Many of you have emailed me with requests for personal stories illustrating what holistic nutritional counseling can do. While I understand this desire for first hand knowledge, respecting my clients’ privacy is foremost. The story I am sharing with you today is special. These parents have asked that I shout their story from the rooftops, so that others who are dealing with similar issues will see that there is hope for those suffering from eczema.
I have been startled in recent months at the number of children I have encountered with severe eczema. This skin disease affects up to 30% of the population. It may not be life threatening, but anyone who deals with it will tell you it can be miserable and can disrupt the entire family. Self-consciousness over skin appearance and scarring should not be underestimated either. Eczema has a significant emotional component.
The number of those affected is increasing sharply and the causes are not clear, though even the CDC acknowledges a link between childhood vaccinations and eczema. (It is critical, by the way, that eczema sufferers avoid smallpox vaccination and limit contact with vaccinated individuals.)
Mainstream medicine offers very little in the way of treatment, focusing primarily on suppressing the skin rashes and intense itching with oral and topical steroid medications. These meds do not address the root of the problem and do involve some long term health risks.
I believe there are safer, healthier, and more successful options for most people with eczema. Holistic health is not a “one size fits all” philosophy. In this case, holistic healing involves removing all potential allergens and toxins (including certain foods and home chemicals), providing the right nutrition and environment, and being open to some new approaches. It is not all easy but I have seen that most people are more than willing to do this.
The following is a compilation of several letters to me from the mother of one of my youngest clients. I want to present this to you in her own words. I have only added the occasional phrase for clarification.
“Good Morning Marie,
I am happy to report that Lindsi has done a complete turn around. Before we introduced the dermatologist and you into our lives, we had truly lost all hope of her ever being "normal". Before we started treatment she was [18 months old and only weighed 17 pounds] determined ‘failure to thrive’ with the developmental capabilities of a 6 to 11 month old. [She was prescribed developmental therapy] The paperwork has been so time consuming that yesterday was supposed to be her first therapy session, but it has now been determined she no longer needs all the services! She is now 20 months old and has shot up to the developmental age of an 18 month old in 1 month. Lindsi now weighs 21 pounds, she has a very healthy appetite, she now sings, plays, shows affection, counts, and even enjoys being around other children! She became a different child within 3 days of [changing her diet].
I was very skeptical of the whole dietary, natural healing process at first but the joy we have now as she says new words and is 95% rash free is amazing. Yes, it is time consuming, yes, it can get frustrating and expensive but when I think of all the time, money, and energy we wasted from the time she was 4 months old there is no comparison. I know the great advice from you and her dermatologist was the right combination for her. Of course organic foods are expensive but the peace you get when your child finally clears to a point where you can take her out, she sleeps all night, and begins to develop normally is worth the price.
Christy Whitaker”
Wow. What else can I say? This family had tried everything. Holistic nutritional counseling led to the right solution. While not everyone will improve as quickly and dramatically as Lindsi did, of course, anything is possible.
When I give thanks for my blessings tomorrow, Lindsi’s health will be among them.
I wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving!