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Iron Re: floravital/iron Fri, 9 May 1997 19:39:04 GMT >Hi everyone, > >I am curious about this idea of iron supplementation. Following a >recent posting on anemia, I browsed through Andrew Weil's book on >natural healing. He claims that the only people who should take iron >are those losing a lot of blood. He says that the body cannot >otherwise rid itself of iron, and buildups can be toxic. > >I wonder if there is "invisible bleeding" involved in ulcerative >colitis; if at times of low inflammation the colon is still bleeding >but the blood is not obvious or visible. This might account for >ongoing anemia and the visible benefits of iron supplementation. > >John >Berkeley, CA Dear John and others: Andrew Weil is talking about normal healthy people, not us. People with IBD do lose blood regularly, even though it may not be visible. If you need iron, your doctor should tell you, and it is quite common for us IBDers to need it. He/She will be able to tell from your blood test results. It's based on your hemoglobin count and other counts that are usually taken all at the same time with a routine CBC (complete blood count). I'm no expert on this by any means, but I know that I felt weak, lifeless, had no energy, couldn't concentrate or remember simple things, and became very slow at my work when I had a very low hemoglobin. There was definately a problem, because I wasn't used to being so "empty headed", and slow, plus it's no fun to feel listless all the time, it makes you depressed. I took Floradix (I didn't know if it was allowable or not, but I couldn't stand iron pills the doctor prescribed because they were instantly constipating. I couldn't stand to be constipated all the time, so when my homeopath/naturopath told me to get the Floradix iron tonic which is made from natural plant extracts and fruit juices, I went for it. Since I was in remission at the time (no symptoms other than anemia), I took the Floradix willingly. I don't know if it helped or what, but my hemoglobin went from 73 to 119 in two months time. The normal is around 120 and up. (this is the Canadian measuring system). I lost those "zombie" feelings, and felt a lot better. It could have been something else I took, like the multi-mineral pills, or I could have just gotten better spontaneously over time. The floradix tasted good, like juice, so I liked to take it. I stopped taking it a while ago and haven't checked my blood lately. Anyway, there's my two cents Anna
Re: floravital/iron Fri, 9 May 1997 20:19:21 GMT Hi All-- John asked about "invisible bleeding" with UC...speaking only for myself, I have Crohn's and am ALWAYS anemic. My GI doctor has told me I will probably always have at least "a slow leak," and that occult blood tests on my stools will probably always be positive, even if I'm not in a major flare or having visibly bloody stools. I would imagine that many others with IBD are in this same boat. Depending on how my bowels are behaving, my hematocrit blood test is always below normal, and sometimes VERY below normal. I take a prescription iron capsule called niferex, which is the only iron I've been able to tolerate, taking either one or two a day (dependent on my last hematocrit check), and still have never gotten a normal result. It is true that you should only supplement iron if you are anemic, so anyone using it should have a blood count checked. Unnecessary iron in the diet will accumulate in your organs, especially the liver, and can cause significant disease if it goes on too long. Good Health to all-- Julie
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 23:20:11 -0400 From: DeborahIdol <cat@LANLINE.COM> Subject: Re: vitamins Hi, > Elaine mentions, page 142, to take nothing that contains > sugar,starch,wheat,soy,whey, or yeast. > > What if a vitamin does list various things that are not in it, like > above. But does not mention not containing sugar. I don't think I've > read whey either actually. > > Does that mean we should not take them? I would really avoid all pills with fillers that are on the prohibited list. There are some companies (like Twin Lab) which produce good quality vitamins with the potency they have promised and without harmful fillers. As I had mentioned, I unfortunately have to make an exception for my synthroid tablets because they are not available without lactose; but at least they are tiny, and I've had no problems from taking them with a lactase tablet (but be careful about what is those if you have to use them, also) in spite of Elaine Gottschall's advice *not* to take lactose with lactase to compensate for it. > Oh, also, do the Freeda vitamins list ALL of the items above on the bottle? Supposedly Freeda vitamins are excellent, with no starch and sugar, and they would list all their ingredients of course, since they are a reputable company. I have never tried them, as someone told me they were mostly tablets, rather than capsules, which I feel are not absorbed as easily (and people with gut problems have enough problems absorbing nutrients). But since I've never even looked into them, perhaps my informant was wrong, and they have capsules available, also. Take care, Deborah
Carrots Carrots are an essential dietary requirement for their beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is a precursor for vitamin A and is absolutely essential for liver metabolism, apart from its need by the eyes.
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 98 10:22:21 MDT From: "Daniel Woods" <dwoods@ucalgary.ca> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Laughter is the best! David wrote..., > Try vitamin C (powdered or fruit easiest to digest, > and you can't take too much), ... Actually, you can. Too much Vitamin C taken a day CAN cause D. However, you are still right that the more the merrier, you simply must let your body build up to higher quantities. I would suggest that people start with small amounts and increase after 4-5 days. At one time I was taking as much as 30-35 chewable tablets with 300 mg each, a total of 9000-10500 mg (9-10.5 g). I can say that I barely ever got a cold, and if I did, it was mild and gone in 2-3 days. Mainly due to cost, I now only take 1000-2000 mg per day plus a multi-vitamin. Thanks... Dan.
Date: Thu, 03 Sep 1998 20:39:40 -0400 From: Deborah Idol <cat@cloud9.net> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Eurethromyacin Hi Benjamin, > My doctor just gave me Eurethromyacin for a bronchitis. I currently have UC > and am in my fifth week of the SCD diet with minor overall improvement. > Before the SCD I also had bronchitis and when my antibiotic cycle was > finished I tanked real bad with the UC. > What I would like to know is what the antibiotic will do to the bacteria I > am supposed to helping and starving with the SCD diet? The antibiotic will unfortunately kill off the good bacteria in your gut, the same bacteria you are working so hard to promote. > Are there supplements > I should take to help the good bacteria? And is there any way to avoid the > relapse when the cycle is done? You can take whatever probiotics you were (I hope) taking before (I take PB8 but there are undoubtedly many good ones), and perhaps take a higher dose; you can eat homemade yogurt, made with an excellent starter, every day; and of course, stick religiously as always to the SCD. I would also limit even legal sugars, eliminating honey and eating only the less sweet fruits (berries, for instance, rather than mangos or melons), to help eliminate whatever candida overgrowth is promoted by the antibiotic. In addition, taking as much Vitamin C as you can tolerate, in addition to other nutrients to build up your immune system, will help deal with the insult to your immune system caused by taking antibiotics. I would *never* advocate anyone treating bronchitis without drugs and without input from their doctors, although I have had to do just that, myself. I can't tolerate any antibiotics, so unless death were the alternative to taking them, I personally avoid all antibiotics. I have successfully treated literally dozens of cases of bronchitis (I had chronic bronchitis when I lived in a polluted area of NJ) with extra Vitamin C, and now I also add extra colloidal silver. I don't even go to doctors on the (now much rarer) occasions I get bronchitis, because I know they will immediately prescribe an antibiotic which I can't take. Although I certainly would never recommend anyone else following my example, it can't hurt to build up your immune system with as much Vitamin C (small doses of Ester C several times a day will probably be most easily tolerated) as you can take without irritating your gut, and other nutrients which promote the health of the immune system. There are many books which list all sorts of supplements which promote immune system health. Also, keep in mind that eating any sugar (even SCD legal sugar such as honey) literally zaps the immune system for hours after ingestion, which is enough time to allow something like bronchitis to start. A diet which doesn't include sweets (other than moderate fruit intake) is healthiest for the immune system. Take care, Deborah
From: Alpaslan <alpaslan@2xtreme.net> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Diet and Chrohn's article Date: Saturday, October 03, 1998 3:04 PM Regarding a recent post on nutritional therapy in Chrohn's disease.... I am a UC patient and I have found much relief in vitamin and mineral supplements. I believe nutrition supplements are an essential part of inducing remission.. Everyone with the IBD conditon should give serious consideration to vitamin and mineral supplements. Alpaslan
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 08:05:15 -0400 From: ruth <callahan@webspan.net> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Freeda Vitamins Dan and all, I've purchased vitamins at Freeda Pharmacy as a walk in customer before even knowing about SCD and Elaine's recommendation. In Manhattan they are known as amazingly reputable pharmacy and vitamin source. They make all their own vitamins under strict kosher supervision. There is no dairy or additives whatsoever and they can be trusted. The staff is very smart about natural health and helpful. It is actually a very small family run pharmacy still practicing some old fashioned art of mixing drugs for special order prescriptions. The vitamin line is produced in their own factory in more modern manufacturing methods. I'm just a happy consumer! Ruth
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 13:05:31 EDT From: <WILLYHAY@aol.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Rybar Assoc. Dan, Two years ago before I knew about SCD I started taking Shaklee Suppliments. At that time I was dehydrated, had no energy at all, and was having 16BMs a day. Within a week of taking the suppliments and another product they sell, my energy level increased dramatically. It was because of their products that I even had the strength to go to a Crohn's support group where I found out about SCD. Here in Indiana ones resources for good quality suppliments and whole foods are not in abundance. I feel fortunate that we have Shaklee distributors in our area. So far, I have found no other source of SCD allowed suppliments locally. Its been 8 months since I've started SCD. This diet along with the help of Shaklee suppliments has given me an energetic, happy, pain free life outside of the bathroom. By the way I DO NOT SELL SHAKLEE. Best to you, Joni
Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:29:21 EDT From: <RybarAssoc@aol.com> To: scd-list@longisland.com Subject: Shaklee Nutrition Shaklee is known the world over as the leader in the science of health and nutrition, and brings unparalleled nutritional expertise to us. Dr. Shaklee, the founder, formulated vitalized minerals years before the word vitamin even appeared in the dictionary. The stability and integrity of the company is sound. Shaklee is the only nutritional supplement company to research, develop and manufacture its own products. Over $150 million has been spent on research, and over 90 articles have been published in peer-reviewed journals on Shaklee's research. Their newest (and third) research facility has just been completed on the grounds of Stanford University. Clinical testing with human subjects, although costly, is routinely performed to offer the most conclusive proof of the effectiveness of the products. And a study on the NBC Today Show rated Shaklee #1. The study showed Shaklee vitamins to have the best disintegration time, thereby allowing maximum absorption. If a vitamin does not dissolve in water within 30 minutes, it is not utilized and assimilated by the body. This in itself is an important factor to consider given the poor assimilation of those with IBD. We are being very cautious to use only whole foods in their natural form in the SCD, we should also be certain to use natural whole food supplements. Please be sure to check into the manufacturing company of your vitamins and request clinical studies. Be an informed consumer and make your own best decisions. If you are interested in trying Shaklee supplements, there is a 100% money- back guarantee. If you cannot find a local Shaklee distributor, please feel free to call Shaklee direct at 1-800-VITALEA and use my sponsor code #TA29767. I offer this because you will not be able to order directly without one. As a nutrition counselor and strong supporter of the SCD, I will be happy to offer any nutritional support I can. My success is attributed to Elaine in her infinite wisdom, the SCD, my own discipline and Shaklee supplements! Best of health to you all! Rybar
Date: Wed, 08 Jul 1998 13:19:36 +1000 From: leos@surfnetcity.com.au To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: SUPPLEMENTS This is addressed especially to Madelon & Kirsten but may be helpful for everyone - Magnesium supplements cause softening of the faeces even in healthy people. Don't take them if you have D. Fruit juices made from "reconstituted juice" probably contain cane sugar. Manufacturers don't have to list the ingredients of ingredients. So stay away from the calcium/magnesium supplements and the commercial fruit juices (unless you are sure about them). Cecilia.
