Dr. Fine's Camp

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:11 am

Hey Everyone,

We just got back from a week in Jemez Springs, New Mexico at Dr. Fine's Get on a Mission of Nutrition Family Camp. We had a wonderful time . . . beautiful weather, lots of great hiking and activities, and networking with Dr. Fine and other food intolerant folks from across the country (26 people). The camp is always the week before the 4th of July - if he has the camp next year I would strongly encourage others to attend - it's not just for kids. I really enjoyed the break from cooking and they were very accommodating with everyone's food intolerances.

Dr. Ken (this is what everyone calls him) verified that he is trying to get his research published, but does fully expect to have it rejected a few times before it is published. He believes getting his research published will help, but he thinks it will take the medical community 10 years before they fully get the message. He is very busy with many projects. In the near future he is adding "corn" to his list of stool tests and then he plans to expand it to many other foods. He now has a line of blueberries under the label of "Dr. Blueberry" and he also developed a blueberry juice (high in antioxidants) that he is trying to get in Whole Foods - called Dr. Muscaberry. All of his products carry the Get on a Mission of Nutrition logo.

He talked about his research a bit. He said his study showed about 25% of the population is gluten intolerant (and of the 25%, 11% are celiac). This is in line with Polly's post from this am about the Mayo Clinic study showing that CD is 4 times more common than previously thought. Slowly but surely the info is getting out. Dr. Fine had some of Rodney Ford's (pediatric gastroenterologist from New Zealand who has studied gluten intolerance for 20 years) book for sale so I bought his latest book, The Gluten Syndrome. His concept is very interesting - he believes that gluten intolerance starts in the brain and affects the Autonomic Nervous System, which then sends out mixed signals, which is why it can attack various parts of the GI tract, the skin etc. I believe this concept as I clearly had neuro symptoms before I had GI symptoms.

Dr. Ken used his musical talents to teach and entertain us. He has a nutrition curriculum for kids - I purchased a copy of the tape and curriculum to teach in my son's 4th grade class. He clearly is on a Mission of Nutrition - he practices what he preaches and really does not profit from what he does - everything from the cost of the camp to the books and curriculum is underpriced - his main goal is to get the message out. I left the camp with a newfound commitment to help spread the word.

Here are a few photos from camp

Mary Beth[/img]

RUBYREDDOG · Post by **RUBYREDDOG** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:54 am

Mary Beth, Thanks for posting that information!

Post by **tex** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:18 am

Mary Beth,

That makes me wish I had been there. We appreciate the great coverage, and the updated information about his research.

I've never read Dr. Ford's book, but I probably should, because my neurological symptoms were really severe at times. I wish I had payed closer attention, when my symptoms started, because now I can't recall if any neurological symptoms came first. They certainly might have, though, because the first thing I remember noticing, was that I was suddenly having an extraordinary number of tooth cavities, after many years of virtually trouble-free teeth. Then, I thought that I was either experiencing a lot of food poisoning, or I was having frequent relapses of the flu.

Then one day the D started, and wouldn't stop. Dr. Ford's viewpoint is definitely an interesting one, and it makes a lot of sense, regarding the way that symptoms can be so different, for each of us.

Thanks for sharing the trip with us.

Tex

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:49 pm

Thank you so much for sharing what had to be a great experience!!!

Love, Shirley

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 8:17 pm

Mary Beth,

Thank you for giving us the information.

In the near future he is adding "corn" to his list of stool tests and then he plans to expand it to many other foods.

It would be very helpful if Dr. Fine would expand the list of foods to his list of stool tests. I hope that happens soon.

Gloria

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:32 am

Mary Beth,

Thanks for posting this. Very informative! I have always wanted to attend one of Dr. Fine's offerings.

Love,

Polly

ant · Post by **ant** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 9:42 am

Just got off the phone from someone in the admin department at Enterolab. My test is finally ordered and kit on the way. I will share the results in a few weeks hopefully.

I asked if they could keep my specimen to cover the new corn test when available. They are going to be sending an e-mailer out to their database on it soon. But she added that they now only keep specimens for two months because there has been such an increasing in test orders...... I guess this is more evidence of higher awareness and acceptance of these tests.

Best ant

Post by **tex** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:18 pm

Ant,

I believe that will be the longest trip that any member's sample has traveled, to get to the lab.

Thanks for the update on the sample storage time. It's a shame that they had to cut their storage time so drastically, but on the other hand, I suppose it's a good sign, because it does speak volumes about the apparent acceptance, (popularity), of the tests. I'll bet their dumpster is really a popular stop for the workers on the garbage truck that covers that route.

Tex

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:22 pm

Wayne,
I loved your choice of words -- "speak volumes." Luce

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:23 pm

Polly,
Don't leave home without me! Luce