In most of these cases the sensitivities were complex and extensive. These sensitivities also contribute to reduced resistance to infections, Candidiasis, irritated and injured mucous membranes of the GI tract causing a variety of malabsorption problems, and anxiety and fears of the patient associated with past exposures and misinterpretations by the patient. For these patients, cause and effect assessments are difficult, and helpful approaches for one condition often causes adverse effects for another condition, making the desired progress for these patients more difficult to achieve. Patient agrees to participate in a weekly telephone consultation for the first two months and monthly consultation for the subsequent 5 months. When participants are ready to expand their diets, assistance is provided to help participants choose foods that are likely to be tolerated.
Staff also instruct the participants on food reintroduction.
A final diet is achieved that maintains the zero-symptom status of the patient. An additional 12 persons are in the program, but have not proceeded far enough to provide useful information. Approving physicians represent a wide array of specialties pediatricians, gastroenterologists, dermatologists, internists, neurologists and are from a wide array of organizations private practice, major medical centers, and hmo s. Participants may still be referred into the program. The program will continue to add new participants until 100 cases of useful data are obtained.