The initial step in accurately assessing allergies involves taking a detailed history, which often can direct the physician as to which substances may be the underlying cause or trigger. In conjunction with conventional diagnostic methods of determining allergies (such as skin scratch testing and RAST testing), Dr. Ingels utilizes the Orion®, a non-invasive computer-based electrodermal screening instrument which measures changes in skin conductance. The Orion® is a computer-based method of evaluating sensitivities to many different substances including foods, inhalants (pollens, molds, animal danders) and chemicals. It was first developed by a German physician more than 50 years ago, but currently utilizes state-of-the-art technology combining the principles of computer engineering and quantum physics. The Orion® measures skin conductance along the surface of the skin using a specific non-invasive probe. Unlike scratch testing, the Orion® allows multiple items to be tested in a short period of time, which is particularly appropriate for young patients. The information gathered is then used in conjunction with standard tests to determine which allergens or substances are underlying one’s illness. This pain-free method does not pose any risk of serious allergic reaction, which is a potential risk with traditional scratch testing. This method is also safe to use with children and infants and is preferable for those with a fear of needles.

Food and environmental allergies/sensitivities have been shown to be an underlying component of many conditions. The following is a brief list of conditions associated with allergies.

Head/Eye/Ear/Nose/Throat Migraine headaches, conjunctivitis, blurred vision, light sensitivity, sore throat, hoarse voice, recurrent ear infections, runny nose, frequent colds, sinusitis, vertigo, ringing in ears, hearing loss or ear pressure.

Heart and Lungs High blood pressure, chest pain, swelling in arms and legs, irregular heart beat, fast heart rate, asthma, chronic bronchitis.

Endocrine Thyroid dysfunction, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and fibrocystic breasts.

Gastrointestinal Mouth or stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, vomiting, constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, gas, bloating, belching, abdominal cramps.

Joint/Muscle Muscle pains, arthritis, swollen joints, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis.

Neurological Fatigue, seizure disorders, sleep problems, memory difficulties.

Neurobehavioral/Psychological Attention deficit disorder (ADD, ADHD), autism, PDD, Asperger’s, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, spaciness, confusion, mental lethargy, restlessness, learning disabilities, slurred speech, stuttering, irritability, poor concentration, indifference.

Skin Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, itching, scaling, hives, angioedema.

Urinary Urinary frequency or urgency, irritation, delayed potty training.

*The Orion® is an investigational medical device only and the performance characteristics of this product have not been established by the FDA .

Environmental medicine is a relatively new discipline in medicine and focuses on understanding how environmental factors influence our health and behavior. The development of more complex and chronic illnesses has increased over the last several decades despite the advances made in modern medical technology. Those of us who practice environmental medicine recognize that the body is dynamic and is constantly changing to adapt to its surroundings. When the body fails to adapt or does not adapt properly, biological and chemical changes occur that affect both organ and immune systems, ultimately creating symptoms. The goal then becomes to assist the body in maintaining its ability to change with its environment and restore health.

We are exposed on a daily basis to any number of potential stressors which may ultimately affect our health. These stressors may be external, such as exposure to pollen, mold, chemicals, infectious agents, contaminants in food or even physical phenomena such as extreme cold or heat. Other stressors may be internal, such as psychological stresses, genetics or malnutrition. The concept of “total load” then describes how the total sum of these stressors affect each person’s health. Environmental physicians work to help you identify these stressors and provide you with a comprehensive treatment program that effectively manages your illness and reduces your sensitivities.

Allergy identification and treatment is an important aspect of environmental medicine. Abnormal reactions to foods, chemicals or inhalants may be related to systemic or chronic disease. Dr. Ingels will likely discuss many aspects of your health, lifestyle and environment that may have been overlooked by your healthcare provider.

Therapeutic Nutrition
Therapeutic nutrition is the use of supplemental vitamins, minerals and amino acids to treat specific health conditions. It can also be used to treat nutritional deficiencies that could not otherwise be treated through diet alone. While any substance, natural or synthetic, has the potential to be dangerous, supplemental vitamins and minerals, when taken in appropriate amounts, can be beneficial in treating and preventing disease. Dr. Ingels is an expert in nutritional medicine and only use substances that have been studied and published in reputable journals. We will also evaluate any potential drug-nutrient interactions to ensure that there are no problems in combining a nutritional supplement with an over-the-counter or prescription medication. Natural alternatives to prescription medications may be explored if deemed safe and appropriate.

Therapeutic Diets
As part of our dietary counseling services, specific diets may be prescribed for a particular condition. Dr. Ingels works primarily with the allergy elimination diet and specific carbohydrate diet (SCD). These diets will be designed to help you achieve your health goals by providing you with guidelines to follow in meal planning and shopping. Additionally, we can provide you with recipes to help with your meal planning.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that has been in use for more than 200 years. Although the philosophy of homeopathy extends back to the days of Paracelsus in the sixteenth century, modern homeopathy has been credited to Samuel Hahnemann, MD. Homeopathy is based on the principles of like-cures-like. Highly diluted substances are given orally to treat symptoms that would normally be caused by giving the same substance at pharmacological amounts (i.e. giving homeopathic poison ivy to treat someone who has a skin condition that mimics a poison ivy rash). The exact mechanism of how homeopathy works remains unknown. There are few studies reported in medical journals, but decades of clinical observation have found it to be beneficial. The substances given may be derived from plant, animal, mineral or food sources. Specific dilutions (called potencies) are prescribed depending on the nature of the condition. Traditionally, low potencies are prescribed for acute conditions and high potencies are prescribed for more chronic diseases. This form of treatment is preferred for children due to effectiveness, gentleness, ease of administration, and safety.

The use of herbal medicine has been historically documented by cultures around the world and continues to be popular today. Each year new research is published that documents the health benefits, safety and efficacy of herbs. Available in a variety of forms including tablets, granular teas and loose herbal teas, herbs have never been easier or more convenient to take. Dr. Ingels will help determine whether herbal intervention might be helpful for you and which form would be the most effective. Particular attention is given to those people taking prescription medications. We want to ensure the highest efficacy of both the prescription and the herbs while avoiding any potential interaction between the two. Dr. Ingels highly trained and experienced in the use of herbal medicine and understand that just because a substance is natural, does not mean it is necessarily safe.

Western Herbal Medicine
The popularity of western herbal medicine in the United States has increased dramitically in the past two decades, with over 1/3 of the American population taking some form of herbs. Despite the argument by some conventional physicians that herbal medicine has no scientific basis, the fact of the matter is that several studies have shown that herbs can be as effective or in some cases, more effective than its conventional drug counterpart. Herbal medicine also has a deep historical basis, dating back hundreds to thousands of years. The efficacy and safety of herbs have been demonstrated through observation and repeated use over centuries, weheras most studies on conventional medications are often a matter of weeks to months. At NEFHA, we use standardized extracts, loose herbs or solid extracts, depending on which form best suits your needs.

Some herbs are quite toxic and should only be used under the direction of a qualified practitioner of herbal medicine.