It's Official [Archive] - Raw Food Talk

ArcturusXIV

11-19-2008, 09:51 PM

I had some blood-work the other day, and my diagnosis has officially gone from Ulcerative Colitis to Crohn's Disease. The difference, if any of you don't know, is that Ulcerative Colitis only affects the large intestine, Crohn's affects the small intestine as well, and can cause blockages which lead to things like vomiting, et cetera. Anyway, I'm a little bit worried. I've been 95-100% raw over the past several weeks, but my stools are still liquid, and I'm hoping this problem can be corrected. This has me really scared, guys... I'm gonna need a lot of support to make it through the next couple weeks. The raw food diet is no problem. What is is that I've got nobody to do it with...no support group. I'm hoping you guys will help me along. Thanks for all the help,

James

Frugal Raw

11-19-2008, 09:55 PM

James - my prayers and wishes are with you for your improved and continued health...may the brightest of blessings see you through this...

zina

11-19-2008, 10:00 PM

James .....we will help you through this.....healing thoughts to you.....

Crazy Healer Lady

11-19-2008, 10:09 PM

Aw hun - be strong. You're not alone! And even if you don't have raw support in your area, you've got us!! Email me if you ever need to chat. uisca_beatha@hotmail.com

Good luck. Crohn's is totally beatable. Listen to your body :) Blessings to you and yours!!

-Jess

michigan roman

11-19-2008, 10:16 PM

fight fire with fire = juice fast time . it'll get the tract empty allowing tissue to more quickly / easily heal imo . and the juice fast can be rich and thusly include strained nut milks like almond with banana / berries / cacoa / carob / etc .

and i like the healing properties of VITA C which can nicely be added with the addition of lemon squeezed into drinking water . another vita c source would be V8 type juice .

and you just got diagnosed , well theres millions that've had it for years so take a deep breath and relax .

and the late great raw foodie norman walker raved about raw cabbage juice for stomach ulcers if've never tried .

and youve just started raw so your really not derriving great benifits from that yet but there approaching , past wrongful eating probably caused the ailment and youve eliminated that so are on track .

AutumnBreezColordLeavz

11-19-2008, 10:16 PM

James,

Prayers for you!
Keep positive focus on healing.
You are on the right track with Raw food.
Probiotics and essential oils needed.

Are you using any grains, ie, buckwheat? This should be left out of your diet for now,as you probably already know.

http://dailystrength.org/c/Crohns-Disease-Ulcerative-Colitis/forum

Asian Pear

11-19-2008, 10:18 PM

Raw foodists David Klein and Paul Nissan both recovered from similar diseases on raw, may want to google them and do a little research. All is not lost, it will take a while, but be patient and keep tweaking your diet until you find what works for you.

curlygirl82

11-19-2008, 11:18 PM

I, for one, pledge to be here for you, with support all the way! I'm thankful everyday for the support network on this site, and I think everyone here will be more than happy to help you through this.
I know practically nothing about Crohn's (other than the crippling pain it's infamous for), and since I'm still pretty new to raw, I have no specific advice to give you -- but at the very least, you know that you're putting all the right things in your body - nothing toxic like cooked fats or animal flesh, and all the best sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber... and everything else that's good for you!
My thoughts are with you!!

ArcturusXIV

11-20-2008, 12:35 AM

Crazy Healer Lady

11-20-2008, 01:31 AM

It's NEVER too late, mon ami!

J A

11-20-2008, 04:04 AM

Hang in there. Your body can heal 100 % if you give it the chance. Give your body lots of great nutrients - green smoothies, fruits etc., keep it organic, listen to your body and I'm sure you will be able to quit whatever non-raw foods you're still having. Once your body is fully detoxed, I'm sure you will recover and feel better than ever.

