Frequently Asked Questions About Acid Reflux and Heartburn
1. What is a Food Allergy?
*Food allergies occur when your immune system makes a mistake. Normally, your immune (say: ih-myoon) system protects you from germs and disease. It does this by making antibodies that help you fight off bacteria, viruses, and other tiny organisms that can make you sick. But if you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly treats something in a certain food as if it’s really dangerous to you.
*The same sort of thing happens with any allergy, whether it’s a medicine , pollen in the air (from flowers and trees), or a food, like peanuts. So the thing itself isn’t harmful, but the way your body reacts to it is.
*If a kid with peanut allergy would have eaten that peanut-topped brownie, here’s what would happen. Antibodies to something in the food would cause mast cells (a type of immune system cell in the body) to release chemicals into the bloodstream. One of these chemicals is histamine (say: his-tuh-meen).
Patient Testimonials:
*“Before I came to Dr. Popkin’s office I was extremely allergic to peanuts and Iodine. Thanks to N.A.E.T., I am now able to eat peanuts and foods containing Iodine. If I even came in contact with peanuts before N.A.E.T., I would go into anaphylactic shock and end up in the hospital. So thank you sooooooo much!! You have given me my life back! And your staff has been wonderful to me, this is the best Health-care office I have ever been to! N.A.E.T. really works!”*
– Leandra B.
2. How do Food Allergies develop?
*Doctors and health specialists are not exactly sure why some individuals are susceptible to allergies and others are not. Many times allergies are passed from generation to generation or many times skip a generation. Many authorities feel that allergies can be developed in utero when the mother is exposed to certain foods, substances, chemicals, etc.
Patient Testimonials
*“I used to get severe diarrhea and stomach pain whenever I ate tomatoes. Spaghetti and basil and garlic was my favorite. Every time I ate this my throat became tight and I would begin to get symptoms. After I was treated for tomatoes by Dr. Popkin I no longer had any reactions. Thank You!”*
– Steven G.
3. How many different types of food allergies are there?
*The Big Eight.
The most common food allergies are:
- Milk allergy
- Egg allergy
- Peanut allergy
- Tree nut allergy
- Seafood allergy
- Shellfish allergy
- Soy allergy
- Wheat allergy
*No more Allergies to Milk or Milk Products
*“As a small child our son Scott was sickly. He had tubes in his ears at the age of 3. Soon after he developed problems when he ate foods containing milk or chocolate. He threw up after he ate the food. After doing NAET with Dr. Popkin, Scott began to improve. He was treated for the basics and now he is healthy and thriving. Thank you so much!”*
– Kim J.
4. What different symptoms can people experience from a food allergy?
*The histamine then causes symptoms that affect a person’s eyes, nose, throat, respiratory system, skin, and digestive system. A person with a food allergy could have a mild reaction – or it could be more severe. An allergic reaction could happen right away or a few hours after the person eats it. Some of the first signs that a person may be having an allergic reaction could be a runny nose, an itchy skin rash such as hives, or a tingling in the tongue or lips. Other signs include:
- tightness in the throat
- hoarse voice
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- acid reflux
- indigestion
*In the most serious cases, a food allergy can cause anaphylaxis (say: ah-nuh-fuh-lak-sis). This is a sudden, severe allergic reaction in which several problems occur all at once and can involve the skin, breathing, digestion, the heart, and blood vessels. A person’s blood pressure can drop, breathing tubes can narrow, and the tongue can swell.
*People at risk for this kind of a reaction have to be very careful and need a plan for handling emergencies, when they might need to get special medicine to stop these symptoms from getting worse.
5. What is N.A.E.T. and how does it help with food allergies?
*N.A.E.T. stands for Nambudripad’s Allergy Technique. NAET was developed by Dr. Devi Nambudripad. She is an R.N., PhD in Acupuncture, Chiropractor and has recently received her M.D. degree. She has a clinic in Buena Park, California, where we have personally visited many times. She still sees over a hundred patients per day and continues doing allergy research.
*I know that you’re wondering if NAET could help you or your child? It can. My name is Dr. David Popkin and I would love the opportunity to see if I can help make a difference for you and your family. Call me and let’s talk about your or your child’s food allergy and how NAET can help. You have nothing to lose and there will be no charge to talk with me. Call me at (954) 370-1900. I really do look forward to speaking with you!
6. How long has the N.A.E.T. procedure been in existence?
*N.A.E.T. has been researched and developed over the last 20 years.
7. Why haven’t I heard about N.A.E.T.?
*Even though it has been practiced over the past 20 years, N.A.E.T. is still considered a relatively new technology on the allergy scene. Dr. Devi has personally trained over 4500 practitioners in her allergy addressing technique. Unfortunately, these individual practitioners, including us, do not have the tremendous advertising budgets of the pharmaceutical industry to enhance the awareness ofthis cutting edge treatment. N.A.E.T. has grown primarily by word of mouth from existing patients and is only now finding its way into the research journals and allergy reference materials.
8. What is the N.A.E.T. procedure and testing?
*N.A.E.T. is based on the theory and concepts of EME or electromagnetic energy. The human body has a flow of electrical currents that run through it everyday of your life called meridians or energy channels. When the body has an allergic reaction, a blockage occurs in the meridians. Blockages of different meridians, or channels, cause different symptoms. By stimulating what are called alarm points on either side of the spine while the person holds the allergen vial, the electromagnetic energy is altered in the patient’s body therefore reducing the allergic response. In the body a chemical, enzymatic, and physiologic change occurs which neutralizes the immune mediators and therefore interrupts the antigen-antibody reaction. By doing this, it clears the energy blockages and notifies the brain that the allergen has been desensitized.
9. What is the treatment procedure on a typical N.A.E.T patient?
*The patient is first asked to wash their hands with soap and water in order to clean off any foreign substances or energies that may be on their hands. The patient is then asked to remove their watch, socks, shoes, and any other electrical or battery operated device from their body. The Doctor will then begin the MRT (muscle response testing procedure) in order to determine what substance the patient has allergy or sensitivity to. The MRT procedure is painless. When a baby or child is being tested, a surrogate will be used. Typically this is the parent. The surrogate is always checked first to make sure they are not allergic to the item being tested. After recording the findings, the Doctor will begin the first treatment. The patient then holds a small vial with the allergen energetic in it. The Doctor then uses a small painless instrument to stimulate key acupressure points along the spine. Based upon the patients preference, different techniques including acupressure, electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture or needle acupuncture, are utilized in completing the treatment. After this procedure, the patient with the vial in hand is asked to relax for a period of 20 minutes. This period helps the body go through the desensitization to the allergen. In the case of children, the vial is secured to their body using a hypoallergenic tape. At the end of the treatment period, the doctor will once again check muscle response strength to the allergen. Once again, the patient will be asked to wash their hands; but this time only water is to be used. This will reduce the bioenergetics of the substance being treated. Final written instructions are then given outlining the products that must be avoided and the length of time of this avoidance period.
10. Does the treatment help people of all ages?
*N.A.E.T. can be effective for individuals of all ages. In our office we have treated pregnant women, newborns, infants, children of all ages, adults, and geriatrics.
11. How long do you have to avoid the allergen?
*As previously stated, after the treatment in the office is completed, you will be give a list of substances to be avoided and the length of time of the avoidance. Your body will be very sensitive at this time to the items / allergen that you have cleared. Most individuals have to stay away from the products for at least 25 hours. However, this could be longer in individual situations and will be assessed on each and every visit.
12. Are there any risks to the patient or potential side effects?
*There have been no reported side effects when the guidelines have been followed correctly. If they are not adhered to, the patient may experience an allergic reaction if they come in contact with the allergen during the avoidance period. The high success rate is due in part to the thorough consultation, examination, and proper treatment protocols that are instituted in our office. The patient’s commitment, understanding, and follow through with the Doctor’s instructions are an integral part to the success of the treatment. If the guidelines are closely followed, side effects should be few, if none at all. The patient can expect improved health, which relates to an enhanced immune system, reduction their allergies and symptoms, and a sense of well being.
13. Is there a certain order that must be followed in treating allergens?
*Yes, according to Dr. Nambudripad’s technique food items are checked and cleared first. There is a list of foods called the basics. 15 to 25 foods must be evaluated. The reason we check foods first is that your body cannot survive without food. Your body can avoid certain environmental allergens, chemicals, inhalants, etc. By clearing foods first, we strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and absorption. This allows your body to get the necessary nutrients which are essential when undergoing the subsequent treatments. Typically, the treatment order is as follows:
- Egg Mix – includes egg yolks and whites, chicken
- Calcium
- Vitamin C
- B-complex
- Sugar
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Salt
- Chlorides
- Mineral Mix
- Corn
- Yeast
- Wheat
*The order is very structured and must be followed exactly because one food group is usually linked to the subsequent one. Clearing of one allergen could potentially reduce the need for treating another allergen group further down the line.
14. How many treatments will I need?
*This is a very difficult question to answer in that everyone has different genetic makeup, body type, histories, and personality. All of these factors will come into play in order to determine which allergens need to be treated. Most individuals will have to be tested and cleared on the basics that come of positive. For each positive allergen being tested, one session is usually needed for clearing that particular item. Only one allergen is cleared or treated per visit. This is not only because your body is actively desensitizing toward the one allergen, but also it would be rather difficult for your body to go through this procedure with multiple allergens at the same item. Secondly, it would be rather difficult to avoid multiple food groups at the same time and strict adherence to the avoidance list and avoidance time is a key component to a successful treatment. Fasting is not recommended, or allowed, during the avoidance period.
15. What is the difference between allergy shots and N.A.E.T.?
*The goal of allergy shots or immunotherapy is to desensitize the individual to the allergen or allergens by injecting a small amount of the substance in the skin. Allergy shots typically do not offer long-term results but are primarily used as a symptomatic approach. The injection is usually administered in the arm and given 2x per week. The dosage is gradually decreased depending on symptoms until a maintenance level is established. This process can last for 5 -7 years. Shots can be painful when being administered. Pain at the injection site, with soreness can also be expected from these shots.
*N.A.E.T. uses no shots, no needles, and no medications. It is a painless treatment. With N.A.E.T., in just a few visits most individuals will achieve positive results in a short time. Although the number of treatments varies as a result of the amount of allergens that need to be treated, most people can have resolution of a life-long problem in as little as 3 months or a few visits.
17. How do I setup a consultation with the doctor to see if he can help me?
*Dr. Popkin will be happy to discuss any questions, or concerns with you prior to you coming. Please call (954) 370-1900 to schedule a consultation with the doctor.
18. Patient Testimonials
*“Before I came to Dr. Popkin’s office I was extremely allergic to peanuts and Iodine. Thanks to N.A.E.T., I am now able to eat peanuts and foods containing Iodine. If I even came in contact with peanuts before N.A.E.T., I would go into anaphylactic shock and end up in the hospital. So thank you sooooooo much!! You have given me my life back! And your staff has been wonderful to me, this is the best Healthcare office I have ever been to! N.A.E.T. really works!”*
– Leandre B.
*“Mia was suffering from many allergies and we did not even know it. At 10 months old she had already had several colds that would last longer than normal, turn into bronchitis and even wheezing. After only 3 or 4 visits of treatment with N.A.E.T., Mia started sleeping better and be interested in everything like a 10 month old should! Thank you all for your help. She’s been feeling so much better now for more than 2 months. I came here looking for some help for my little girl and I found more than I asked for!”*
– Catherine F. (Mom)
*“I used to get severe asthma and sinusitis whenever I ate tomatoes. Spaghetti and basil and garlic was my favorite. Every time i ate this my throat became tight and I would begin to get Asthma. After i was treated for tomatoes by Dr. Popkin I no longer had any reactions. Thank You!!”*
– Steven G.
*“As a small child our son Scott was sickly. He had tubes in his ears at the age of 3. Soon after he developed problems when he ate foods containing milk or chocolate. He threw up after he ate the food. After doing NAET with Dr. Popkin Scott began to improve. He was treated for the basics and now he is healthy and thriving. Thank you so much!”*
– Kim J.
*Results may vary from person to person