30/3/2013
Ok, so I've been taking homeopathic medicine for about 5 months. I still suffer daily symptoms, however, symptoms have seemed to lesson a little. Having said that that may not have been the result of taking the homeopathic medicine. It could be a combination of good diet, rest, vitamin and mineral supplements, some conventional medicine and time.
Initially when I saw the homeopath he said the treatment will take three months. Five months later and there wasn't much improvement. To me that is an indication that the treatment is not working and it's time to move on.
30/10/2012
Ok, so along with Iberogast I decided to also start homeopathy, which I started on 9th September. I started Iberogast mid August, but after a month I didn't really feel much different so I thought adding homeopathy to the mix wouldn't hurt. I already knew that homeopathy was safe from research. First I'll give you a little explanation of what homeopathy is and then mention the additional things I have been doing recommended by the homeopath.
Homeopathy
Reference: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Homeopathy
Homeopathy (or homoeopathy) is a holistic system of medicine based on the theory of treating ‘like with like’. It claims to stimulate the body’s own healing response to disease, using specially prepared, highly dilute preparations. Homeopathy claims to treat the symptoms of a wide range of illnesses including allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever, headaches, stress and respiratory infections.
The cornerstone of homeopathic philosophy is the ‘Law of similars’. This law or principle is based on a long-held belief (by ancient healers like Paracelsus) that substances that produce symptoms in a healthy individual can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person. Modern homeopathy was founded in the 18th century by a German physician, Dr Samuel Hahnemann.
An example of this principle is coffee. Coffee can aggravate some people who are sensitive to its stimulating effects. These people may experience increased mental and physical alertness, along with an exaggerated response to stimuli. People who present at a homeopathic clinic with symptoms of insomnia, headache, irritability and an overstimulated nervous system may be prescribed a dose of Coffea cruda,which has been prepared according to homeopathic principles. Practitioners believe that this will settle the symptoms of insomnia in these people.
Homeopathic medicines are made from a variety of sources, such as plants, animals and minerals. They are prepared according to strict guidelines set out in international pharmacopoeias. Homeopathic medicines are considered safe and free from serious adverse reactions.
Sometimes symptoms may temporarily get worse before they get better. This ‘aggravation’ of symptoms can be part of the homeopathic treatment. However, you should tell your homeopath if you have these reactions. Your homeopath may refer you to a doctor or other healthcare practitioner if necessary.
Additional
In addition to taking the homeopathy I am still taking Iberogast three times a day. I was also told to take fresh coconut water daily. I drink about half a coconut a day because I am quite petite and read that too much coconut water can have a laxative effect, something I really want to avoid.
The homeopath also told me to eat some raw carrot after dinner every night. This is meant to help improve the enzymes in my stomach somehow. I don't understand the specifics.
He mentioned to eat alfalfa sprouts daily, which I do not do. I should, but it is all just a bit too much for me.
He mentioned to not eat too much protein, which makes sense because red meat is hard to digest. Well for me it is. I've always found it a bit tough to eat too much red meat so I am currently avoiding red meat and have reduced drinking Sustegen daily to two to three times a week.
I'm not allowed to drink large amounts of liquid (inc. water) during or just after a meal. Not sure why. Maybe to reduce bloating? I'll ask the homeopath next time I see him.
He also mentioned to avoid onions and garlic, which is also mentioned in the FODMAP Diet.
Light exercise is recommended, not heavy exercise. For example, something like yoga.
I am also still taking Activia every day, which he has encouraged. It also doesn't hurt to eat foods rich in folic acid (folate), such as spinach, broccoli, papaya, corn, etc. Research has shown that folic acid has a role in the prevention of colon cancer. Patients with the inflammatory bowel condition ulcerative colitis are particularly at risk for colon cancer, and folic acid may play an even greater role of protection for this group. Cervical cancer prevention can also substantially benefit from folic acid supplementation. The vitamin can also prevent esophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancer.
Refer to http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/folic-acid-foods/ for details on foods with folic acid.
Hmmm, what else? That's all I can think of at the moment. The homeopath said it would take about three months of treatment to fix me up. I am both hopeful and skeptical because I do not want to keep my hopes up too high. I am tempted to give an update of my progress but I want to give it another month.