All the best!

michigan roman

11-20-2008, 04:06 AM

I've eliminated all grains from my diet. The only thing I'm having trouble getting rid of is salad dressing and coffee...other than that, I'm completely raw. I will keep working on this. I've heard about Paul Nison, but not the other guy... I just hope I'm in time to save my poor, precious colon. :(

well coffees a BIG bad , very acidic . and david kleins books said to be a big good , kleins refered to by tens of forum members ive read for how helpful his book ' healing chrons and colitis ' is . its like 20 at www.amazon.com ...

and if it wasnt for him being very religious , because im very anti religious ,
ide seriously listen to nison because he is the sharpest mind in the raw food universe imo .

and think about coffee = what other earthly creature could you imagine gulping down very hot liquid without their tongue sensing that the hot liquid is gonna do damage to their g.i. tract , burning the tender sensitive tissue its made up of , and thusly causing them to not drink it . thats my new own personal outlook on hot beverages , i hypothosize they could be very damaging .

freshlight

11-20-2008, 05:27 AM

You'll manage. If I could make it without a support group, so can you. The biggest support you can get is from yourself. Try to concentrate on 100% raw then you'll get 1000% out of it. Fasting and hydrocolontherapy would be great tools at the beginning as well. Get well soon.

HolyGuacamole

11-20-2008, 05:28 AM

My dad has Crohn's... He had an enormous portion of his intestines surgically removed in his 30s (he was diagnosed in his early 20s) and was warned he wouldn't live to see 40, but he's now in his 60s and still kickin' and as fiesty as ever. And this is a man who is not living a healthy lifestyle.
You can beat this, Arc.
Kick the coffee, do what you gotta do.
You can beat it.

sarahrjm

11-20-2008, 05:38 AM

I am so sorry to hear your bad news!, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, maybe it isn't such a bad thing, look at it as just another reason to stay raw and get as healthy as you possibly can!!

I have a friend who has crohn's and she is not doing very well, This is because she still eats junk!!!! Let me know your progress!

:)

Bananna

11-20-2008, 07:46 AM

It sounds like there can be a positive outcome...I would look into those success stories mentioned and you're already doing so well with your diet...just keep that progression towards healthier and healthier.

Thinking of you though...I firmly believe you will be ok, because you care enough about yourself to do what you need to do for it.

Eva

11-20-2008, 08:15 AM

Eva

11-20-2008, 08:18 AM

By the way -- my digestive system is PERFECTLY healthy now on a 100% raw diet with no coffee. And I'm enjoying my food and my life. You will get through this but have to make "sacrifices" to make it happen.

In my opinion, people who go raw but continue to drink coffee are missing the boat on the great healing and thriving they could enjoy.

ShantiLove

11-20-2008, 08:38 AM

Yes as allready said David Klein is the one I would recomend too.

He wrote a book called Self healing colitis & crohns, and is counseling on using the programe and healing up from thies diseases.

His website:
http://www.colitis-crohns.com/

He advise in the begining of the healing not to eat nuts and mostly juice and fruits, or steamed vegies untill the stol it firm. But if you check out his website or his book you will get the idear :D

Maby contact him and get a telephone counseling would be a good idear to get you startet ? :D He have years of experienc with this, and healed himself from it too.

My bedst wishes to you, and you got my support :-))

ArcturusXIV

11-20-2008, 08:40 AM

Okay, day 1 without coffee... Gonna be a tough one. I was up to a point where I was drinking almost 2 pots a day before now, though since I've been raw, I've cut it back quite considerably. I'm horrible, I know. :( My adrenal glands probably hate me...

I will look up some homemade salad dressings today on the Internet, and hopefully find something that catches my fancy. I found a neat one the other day, and it tastes just like ranch!:

1/2 cup soaked almonds
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. spike
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder (1 fresh clove)
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

Blend until smooth. Slowly add 2/3 cup Grape Seed Oil. Chill & serve.

I will pick up David Klein's book, probably today or tomorrow, and I'll look into Paul Nison. I've heard about Nison...actually heard him speak once, but never got his book.

Anyway, the only thing that concerns me now is the "still liquid" stools I've been having. I know I'm getting a TON of fiber from the fruit/greens/nuts, but I'm hoping *fingers crossed* for some solid bowel movements soon. They've already put me on an immune modulator.

Ummm...one question...how do I know when I can drop my medications? I'm on medications for both that and Asperger's Syndrome, and I'm it's a little intimidated trying to know when I'll be able to get off my meds, or if ever. I've had bad experiences trying to come off anti-depressants/anti-anxiety meds in the past, so when will I know that I am "healed" enough to come off?

