CASE STUDY ONE

Within days of having of my last amalgam filling 2 years ago and feeling unwell and receiving a very unsympathetic and unhelpful response from the NHS Dentist who carried out the filling, I found an alternative, "mercury free" dentist, Dr John Roberts and discovered a whole new experience of "going to the Dentist".

After a friendly consultation, thorough examination and tests, all my amalgam fillings were replaced and I was given information on mercury detox and general advice on health. If there was any proof necessary, an amalgam filling was tested for electrical charging - the needle on the meter went past the maximum reading without even touching the filling !

I used to experience a constant metallic taste, my gums and teeth were deteriorating and I dreaded those injections before each filling, but I now feel much more confident, have cleaner teeth and healthier, stronger gums and none of that metallic taste. This is thanks to a dental practice where the practitioner and hygienist are attentive and caring and ensure that the patient is treated with the minimum of discomfort and is well informed and advised on all aspects of the treatment.

This was the starting point for my own research into numerous health issues and changed my attitude towards the medical profession, whose opinions, methods and treatments I had always accepted.

After having an operation on my toe, courtesy of the NHS, which although successful was both very stressful and painful, I was conscious of the fact that part of the surgery involved the insertion of a metal pin to join the bones. Because of my experience with amalgam fillings and their subsequent removal, I didn't want any unnecessary metal in my body. It was only after numerous requests that the pin was removed, once the bones had healed - it is not a matter of procedure. The surgeon was very interested when I showed him the results of tests that I had undergone for the presence of toxic metals both after the initial toe operation and then after the pin had been removed. There was a significant decrease in toxicity levels present in my body.

Also having Candida, stress-related digestive problems and skin rashes, it encouraged me to research other ways to heal, rather than relying solely on drugs. However, I suffered from very bad stomach pain through excess acid and found that Tagamet, a drug to reduce acid production, was invaluable.

Treating the whole body was my objective and although it's been an expensive process and hard at times (e.g. detoxing and following a Candida diet), I now feel healthier and have learned that moderation is the key. The natural approach is not a quick fix - it took time to become ill and it takes time to heal.

Here's what I've learned along the way:

• Have a determination to succeed.
• A positive attitude that the body will heal itself given help.
• Enjoy occasional "treats".
• Try to have regular, adequate sleep.
• Regular exercise, calm, relaxation and laughter.
• Maintain a good diet.
• Drink lots of filtered water.
• Take supplements to boost diet and help with lifestyle.

These supplements include Vitamins, Minerals, Essential Fatty Acids, MSM Sulphur, Aerobic Oxygen, Probiotics, Citricidal (Grapefruit Seed Extract) and Herbs (in capsule form). Many of these are useful in fighting off infection.

Alka Clear (acid balancer), L-Glutamine, Aloe Vera Juice and Digestive Enzymes help the digestive system.

Living Food (a powdered mix of raw grains and seeds) is very easily made into a drink and not unpleasant to take.

It is important to use reputable brands - Higher Nature, Nature's Best (both available by Mail Order) Solgar etc.