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 07:22:12 -0700 From: Tom <tomc@pnn.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: MS and SCD Glenna, Interesting to hear of your success with the SCD and MS. Certainly is good news. L-Glutamine is an amino acid and is therefore acceptable with the SCD. There is a good book on it that you might want to get: The Ultimate Nutrient Glutamine by Shabert (an MD and RD) and Ehrlich. ISBN 0-89529-588-1. I got my copy from Amazon and after reading it, started taking 9gms/day of L-Glutamine. It has helped my gut and energy. B12 is a common problem with us. Its absorption is rather complex, needing an intrinsic factor from the stomach and absorption from the ileum (end of small intestine). A common problem with Crohn's which tends to affect the ileum, is problems with B12 absorption. Like you, I'm on weekly B12 shots. Sounds like your doctor is a good one. Not everyone is that lucky. Tom
Herbs Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 09:50:01 -0500 From: Christine Brennen-Leigh <cbleigh@biztechinc.com> To: <SCD-list@longisland.com> Subject: www.HerbShop.com >Nature's Sunshine product called UC3J...."A formula designed to provide >nutrients the lower bowel needs to function properly. To absorb toxins, >reduce inflammation, promote healing, soothe the bowel, give bulk to the >stool and promote the growth of friendly colonic bacteria." A couple of people requested that I give more information on this product. I purchase it from Nature's Sunshine, a very reputable and knowledgeable company. I used to purchase them from someone, but I became a distributor so I could buy right from the company at a lower price. I do not actively sell the product, but it allows my family and myself to save a little money. My mom has had good success with their products in dealing with Chrones/Colitis and I have used them for years in dealing with my own autoimmune disorder, Interstitial Cystitis (but that is another story). If you would like to purchase this or other of their many fine products you can do a search on the web for "Nature's Sunshine". You will find many places (and hopefully one close to you) that sells their products. A particularly good site which also explains all of the products and answers many questions is www.HerbShop.com. A quote from their site: "If you are seeking herbal knowledge and herbal products, we are happy to point you to the resources, and to the products. You'll find a wealth of information, and a great array of herbal and health products, right here at www.HerbShop.com, and in our shops. You can order directly from us, or become an NSP member through us, and then order Nature's Sunshine Products from NSP Home Office at a terrific discount." Anyway, I really believe in Nature's Sunshine products and especially the product UC3J that my mom has had great success with. She also faithfully takes Chlorophyll, Garlic, and Digestive Enzymes. A natural therapy (most important of all including SCD) has been a life saver for my mother. Email me if you want to chat more about natural remedies. cbleigh@biztechinc.com Wishing everyone a healthy day. Christine
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 10:32:53 -0400 From: paulasirois@juno.com (Paula Sirois) To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: alternatives to antibiotics To my great surprise, no one has as yet mentioned herbs to fight infection. Golden Seal, Capsicum and Echinacea are time-proven, extremely effective (and are free of side effects) and are available in tincture forms. There is a wonderful company that I have been using successfully for several years, called Quantum Herbal Products, in Saugerties, New York that will provide the tinctures in glycerin rather than alcohol. It is simply a matter of adding a few drops to a glass of water. Their phone number: 1-800-348-0398...or you can email them at herbs@maine.com In my experience, they are very gracious about answering questions you may have. I have spoken to them about the diet, so they are aware of SCD. Feel free to tell them the concern about the potential breakdown to disaccharides. They can provide you with all the help you need. many blessings, Paula
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 09:40:13 -0700 From: David Hyde <dhyde@ccsf.cc.ca.us> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: alternatives to antibiotics And lets not forget my favorite herbal antibiotic, GARLIC, YUM!!! _ David Hyde dhyde@ccsf.cc.ca.us
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 10:32:53 -0400 From: paulasirois@juno.com (Paula Sirois) To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: alternatives to antibiotics To my great surprise, no one has as yet mentioned herbs to fight infection. Golden Seal, Capsicum and Echinacea are time-proven, extremely effective (and are free of side effects) and are available in tincture forms. There is a wonderful company that I have been using successfully for several years, called Quantum Herbal Products, in Saugerties, New York that will provide the tinctures in glycerin rather than alcohol. It is simply a matter of adding a few drops to a glass of water. Their phone number: 1-800-348-0398...or you can email them at herbs@maine.com In my experience, they are very gracious about answering questions you may have. I have spoken to them about the diet, so they are aware of SCD. Feel free to tell them the concern about the potential breakdown to disaccharides. They can provide you with all the help you need. many blessings, Paula
Milk, Fructose, Pectin Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 17:21:44 -0700 From: rosset@juno.com (Lucy Rosset) To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: milk, fructose, and pectin<BR> Dear Anne, At some point or another I've asked Elaine all 3 of these questions, and here is basically what she had to say: >3. Three diet-related questions: a. What about Lactose-free milk? A small amount in coffee or tea is O.K. >b. What about fructose crystalline? Not allowed because it isn't always 100% fructose, even when the label says it is. >c. Why not fruit pectin? It isn't allowed because it is treated with starch. Best of luck to you. Lucy
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 07:51:32 -0500 From: Ruth Callahan <callahan@webspan.net> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Pectin Eileen, Vitamins with pectin are Not acceptable on SCD. Purchase your vitamins through Freeda Drugs listed in the book. Some people have found other brands at the healthy food store with absolutely nothing added. I'm personally a very big fan of the Freeda Vitamins. Ruth Down state New York :-) Manhattan
Spirulina Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 15:55:07 -0700 From: "Landree Sheri (RDS_PVS)" <SLANDREE@russell.com> To: "'SCD-list@longisland.com'" <SCD-list@longisland.com> Subject: Spirulina Elaine was called with that question, and Spirulina is definitely NOT okay. > ---------- > From: James & Cathy Yokota[SMTP:james.yokota@mci2000.com] > Reply To: SCD-list@longisland.com > Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 1998 6:55 PM > To: SCD-list@longisland.com > Subject: Re: SCD > > Hi! > > I was wondering if Spirulina is OK on the SCD diet. I would like to > try it for its nutritional value. Does anyone have any experience or > advice on it
Aloe Vera Juice Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 10:36:24 EDT From: <Janil11@aol.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: RE: Aloe Vera Juice What is the consensus about Aloe Vera Juice? I'm seeing a nutritionist and she wants me to take it. I've been on the diet about 4 months and I'm going through a very bad flare up. Thanks Jan ---------- Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 09:42:31 -0500 From: Christine Brennen-Leigh <cbleigh@biztechinc.com> To: <SCD-list@longisland.com> Subject: RE: Aloe Vera Juice I understand that Aloe Vera Juice helps to repair the damages membranes and helps sooth them as well. Christine ---------- Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 12:41:02 EDT From: <RybarAssoc@aol.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Aloe Vera Juice Elaine says absolutely NO aloe vera. Don't do it. ---------- Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 20:45:06 -0400 From: John Chalmers <johnc@mail.fwi.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Aloe Vera Juice Christine Brennen-Leigh wrote: > > Why no aloe vera??? It is supposed to be very good for the intestines and > colon. Why? I need details. > > Christine I asked Elaine Gottschall some time ago about aloe vera. She told me that aloe vera contains anthraquinone which is that part of epson salts which makes you go to the bathroom. Anthraquinone was specifically mentioned in Dr. Haas book (remember that Dr. Haas developed the SCD). John
Tue, 26 Nov 1996 03:25 The aloe vera juice products have all had the anthraquinone removed. The only aloe products that have this substance are those that are specifically marketed as a laxative, and come in capsules. I've used large doeses of aloe vera juice in the past and never experienced a cathartic effect. I read Dr, Haas' book and can't recall aloe being mentioned. May have missed it, however. Arthraquinone and epson salts are 2 entirely different substances. Epson salts is Magnesium sulfate, a simple inorganic compound. Arthroquinone is some other more complex organic compound. Simon
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 21:22:11 -0500 From: John Chalmers <johnc@mail.fwi.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: aloe > Deborah, > Do you, or does anyone else know why aloe isn't permitted? I have > read the archives, and I think this is an issue that should be > addressed again. Aloe is known to have such healing properties, > particularly intestinal inflammation. I get the impression from the > archives that Elaine may have eliminated it for the wrong reasons. > Any ideas, anyone? I am VERY anxiously considering reintroducing this > to my child. > > Eileen Feim When this topic came up a long time ago I contacted Elaine to find out about aloe vera. She says that it contains anthraquinone which is that part of epson salts that makes you go to the bathroom. It was also mentioned in Dr. Haas' book. Aloe vera remains on the "no" list. John
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 21:48:11 -0700 From: "Brad Lait" <laitb@cadvision.com> To: "SCD List" <SCD-list@longisland.com> Subject: re: Aloe Here's a link that discusses the laxative and other properties of aloe; the article includes references. Regards, Alison: http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/aloe.html
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 10:59:35 -0800 (PST) From: eileen feim <efeim@yahoo.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: aloe John, your thoughts on aloe were in the archives as well. The thing that confuses me is this reply by "Simon": "The aloe vera juice products have all had the antyhraquinone removed. The only aloe products that have this substance are those that are specifically marketed as a laxative, and come in capsules. I've used large doses of aloe vera juice in the past and never experienced a cathartic effect. I read Dr. Haas' book and can't recall aloe being mentioned. May have missed it, however. Arthraquinone and epson salts are 2 entirely different substances. Epson salts is Magnesium sulfate, a simple inorganic compound. Arthroquinone is some other more complex organic compound". And what if you happen to NEED a laxative, like my child? Constipation IS a symptom of intestinal disorders, although not the most common. I worry that some things are not SCD allowable for reasons other than those outlined in BTVC. The same type of discussion pertained to sorbitol. Eileen Feim
