Testimonial Page

The following letters were sent to Song of Health from subscribers who have:
SHARED THEIR STORIES WITH YOU and
EXPRESSED THEIR GRATITUDE for all the information, support and help they have received from us.

FROM KARI, March 9th,'10 ~ Hi Sandra! I love the website! Great job!...Thanks again for the great job you do! Kari, Rathdrum, ID.

FROM DR. SARA KATES-CHINOY, Feb 2010 ~ I am happy to have you as a resource! Dr. Sara Kates-Chinoy, Seattle, WA.

FROM TERRI BATES, January 12, 2010 ~
Hello.  Thank you for pulling together all the resources we need into one website.  I know this is a monumental task and I am so very glad someone had the time and knowledge to do it!

This is long and you may need to edit it!

In 2002, I was diagnosed with Fruit and Potato-with-Grain food intolerances.  I must say, I cried my heart out when I heard the word "fruit."  At the time, my husband had just retired from 22 years in the Military, we had bought our dream home, and we finally planted those fruit trees he had promised me for all those years! 

I sat on my porch and was very angry about all this.  For years I had suffered with severe ulcerative colitis symptoms, which eventually landed me in the hospital.  I found it impossible to keep weight on, often dwindling down to nothing, and I was afraid of being ill for the rest of my days.  As the mother of five children then, (now it's 10, all adopted), I was certain that I needed to give this a try.  Much to my surprise, after a short time of following this restricted diet I began to feel very good.  I had decided to give it 8 weeks and was so well by then that I just kept pressing on. 

It is very hard to be fruit intolerant.  There is no substitute for a raspberry or a slice of fresh apple.  But I cannot dwell on that now.  My goal is to remain healthy and be the best I can be.  So the task ahead is to figure out how to do this.

Being fruit intolerant requires much forethought.  I purchased a couple of nice traveling lunch and small cooler bags, so I am always ready to tote my food along.  I carry snacks I can eat in an emergency bag in my car, so I am never stuck without something healthy. I have found that organic, raw almonds really satisfy me (and everyone around me), so I keep a small amount of them in my purse and glove box, and take them when I travel.  Bumble Bars with the chocolate, almond and hazelnut flavors are all wonderful, satisfying snacks which are easy to stash in a purse or
console of the car or desk drawer at work.  I can make homemade cakes, cookies, pancakes, etc.  I have to think ahead and pre-plan every meal, but this too gets easier over time.  I can make yogurt and ice cream out of the milk I am allowed, which I enjoy eating with honey or maple syrup.  I bake my own bread in a bread maker and have found that I can keep up nicely with a supply for myself, as long as no little ones are picking at it.  I did have to sit down and explain to all the children that my diet is very difficult for me and that they mustn't eat things that are labeled for me; otherwise, I won't be able to eat.  It sounds so extreme, but frankly, when I am spending more money to satisfy my needs, we really cannot afford to spread these goodies around to all 12 of us!

Did you know that pumpkin pie, made to certain specifications, is a great dessert that you can enjoy?  If I added up all the slices I've consumed since Thanksgiving, I think I have eaten 2 or 3 whole pies myself since the holiday season began.  They are easy to make with a food processor and are fruit free!  I treat myself by making a pumpkin pie to share at every gathering we have.  I can make the filling ahead of time and freeze it if necessary, then thaw, add eggs and bake on the day of the event.

The most difficult part of being fruit intolerant is trying to explain this to others, especially at a buffet, wedding or work-related dinner party.  Most of those dear folks close to me just know I have this "problem" and they don't ask anymore.  I bring something to everything I am invited to if I can and it isn't too tacky to do so (for weddings that is not possible).  I eat well before leaving the house for other outings involving food when I cannot bring a course for me.  I always have my almonds, and I often carry around a very tall, insulated coffee mug that is filled with my favorite tea.  That way, I can mingle and enjoy something yummy.  When asked, I simply say, "I have a lot of food allergies."  I have learned I can attend a 3-hour wedding and reception without eating a thing if there was nothing for me.  I carry "#50" capsules (available at Windrose Clinic)* in my purse and always take one when I am eating things that I did not prepare myself, yet fairly certain I can eat.

