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Sign up for updates now »Until recently, I was prone to sinus infections – or not so much prone, but rather, I had a sinus infection all of the time. My voice was nasally, I was fatigued all of the time, and I pretty much felt gross. I had seen a number of doctors over the years for my recurrent sinusitis. They tended to test me for environmental allergies, stick a camera up my nose, and ultimately prescribe some bullshit allergy medication that didn’t work, or even convince me to try nasal irrigation – which was actually their best idea.
Then one day I was reading an old book on holistic medicine. Of course, the first thing I wanted to know was how could I prevent being constantly congested. The book said that foods such as wheat, meat, and dairy often contributed to excess mucous production – and thus, sinusitis. I was miserable, and clearly willing to try anything, so I cut out all three of those things the very next day.
Within two days, the difference was incredible. My head had cleared up, I had boundless energy, and other problems – such as a patch of eczema that I had on my eyelid for years – all cleared up. My armpits didn’t even smell – which is an odd observation, but remarkable, so I’m remarking upon it.
I continued with this “fast” of sorts for about a week. Through a bit of experimentation I was able to place the blame for my sinus woes (and that eczema thing) on wheat. Since I re-introduced animal products like meat and dairy, my armpits just smell like a normal person’s.
“Wheat!? You can’t eat wheat!?,” is the usual response of anyone whom I tell this to. Yeah, that’s right – I can’t eat bread, pasta, flour tortillas (burritos), cupcakes, crackers, cookies, brownies, cake, or even drink beer. This means staples such as pizza and sandwiches have been out of my diet – except for the occasional (regretted) indulgence – since I discovered this problem seven months ago. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been quite worth it.
How could you avoid something as ubiquitous as wheat? Good question. Fortunately I had the advantages both of living in the hippie capital known as San Francisco, and working at a hippie company; so knowledge on this subject was pretty easy to find. I discovered grains such as quinoa, and millet, and these other things called “fruits” and “vegetables.” The whole experience of trying to restructure my diet had me looking at food totally differently. Ultimately, I found it easiest to just eat Thai and Indian food every day, but there are websites dedicated to wheat and gluten free diets, if one is so inclined.
Not only did the experience have me looking at food differently, it also had me looking at medicine differently. How could I see so many GPs, allergy specialists, ENT specialists, and dermatologists without a single one of them saying “you know, you should look at your diet?” How many other people are out there with health problems related to food allergies and intolerances that are being underinformed by their doctors? I get the sneaking suspicion that somewhere in the depths of that problem lies the fact that there’s so much money to be made pumping people full of drugs.
But keeping wheat out of my diet has just plain gotten old, so I’m seeing an accupuncturist with the hopes I can have that allergy (and a few others) eliminated. You can bet that if she can make it so I can eat pizza and drink beer again, you will hear about it right here.
Mary said,
August 6, 2007 @ 7:07 am
What, no mucus photos?
I want to see that picture of your Mouth Lesion from Hell again.
If your next medical problem is constipation, we don’t want to know. I DO want to know how the acupuncture goes, though.
I have an ear infection. If I get it drained, I’ll put a photo on my Web site.
jksellors said,
August 16, 2007 @ 6:01 am
Have you tried spelt flour as an alternative to modern wheat. The ancient Spelt Triticum Spelta, has only 21 chromosomes as opposed to the 42 chromosomes in modern wheat.
There is lots of info on spelt on the web—this site for instance:
http://www.allaboutbread.com.au/dinkelbrot.htm
says:
“The gluten in this grain is “softer” and more gentle to the digestive system and many people who experience such symptoms as “bloating” and skin rashes, find that this provides an excellent alternative to normal wheats.”
kadavy said,
August 16, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
Thanks for the suggestion! I did have a spelt pizza crust a few weeks ago, from which I made a homemade pizza. I think everthing went well, but the main problem is that I’m not really much for cooking for myself, so anything “convenient” (burritos, pizza, sandwiches) is kind of off limits.
Cheryl said,
December 13, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
Great story. I’ve given up wheat but still have some sinus issues. I feel better overall though and my sinus issues are not as bad. I’m still using my neti pot. I may have to give it a while longer to see if I get results. Thanks for sharing your story.
Lidia said,
June 4, 2008 @ 9:35 am
I thought it was just dairy products, but having stopped eating bread and pasta for a few weeks my sinus went away. Yesterday, I had a plate of spelt tortellini with veg inside, to my surprise a few hours later my nose was completely blocked again! So, I am afraid that spelt has to go out as well.
k7n43 said,
June 5, 2008 @ 10:15 am
Hey Lidia,
I’ve been off dairy for about 6 days but still have the sinus issues. I plan to go dairy and wheat free for a while and see how that goes.
