The true power of good nutrition – case study April 2007
This month’s case study is ‘Brenda’ – who came to the Clinic because of severe eczema…
Brenda’s Story:
I had been suffering with eczema for the last five years going back and forth to my doctor who could only recommend strong hydrocortisone creams. I had to use the cream because at times my eczema was so itchy I scratched my skin until it bled, but knew deep down that it wasn’t addressing the underlying cause. I knew there must be more to it and had some understanding that stress made it flare up and certain foods, but somehow needed the support of a qualified practitioner who could guide me.
Aside from the eczema I suffered terribly with sinus problems and took antibiotics at least once a year, which again I knew wasn’t great, but when you are in pain and ‘desperate’ you are looking for a quick solution and unfortunately that’s all my GP could recommend.
I decided that I had to look into my health more carefully and ask questions as to why I had eczema and sinus problems and what the root cause was. Surely this was common sense – how can you go on just treating symptoms without treating the cause? At this point I called the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic to book an appointment with one of Dr Glenville’s practitioners.
Before the consultation I was asked to complete a comprehensive Nutrition Questionnaire which gave the practitioner all my medical history, current symptoms and a food diary. When I phoned to book the appointment the receptionist was very helpful and explained that it was in my interest to fill the diet diary in accurately so the practitioner could give me the best possible advice!
Prior to the first consultation I also performed a Mineral Deficiency Test to check my levels of all the essential minerals. This involved taking a sample of my hair which was then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results were back in time for my first consultation at the clinic which was very useful.
Dr Glenville’s practitioner went through the Nutrition Questionnaire in detail with me and explained exactly what eczema is – the causes, factors that can aggravate it and what can be done naturally to address it.
She explained that food allergy plays a major role in eczema and inflammation of the digestive tract is also implicated in this condition. I was asked to avoid dairy for 5 weeks – until my next appointment as this is the main food allergy linked to eczema, plus it aggravates mucous production causing sinus problems. Although there are other foods that can aggravate eczema, Dr Glenville’s practitioner wanted to start me slowly with the dietary changes and make modifications over the forthcoming weeks and months if appropriate. She explained that this way it is easier to identify which food is the culprit.
Dr Glenville’s practitioner also explained that people with eczema can’t utilise/metabolise the essential fats found in nuts and seeds down into the hormone-like substances in the body that help switch off the inflammation. To take account of this she recommended that I take a good quality, high strength pure marine fish oil to give me the omega 3 essential fats to help calm down the inflammation.
She concluded by explaining that I needed to reduce stress on my immune system by identifying and eliminating food allergies and reducing other allergic factors to the skin, i.e. skincare products. This was such valuable information and I went away from my first consultation so motivated and pleased that finally someone had explained in such detail what eczema was all about, rather than giving me such ‘blanket’ treatment.
The practitioner gave me a diet diary to take away with me to complete for 5 weeks before coming back for a follow up consultation. She also asked me to make a note of my symptoms on a day by day basis so we could assess what impact the diet was having on my skin. This was a very interesting exercise as it made me focus on what I was actually putting into my body and how it was affecting me.
Within a week of cutting dairy out it was quite astonishing as my eczema had improved tremendously and I was no longer scratching and for the first time in 5 years I had not had to use the hydrocortisone cream. The practitioner had also recommended I apply Aloe Vera gel to my skin which really helped to calm down the inflammation and soften my skin. I had to make sure the Aloe Vera was totally natural with no parabens or sodium benzoate (these are potentially toxic preservatives that are put into most cosmetics and toiletries). My sinuses were also clearer and generally felt less congested.
Alongside making dietary changes, I was also prescribed a good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement, fish oil and zinc which showed as a deficiency from my Mineral Deficiency Test. The practitioner explained how important zinc is in healing the skin and helping with the metabolism of essential fats to help with the inflammation.
My Comments
Brenda’s story is a great example of how important it is to actually listen to your body and respond to what you are putting inside it. These days, with rushed and hectic lifestyles, it is all too easy to want a ‘quick fix’ – i.e. painkillers for persistent headaches and toxic creams for eczema and psoriasis. This case really shows how beneficial it is to address the root cause of a symptom rather than just treating it.
Cutting out major food groups like Brenda has done can be very beneficial as we have just learned, but it is best done under supervision because it is important to make sure you are still getting the right nutrients.
So, whether you have eczema, persistent headaches or digestive problems – listen and learn from these symptoms. Don’t just take a painkiller or anti-spasmodic medication, look at what you are eating and your lifestyle.
Follow these links if you are interested in having the Mineral Deficiency Test or a Food Allergy test.