I have found that tomatoes satisfy me.  I purchase the little grape tomatoes and can eat quite a few at a sitting as a fruit substitute.  I hover around the veggie platters at weddings and satisfy myself with celery, tomatoes and other delights without dressing.  When my husband takes me out to eat, I order a steak cooked with no salt, pepper or other ingredients on it or on the grill. I take a "#50" just in case. I bring along my own sea salt and a sauce to put on the meat, which I store in my
purse before we leave the house.  I ask for just romaine, tomatoes and onions in my salad, and I bring my own dressing.  I will order a steak on a bed of raw veggies.  It really is quite good and satisfying!  We really don't eat out often and instead have found other fun things to do that do not involve food.

Our kitchen is well-stocked with appliances that make my life easier.  It is a necessity for maintaining a specific diet. I have a large yogurt maker; crock pot; ice cream maker, which requires no salt or ice; bread machine; food processor; grinder for herbs and seasonings; blender; mixer with attachments; pasta maker; oat roller and much more. I have tried, over the years, to add one or two appliances a year to broaden my dietary choices and make my life easier.  Part of our budget is set
aside to help with my health needs.

A typical day's diet for me consists of:

I have been known, even after all these years, to throw a tantrum now and then when I really want to eat something that looks luscious ...BUT... I keep thinking back to the consequences and my poor health days.  Instead, I get out my recipe books and make some creation for ME, with all the substitutes, and become determined to make it taste really good!  Believe me, cooking for 12 folks, three
meals a day, is a challenge.  So, if I can do this, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Bless you all who are fruit intolerant.

P.S.  My daughter, Hannah, is the hydro-therapist at Windrose Clinic and, guess what?  She is fruit intolerant as well! Terri Bade, Spokane, WA.

* Editor's Note : #50 capsules are filled with the herbs skullcap and gentian, specifically formulated by Windrose Naturopathic Clinic as a dietary aid.

FROM SARA, Jan. '10 ~
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for answering my questions! 
You are so helpful and I have loved using your website. I can’t believe I waited so long to join! Sara, Spokane, WA.

From Anna, Dec. '09 ~
Hi Sandra,
Your website has been very helpful, thank you. I just found out that I am dairy intolerant and fruit/sugar intolerant, so it has been nice to get some more information.  Best, Anna

Subject: What a wonderful Website!
From: KATHY C.
Date: Sun, April 01, 2007
To: manager@songofhealth.com
Hi~
I have just subscribed to "Song of Health" and I want to thank you for offering this website and service to all!  It is absolutely wonderful!!!

I am a fifty-one year old woman who, very fortunately, happened upon The Windrose Naturopathic Clinic and Dr. Dick, Dr. Potenza and their very competent staff.  Like so many others, when I found them I just did not feel right. I had lack of energy and zest for life.  Last fall I was diagnosed with NASH Disease. The person who first made the diagnosis was my medical doctor (MD). He gave me very little information or any plan of attack for the diagnosis. Dr. Dick, who is my Naturopathic doctor (ND) provided me with much needed information and a plan to be healthy once again. She found other underlying reasons for my symptoms of pain, tiredness, etc., such as food intolerance, and also discovered other medical issues.  I am now on the road to recovery.  I could go on about the process and the findings, and I would be happy to do so, but I know this is a place to make requests for the website.

I would love to see recipes and suggestions provided for those of us that have fruit intolerance. I also have grain and potato intolerance. Dr. Dick says this is one of the hardest. Maybe there are only a few of us. I do not know, but this would be much appreciated information. Being so new to the whole idea, I have to admit; it has been challenging and overwhelming. I have no friends or family who are advocates of Naturopathic Medicine. (I am working on changing this).  I have wished for someone in the same "boat" to talk to and share ideas and this seems like the place.  Thank you whole-heartily for starting this.  It is the next best thing to a support group!
My best regards,
Kathy C.

Subject: Thanks!
From: Stephenie R .
Date: October 2, 2007
To: manager@songofhealth.com
Thanks for the fun ”article” on Cooking for the Masses. My family and I just got back from our first backpacking trip to the Washington Coast, having spent four days in the wilderness. “Beautiful” is not an adequate enough word to describe it. Because of our family’s food intolerances: 2 no dairy/no soy, 1 no potato, 1 no dairy, and a hypoglycemic (whew), I had to make and dehydrate ALL of our backpacking food. There is nothing on the market to meet our needs and if there were, there’s no way we would spend 5 bucks a pop to purchase it. What a challenge! But I cannot tell you how exhilarating it was to make wonderful meals that my whole family could have and enjoy. We too, had no one ill on our trip! My kids said the food was awesome. My husband was “stuffed” and full of energy. And I got to backpack for the first time, thanks to the return of my health after 13 years of debilitating sickness. Thank you, Dr. Dick! Thank you Dr. Potenza! Words cannot express my gratitude. I love the newsletters! I love the website! They give me inspiration and hope!
Sincerely,
Stephenie R.

This is the family at the beginning of our backpacking trip.
Left to Right: Rachel, Me, Bethanne, Adam, & Dave

From Kathy C., April 29, 2007
Thank you for this wonderful website. I now feel I am not alone on this journey to good health!!! Kat

From Brad L., November 08, 2007
Hello Sandra. Good job on the web site. It does meet a vital need for all of us who understand the importance of food intolerance issues.

I have known Dr. Tish and Dr. Harold Dick [Dr. Tish's father] and Ruby [her mother] since about 1990. Dr. Dick treated my in-laws for cancer and later became my family's and my doctor, which included my wife and 4 kids. My wife and I have practiced this lifestyle of healthy eating for about 17 years and have found it to be very beneficial for our general health, as well as healing for specific chronic issues. I still miss Dr. Dick, his unique personality and his special sayings, etc.

Thanks for your time and investment into this life enhancing work! ~ Brad

From Julie D., November 2, 2007
I could write you a huge letter re: the importance and difference it [avoiding food intolerances] has made for myself and my family.

My son was screaming as a newborn and no one could tell me why. I actually brought him (my third born) to the ER 4 times in his first 8 weeks of life. Their only answer was more, more and more medications - which did nothing to help the screaming pain. The doctor would say it was colic, but I knew there was something else going on...His screaming would gather force the more he nursed through the day. I KNEW it was something I was eating. After millions of tears and helplessness on my part, we joined up with a gastroenterologist, who did blood tests, scopes, etc. My baby had reflux, but that was all they could find. The blood test showed he was having an allergic reaction to something and he was bleeding in his stool. They suggested formula as the answer.

A friend of mine suggested the Windrose Clinic for "testing." She had worked there, and though it sounded somewhat extreme to me, I begged for an appointment, which I quickly received.

The clinic "tested" me, as I was his only food source. My intolerances turned out to be Potato and the combination Fruit with Sugar. I cut them out (according to labels) immediately and there was some improvement, but still my baby was screaming. Then I realized the importance of nuances of ingredients on labels. For example, "salt" usually evaluates positive for "potato" too, because potato is added to mine salt to prevent caking. Knowing some brands are more likely to be tainted, etc., I became even more knowledgable on how to avoid small sources of potato, fruit and sugar.

Within 3 months I had the hang of it and had another blood test done on my son at the gastroenterologist's. The test showed that the blood reaction in my son was now gone, as was the blood in his stool! Later on, Windrose Clinic analyzed my son for his own personal food intolerances prior to him being started on solid foods. His results were the same as mine. It now made sense to me why, although my other babies would cry, this son would become hysterical as an infant. My son has been healthy since - maybe 3 colds in 14 months - and is now a good sleeper.

