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To try SCD or not to try??? Help!!!

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Posted 8/5/2012 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
imagardener2 I just got back from a 4,000 mile road trip to national parks that was totally impossible just a few years ago.
Yea for us! -I feel like I'm celebrating life again!
Posted 8/5/2012 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
well, my mom just brought home two new books for me to read- "breaking the vicious cycle" and "the paleo solution." i'm excited to read them. i scanned through both and i was surprised how different the diets are... i guess i assumed they were kind of the same. SCD seems like the most challenging as the paleo book has vegetarian and vegan diet options. it seems that both diets have helped people with this disease so i guess i will just try one or both of them. i expect that not all foods will react great and that everybody is individual as to what bothers them.

thanks for all the help, guys. you have definitely made me feel better and less guilty about including animal products if i choose to.
Posted 8/5/2012 6:35 PM (GMT 0)

bananagirl said...


stereo, awesome reply! what diets have you found that help better than SCD? i'm really willing to try anything to not have my colon taken out. i do think the high fruit diet is just a mess for colitis patients. i had heard about david klein's whole fruit thing and was so swept up in it that i was just getting sicker and sicker by the second. i didn't know SCD had dairy in it. i haven't had dairy on a regular basis since i was about 17 (last time i had it was christmas 2011). i have been lactose intolerant all my life so dairy was never a huge part of my diet. i had drank a lot of soy milk and almond milk. also, could you give me an example of what a typical day's meals look like for you?

Thanks! I'm currently following this candida control diet, which abstains from all sugars, fruits and fermented vinegar products. As well as white flours/white rice grains etc. I'm having success, as I learn how to control my cravings better, but the supplements also help out a great deal.

Have you ever thought about doing some stool testing to see if your body is reacting to anything abnormal? Through testing, I found that a big reason of my auto-immune response is due to Yeast overgrowth/parasite. It takes a while to rid the body of these things, but at least I know what foods to avoid, what supplements are great for helping my body etc.

Typical meal:

BREAKFAST
3 eggs/ whites/scrambled w/ sausage/ham or veggies (peppers,onion, etc)
or
Plain greek yogurt w/ raw cocoa & granola & almond butter on toast

LUNCH
Tuna melt with cheese, or canned Salmon w/ veggies, and whole grain chips/gluten free bread

DINNER
any types of unprocessed meats with all veggies, just no vinegar/ketchup or mushrooms while on diet.

SNACKS
gluten free pretzels, crackers/chips with humus, carrots/celery/cukes with salsa dips

--

This diet is easier for me than SCD because it allows specific grains, and my doctor said I do not have to be as strict. Although, my test results came back positive for gluten intolerance, so I'm doing my very best now to avoid it 100%. Even removed all of my cosmetics that contain gluten (specific hard-to-recognize ingredients that contain it). Whatever you choose, i'm so glad you're giving this a shot! But just remember not to punish yourself or feel like its a dead end when you're starting! If you go slow at first, you should do just fine. :))
Posted 8/5/2012 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
stereo, that helps a lot. i could definitely do that meal plan. i know the example from SCD was "gelatin, dry cheese curds, and boiled eggs" for breakfast. bleh i honestly barf just thinking about it since i am extremely lactose intolerant. i think eggs would be the easiest thing for me to add back in at first since i know that chickens have eggs without being fertilized by a rooster and that i'm not eating any baby chickens. i do enjoy my gluten free grains a lot but if i have to give them up, i will.

i just get regular stool tests from my doctor. i had one 3 days ago and i don't have any parasites. still waiting for another c.diff test. i think my doctor thinks i have it because i did the fecal transplants and he wants to check if my donor passed on anything to me.
Posted 8/5/2012 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
If you think you can, I'd definitely give it  a try.  I was 95% vegetarian before doing it, and even now I eat meat maybe only 2 days/week (I tried eating meat more often but I really just don't like meat).  I first read Beaking the VIscious Cycle and found it a very interesting read.  Certainly worth a try.  Just make sure you are eating enough food, enough fats, just enough.  If you are hungry, eat more.  I think that's why sooo many people lose a huge amount of weight when beginning this diet.  When you first cut out carbs, it's sooo hard to actually eat enough food/get enough calories.  Hang in there, if you can stick with it for long enough, it does get waaaay easier!