I’m curious if you’ve tried dairy when you were off wheat. Also, are you sure your tortellini was dairy free?
John said,
November 30, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
Why no beer? Beer is made of barley, hops, water and yeast (at least the good stuff is).
Avoid hefeweizens, belgians and other wheat styles and anything low grade & mass market (Bud, Miller, Coors, etc)–they’re more likely to be made from corn or rice than wheat, but who knows what scientific wonders end up in those “brews.”
kadavy said,
November 30, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Yeah, you’re right about that John – I hear some popular brands are even made with rice.
My methods are pretty unscientific, but I do know a night of many beers stuffs me up alot more than a night of many Gin & Tonics. Maybe it’s the yeast that’s the problem?
ellie said,
April 11, 2009 @ 9:50 pm
John, beer usually contains barley, which contains a protein that can cause issues with those who are sensitive to gluten. Gluten intolerance and/or celiac disease is a reaction to gluten, which is in wheat and many other grains. Unless one purchases a gluten-free beer, usually they are better off avoiding beer if they have a sensitivity to gluten.
ellie said,
April 11, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
Another source of info. you may find interesting is http://www.knowthecause.com This website and show is about how many issues are due to fungus.
joe said,
May 26, 2009 @ 11:00 am
I’ve been suffering from this too, and was glad to find your blog. I’ve been through numerous doctors too, that prescribe anitbiotics, steriods, etc. Had polyp surgery too, which made it 10x worse. Tired of hacking up stuff.
I have a neti pot. But also, I have tried this nasal spray that claims to have dead sea salt and I feel that it helps a lot. My natural health friend says to try a “candida diet”…still need to google that.
kadavy said,
May 26, 2009 @ 11:40 am
Hi Joe: I presently avoid wheat as much as I can – but it’s pretty much inescapable. I also eat very little dairy or meat. I try to fast about one day a month. I just drink a mixture of: 16oz water, juice of one lemon, 2 tablespoons organic maple syrup (or sucanat), and some cayenne. Doing this has not only helped my sinuses, but it’s alleviated many of my seasonal allergies.
StaceyK said,
June 6, 2009 @ 6:44 pm
Thank you for sharing. I’m on day 7 of a wheat free (as much as it is possible) diet. By day 2 my sinuses were 50% clear and by today I would say 90%. I do have some stuffiness, but there is also a ton of pollen in the air, so we’ll see how things go as summer progresses. More importantly I feel amazing. Better than I have felt in years.
I never looked to something as simple as bread for what was making me sick. The day I did really changed my life.
kadavy said,
June 6, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
@StaceyK, that’s great news about your new wheat-free diet. On the subject of seasonal allergies, I’ve noticed mine have nearly disappeared since I stopped eating wheat. It probably really exacerbated my allergies.
I noticed on your blog that you said you lost some weight since the new diet change. I experienced the same thing (probably in large part to eating being so inconvenient with the ubiquity of wheat
) The weight loss was not a welcome side-effect for me, though, as I’ve always been skinnier than I would like to be. I lost something like 10% of my body weight over about 6 months.
Colleen said,
December 14, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
Hey,
Stumbled on this while looking for connections between food allergies and seasonal allergies. I have had all kinds of problems in Spring, Summer and Fall for years and recently connected it to wheat. Had the skin prick and it showed a mild allergic reaction to wheat. My symptoms, however, were *not* mild over the Summer, etc. Now that it’s winter though, I’m finding that I can tolerate wheat without any problems that I can detect. I’m still being careful though because wheat really caused a lot of physical and psychological problems (depression, anxiety, brain fog). I notice now though that when i eat wheat it feels like empty calories… like how you’d feel when you eat a lollipop or a soda… empty. It doesn’t give me energy. It’s funny how apparent the sensation is after going so long w/o… And it makes sense as white flour is stripped of any nutritional value and is basically just sugar.
I can relate to your feelings about modern medicine. The main problem caused by wheat for years were mysterious bumps on my arms and legs. I kept trying to tell doctors that I suspected allergy since it was mostly seasonal, but no one listened. I kept being told it was folliculitis and I needed to take and antibiotic. NO ONE LISTENED. Finally everything got so bad last Spring/Summer that I just bit the bullet and eliminated wheat on a hunch. The difference was incredible. To this day, despite the overall improvement and the skin prick test, doctors STILL don’t believe me.
