Kefir -and its effects

PROBIOTICS -- KEFIR CAUCASICUM -- HOW THIS CHANGED OUR LIVES

Dear Leslie:

Regarding your article in THE BELLINGHAM HERALD on Sunday, April 4, 1999 Easter Day. YOU ARE RIGHT ON! Friendly bacteria rules!

The lack of "friendly flora" due to the excessive use of antibiotics in our society is causing a plethora of maladies that could be avoided. There are too many people with mental difficulties, ADHD, cancer, digestive disorders, early age Parkinson's, alzhiemers, MS, learning disabilities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, skin problems, gout, headaches, weight problems, diabetes. the list goes on. Get the good bacteria back in and get on with your life!

Over the last year, I have begun researching two critical areas of interest PROBIOTICS AND AMINO ACIDS. This research was crucial for me in order to understand the overwhelming number of people in my family with ADHD and related spectrum disorders as well as Parkinson's, auto immune, hypoglycemia, cystic adult acne (the list goes on).

I was introduced to a product (accidentally sent to me by someone I didn't know) that is made up of the ancient "Kefir Cultures" specifically the ones originating in the Caucasus Mountain area of Russia. Each of these capsules contain 2 million of all of the beneficial "friendly bacteria" that so many people are lacking (and don't know it). The ingredients are as follows:

B. BIFIDUM
B. LONGUM
L. ACIDOPHILUS
L. CASEI-RHAMNOSIS
S. THERMOPHILUS
L. PLANTARUM
L. BULGARICUS
LACTOCOCCUS
DIACETYLACTIS
LEUCONOSTOC CREMORIS
FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES
MODIFIED CITRUS PECTIN
GEORGIAN GLACIAL WATER MINERALS
RHODOGEN (RHODODENDRON CAUCASICUM UNGERN) (RHODOGEN)
CONTAINS: HIGHLY ACTIVE, DISTILLED WATER EXTRACTED, BIOANTIOXIDANT
STANDARDIZED TO 50% PROANTHOCYANIDINS WITH OTHER PHYTONUTRIENTS INCLUDING CATECHINS, LEUCOPETUNIDIN, LEUCOPEONIN, LEUCOCYANNIDIN AND LEUCODELPHINIDIN.

My son and I have ADHD and mild Tourette's Syndrome. I have suffered w/ depression, anxiety, high cholesterol, on and on. I have been on medication after medication (probably 50 over 10 years time) hoping to be healed. I became deathly ill from some medication and became hopelessly addicted to others. I put myself in 2 different mental hospitals trying to find answers, drug rehab once, and jailed due to "bizarre acting out" in a dentist's office.

I was out of my mind because of these dangerous drugs I shouldn't have been on in the first place. I finally realized that I wasn't going to get better unless I started taking a pro active approach in my life as well as my son's.

A year ago, with the aid of a new, awesome doctor who understands ADHD related disorders, I was finally diagnosed with the proper "disorder." I have ADHD just like my son -- not chronic, clinical depression NOR addictive behavior.

I was put on 5 mg. Dexedrine spansules 2 x day. Within 1 week I thought, "so this is how "normal" people are supposed to feel." As I began to feel better I was able - for the first time - to sort, organize and retain information. I have been to 3 conference/conventions regarding ADHD and associated spectrum disorders in order to understand. I felt that medication was important, however, just a stepping stone to the real "healing." I realized I was basing my belief system on heresay, this opinion, that opinion, the press, etc., but not the solid facts.

I began researching, reading, asking questions and meditating. Since October of 1997, I have been able to process many years of frustration, pain and shame. I now, for the first time, KNOW WHAT I KNOW. I have a belief system based on truth and facts that are relevant to my son and I and our individual "makeup." I do not need to ask anyone's opinion or permission as to whether or not my belief system is valid. I have tested the waters, been consistent, become informed and now am seeing the fruits of my labor. It is very exciting to say the least. The following is just an idea to let you know what has saved our lives and helped us in conjunction with your probiotic article in the paper.

We take 2 capsules of (synergistic, naturally occurring probiotic complex) Kefir Caucasicum and 1 additional capsule of acidophilis (until we get the "good flora" overpowering the "bad bacteria."

We also take some "feed the brain" products (synergistic, naturally occuring amino acid complex) first thing in the morning on empty stomach. When taken on an empty stomach, they can access the benefits of the "naked" BBB (brain blood barrier) Within 5 minutes they enter the system and go right to work on restoring and exciting the neurotransmitters. Within 30 minutes they have entered and crossed over the barrier and, therefore, benefit our chemistry for 8 hours following initial contact. These combination capsules, working together, have a synergistic effect of 133%.

We have also adopted a high protein, low carb diet. Protein is a must in our home in the morning along with consistently taking the supplements. I make protein shakes and add essential EFA complex w/ omega 3,6,9 and some other great ingredients, additional B-Complex and C. We have eliminated ALL aspartame from our diet. Aspartame is a killer of the neurological functioning in many people -- especially those who are prone to neurobiochemical imbalance and/or neurological diseases such as Parkinson's (my Nana has this devastating disease). I try to read labels and avoid red, blue, yellow dyes, MSG, high sugar/carbohydrate content and other things that would take too long to go into.

We all have chosen our method of exercise at least 3 x week. I go to gym, my husband hikes, my oldest son, Brandon - 17 turns out for football, golf, baseball and track and also goes to the gym. My youngest son, Brett - Wrestles, plays soccer and rides his bike instead of having someone drive him. My husband hikes and walks whenever possible. We get at least 6 hours (usually 8 hours) of sleep every night.

I have encouraged each of my family members to figure out what they "love" to do and make time to do it. Using our gifts and talents is healing in itself. It has been so fun watching them grow and flourish. My youngest son is involved w/ drama and is quite a gifted little actor. He can mimic any dialect's accent. Next year when he is in high school he will be able to take advantage of the drama program there. I auditioned and was voted in to a women's 4 part barbershop group - sweet Adeline's. I love to sing - really love to sing and this has been wonderful for me. Anyway, that is that part of the healing process.

Within 1 month of taking these 3 supplements (last October), I noticed a HUGE change in both of us. I am sure the other positive things are helping too, however, we didn't start all the other stuff until Feb 99. We began weaning off medication and as of today, we are merely weeks away from being drug free. The amino acids aided in the manufacturing of fresh new neurotransmitters greatly increasing the dopamine and seritonin in our brains. The other synergistic ingredients enabled the amino acids to work even better. The probiotics are cleaning us out (literally) and I have not had a yeast infection for 4 months (I used to get them at least once a month -- YUK YUK YUK.)

As a teen, I struggled w/ acne that got worse over the years. I took many years worth of antibiotics. I was asked by a skin doctor 9 months ago to start taking tetracycline again. I said, "Forget it." During the last 5 years I began to get cystic acne that was painful, ugly and stripped away my self confidence. I have been on antibiotics, spyronolactone, retin a, peels, antibacterial lotions and soaps etc. Nothing worked. When I incorporated probiotics and bought a book explaining all the benefits, I learned that cystic acne is a direct cause of the lack of good bacteria.

It stated in the book that you can make a paste of these probiotics mixed w/ pure water and fresh aloe. Put the paste on your face for 20 minutes and wipe. Since I have been taking caucasicum and doing this paste - I have NO MORE ACNE, CYSTS, BLACKHEADS OR WHITEHEADS. The oil has decreased by at least 1/2. My mental state is clear and concise. I have never felt better in my life.

I have babbled too much - but I have more insights and experiences that I would love to share if you are interested. Many are in regard to ADHD and the fact that many different things look like it (ADHD) -- but aren't (like excessive "bad" bacteria and yeast coating the stomach, intestine and colon) My son almost died this last year due to sleep apnea. I was told by at least 7 doctors that they wouldn't even consider taking my son's tonsils and adenoids out. They said, "We don't routinely do that anymore"

Well............he had them out (EMERGENCY SITUATION) last December and the changes are absolutely nothing less that a gift from God Almighty. Sleep Apnea looks, breathes, acts just like severe ADHD. BRETT IS A NEW CHILD! He has grown 2 inches, 2 shoe sizes, lost 15 pounds of pudgy, and is loosing his baby teeth for the first time at the rate of 1 a week. He has caught up academically with all the students and is living, for the first time, a rested, peaceful, clear brained, incredibly talented life.

Probiotics, amino acids and a doctor that listens & CARES has changed our lives. I want others to know that they can do the same and that they don't have to take drugs if they don't want to. We are living proof that marching to the beat of your own drum and gut feelings can take you from despair to a fruitful life full of hope. I am advocating for ADHD children and their parents and hope to go into this field of work by educating people w/ basic sound knowledge so they can make an educated choice.

A million thanks for your great article -- I had many phone calls this morning from people who read it and now really believe what I have been trying to tell them because of you. I am grateful to you, Leslie.

Dawn Mankle
Bellingham, WA