We recently had our other two boys evaluated (now that I'm ready to tackle more). Adding in their intolerances of Dairy, Egg and Fruit/Sugar combination to meal planning was not difficult at all, to my pleasant surprise. Both boys have started sleeping at least 4 more hours at night. One of my sons has Sensory Integration Disorder and is now able to control his outbreaks about 50% more, which occured within 24 hours of his diet change. His face and eyes looked different and we saw that swelling we weren't even aware was present, was now gone! It's amazing.

We recently weathered Halloween and were able to walk through it with no fruit/sugar combinations, by trading their candy for Transformer toys! I have been pleasantly surprised at how well they have handled the change and, for the most part, it has gone very well. They keep track of what they eat and ask if they are able to have something, even though we sometimes have to say "no" to things they really like. For a 5- and 3-year old, that's not bad!

I am pregnant again and am truly looking forward to an infant that doesn't cry from pain, because now I am eating correctly. I can't wait to see the difference! Next on the list is to get my husband evaluated for his food intolerances.

We may be the family "people don't want to invite over for dinner," however, at home we have made 99% of the meals as we did before, with some modifications and from scratch. We are a hundred times healthier and happier - both mood and body wise. It has been an adventure I never thought I'd take, but I am SO glad I did. I have often wondered what would have happened if we had not sought the Windrose Naturopathic Clinic's help. I imagine that my youngest may have eventually had to deal with Chron's Disease, cancer or something else terribly sad. Instead, he is able to grow in a healthy body and achieve his total potential. What a profound difference that is!

I think your site is fabulous and really wish I would have found it when I was first making our diet change. There were a lot of mistakes I made without realizing there were other alternatives, or nuances, in ingredients. To be able to talk with other people who have the same intolerances, or have a family of different ones and still make it work, is incredibly encouraging. It's such an "outside of the norm" thing; having someone along with you is very helpful. Thanks for the great information and helpful forums. We will be subscriber-for-the-year, no doubt. Keep up the good work! ~ Julie

P.S. GREAT newsletter! That rocked. Thanks a lot. I passed it onto my husband. There is some incredible information in there (especially the article about the stew and by Dr. Potenza). I have noticed a direct correlation between my mood and if I eat something with fruit that may be tainted (or vice versa) - It is horrible 24 hours later. I have been able to test on myself if something is tainted, just by thinking back (when my mood is uncontrollable) what I ate 24 hours prior. That is interesting stuff...

Thanks for taking the time to do that fabulous newsletter. ~ Julie

From Traci, February 13, 2008
I appreciate your understanding and your timely response to my comments...By the way I love Song of Health. I am always anxious to log in to find out anything new. God Bless. Traci

Subject: Thank you
From: Ramona Ciobanu
Date: November 12, 2008
To: manager@songofhealth.com
Dear Sandra,

I just wanted to write and say how much I enjoy your website and how much I learn from it that is helping me in my goal for leading a much healthier lifestyle.

Thanks so much for your help.
Regards,
Ramona Ciobanu

July 15, 2009
Hey Sandy,
I just read your newsletter. That turned out well. I really like
the way you tackled the question about "curing" a food intolerance.
Great job!
Tish

THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE COMMENTS AND RATINGS RECEIVED FROM RENEWING SUBSCRIBERS AT GOOGLE CHECKOUT:

DAVID H., 8/18/09. Got what i asked for. *****

STEVE D., 9/12/08. Great, a pleasure doing business with them. *****

LIL S., 8/2/08. It is the most informative web site ever!! Thanks for all the time it takes to publish this very informative newsletter!!

CARLEE S., 7/1/08. It is an informational, health related website and has interesting and valuable information about food intolerances. *****

DAVID S., 5/15/08. My expectations were met. *****

LINDA Z., 5/12/08. Great--I love having the information at my fingertips! *****

OVERALL RATING OF REVIEWS: ***** 4.8 OF 5!

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