Bah! Glad we’re all figuring it out on our own!
kadavy said,
December 16, 2009 @ 8:25 am
Thanks for sharing Colleen. I also noticed I couldn’t think as clearly, and had an unstable mood when I was eating wheat. As far as allergies – I believe there can be some cross reactions (for example, ragweed & honey) between foods and airborne allergies: so, maybe that has something to do with your seasonal intolerance. I sure wish I could take a break from wheat intolerance over the winter!
Trevy said,
August 6, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
I learned in May that I’m allergic to gluten. I suffered from chronic sinusitis also. Since eliminating all gluten from my diet I am now free of sinus problems. I can eat ice cream, poultry, etc–all of the foods I had been avoiding because they produced mucus and I have no problem with them.
Laurie said,
November 16, 2010 @ 9:35 am
To the person who wrote this article – don’t give up on not eating wheat because you are tired of not eating pizza!!!! All the grocery stores now are carrying all kinds of foods that are gluten free – especially breads, pizza crusts, and boxed stuff like brownies, cakes, muffins, etc. Don’t know how old your article is but this stuff is in the stores now and it makes following a gluten free diet so much easier. I too had bad sinus problems for years and years. I lived on sinus medication. After going gluten free, I no longer have to take ANY sinus medication. Ever!!!! My colds don’t last as long either which is unheard of for me. But I don’t feel deprived of foods. With all these things available now, I literally can eat whatever I want – Pizza, cake, sandwiches, etc.
Shannon said,
November 18, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
How long did you have to be gluten free before noticing a difference in your sinuses? My boyfriend has it bad. Can’t breathe through his nose most of the time. Poor guy. He’s already dairy free and almost gluten free but not completely. I would love several responses. Thanks a lot!!
David Kadavy said,
November 18, 2010 @ 4:49 pm
Hey Shannon – I felt amazing after just two days, but I was only eating brown rice and vegetables at the time.
CKasper said,
January 18, 2011 @ 1:24 pm
I have been trying to find somewheret to post my story! Thank you!
I was turned on to this by a friend who went gluten free a year ago and said she didn’t have as many sinus infections. I have been on a gluten free diet for a month and realized just last weekend that it has really messed me up. After just 2-3 tortilla chips instead of corn with some salsa I went home dizzy and my sinus polyps felt crazy. Every since then I’ve been questioning all kinds of “symptoms” I’ve had for the longest time – bad tonsils (had those taken out at 19), back pain (which has darn near vanished the past few days), cystic acne, constant fatigue/foggy brain, and of course all of my sinus issues. I have my second surgery scheduled in a couple weeks but I’m feeling better every day! I think i’ll still get cleaned out though. HOPEFULLY for the LAST TIME!
And with all the great alternatives out there now I’m getting less and less bummed about it. I’ve already ordered a bread maker and plan on working it out. I’ve never believe in “diets” but this will definitely be a lifestyle change I stick with. Finally I’ve found what’s wrong!
Neek said,
January 26, 2011 @ 5:54 am
Hi! I’ve had chronic sinusitis now for 5 years, I’m sick of my boyfriend telling me to stop touching my nose because its so crazy itchy all of the time. Same deal I’ve spoken to every medical professional and specialist out there and ive been on every nasal spray, antibiotics and antihistamine and have taken all the usual allergy tests for pollen, cat fur, feathers dust everything. Recently my Nanna suggested it might be wheat or gluten and it was something I hadn’t ever even considered or heard of. Like you im willing to try anything I’m so fed up with my multiple daily sneezing attacks, so I’m on day 4 of no wheat, it may be untwisted but I have had terrible headaches ever since and my nose is still nuts itchy. I’m going to do it for 3 weeks though and stick at it!!! If it’s worked for you, maybe it will for me too!!!
Karen said,
February 9, 2011 @ 9:50 pm
I read somewhere that headaches are a common side-effect of going off wheat.
Carla said,
February 23, 2011 @ 2:17 pm
Just wanted to suggest to all w/gluten sensitivities to look into digestive enzymes,which allow you to have gluten (and casein) and not suffer the effects. My 7 year old daughter has had chronic sinus infections since she was 3, and has had sinus surgery and her adenoids removed. She is constantly on antibiotics and we cannot clear it up. We just put her on a gluten-free casein-free diet in the hopes this will help. Still too early to tell. But, because she is 7, it is VERY difficult to do the diet, so we are looking into the enzymes to help her have some of the foods she loves.