 

Posted 8/6/2012 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck Joanna...i really hope this works for you :) i recommend you go and see a naturopath or an integrative medicine doctor like i did (or like Stereo did) as from what i understood the diet alone is likely not enough and you may need to go on other things as well. The naturopath i went to, who is apparently a big shot and people come to see him from all over Australia, has a 7 step system. The Paleo diet is just the first step...

ActiveUcer: thanks for the reply. It's still too early for me to see if the Paleo is doing anything but iam certainly craving sugar!!! especially chocolate (eventhough im not an avid choc eater but now since i can't have sugar im craving all things sweet!) :/
I can see you are about to have the surgery; i wish you a quick and smooth recovery. It must be tough fighting this disease for such a long time.
Posted 8/6/2012 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
conquer UC, my days of naturopaths are done. i just found it to be a waste of money- saw 3 different ones in my area and just kept getting sicker. i don't have the money to drop on a 300 dollar appointment to end up in the hospital 3 days later. the amount of supplements i'm on should be illegal!!! i can't wait to get off them once i can eat again and gain weight.

luckily, i will be getting my prescription for imuran or 6mp today. i am so freakin excited because it worked really fast last time. i'm gonna ask about the promethius test others have mentioned on here but my doc never mentioned doing it. i just need something to get my inflammation under control because nothing i've been doing has been helping with that.
Posted 8/6/2012 9:00 PM (GMT 0)

bananagirl said...
stereo, that helps a lot. i could definitely do that meal plan. i know the example from SCD was "gelatin, dry cheese curds, and boiled eggs" for breakfast. bleh i honestly barf just thinking about it since i am extremely lactose intolerant. i think eggs would be the easiest thing for me to add back in at first since i know that chickens have eggs without being fertilized by a rooster and that i'm not eating any baby chickens. i do enjoy my gluten free grains a lot but if i have to give them up, i will.

i just get regular stool tests from my doctor. i had one 3 days ago and i don't have any parasites. still waiting for another c.diff test. i think my doctor thinks i have it because i did the fecal transplants and he wants to check if my donor passed on anything to me.

Oh I see, well good for you for getting stool tested! ...not fun.

Were you the one who told me about that? How we're not actually eating baby chicks because the eggs are not fertilized? My brain is going soft! I feel like eggs are very, very easy to eat. I know they don't agree with everyone, but just egg whites are so filling, i can't help but eat them daily.

I'm not going to ask where you live, but I swear, I had to search high and low down south to find bakeries that made gluten free breads/pastries, because the store bought junk is just too gross sometimes!
Posted 8/6/2012 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
stereo, i think i did say that egg thing on here before- how it's just a period and not a chick haha

about a week ago, i found the BEST vegan and gluten free bread. it had been a really long time since i had bread. the brand is called Schar. you can also order the products online and the company will even send you a sample if your stores around you don't carry them. my grocery store only carries bread and dinner rolls, but they are actually FLUFFY and not hard like most gf breads are.
Posted 8/12/2012 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
How's it going? Did you try the SCD diet?
Posted 8/12/2012 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
I found scd to be difficult for me due to the restrictive thing. I have been making up my own diet kind of paleo ish which has been nice.

Bananagirl- I'm sorry you had a bad experience with naturopaths, I wish you could go to mine, I have had an amazing experience with him. He did a blood allergy test for me and I couldn't believe the accuracy. He has been very helpful.

Stereo- where can i get more info on the way you are eating? It sounds kind of like what I do.

Also, apparently the allergy tests can be inaccurate if they aren't sent to the correct lab. I found out that they many times send them to labcorp, etc and they dont test them correctly. I can't remember the specifics, but my test has been accurate 100%. That's how I added potatoes lol.
Posted 8/13/2012 8:25 AM (GMT 0)
ActiveUCer - I'm extremely surprised to hear Palaeo didn't work for you, as it works for EVERYONE - it's IMPOSSIBLE for it not to.

Palaeo means eating according to our evolutionary make-up so, unless you're an alien, you have the same evolutionary make-up everyone else.