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 04:01:52 -0500 From: Deborah Idol <cat@cloud9.net> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: aloe Hi Eileen, > Do you, or does anyone else know why aloe isn't permitted? I have > read the archives, and I think this is an issue that should be > addressed again. Aloe is known to have such healing properties, > particularly intestinal inflammation. I get the impression from the > archives that Elaine may have eliminated it for the wrong reasons. > Any ideas, anyone? I am VERY anxiously considering reintroducing this > to my child. After reading all the posts on aloe, and reading some of the material on the sites suggested, I would be very leery of giving aloe to anyone to ingest (even someone with a healthy gut). I think it's best used as a topical healing agent, and preferably from the plant, directly. I really would stick to what Elaine has said is all right to eat and drink, as this diet, followed exactly, has helped so very many people. Take care, Deborah
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 01:32:44 -0900 From: jeffb@akcache.com To: SCD list <SCD-list@longisland.com> Subject: Re: Aloe I have CD and have been told over the years by non-medical people (people marketing aloe products, health food store operators, energy workers, people into alternative medicine) how healing aloe is for an inflamed gut - and how much benefit I would get from it. Different people "in the know" explained about certain products which had the irritating properties removed, special processing, etc. *Every* product I have tried over the years (and there have been several) has cause serious flares in my illness. Be careful. Gail
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 20:49:06 -0500 From: John Chalmers <johnc@mail.fwi.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: aloe Eileen The information I have provided is from notes I took during a conversation that I had with Elaine Gottschall. She has aloe vera on the "no" list. I looked around on the internet for a few minutes tonight and found that it has "complex carbohydrates including polysaccharides". John
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 06:09:31 -0800 (PST) Still writing for my sister, but if she could write herself, I know she'd have spoken up against aloe. Her "naturalist" doctor (she was trying to treat a flair up with natural medicine) or whatever you call it was treating her with pure aloe in capsules, specifically because it is supposed to be so healing, for intestinal problems etc.; he thought it would heal the ulcerations. Wrong. It nearly killed her. Elaine told my mother on the phone that it literally, in that pure form, rotted her intestines. Coupled with a several other factors, she landed in the hospital for 2 months and nearly died. Elaine was VERY specific about aloe being avoided. She was extremely nice to my mother on the phone and spoke to her for a long time. If anyone wants the specifics about the aloe business, I think the best would be to call her. I just know it is very bad for folks with UC. My sister is now back on the diet, it having been mostly a falling off it that caused her flair-up in the first place, and doing well. She's back at work and hopes to be subscribing to the list very soon on her own. Linny Jorde
Dextrose Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 10:53:08 -0700 From: rosset@juno.com (Lucy Rosset) To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: rehydration/diarrhea >Does anybody know what the verdict is on dextrose as an ingredient? > >Sincerely, >Andy S. Dear Andy, Elaine says the dextrose in the Pedialyte should be OK. The reason for the apparent contradiction in the book is because some products will list dextrose when in fact they are using a combination of sugars. She ran across this recently with a liquid diet product. Here is a recipe for making your own oral hydrator I found in a newspaper. I can't say I've tried it, but it sounds easy to make and less expensive than Pedialyte. To each quart of boiled water, stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and baking soda. Lucy
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 21:34:30 -0800 From: Jay <felotravlr@mediaone.net> To: "SCD-list@longisland.com" <SCD-list@longisland.com> Subject: Elaine on garlic, acidophilus, and other supplements, and on resistant starches I wrote to Elaine with a few questions recently and told her that if she didn't object I might post some of her answers to this list. I left room for one-sentence responses but got back a lot more. She didn't tell me not to post her responses, so here goes: 1. Kyolic garlic, acidophilus, and other supplements - I asked if the Kyolic is permitted. I told Elaine that the manufacturer told me (over the phone) that it has less than 1 gram per capsule of carbohydrate content, which comes from vegetable protein, which in turn is derived from golden peas, and that it also contains a little magnesium stearate. Elaine replied as follows: "Garlic is a great food and should be part of everyone's diet. However in manufacturing any product, processes go on which only those who work in the plant could see. As for the magnesium stearate in Kyolic garlic, that does not concern me - it's OK. But when we start this business of '1 gram of carbohydrate which comes from vegetable protein which in turn is derived from golden peas' then I don't have a clue as to what the compound of carbohydrate is. "For those on the scd, do not use such a product during the period when you are trying to determine if the diet is working for you. When you are secure in knowing things are working, then some of these nebulous ingredients such as in Kyolic might be tried. "As far as I know, Kyolic garlic, fish oil, piles and piles of supplements, have never cured these intestinal disorders - only the elimination of the wrong foods. Why can't those on the diet give the diet a chance without 'mucking' it up with things that are not in the book. "The only other addition I would feel good about is the probiotic substances such as acidophilus. I had a chapter for the book on probiotics but because the New England Journal of Medicine had published a series of articles which were extremely negative re acidophilus I left it out. Plus the fact that I had learned that it is not certain that acidophilus is OK for Crohn's of the small intestine but it is great for UC and possibly colon Crohn's. In other words, there are many unanswered questions about it but Dr. Haas used it for our daughter's UC.... As for acidophilus being OK for irritable bowel syndrome [my condition], I would give the diet a chance and see if works and then slowly introduce the acidophilus. I would get the milk-based form in powder or capsules." 