Expert: Derby Stewart-Amsden - 12/30/2008

Question
Hi. I am recently experiencing certain symptoms that I feel could be
contributed to finally cleansing my body, but I am not sure which is why I am
lead here...
To preface, I am considerably a healthy, 26 yr old female although I do not
work out regularly and my diet leaves room for improvement, although not
terrible!  I quit smoking about 2 months ago and I had been planning on
quitting smoking so I had started to take Wellbutrin about 3-4 weeks prior. I
really quit smoking after a trip to the ER one night diagnosed me with some
form of "gastritis" after experiencing terrible upper stomach pains for over 5
hours. They reffered me to a, but I have yet to go and see them. I thought
first, to treat "whatever this is" naturally.
I star gastrinologist ted to search my symptoms and thought it could be one
of a few things. 1.) Candida's (my spit test did show a bit of yeast
overgrowth), 2.) IBS (I do have periodic bloating, cramping, diarrhea, etc.) not
usually triggered though by any particular food, or 3.) some sort of parasite
or bacteria imbalance in my gastrinal tract?
So long story short, about two weeks ago I went to my local health food store
and purchased a few items based on the recommendations he told me...a very  
potent blend of probiatics, the Kroeger Herb wormwood combo, liquid
magnesium, and three-lac. I have been almost regular at taking them daily,
but my question of concern is that about 3 days ago I noticed little red
legion's down by my groin/inner thigh area and one on my inner arm below
my elbow. They are small, do not itch, are not raised, and have a whitish
center which appears to look like dead/dry skin. The closest match that I
found on that was plaque psoriasis. There are only about 5 little red legions
all together, so its very mild but I have NEVER had this before. After again
doing some research, I found that psoriasis can be closely related to
candida's, maybe even parasites.
What I am wondering though, is if I am actually starting to cleanse my system
in a way (with the supplements I was given) shouldn't things be getting
better not worse? Or is it probable that my body is in a way starting to finally
purge if you will and that something like mild psoriasis could signal that my
body is trying to do what it's supposed to do and get rid of nasty yeast,
bacteria, parasite possibly, etc.? Would it be considered somewhat normal to
feel the effects of this? I also forgot to mention that I have gotten my 3rd
cold since August, which again is not normal for me. ( I did by the way
receive the flu shot this year).
Anyway, sorry for the long question, but very curious what could be going on
with my body and any help or insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank
You!!!

Answer
Hi Talia,

I cannot tell you what the odd spots are. but I would like to respond to your question:

- the first thing that leapt out at me was that you are looking for fixes without identifying the problem or original issues.  For instance we smoke for several reasons
   - because some loony has convinced us that it calms us down
   - everyone we know smokes (though that is less so thank goodness)
   - its cool
   - we don't like ourselves very much

From your question I picked up a considerable amount of anxiety and a sort of panic that made you look for the "magic pill"

As a counselor and life coach I read STRESS in big letters.

Also it sounds as if you took all these supplements based on the recommendation of your "gastrinologist", but you have not asked him about this possible reaction...why not?

All your gastro-intestinal issues could simply be stress, and perhaps a diet that does not support your health sufficiently. It may be that you need some herbal or other supplement, but it would be very hard to be sure what until we looked at how you manage stress.

Alternatively, this regime that you are trying could simply be right for you and the spots could be a natural effect of bodily detoxing... YOU my dear are going to have to learn to listen to your own body and heart, because that instinct is always the best and most reliable!

All the best,
Derby