A Somewhat Gross Observation

[splat]

I have recently noticed a welcome side effect since undertaking MWL. Ever since attending college in the late '80's, I developed a condition that is embarrassing to talk about; Athlete's Foot. The creams and sprays reduced the symptoms but as soon as you stop, it comes right back. Well, for the first time in almost 20 years, all of a sudden, it's gone. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking, and believe me, I'm skeptical as well. How can diet have anything to it? I haven't used any over-the-counter products since I started MWL. I haven't needed to since the symptoms constantly reminded me to use the products. I haven't had the symptoms, so I forgot to use them. Today is the first time I've really become aware that the symptoms are gone. I haven't bought new shoes or socks, either. I was told by my doctor that once you get it, it never permanently goes away. Time will tell if I am permanently "cured".
I have not once experienced indigestion in the slightest for almost three weeks. Meat and fried food would get me every time. I liked them so much that I simply resigned to the fact that it was the price that had to be payed. My hair is definitely drier. I could probably go two days without using shampoo and get away with.
The indigestion and hair I can intuitively understand being effected by this new way of eating, but to say that diet creates a bodily condition that inhibits a dermal fungus, that's hard to believe.
Tomorrow morning is the big weigh-in, so I'm hoping for another small miracle. I didn't lose anything last week.

[splat]

Well, Debbie, I think you are pretty much obligated to take a big whiff of your husband's feet to add support for our theory! Rate the stink on a scale from one to ten. Do it! Science demands it!

[Lacey]

My husband's body ordor completely changed after he gave up eating animal products. Even when he has been working hard and has gotten sweaty he just doesn't smell bad. And since I changed my diet he says that my skin is softer and smoother. I don't have trouble believing that better health "inside" translate to better health with our outsides.

[splat]

I weighed myself this morning. I lost 4 pounds this week.

[splat]

I also had to drill a new hole in my belt to hold my pants up this week. This means more to me than the pounds lost.

[Lacey]

Congratulations on the weight loss, Splat! It feels good to have to tighten your belt, doesn't it? I am either going to have to start wearing a belt or else buy new jeans as the ones I am wearing are starting to get really baggy. I have jeans two sizes down, but not one size down, so I think I'll just make do until I can wear ones I already own. I hate buying clothes in sizes I hope to just zip past on my way to a healthier weight!

[Melinda]

My husband noticed his feet quit stinking after giving up all animal products - he was always slightly embarrassed about them before.

[petero]

He used to use powders creams and sprays and the problem was still there.

Baking soda. Cheap and works like a charm--the alkaline environment inhibits the growth of odor-producing bacteria. This works really well for "a friend of mine." It doesn't deodorize existing shoes, though, so this friend wishes he'd discovered this sooner as it would have saved him a lot of discarded shoes.

The diet does help with hyperhidrosis of the feet, though, which will also decrease bacterial growth. As does exercise and not smoking. I don't know what that's about--maybe somebody should ask in the Dr.'s forum--maybe a circulation issue?

Prescription-wise, there is clonidine, marketed as Catapres in 3 strength of skin patch. It is for hypertension but is used off-label for hyperhidrosis. It's not very expensive and works somewhat for "my friend", but he has not had to use it since adopting a healthy lifestyle.

[petero]

The electrical apparatus also works well, but it is not designed well enough to cover a large enough area and requires chunks of time to use. It also requires the purchase of cell-phone type batteries, which do not last long and are expensive.

There are also very strong, prescription-strength antiperspirants, with a high aluminum content, of course. Certain-Dri (non-prescription but highest strength) may work for someone with less sweating. It should be applied before bed because it requires a certain amount of perspiration to "set".

Finally, there is a surgery where they cut a nerve. However, it is more effective with hand sweating than foot sweating.

Life is hard.

[momof4]

Finally, there is a surgery where they cut a nerve. However, it is more effective with hand sweating than foot sweating.

Be careful with that. I know someone who had that surgery, and now she deals with what I think is called "compensatory sweating." Now, although her hands are dry, she sweats heavily from her waist down, and she's finding it to be a harder thing to deal with (because of clothing and shoes) than sweaty hands were.