2. Resistant starches - Awhile ago, someone on this list (I believe it was Cecilia) said she'd read that if cooked vegetables are allowed to cool, the starches can alter to form "resistant starches" that are exceptionally hard to digest, and that it is therefore a bad idea to idea to refrigerate and reheat vegetable leftovers. Elaine's view on this is as follows: "I spent many hours reading papers on resistant starches about 15 years ago and decided that the vegetables we use are OK even if we let them cool and use them as leftovers." Hope some of you find this of interest. Jay
Date: Tue, 6 Apr 1999 10:21:12 -0400 Dear Angela, I am so sorry to hear that you have been given antibiotics. I started out as you with very mild UC that didn't even need drugs - it would always resolve itself fairly quickly. Last February I was given antibiotics and had the same experience as you. Within 3 days I was into a flare that just kept up. I ended up in bad shape and then finally on this diet. I have been lucky after going to 2 other GIs to finally find a very good one. He told me that antibiotics will aggravate this disease and to avoid them unless they were needed literally to save my life. I have suffered for the past several years with sinus infections that made me miserable. One thing that you can try is to take raw garlic and ginger tea. The garlic should be cut up fine, and then taken on a spoon, without chewing, and washed down with water. Take 1 clove this way, on an empty stomach, 4 times/day. Eat some fruit or yogurt afterward to prevent any burning sensation. To make ginger tea, peel and grate 1 or 2 tsp. fresh ginger, and steep (don't boil) in boiling water for at least 15 min. Add lemon juice and drink. Take 3 cups per day. This is what I've been doing since the summer and this year is the first year in a long time that I haven't had a sinus infection or strep throat. I start this garlic/ginger treatment at the first sign of a bug and keep it up until I feel fine. You will stink of garlic, but if you can put up with that for a few days, stay home from work, you may save yourself a lot of suffering with your UC. I have heard that if you go to a compounding pharmacy you can get pure tylenol powder without any starch or other prohibited ingredients. Explain why you want it to the phamacist and hopefully he/she will sell it to you. As for the fruit juice, you should be able to find bottled or frozen concentrated fruit juice with nothing added. Janice
I have a mild form of ulcerative colitis (diagnosed this past October) A couple weeks ago my usual sinus/allergy or whatever problems escalated into sinusitis, so I went to the doctor. I was prescribed antibiotics. They are working, but very slowly. About a week after starting the antibiotics, I began having a flare-up, which has not stopped. Is this a usual sort of reaction to antibiotics? I assume it is a reaction to the antibiotics because I can't think of anything else that changed. Does anyone know of an SCD safe alternative for treating sinusitis? Also, all tylenol seems to contain cornstarch. Is there any type of pain reliever that is SCD safe? I have been avoiding taking any, but every now and then I just get so miserable I break down and take some. I have been checking ingredients and many things contain ascorbic acid or lactic acid. Are these okay? It is so hard to find canned fruit and juice that doesn't have a bunch of extra stuff in it. I really appreciate the kind and wonderful advice I have seen on this list the couple weeks I have been on it. The messages involving children with CD/UC have made me cry because I know how miserable I can get with just mild UC and I have a six-year-old son. I am so grateful that I am the one with problems instead of him. Thanks, Angela
From: "Deborah Idol" <cat@cloud9.net> To: <SCD-list@longisland.com> Subject: Re: Garlic & Onion Powder? Hi Lois, > I thought garlic an onion powder were allowed if you can be absolutely sure Garlic and onion powder are not allowed because starch is used to prevent caking. No spice mixtures are allowed for the same reason. The starch does not have to be listed on the label. Take care, Deborah
Date: Sun, 6 Dec 1998 11:18:41 +0100 Hello Claudette, concerning echinacea I believe that this is not the right thing for us people with bowel symptoms. Echinacea strengthens the immune system which migh result in even much more worse flare ups. I read in many articles that people with a very strong immune systeme also have a bad auto immune reaction. Take this into account. Best Konrad
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 14:12:31 -0500 Hi Everybody- I ran across a web site that contains some discussion on the purchase, types, strains, administration, storage, etc... of probiotics as well as a lot of other information (including some recommendations on oils) relating to nutrition. The web site: http://www.holisticmed.com/food.html#digestion Sally
From: Jeff & Gail Bayless <jeffb@akcache.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Garlic and echinacea > > I just buy the jars of minced garlic and take it by the spoonful.