David Kadavy said,
February 23, 2011 @ 2:22 pm
Hey Carla – that’s an interesting idea. Thanks for sharing! Please let us know what you find out, especially if you find a brand that you prefer.
Bob said,
March 2, 2011 @ 9:31 am
Will a salad diet work? Are saltines ok? What about Cheeze-Its?
I’ll do anything to rid myself of this 4 year old malady and feel just OK for a day or two.
Been to every kind of doctor except a gynecologist with zero results.
My head constantly feels like it was hit with a baseball bat and I have no energy ever. Sleep 8-10 hours and then after 1-2 hours of being awake all I want to do is go back to bed. I do not smoke or drink. (Hmm, maybe I should see a gynecologist)
Am wide open for suggestions.
Rene said,
April 20, 2011 @ 2:58 pm
I have had sinus congestion for years and tried various sinus meds for years even nasal surgery as I was diagnosed with a deviated septum. I have had allergy shots and depending on the season would go back and forth with my sinus problems. Tha last few months was really hard as my right nostril would close up and I would have a hard time breathing specially before sleeping. Tried all types of over the counter meds to no avail, even added Apple Cider Vinegar to my water and Oil pulling for a few weeks now with no effect. When I read an article about wheat allergy, I stopped eating wheat products and the next day the sinus problems stopped immediately. I am on my 3rd day of the wheat free diet and I am able to sleep well and breathe without any congestion. What a relief! Thanks for all the info you have provided!
kristin said,
April 24, 2011 @ 3:34 am
I thought I was the only one, Im happy to find all of you.
I also suffered from constant allergies and sinus infections for about 10 years of my life. Nothing worked. From surgery, steroid nasal sprays to apple cider vinegar. After online research I eliminated dairy (casein) from my diet and didn’t notice much of a difference until also eliminating wheat. It took about 3 weeks for me to notice a difference from not eating wheat BUT what a difference! I completely eliminated wheat for 6 months and it changed my life! Forgetting what the big deal it was I then went off the diet for 1 day, big mistake, Be careful reintroducing any food allergen. Since wheat and dairy are founding blocks on the food pyramid (created by u.s. dept. of agriculture) I had been eating them all my life, my body was always sick but had a strong tolerance. Now if I eat wheat for just one day all of my symptoms are back, 10 times worse also with a severe ear infection and ecxzema that I had never had before. For those of us that are allergic to wheat and dairy try avoiding them at all cost. Please don’t dump all of your money and energy into modern medicine that doesnt ever help and mask the problem. I was never a health freak before but this whole experience has opened my eyes. Forcing me pay attention to the stuff that I put in my body and where it comes from. For everyone who is just starting it gets easier and it is well worth it. As for missing pizza, I found a gluten free pizza chain here on the west coast. Since I did miss eating out, Sammies Woodfire Pizza is amazing. I was also missing sandwiches but have found gluten free wraps at whole foods along with gluten free beer and french fries. Now a days it seems the only thing Im missing out on is all that grossness.
I would be interested to know if anybody has had acupuncture that seem to works or any holistic approach, I had talked to a holistic doctor who wanted to give me wheat in a liquid form to reintroduce to my body… Im not really sure about any of that, if my 25yr tolerance since a child didn’t help, I think ill hold off. I almost don’t see the point nor am I missing wheat that much. I think for the next couple of years if not forever I will stay completely wheat free.
The Way I Work said,
April 25, 2011 @ 12:47 am
[...] I have pretty unusual eating habits. I discovered a few years ago that I’m better off without wheat, and that really opened up my eyes to the connection between what I eat and how I think and feel. [...]
Kris said,
May 19, 2011 @ 2:50 am
Hey, I’ve been wheat free for 20 of my 27 years as a result of my mother trying to work out why I was having such constant and painfull headaches. The answer was sinisitis as a reaction to wheat. I’ve tried accupuncture, and chinese medicine tinctures, with no real benefit I’m sad to report. I do find that I’m fine with Spelt and Kamut however, which is a relief. Also I can drink a glass or two of beer as long as it is barley based rather than a wheat beer. Also some vodkas and gins are wheat based. Just so you know.
kathleen said,
July 17, 2011 @ 12:05 pm
Ditto, 15 years of chronic sinusitus. Tried every drug, supplement, avoided animals, trees grass, dust, etc… Nothing worked and it got worse and worse. I have started to lose my ability to find words at a shocking rate which made me go on an extrememly low carb diet as a possible fix. Within a few days I realized that my sinuses were completely cleared for the first time in years. I stayed on the diet for a few weeks and have added back everything but gluten safely. Jury still out on the brain issues…I’ll let you know if I ever find a fix (if I remember) It is disturbing to me also that doctors and allergists never mentioned my diet as a possible cause. I’m going to Holistic practitioners as well as my regular doctor and Specialists at Stanford. Anyone ever hear of or have this problem??