Anyone have any experience with this?

James

Veganforlife

11-20-2008, 08:53 AM

James, you will be fine! You got some sound advice here dude. You CAN beat this. You are young, your body is VERY forgiving and WILL heal. I know. I healed in less than a year two life dibilitating illnesses.
We're sending much energies your way!
Keep thinking positive!
::two thumbs up at 'ya::

side note: as far as dropping the meds. You'll know. I knew. I knew when my doc was only reading my meds. Give it time. Be patient...be strong!!!

annavon

11-20-2008, 10:05 AM

I've eliminated all grains from my diet. The only thing I'm having trouble getting rid of is salad dressing and coffee...other than that, I'm completely raw. I will keep working on this. I've heard about Paul Nison, but not the other guy... I just hope I'm in time to save my poor, precious colon. :(

Work on getting rid of the coffee. It can really irritate your system. I know it is hard, I am a recovering coffee addict. I weaned myself off the coffee and switched to green tea. I want to get off caffeine altogether. If you want help getting off the coffee I recommend the book Caffeine Blues.

Michigan Roman is right about juice fasting. That is what Paul Nison recommends. Have you read his book on Inflammatory Bowel disease? I found it very helpful with my digestive tract problems.

Hang in there it will get better.

greenfeline

11-20-2008, 10:56 AM

This is a great group, we are down for you ;)

I switched from coffee to tea and it has been great! I know there is some controversy about tea, but I am fine with it. Yerba mate reminds me the most of coffee.

Many people have healed themselves of the ailments you speak of. Just stick with it!

Figgy

11-20-2008, 11:10 AM

Stay focused and positive , A!

Paul Nison is a fabulous resource.
You can cure this.
Let your body clean itself and it will heal itself.
I think 100% raw for you is the way to go - caffeine is a real toughie to beat. Stay strong. Try cutting down each day for a gentler withdrawl rather than going cold turkey.

For loose stool: try bananas (they bind) and probitoics (probitoics are best on an empty tummy fist thing in the am).

And make sure you are staying well hydrated!
Greens give life. Laods of green drinks...

Figgy

MelissaO

11-20-2008, 11:20 AM

All is not lost, you can do this, you must do this. Coffee is like a drug, you become addicted to it, when stopping you will have withdrawl. Just hang in, keep positive thoughts.

The way I look at it is I took years to wreck my body, fixing it will not happen overnight.

RawKnitster

11-20-2008, 11:41 AM

Looks like you have a huge support group here. I don't have much to add to the great advice you've already gotten. Just some encouragement....some of the elimination issue may be your body adjusting to raw foods. I didn't used to eat much fresh food. When I first went raw my body did not know how to handle it. It took a month or so before things became normal again. As for the coffee, it can be kicked. I was a complete coffee, latte, mocha addict! Go cold turkey. Substitute with a rooibos tea (I like rooibos chai). Don't flop back and forth. Get the caffaine withdrawal headache over with one time only. It's should be mild and only last 1-3 days.

Your really doing well on your raw transition. Visualize healing. :)

kaybee

11-20-2008, 01:26 PM

hey--just throwing this out there. i think youre best to take the advice from folks who've dealt with this, obviously, and especially get the self-healing crohns book. BUT in case your looking for a different dr, there was a series of teleconference calls online a couple weeks ago by Dr. Tel-Oren, whos the raw doctor who runs Ecopolitan in Minneapolis. He seems really solid. he didnt speak specifically about Crohns or colitis, but that wasnt the topic of the interviews.. I dont know how much experience he has with those things, or with aspbergers (sp?), but it sounds like he sometimes does phone consults....just might be worth checking him out if your looking to get under a different doctors care.

good luck

Bananna

11-20-2008, 02:59 PM

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=36956&highlight=waldorf -this salad is awesome...I regularily omit the cayenne if that's an issue.

What is spike?

As for meds, you would want to do that very gradually. Sort of just wade in to that, if it isn't feeling right then go back. Also as you get healthier, it may be that you still need Some meds for a time, but just less. You know all that tweaking.

Kudos on quitting coffee. I did so by switching to tea also, and then herb teas. I'm on Stash Licorice Spice right now...