Hi all!
Garlic also has wonderful anti-cancer effects. Now to throw the monkey wrench into the pot, I just recently read an abstact on some new research that showed that cooked garlic (chopped and thrown on the heat) loses its anticancer effects. However, the researcher found (he was working with rats or mice) that if the garlic was crushed and left standing for 15 minutes before cooking, then the cooked garlic did still have its significant anticancer effects. This raises the question for me of whether the data saying that garlic loses it antiviral, etc effects was done with garlic that was cooked right away and if letting it stand crushed those 15 minutes before cooking might maintain those properties. I will be writing to some of the researchers to see if they would be willing to research these questions. But until we know more, if you want to take garlic for its cold and flu properties, you probably should rely on raw, crushed garlic. Now regarding echinacea. I have been told by my doctor who is very knowledgable about herbs (and I have read in various sources) that if a person has an active and significant inflammatory or autoimmune disorder (like active Crohns or UC), that taking echinacea can be contraindicated. Echinacea strengthens the immune system and if you need a quieted immune system to control your illness, this can work against that. If you need prednisone, imuran, or other such meds, or are borderline under control, be careful with echinacea. A stronger immune system is not always a blessing in these circumstances. If your symptoms are under control, I wouldn't worry about it, but if not, be cautious. Sorry I don't have info any SCD-safe products. Hope this helps someone. Gail, RN
Crohns
I just started on some completely pure vitamins which are definately ok for SCD. They are from TWIN LABS. They do not make ANY tablets or pills of any kind. Their vitamins come in clear gelatin capsules or you can get their top-of-the-line supplement, Maxi Life, without the capsule to take in juice or water. This is what I sent to my sister, who is the one with SCD. Their calcium is the best absorbed, pure oyster shell. They also make a liquid one which is supposed to be miraculous tho admittedly a bit nasty. I found them through the mother of a friend, who was diagnosed with
multiple myeloma 15 years ago and told she had 4 months to live -
tops. She was not willing to accept that and began an intensive study
of vitamins and their uses - and is alive today. She really knows her
stuff and I talked to her at length about my sister's needs before
buying. She has small vitamin business, tho less than before because
she's getting on in years. Anyway, before she considered using and
selling their products years ago she spent TWO DAYS at the TWIN LABS
facility and saw every aspect of their production. She is COMPLETELY
satisfied they contain nothing other than the pure vitamins and
minerals.
Date: Tue, 06 Apr 1999 15:50:31 -0500 I learned when I called TwinLabs that MOST of their products contain potato starch!!! I was asking about several of their mineral products (Mn, Mo, Ca, Mg, etc.!), Vit. E, etc. and their responses were yes, yes, yes ...all of these contain potato starch. Really made me MAD at this company that has created an IMAGE of such a forthright supplement supplier! Also, I had purchased a Selenium product from Solaray - the label said NO added yeast, starch, etc. And yet, when I got home and read the ingredients, they listed RICE as the base. I'm quickly concluding that you can trust NO ONE!! Marj -
From: Jeff & Gail Bayless <jeffb@akcache.com> To: SCD-list@longisland.com Subject: Re: Twin Lab and Folic Acid Hi guys! I called Twin Labs today fearing the worst. I've been taking lots of the stress B complex. But they say the stress B complex has NO potato starch, NO starch at all! Yippee! Gail
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