diana said,
July 18, 2011 @ 2:50 pm
I have had sinus problems all my life. I never could breathe through my nose as a child and still have problems. They have gotten much worse over the past 5-6 years. I have seen many doctors etc… no positive results yet. One day my Mother’s doctor put her on a gluten free diet… and since I was cooking for her… I realized that I was the one with a problem. My sinuses cleared completely for the first time in my life!!!! I watch what I eat but for some reason the problems are back… wish I knew what it was those few days that cleared me up. Still looking for answers. After reading these comments maybe I need to go off dairy also. Thanks to all of you for your input.
Jeff said,
July 26, 2011 @ 8:14 am
In an attempt to loose weight, I have been on a low/no carb diet for 3 days now and what a difference. I slept uninterupted and was able to breath all night. I also have a bathroom full of nazel sprays a neti pot which I think I will be able to get rid of!
christine said,
September 9, 2011 @ 12:08 pm
Sufferd for 10 years with chronic sinusitis cut out dairy years ago just started with cutting wheat out . Also had 2 surgeries and every medicine going nothing works . Living in a constant fog pain dizzy and blocked nose . With all your coments am feeling more hopefull off relief
good to know i am not alone with the suffering but hopefully no more !
Tessy C said,
October 1, 2011 @ 10:28 am
Absolutely correct! Staying Gluten Free cures sinus issues.
I went to one fantastic Dr. in Mill Valley, CA. Dr. Morgan Camp the only Dr. whom brought this up to my attention. I’ve had sinus surgery’s and sinusitis for over 40 years constantly. Since I gave up Gluten my sinuses have improved tremendously.
Rinah said,
November 23, 2011 @ 7:51 pm
November 2011
I have had sinus issues for most of my life. I have about 8-10 infections a year and I never thought to give up wheat and dairy until I went unline and started doing some reading. I have been off of wheat and dairy for a week and I now have no headaches or any sinus issues. My face no longer feels inflammed and my head doesn’t feel like it has a band around it. I buy gluten free bread and muffins, pasta and I will eventually start making my own bread as soon as I get use to eating this way. I have added goats cheese back once in awhile and I don’t get stuffy at all. I feel so much better.
Jimmy said,
December 11, 2011 @ 10:44 pm
WOW…after reading these testimonials I am beginning to gain some hope. I have had sinus infections, nasal allergies and diagnosed with primary immune deficancy disease. The allergies have been around since I was an infant. I have had too many surgeries to count on one hand and have been on allergy shots (on/off) for 10 years. I have to have subqutenous infusions weekly for the rest of my life to avoid constant chronic sinus infections. TLast year I have developed a severely abnormal coldness in my sinuses that my allergist attributes to allergies. He is convinced gluten products do not cause allergies nor have I tested positive for dairy allergies. I have been on every med,nasal spray and steroid. I am going gluten/dairy free and hopes this cures my life long pain and suffering. Open for suggestions.
Joanna said,
December 20, 2011 @ 11:09 am
I have just discovered that going on a gluten-free diet may be the answer I have been dreading. I have sneezed all my life and suffered from seasonal hayfever, which has now progressed to a year round malady. My symptoms have worsened over the years with daily suffering of itchy stuffed nose, itchy watery eyes and lots of sneezing. Periodic sinus infections now are a regular occurrence every few months. I have gone to an allergist twice and have never been tested positive. A few years ago, my symptoms affected my lower respiratory system as well and I have had coughing and wheezing bouts that need asthma medication to clear it up. While I can breathe easily through my nose, I constantly feel conjestion at the roof of my palate which may be a sinus pocket. I am constantly blowing my nose and coughing up pleghm and it is a nuisance to me and my family. I have a cupboard full of medication which only seems to keep the symptoms at bay. Recently went to see a ENT specialist, who told me to go off all medication (unless absolutely necessary) and do the sinus rinse/neti-pot treatment twice a day and come back in 6 weeks. It was so hard to go off all medication – antihistamine, decongestents, nasal sprays, bronchodilator, corticosteroids – you name it, I tried it. Just doing the neti-pot seemed ridiculous. I did that and everything just got worse. I now have the worse sinus and throat infection I have ever had. My followup appointment with the ENT doctor is still 3 weeks away. Just got back from my GP who prescribed antibiotics to clear up the immediate problem but mentioned to me about going on a gluten-free diet. Eureka! I am sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time, so I am going to give it a try. It makes total sense. In addition to eliminating flour, bread, pasta or anything else containing gluten, I have been advised my my doctor and pharmacist to take Pro-biotics, especially while on the antibotics (taken at least 2 hours apart). We don’t get enough probiotics in our diet from natural sources, especially those who are eliminating dairy as well. Apparently, when there are no bacteria interacting in our bodies, the immune system is running idle – which can contribute to repeated/chronic infections. I hope some immediate changes in my diet will show immediate results.
