to help with his attention and behavior.
Exercise:	More formalized exercise was added to Peter’s schedule through team sports. This helped him to build self-esteem and to improve his socialization skills.
Stress Mgt. & Self-Care:	Peter’s sleep improved after he changed his diet and began taking supplements. His behavior improved and he seemed to have less internal stress.

Total Wellness Case History

Allergies, Asthma, Behavior Problems, Sensory Issues, Chronic Stomach Ache

Peter was four when he first came to see me. His mother’s primary concern was his high level of activity and inability to sit and attend. He also showed signs of sensory issues, no sense of personal space, and poor balance.

His diet was mostly carbohydrate and dairy with some fruit and protein sprinkled in. Peter frequently complained of stomach aches, and his bowel movements were usually mushy. He was on allergy medicine for a chronic cough and congestion and had been on antibiotics only once.