ArcturusXIV

11-20-2008, 02:59 PM

Alright guys,

I'm a little nervous about the juice fast thing. First, because my cravings for food go through the roof if I don't eat for even a couple hours (very high metabolism), and second, because I'm on psychological medications...I've heard fasting while you're on these type of meds increases their concentration in the bloodstream, which can be dangerous. So I may have to hold off on juice fasting until I'm 100% raw and my body tells me it's okay.

I will DEFINITELY be getting that book you guys talked about..and thanks so much for all the support. I'm currently eating a butternut squash soup, and feeling okay. My caffeine headaches are CRUSHING...I'm hoping this passes fast...all I can do is stay in bed all day. :( Gonna look into some coffee replacements...somebody suggested on that had probiotics in it, does anybody have a link?

James

HolyGuacamole

11-20-2008, 03:48 PM

http://www.teeccino.com/quitting.aspx

HolyGuacamole

11-20-2008, 03:50 PM

p.s. teeccino contains inulin, a "pre-biotic," not a probiotic.
You can read up on it on that site.

ArcturusXIV

11-20-2008, 03:53 PM

Oh, excellent! That was exactly what I was looking for...

rawbutterfly

11-20-2008, 05:23 PM

ArcturusXIV, I used to have colitis. It practically ran my life for many years. Only someone with this problem truly understands how controlling it is. Dr. wanted to do most test to see if I had Crohn's or just "really bad colitis". I was sick of Drs and Meds and I knew there was a better way. I wanted to try raw and see if it would "help me feel better". I didn't really know much about raw at the time and didn't know about RFT. Anyway, to make a long story short, after about a year I went back to the my Dr. and he was shocked and tried to say that I must not have had Colitis in the first place because there is no way it is gone and that my intestin is completely healed. I can tell you now, after 3 years, my inestines are absoutely perfect and normal, no not normal, better than normal!
All that to say...stick with it! You will be amazed.

oai

11-20-2008, 06:08 PM

colitis?!!! i read a whole book from a dr. who had that! :eek: Dr. Goldstein.

Below is a snapshot of a page from the book. He's also much older than you. I hope it helps to keep you motivated and strong! :)

I'm only being nice, b/c you owe me a date for whenever I go to the West Coast. :p

Zella Juice

11-20-2008, 06:12 PM

aww what and awesome testimonial butterfly.

If anyone can do this..it's YOU James! You are so excited about raw like no one I have ever talked to. I love your Enthusiasm!

I'm just an email or phone call away if you need me. And when you get to Seattle we are gonna hava RAW PARTY EXTRAVAGANZAAAA :D:D:D

ArcturusXIV

11-20-2008, 06:26 PM

aww what and awesome testimonial butterfly.

If anyone can do this..it's you james! You are so excited about raw like no one i have ever talked to. I love your enthusiasm!

I'm just an email or phone call away if you need me. And when you get to seattle we are gonna hava raw party extravaganzaaaa :d:d:d

heck yeah!!! :d

jacsam

11-20-2008, 07:13 PM

James....I know in Alissa's book she says that there is an incredible difference between 98% raw and 100% raw. You might consider doing a consultation with her. I can understand your concern....Alissa has worked with all kinds of people and I'm sure she'd have alot to share with you. Also, I'm sure this is something that will take more than 3 weeks on raw foods to get better......give it some time and get a consultation would be my advice.

ArcturusXIV

11-20-2008, 08:16 PM

I will consider a consultation, but I don't have the money right now. :( I'm barely surviving on a raw food diet (it's expensive!). I wish I could do something like that...

michigan roman

11-20-2008, 08:18 PM

I will consider a consultation, but I don't have the money right now. :( I'm barely surviving on a raw food diet (it's expensive!). I wish I could do something like that...

concerning cost , thread link =

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=22555&highlight=raw+on+a+budget ..

Raw Angel Mom

11-21-2008, 02:02 AM

Definitely drop the salad dressing, oh mye this is bad news if your read the ingredient. I find making home made dressing is far beyond tastier anyway. For the coffee, drop it too, if you want to still have it, only have the organic one. Most coffee shop, sadly add MSG and which lead to greater addiction. MSG is so much a poison for our body.