Jonathan said,
January 14, 2012 @ 8:44 pm
Hi all:
a lot of this makes sense to me. My problem started in 1994 just 2 years after moving to Oahu Hawaii for College. I love it here, I had also been to 3 specialists who were useless for me. So for 12 yrs had been miserable. Also Drinking beer would sometimes cause sneezing fits that would last hours, I could fill a bath towel during these fits. No joke.
At times because of lethargy, and feeling like I had the beginning stages of flu all the time.
I just want to express how completely miserable I am, and have been. I have felt like I would do anything or give anything to be normal again.
In 2006 after complaining, an internist – doctor prescribed flunisolide, loratadine, and sudafed. The combination works some of the time. But for 2 years now we have terrible VOG Vocanic – Fog that blows in from the Big Island of Hawaii and I am super miserable, extremely moody, exhausted all the time. I can get up, drink coffee and feel completely spent in two hours, and can just lay back down and sleep for hours. I find myself drinking as much as 4 cups of coffee just so I can set foot out the door.
Probably I should change my diet, like some of you. And maybe I should move out of the islands, however I have a small home remodeling business. So many people count on me, I feel like I am going to let them all down if I left.
So I think now I am changing my Diet. I am glad you participated in this post, at the moment I feel there is something to look forward to.
Thanks.
Jonathan
CJ said,
January 20, 2012 @ 11:21 pm
If this is true, I’ll really be pissed. I’ve had sinus problems for 40 years and NEVER once heard a doctor suggest wheat as being a cause.
What ARE doctor’s learning besides how to pump us with drugs and slicing & dicing? Doctors the new lawyers!
Malia said,
January 22, 2012 @ 7:04 am
It’s true. Just getting gluten out of my diet makes me feel so much better. It’s hard to get gifts though because they’re usually a tempting gluten-y mess. I got a loaf of bread this week after being away from gluten for weeks and 2 days later pain in the sinus and all over body pain. The effect is magnified by having milk or butter at the same time. I can usually eat cheese, and some items with wheat, but other times I get short of breath and have the sinus symptoms as soon as eating something with gluten. Isn’t it ridiculous that health-care providers don’t give such basic advice? I say: first change diet, then consider meds. The likely course of events is you won’t even need to go to the doctor again. After having health problems doctors had no answers for, you really can’t help but look at medicine differently. Outside of emergency medicine and regular check-ups, I see most of what modern providers do as just treating symptoms of something that has been allowed to get heinously out of balance that could be prevented in the first place, or treated in a much gentler, more natural way. This recent gluten-ing side effect flare will have me thinking twice the next time I get a loaf of bread as a present…
Karen said,
January 22, 2012 @ 9:09 am
Unfortunately, your problem seems to be quite common. I don’t think doctors are necessarily conspiring to keep the truth from us, but by following the “safe” protocols they were taught in med school, and by taking the easiest path (they may have very busy schedules, and little time to keep current on issues, especially if they are considered “alternative” or “fringe”), they end up spewing misinformation, year after year, no doubt under the influence of their colleagues and pharmaceutical sales reps. Also, if they are feeling financially pinched (from student loan debt, for example), they will most likely choose a treatment that is more lucrative for them.
We are all on our own these days, no matter how much we, or our insurance companies, spend on health care. I have become convinced, in recent years, that one is best off by first seeking natural remedies, before even setting foot in a conventional doctor’s office. Sad but true. I respect the knowledge and hard work of medical professionals, but too many of them have their ladders leaning against the wrong trees.
Liz S. said,
February 3, 2012 @ 11:29 am
All,
Dr. Mercola has a natural health site and one of his recurring discussions is on gluten sensitivity. They do sell products on the site but there is also an awful lot of good information that can be had for free. http://www.mercola.com.
No, I do not work for them. Good luck to all with the sinus issues.