Dear Dr. Cutler,

I suffer from terrible digestive problems, including constipation. I have not been able to figure out what causes my flare ups, but they are very painful. You would not believe the number of tests I have had done, but I still have no clues as to what is causing the problems or how to cure them. Any suggestions you could make would be welcomed.
                                                                                                                                                         

—Joan A.

 Dear Joan,

 I believe that allergies could be triggering your symptoms—probably more than one, in fact. However, it’s extremely difficult to know exactly what you’re allergic to without specialized blood and skin tests. Possible immune system triggers could be: 

• Pollens, perfumes, dust or other manufactured chemicals.

•  Foods, vitamins, drugs and food additives.

• Bites, stings, injected drugs and immunizations.
• Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
• Painful memories from past or present.

 An alternative to standard blood and skin tests is the Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) procedure, which is similar to acupuncture. When you have blockages in your energy pathways, known as the chi meridians and centers, your body gets out of balance and the result is allergy symptoms.

Practitioners skilled in NAET or similar techniques achieve 80 percent success or better. To learn more about it, go to www.naet.com. 

All the best!
Michael Cutler, M.D