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Nourish To Flourish!

When discovered one of our children had asperger syndrome, it was a good thing. Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) It answered many of the questions we had regarding our child's behavior.  We were determined to help her.

Instinct told me something in her personal environment was causing or at least aggravating her symptoms. She had fleeting moments of clarity I could not explain. At age seven we removed most dairy which seemed to help temporarily. However, her symptoms soon returned, although not as severe.

In trying to determine what was causing all her symptoms we had already removed all preservatives and hydrogenated oils. We had replaced all the ducts in our air conditioning and threw out all of our non stick cookware, in her bedroom was an air purifier and we started drinking quality water, free of fluoride and chlorine. We avoided refined sugars and artificial coloring as well. When I started researching Asperger Syndrome it didn't take long before I learned of gluten & casein and their connection to Autism. I found Feast Without Yeast: 4 Stages to Better Health at our local health food store and learned more about yeast / Candida overpopulations. Eventually, through Bruce Fife’s book, Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut, I learned of coconut oil and its healing benefits, as well as its ability to restore balance in the gut by controlling Candida.

In April, 2007, armed with this new information we put our daughter on an even more restricted diet. Gluten free, casein freeand yeast free, along with avoiding/limiting any foods that may contain high levels of aspergillus. Within a few days we started to notice a difference. Within a few weeks it was incredible. Now the difference is profound. And I am pleased to say that our little author has written a fifteen chapter book. For the first time in her life, she was able to complete homework on her own.

She couldn't read two pages without extreme effort before this dietary intervention. Now, she will read for hours if we let her. Her list of symptoms went on forever. Brain fog, lethargy, sinusitis, headaches, stomach aches, repetitive speech patterns, eyes darting, at times unresponsive, and hearing difficulties; this is the short list. She also had some gross & fine motor skill difficulties. The worst though, was the ground shaking melt downs that lasted until she would fall asleep. Not temper tantrums. These were more like emotional break-downs that she clearly couldn't control and would occur at least every other day. However, I can say with confidence she is recovering.

After three years in speech, she had improved little. At present her speech is improved so much she has been released form therapy, her vocabulary has quadrupled, and all physically painful symptoms are gone. Her hearing is normal. People are able to engage her in conversations and she will initiate conversation as well. She is a bright, happy and focused child.

Please contact me if you have interest in knowing more about our dietary intervention… I have talked to so many that have had similar successes and I wish to assist anyone who might have interest.

Out of support for her diet, the whole family participates, and subsequently feels better. Our youngest daughter's asthma symptoms have minimized and my own frequent headaches have disappeared. I understand not everyone will get these results, but I have to believe that if a drowning person is thrown a life preserverthey would take it.

With that in mind, we have created Nourish To Flourish, Inc. to share the products we use and promote our ongoing experience with this incredible dietary intervention. Please visit our web site for more details. www.NourishToFlourish.net, and have posted 'A Path to Recovery' – our daughter’s story, along with information and support. We invite you to visit our website and appreciate any comments.

We carry a growing inventory of books including those mentioned above, as well as many products that may put you or your child on a path to wellness. I would be happy to answer any question you may have about our experience. NourishToFlourishRenee@gmail.com

Be Blessed & Flourish!

Renee Osterhouse

www.NourishToFlourish.net