Are you adding greens in your diet? I would consider green smoothies.

Try to find a doctor that do raw food in your area or a homeopathic that do also raw food.

ArcturusXIV

11-21-2008, 01:28 PM

I suppose it depends what your 2% non-raw IS. I'm by default a vegan who doesn't eat refined sugar, trans-fats, preservatives/additives, and refined carbs. So for me, there is no difference between 98% and 100% raw.

That would make sense.

Okay, this is my second day off coffee. Still no headache, though I'm having trouble staying up in the morning. :) And the craving is bad...

Ate a shot of wheatgrass, a green smoothie (with spirulina), and date pudding as part of my dinner yesterday. I'm 100% raw at this point, though, to be honest, I don't feel that much difference. I'm kind of dreading the detoxing, since I've been on a TON of medication all my life...about how many days does it take for detox to kick in? Gonna have a little MSM this morning, and take a shower. I sweated a lot last night and had some really weird dreams.

Finally finished my colon cleanse, feel a little better right now, though still liquid stools.

As far as finding a local doctor...I'll look into it. But I'm not sure how much money I'll have left over. It's easy to go through $10-$20 a day on a raw food diet. I'm trying to find ways to cut back, but it's hard if you want to do the recipes, and taste IS important to me. Gonna make a cocao smoothie this morning.

Anyway, I'll keep writing as things come up. This should be interesting, to say the least.

James

PS: Got my bro in Seattle interested in the diet! He's gonna start December 1, and then when I move back there, we're going to have a raw household together! Yippee! His biggest problem is giving up the drinking, though...he's a huge social drinker.

Crazy Healer Lady

11-21-2008, 01:45 PM

A great book is Raw Food/Real World: 100 Recipes to Get the Glow by Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis. They list a few raw alcoholic beverages that can easily be made non-alcoholic.

Trust me, once he's raw for a few weeks, I don't think he'll want the alcohol. Maybe more of a mental thing than a physical one.

PS Congrats on the raw friend!!! that's great!

Green_Woman

11-21-2008, 03:04 PM

James,

I suggest two viewpoints about your diagnosis....

1) I sure hope raw foods can help me clear this up, but damnit, I don't want to lose my colon and this is REALLY a lousy thing to have to deal with right now.

Or...

2) Well, now I finally know what's been bothering me! This diagnosis is POWERFUL motivation for me to be 100% RAW and STAY THAT WAY! I'm excited about changing my life and following a healthy path as a raw food vegan... and I'm bracing myself and strengthening myself now for the multiple OTHER challenges ahead - but I know I can survive and THRIVE as long as I continue to listen to my body and accept the healing that's headed my way.

Crohn's is a big bad WOW, THIS SUCKS, yes!!! But, take it from a girl who was knocked off her feet by not one or two, but half a dozen frightening diagnosises THIS YEAR: YOU have a CHOICE about being "diseased" or being a whole, HEALED man!

I get the feeling from your previous posts and brief exchanges we've had that you're an upbeat guy, determined when you choose a path...

Hold onto hope, and ALWAYS focus on the POSITIVES. What you FOCUS on is what you ACHIEVE.

Strength to you. *hug*

ArcturusXIV

11-22-2008, 06:32 PM

I feel your pain with the cost. But....$10-$20 per day? That's a lot! But then again I'm a rather petite woman and probably eat considerably less than you do.

I have a ridiculous appetite. Fortunately, it seems to have decreased a bit. I'm on day 3 of 100% raw, and I'm extremely sick...I threw up this morning. Had a humongous headache. Just went to the bathroom, too, and it looked like blood in my stool. :(

Crazy Healer Lady

11-23-2008, 04:49 AM

michigan roman

11-23-2008, 05:02 AM

I met a raw man with Chrohn's today, and diabetes. He's doing the Primal diet, which is raw meat, eggs, milk, and raw veggies. I started asking him questions. He said that fresh juices REALLY helped heal the damage inside of his digestive system, but they were a little harsh on their own. He drinks raw milk and find that helps to coat everything; I'm thinking if you made a vegan milk, like pear or banana milk?

I hope you're doing OK <3 Was the potential blood dark or bright red??

in terms of milk , i like almond milk with bananas , carob , berries . and at times cheat with a shot of maple syrup . but the almond milk / bananas / sweetness is soothing to my gut .

and the herb / flowers of the yarrow plant are famous for stopping bleeding both ex and internally .

Crazy Healer Lady

11-23-2008, 08:12 AM

ArcturusXIV

11-23-2008, 09:16 AM

I met a raw man with Chrohn's today, and diabetes. He's doing the Primal diet, which is raw meat, eggs, milk, and raw veggies. I started asking him questions. He said that fresh juices REALLY helped heal the damage inside of his digestive system, but they were a little harsh on their own. He drinks raw milk and find that helps to coat everything; I'm thinking if you made a vegan milk, like pear or banana milk?

I hope you're doing OK <3 Was the potential blood dark or bright red??

We're talking bright red. I'm doing okay now, no more blood since we last talked. I've been taking slippery elm bark for my colitis, but haven't heard much about yarrow or shepherd's purse. I will be looking into those. Today I feel much better...it seems the sickness probably passed. Going to a meditation class later on, and hopefully that will alleviate some of my anxiety over this whole episode...

Crazy Healer Lady

11-23-2008, 09:35 AM

Aw have a good time at meditation

NocturnalJourney

11-23-2008, 10:40 AM

Hey,
have you heard of Teeccino? It tastes like coffee but not coffe, maybe it will be easier to make a switch.

Check it out.

http://www.teeccino.com/

Eilene

11-23-2008, 11:14 AM

I know a few people that have Crohn's & they are doing really well! Everything will be ok! We are here for you.

ArcturusXIV

11-23-2008, 01:42 PM

Hey,
have you heard of Teeccino? It tastes like coffee but not coffe, maybe it will be easier to make a switch.

Check it out.

http://www.teeccino.com/

Somebody mentioned that stuff earlier. Yeah, I'm looking into it...

I have an upstoppable olive and kim chi craving right now. Still need to find a recipe for how to make kim chi. I go through about a bottle a day.

Green_Woman

11-23-2008, 08:40 PM

Detox can REALLY be hell. :)

I'm back on 100% today because I got WAY off track this month. No excuses. Just got off-track and gave in to some pretty lame temptations.

Talk about a headache...

*sigh*

BUT - being clean and streamlined on 100% is ALWAYS sooo worth it in the end.

*hug*

michigan roman

11-23-2008, 08:48 PM

Oh yes, yarrow is fantastic for stopping bleeding. Great to have growing around for accidents. Awesome call!!

Shepherd's purse, as well, is a POWERFUL agent for stopping bleeding. Make it into a tea and drink a cup - but check with a naturopath because I don't know which meds it conflicts with and how it would effect Chrohn's

ive grown the white / pink and i think maybe yellow flowered yarrow , and though the whites thee most medicinally active (you can just taste the heavy resins in the white) . the pink makes a lighter / tastier tea .

and i dont know about anyone else , but when im cold in winter yarrow tea REALLY warms me up . it raises my body temp so much i cant drink it in summer because i'll bake .

ever see www.mountainroseherbs.com , it might be without the s as in www.mountainroseherb.com . my fave herb supplier , with a very informative site . and everything ive ever purchased there was of highest quality , they have pride in their work you can tell .

unbent

12-03-2008, 07:52 AM

Arcturus,

Check out juicefeasting.com. Also, regarding the salad dressings. If you have them in your area, try pomegranate seeds instead. They just came out at my local store in the last month and I am totally loving it. I was using some of the more healthy dressings until the pomegranates came out again. They can be a great alternative and are very high in antioxidants. I would think that the seeds would be good for helping to clean the intestinal walls as well. That is just my opinion. Good luck dude. You have a lot of great people hear to lean on.

Andy

Veganforlife

12-03-2008, 07:56 AM

Somebody mentioned that stuff earlier. Yeah, I'm looking into it...

I have an upstoppable olive and kim chi craving right now. Still need to find a recipe for how to make kim chi. I go through about a bottle a day.

Check this thread out:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=17071&highlight=sauerkraut