Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: antibiotiocs, et., al

I think there comes a time when we have to agree to disagree!

On one hand we agree with alternative/blended medicine when it comes to IBS and its treatment - i.e probiotics, fennel tea, peppermint capsules and digestive enzymes (I do not think there are many medical practitioners out there prescribing these things - yet, practically everyone talks about taking some or all). Are there documented, scientific studies by CDC, JAMA or other medical groups to support their efficacy?
Then, the Candida issue, I recently read a document published by the well known Cleveland Clinic that purports the evidence of esophogitis and even gastritis as being caused by candida albicans - just because the CDC, or other studies do not recognize it, I think we need to keep an open mind. I, personally, believe in "blended medicine" and am middle of the road as far as treatments. I'm not going to have hydrocolonic therapy or I.V. chelation therapy, but I'm not going to take every new FDA-approved drug that comes out. Remember, it was not that many years ago that IBS was considered a psychosomatic illness.
I have a friend in his 40s who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and later Lyme's Disease - talk about a double whammy! Modern science offered him no hope. Alternative medicine gave him hope, but the "cure" (we hope) is almost worse than the disease. Fortunately he lives in Atlanta and has access to a clinic that practices blended medicine: general practitioners on staff, as well as naturopaths, accupuncturists, nutritionsts... I'm sure he would love to hear "take these meds x times a day". Instead, his treatment protocol is rigid and intense... no wheat, no dairy, no sugar, no red meat, everything from household cleaning products to every bite of food organic, reverse osmosis water treatment, $2,000+ a month, vitamin/herbal supplements, (including those to kill parasites) hyperbaric chamber treatments, BUT - he has been diligent and the disease has not progressed as the neurologists, etc. expected.
Conclusion: I love reading everyone's opinions. I have an open mind and you help me grow when you share your research, your exeriences. At my "advanced"

age (58), I can truly appreciate how far the medical field - and nutritional field have come. What a wonderful time to be alive! ~ Dorothy

--------------------
"I Will Survive! :-)... I shall live and not die and declare the works of The Lord..."

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator