In five short weeks you can be symptom free from food allergies, and other chronic disorders, through the highly effective Special Foods Diet program.

THE SF COMPREHENSIVE INTERVENTION PROGRAM:

CASE SUMMARIES.

Applied Science and Technology International, Inc. and Special Foods have collaborated in a multi year study of the benefits of a hypoallergenic diet and thorough elimination of chemical exposures for persons suffering from difficult and complex symptom arrays. Persons in the study all experienced severe symptoms and represented complex, difficult cases. Severe forms of the following conditions were studied: asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, eczema, irritable bowel, ADD, bipolar disorder, hyperactivity, throat tightening, a wide variety of digestive difficulties, congestion, underweight, low muscle tone, severe pain, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and a wide variety of altered temperament, moods, and cognitive ability.

Of the 90 individuals included in the study, 45 were autistic and 45 were not autistic. The 12 cases are summarized in this report are representative of the non-autistic group. The cases reported are representative of the results achieved for all participants. The cases described herein were selected to illustrate the variety of conditions studied, and some of the approaches used in various circumstances.

Virtually all of these individuals were followed for a full year. The results show that the improvements are sustained, and that other than an occasional unanticipated exposure, no recurrence has occurred in any individual.

The underlying principle is simple: one cannot react unless one is exposed. The subjects experienced complete relief from symptoms and their diseases, regardless of diagnosis or severity, solely through a complete change of diet and thorough control of environment.

For further information please contact:

Karen M. Slimak
Principle Investigator/President

Applied Science and Technology International, Inc.
Springfield, Virginia 22153

703 644 0991

RESEARCH STUDY:
Intervention Methodology In Difficult And Complex Cases

Research Program conducted by:
Applied Science & Technology International, Inc.
Principal Investigator: K. M. Slimak

Summary Of Investigation: Difficult and complex cases are those in which a patient experiences a myriad of moderate to severe symptoms from foods and multiple chemical sensitivities, sensitivities to pollens, dusts, molds and the like. These sensitivities also contribute to reduced resistance to infections, Candidiasis, irritated and injured mucous membranes of the GI tract causing a variety of malabsorption problems, and anxiety and fears of the patient associated with past exposures and misinterpretations by the patient. For these patients, cause and effect assessments are difficult, and helpful approaches for one condition often cause adverse effects for another condition, making the desired progress for these patients more difficult to achieve. Difficult cases are also those in which the patient experiences severe symptoms that are not substantially improved by a previous treatments.

The purpose of the present investigation was to 1) further document a highly effective stepwise, systematic approach for complex, difficult cases, and 2) to show that this stepwise, systematic approach can be broadly applied to a large group of varied cases.

63 people have been included in the study, each meeting the following criteria:

Physician diagnosis as difficult and complex.
Physician diagnosis of food allergies, sensitivities or intolerances as an important factor.
Patient agreement to fully comply with the requirements of the study; these are described in the Special Foods Diet patient handbook, and additional individualized instructions will be provided orally by research investigators. Patient agrees to participate in a weekly telephone consultation for the first two months and monthly consultation for the subsequent 12 months.

Patients are responsible for purchasing the foods for the diet. Special Foods and Applied Science and Technology International, Inc. provide all consultations and follow-up at no charge.

Patients proceed through a stepwise program that scientifically controls variables and achieves a symptom-free diet within the first two months and achieves a full zero-symptom baseline by the end of the program for all sensitivities.

When participants are ready to expand their diets, assistance is provided to help participants choose foods that are likely to be tolerated. Staff also instruct the participants on food reintroduction. A final diet is achieved that maintains the zero-symptom status of the patient.

I.
Severe Asthma, Hyperactivity, Poor Balance

Case Summary:
Rachael's eight-year-old daughter, Ruby, suffered from severe asthma. Peak flow measurements and inhalers were part of the daily routine. Even so, Ruby experienced severe asthma episodes, some requiring hospitalization. In addition to life threatening asthma, Ruby was very hyperactive; she talked very fast and rushed about constantly, shifting her attention and concentration from one thing to another, never really focusing on a task at hand. She had very poor coordination, constantly lost her balance, and walked with an awkward stride. She reacted to many foods and molds with hives and throat tightening.

Rachael turned to the Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program for assistance. During the first week Ruby strongly resisted the change in her diet; however, her mother found a way around the problem by baking pita bread with the program's special flours and stuffing them with the meats and vegetables prescribed by her SF/CIP counselor. Rachael simultaneously implemented the critically important strategies for avoiding chemical exposures.

Ruby experienced immediate improvement. Her hyperactivity, constant talking and balance problems disappeared. She started walking straighter and could even skip rope. At the four-week point of the program, Ruby was smiling and full of energy, but she was talking normally and she was no longer wild and out of control.

After six weeks on the program, Ruby's physician has taken her off the nebulizer; her symptoms have reached the zero level, and have been maintained.. Mom is keeping their environment mold-free and has implemented the pollen protection procedures. Ruby is back in school, and her classmates and teacher are helping her remain symptom free by removing carpet and plastic toys, among other things.

II.
Brain Stem Seizures, Low Muscle Tone, Diarrhea, Screaming

Case Summary:
Heather entered the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program at 27 months of age. She suffered from brain stem seizures that were kept to 15-20 per day with the aid of medication. She suffered from 20 diarrhea stools, and severe diaper rash that included raw, bloody areas. Her digestive distress also included constant spitting up and frequent vomiting of foods. Due to low muscle tone, she was weak, particularly on her right side. Her head was sensitive to touch, and she had difficulty sleeping. Heather was also highly sensitive to light and sound. Heather screamed constantly, engaged in fast head shaking and grabbed at her face. She was also unable to show any emotion.

Because Heather was unable to chew food, her mother, Susan, prepared a puree of the food. By the end of the second week on the Special Foods diet, Heather began initiating eye contact and started crying to let her mother know when she was unhappy about a particular food. Her seizures were reduced to about ten a day, and she was able to sleep easier at night.

The eventual elimination of seizures was the result of careful dietary intervention and avoidance of volatile organic chemicals in the environment. The seizures were completely eliminated, and seizure medications reduced to ¼ their previous levels, when without approval, the parents administered children's Tylenol® for teething over a two week period. This caused a severe relapse, including hospitalization and return of seizures. Full recovery required about 4 months.

Heather now continues her recovery. She is fully seizure-free and off all seizure medications, she has progressed far more than was expected for this profoundly retarded child; retarded as a result of seizure-related damage. Her physical problems such as diarrhea and eczema are now gone, and her muscle tone is greatly improved. But it is the behavioral improvements that are striking. Not ever expected to be aware of her surroundings, she instead is a happy child who giggles, knows when mom is coming, makes and holds direct eye contact, enjoys and initiates physical contact, plays simple games such as hide and seek, and plays happily with her toys.

III.
Severe Eczema, Hyperactivity, Irritability

Case Summary:
From two months of age, Spencer had been suffering from severe eczema covering as much as 75% of his total body surface. By 13 months the severe eczema had not responded to treatment. As well as swollen, puffy eyes, Spencer also had a horseshoe shaped patch of bright red, raw sores spreading from his mouth and chin up to both of his eyes and over much of his body. The consistent diagnosis his parents received was that severe food allergies were the basis for his eczema. Spencer also had a poor appetite, he didn't sleep well at night and he seemed to be in constant pain.

Both nursing mom and Spencer were placed on the Special Foods Diet and entered the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program. Spencer continued to be bathed in therapeutic bath oils that his mom felt helped avoid infection and improve the eczema. Other than the bath gels, Spencer and his mom followed the diet and other requirements with no compromises.

After three weeks 55% of Spencer's skin surface was clear. As the clearing continued, the negative effect of the skin gels became apparent. Before his baths his skin would be very clear, but within minutes of getting out of a treated bath his back, arms, and neck would be red and blotchy. As well as eliminating the bath gels and lotions, we suggested that they remove chlorine and other organic compounds from the water with an activated carbon filter.

At the end of five weeks Spencer's eczema was about 85% resolved. With lower symptom levels, it became possible to identify other things he was reacting to. A hug from his dad in a wool sweater, the babysitter's shampoo, air from the heat pump, and more.

The final step for Spencer and his family was a thorough focus on environmental exposures. Spencer reacted severely to fumes he inhaled, fabrics he touched, and plastic toys. After these and other environmental exposures were eliminated, the process of food reintroduction began, and one or two foods were introduced each week. He has maintained his expanded diet and chemical avoidance, and has suffered no recurrence of his condition.

IV.
Severe Pain, Sleeping Difficulties, Non-verbal, Eczema

Case Summary:
Leslie entered the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program seeking help for her son James. His great discomfort was obvious: constant screaming, crying and whimpering. He trembled and jerked as he fell asleep and would startle awake with fear at the slightest noise or movement; he was then frequently unable to sleep again. For comfort, the two year-old would engage in prolonged nursing and continued weeping. His obvious distress was unexplained by his fairly mild eczema breakouts behind his knees and elbows. James was also unable to speak.

Leslie had made many previous dietary modification and James had quickly become allergic to all of the foods she tried. Because Leslie was still nursing, both mom and child were placed on the Special Foods Diet, and also began making environmental changes.

Progress was steady, but slower than others due to severe chemical sensitivities that began to become apparent. By two-months, it had became easier to distinguish individual flare-ups. By evaluating the rest of the home environment, it was clear that the pervasive volatile compounds throughout the house were contributing to his problems. The air was filled with the fumes from the gas heating system and James played with plastic toys on a floor covered with interlocking foam/plastic squares. With the garage located just off the kitchen, fumes from paints and chemical solvents were seeping into the area where food preparation was taking place. The CIP scientist recommended the removal of all plastic materials, suggested that Leslie use electric space heaters, and made many other recommendations. Leslie and her husband followed these completely and over time, as the home environmental changes were made, James' symptoms diminished. By the 28th week, Leslie reported that that the skin behind James'knees was no longer red or pink, but just slightly rough. The spots on his elbows were now the correct flesh color. Best of all, without the need to scratch these irritated areas, he was able to sleep comfortably and peacefully.

James has maintained his zero symptom level and is slowly expanding his diet. He has developed no new food sensitivities. He is a happy, normal, talkative almost 4 year old.

V.
Migraine Headaches, Digestive Problems, Fatigue

Case Summary:
Susan's life was plagued by her intense migraine headaches. In addition, she suffered from severe stomach pain, gas, constipation, and a burning, easily blistered tongue. These physical problems and severe fatigue made her career as a school teacher impossible to continue, and the 44 year old woman was unable to work, and more frustrating, unable to care for her three children. She suffered from anxiety and depression over the circumstances of her life and despaired at the prospects for the future.

Susan's symptoms were reduced by nearly 70 percent during her first week on the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program; however Susan remained fearful and the symptoms began to return. Her counselor recommended that Susan keep a detailed log of her meals and the resultant reactions to them, so a pattern could be determined.

Although her overall symptom levels as she reported them were continuing to drop, Susan seemed intent on removing many foods. The result was a focus on foods, when typically chemical exposures underlay the development of new food sensitivities. At the urging of her counselor, Susan began to focus on addressing chemical exposures in her home. She found that she displayed reactions to printing ink, solvents, and chlorinated products, among others. Susan found that she was now able to smell and could better identify substances she was reacting to.

A clean room was established for her, and she lived in only that area of her home. By this method she was able to achieve a symptom-free status, and halt the previous process of developing new food sensitivities. Symptoms fluctuations would occur occasionally until seasonal problems were identified and addressed. These fluctuating symptoms tended to be primarily digestive symptoms. Dietary expansion is currently underway.

VI.
ADD, Bipolar Disorder II, Fatigue, Mind Fog

Case Summary:
Although Elspeth entered the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program at age 24, her earliest symptoms occurred during early childhood. As she progressed through high school, she experienced increased inattentiveness in school and her life became filled with anxiety and stress. During and after college she was treated with multiple medications, and still experienced worsening symptoms: she felt mentally sluggish, had a very high error rate, was easily frustrated, was unable to remember details, instructions or sequences, and experienced emotional extremes that included frequent crying spells.

In hopes of finding a better way to function, she entered the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program. She was instructed to remove all supplements, go on the Special Foods Diet, and make the first level of environmental changes. Elspeth's energy level improved almost immediately. Her symptoms were reduced more than 50% within the first two weeks, and she began to be aware of her chemical sensitivities and their effects on her mind. She was able to determine that fumes from printers in her office caused mental confusion, irritability, unstable emotions, ADD, and finally depression and stress. Another issue that had bothered was her life at home. Her parents, although caring for their daughter, failed to grasp the importance of the diet and chemical-free environment she needed. A move to live with supportive friends was an effective solution.

After about four months on the program, Elspeth achieved a symptom-free state. This was maintained until a new set of computers was purchased for the office. The computers were immediately removed, and Elspeth's symptoms quickly disappeared.

Elspeth has successfully been able to remain symptom-free since then. She has expanded her diet, and though some new foods inevitably do not work, she is pleased with the ones she is able to keep. Her coworkers have noticed the vast improvement in Elspeth; they report she looks great and her work is much improved.

VII.
Constipation, Bloating, Severe Pain, Leaky Gut, Fatigue

Case Summary:
Susan had been ill for four years, since contracting a virus. Now 41 years old, she suffered excruciating lower gastro-intestinal pain, persistent bloating, constipation and gas. Her fatigue after eating was so severe she truly could not keep her eyes open. Although Susan had been following a restricted diet for several years, her symptoms had not improved and she became convinced she was unable to digest any form of meat. She persisted in this belief in spite of a lack of improvement on a vegetarian diet.

SF Comprehensive Intervention Program (SF/CIP) tailored an initial diet to accommodate her concerns; her rotations consisted of seven types of fish, which she was instructed to eat in relatively small quantities. Later in the program she was switched, without adverse effect, to a more varied diet that contained unusual meat and few fish.

Susan began with both food and environmental changes to reduce chemical exposures. She experienced a withdrawal period that lasted for about 2 weeks. However, at the end of four weeks on the program, her symptoms had dropped nearly 90 percent from their original levels. It was at this time that Susan began noticing pollen-related digestive symptoms. Special Foods counselors advised her about protective measures against pollen and mold exposures.

By the eighth week, Susan reported that her gastro-intestinal problems disappeared, and her energy had increased ten-fold. Her symptoms have dropped and the improvement has been maintained for a year with no sign of recurrence.

VIII.
Severely Underweight, Food Sensitivities, Anxiety

Case Summary:
Sherrie was anxious as she entered the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program. Previous diets had left her severely underweight and caused her sensitivities to proliferate and increased greatly in severity. She described frequent choking sensations in her neck and throat; she experienced difficulties with concentration and comprehension. She expressed great fear and reported crying most days, certain that she was going to starve to death. She was extremely nervous about eating anything at all. She had spent so long combating her food allergies she was very hesitant to turn control of her diet over to someone else. She required continual reassurance that the staff had done diets before, for people equally as sick, and been successful.

In the early weeks of the diet she experienced daily choking sensations in her neck and throat and became very worried about the recommended oils. On her own she eliminated them all, and did see improvement. In preparation of the diet, because of her concerns about oils, we purposely included bear, a high fat meat, in her diet. At this point we were able show her that she still had fat in her diet with no effects, thus providing strong evidence that her body possessed the capability to handle oils. She was gently reminded that the symptoms were likely expressions of her fear and that she had already been consuming oils in her meat with no trouble at all. This was a turning point for Sherrie. She was able to add other higher fat meats to her diet without effects. Over several weeks Sherrie slowly worked the oils back in to her diet. By week four Sherrie was beginning to look healthier. During week 5 on the diet, it was learned that Sherrie had been boiling and then drinking city tap water instead of the recommended bottled water. Bottled water in plastic had previously caused severe chest tightness and pain; she was helped to find a source of spring water in glass.

Overlying fear symptoms, once eliminated, now made it possible for Sherrie to more correctly interpret her remaining symptoms and substitute action for anxiety. Sherrie has now been on the Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program for over a year, and with a combination of diet and environmental intervention, her symptoms have been eliminated. Her weight is approaching a healthy level, and is being maintained.

IX.
Fatigue, Diarrhea, Anxiety

Case Summary:
Emily was referred into the Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program (SF/CIP) in April of 2000. She had suffered for many years from diarrhea, stomach grumbling, intestinal cramps, and severe fatigue. For years she had been unable to leave her home, and she was severely underweight. She had been unresponsive to numerous treatments from a variety of clinics.

With diet and initial environmental restrictions of SF/CIP Emily was able to achieve a symptom-free status for several months. The focus of the program shifted towards maintaining this. Emily was cleared to eat as much from the diet as she wanted, in order to gain the needed weight. She was advised to exercise regularly to build up conditioning. With a surge of renewed energy, Emily began to travel again, enjoying her first vacation in years.
At the beginning of the twentieth week, Emily's condition recurred once again and she found herself worse than when she started the program. After a detailed investigation, the Special Foods counselors discovered that her sudden relapse was a result of her being exposed to a combination of fall pollen, mold, gas heat, and emotional stress. Emily's improvement in the spring had coincided with the end of spring pollen season and turning off her gas home heat with warmer weather. Once these new exposures were identified and eliminated with appropriate strategies, her symptoms correspondingly disappeared and the levels have been sustained.

It was very important that Emily was able to clearly see that diet accounted only partially for her previous digestive distress. The bloody stools, mucous and fatigue that occurred after week 20 were caused entirely and in sequence by pollen, mold, exposure to gas heat, and anxiety.

X.
Severe, Extensive Food Allergies, Severe Chemical Sensitivities

Case Summary:
Three and one half year old Anne suffered from extensive food allergies and severe chemical sensitivities. She was bloated and nauseous, had frequent loose and occasionally bloody stools, eczema, dark circles and puffiness under her eyes, and red, hot feet. She was irritable and fatigued. To her mother, Anne's eyes looked glossed over; and she seemed distant, withdrawn, and "zoned out".

Anne's mom was initially reluctant to implement the recommendations of her counselor in the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program and the because of this she left the program. Because the initial symptoms returned and Anne developed new food sensitivities, Anne's mom returned to the program to follow the recommendations completely. Once Caroline fully implemented the recommendations, Anne showed immediate and drastic improvement.

Anne has proven to be severely chemically sensitive which has required many changes in the home, and even precautions at the beach. Anne has proven to be sensitive to shoes, carpet, mold, and many other items. The symptom fluctuations over time, trace environmental changes as additional items were changed or removed in her environment.

At present Anne is undergoing dietary expansion.

XI.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Candidiasis, Mood Swings, Digestive Problems

Case Summary:
Thirty one year old Betty was suffering from chronic fatigue and Candidiasis and was experiencing bloating, gas, diarrhea and occasional constipation. She also experienced occasional throat constriction from food reactions. In addition, as a psychotherapist, she found her unpredictable irritability and occasional temper tantrums interfering with her career.

Betty had tried numerous approaches including a four-day rotation diet prior to joining the SF/Comprehensive Intervention Program (SF/CIP). Her counselor recommended the Special Foods Diet and immediate environmental changes for Betty.

After an initial drop in symptoms, a renovation project was begun at her office, causing a surge in her symptoms until she was able to implement the recommendations of her counselor. Soon after, against recommendations, she used a 'low voc' paint in her new apartment. She was unable to tolerate the new paint, and it required three months of living with friends and airing out her apartment before she was able to move in without symptoms. Both of these exposures caused her system to become more sensitive, and she was forced to implement more rigorous environmental controls than had initially been necessary.

After making necessary environmental changes, Betty reached a zero symptom level with a new surge of energy after being on the program for 22 weeks. She is now undergoing the process of dietary expansion.

XII.
Diarrhea, Congestion, Throat Tightening, Fatigue

Case Summary:
Karen is a forty-nine-year old psychology professor who had suffered from debilitating symptoms for three years. Her condition rapidly worsened after contracting a severe virus. She experienced an anaphylaxis reaction to Diflucan and then to red wine. Following this she experienced a rapid increase in sensitivities to virtually all foods she tried as well as items such as perfumes and petroleum. At the time she contacted us Karen's congestion and diarrhea were severe, and she now felt frequent throat tightening and constant fatigue. She feared the development of sensitivities to the foods on the new diet. With her self-reliant personality and lack of trust in almost any approach, it took some effort to establish a comfortable working relationship and establish the importance of her rigorously following every recommendation.

Especially with someone who has a pattern of developing sensitivities to foods, simultaneous elimination of environmental exposures and dietary intervention is crucial. Her counselor spent equal time with her on both issues. In addition, a number of general tips to aid Karen until her symptoms subsided were recommended. These included drinking more than eight glasses of pure water a day, salt water gargles to help with the congestion and throat tightening, irrigation with isotonic saline solution, and spending as many waking hours as possible outside.

With these new procedures intact, her symptoms dropped dramatically. They continued to drop further as changes were made to her environment. She was able to return to the classroom in the fall, something she had feared would be impossible when she entered the SF/CIP program. A set of procedures has been developed that ensures that she avoids exposures from students and colleagues. The change from her initial fearful state is heartening; now she has to be warned to take small exposures that cause minor symptoms and dissipate quickly more seriously. This is her current area of emphasis, and her final step in ensuring a full and uncomplicated recovery.