My guess is that you didn't give your body long enough to adjust; because it can take up to 2 MONTHS for your body to readjust to how you should have always been eating. The first 2 weeks will be hell on Earth (it's known as 'low-carb flu' because the symptoms are similar).

I strongly recommend you buy a copy of Mark Sisson's Primal Blueprint and read it from beginning to end. Twice. Also read his blog (marksdailyapple.com) and register for his forum (if you like).

Palaeo isn't a 'diet' in the colloquial sense, it's a way of life. I turned full-blown Palaeo 8 years ago. Lost 224lb, 30" from my chest, and the same from my waist and hips. My IBS vanished, and I've not had a cold in all that time either (that's due to the lack of grains - they're immunosuppressant).

Now I'm pretty certain I've UC, but I doubt VERY much that Palaeo is to blame; the only oil I use is EVCO (unless you count the MCT oil which I take 2x a day - gives me the energy I need to do stuff; if anyone wants to try it, get a shot measure, DO NOT GUESS!! It's powerful stuff - the max I can tolerate at once is 25ml. Any more and I've the gut-ache from hades for the rest of the day! Start with 15ml and increase the dose by 5ml daily until you reach the 'oh ****!!!!' point).

AUCer, I would URGE you to try Palaeo again. Buy Mark's book, read his blog and ease yourself in gently. DON'T go cold turkey on the grains, cut down to one meal a day (preferably using a less evil grain - not that there really is such a thing - such as buckwheat or quinoa).

To the OP: - How can meat be 'murder'...?! Murder is defined as 'the unlawful killing of one person by another'. Veganism is the unhealthiest lifestyle there is; it's high-carb by definition, you'll end up severely anaemic (unless you're on very high iron tabs which'll do wonders for your constipation - I don't think!). Humans CANNOT assimilate iron, and vitamins A and B12 from plants - they MUST come from animal sources).

You owe it to your body to quit all this silly nonsense you've got inside your head - veganism WILL lead to a premature death as you MUST be severely malnourished. Not only that, but you'll end up with dementia (braincells NEED saturated fat; the low-fat diet fad is what's causing the rise in dementia - as well as obesity!)

I really think you need to buy the Primal Blueprint, too. I have 3 copies; my own, and 2 to lend.

In fact, EVERYONE needs to read it!

Sarah xxx
Posted 8/13/2012 11:20 AM (GMT 0)

Athena Noctua said...
ActiveUCer - I'm extremely surprised to hear Palaeo didn't work for you, as it works for EVERYONE - it's IMPOSSIBLE for it not to.

Palaeo means eating according to our evolutionary make-up so, unless you're an alien, you have the same evolutionary make-up everyone else.

My guess is that you didn't give your body long enough to adjust; because it can take up to 2 MONTHS for your body to readjust to how you should have always been eating. The first 2 weeks will be hell on Earth (it's known as 'low-carb flu' because the symptoms are similar).

I strongly recommend you buy a copy of Mark Sisson's Primal Blueprint and read it from beginning to end. Twice. Also read his blog (marksdailyapple.com) and register for his forum (if you like).

Palaeo isn't a 'diet' in the colloquial sense, it's a way of life. I turned full-blown Palaeo 8 years ago. Lost 224lb, 30" from my chest, and the same from my waist and hips. My IBS vanished, and I've not had a cold in all that time either (that's due to the lack of grains - they're immunosuppressant).

Now I'm pretty certain I've UC, but I doubt VERY much that Palaeo is to blame; the only oil I use is EVCO (unless you count the MCT oil which I take 2x a day - gives me the energy I need to do stuff; if anyone wants to try it, get a shot measure, DO NOT GUESS!! It's powerful stuff - the max I can tolerate at once is 25ml. Any more and I've the gut-ache from hades for the rest of the day! Start with 15ml and increase the dose by 5ml daily until you reach the 'oh ****!!!!' point).

AUCer, I would URGE you to try Palaeo again. Buy Mark's book, read his blog and ease yourself in gently. DON'T go cold turkey on the grains, cut down to one meal a day (preferably using a less evil grain - not that there really is such a thing - such as buckwheat or quinoa).

To the OP: - How can meat be 'murder'...?! Murder is defined as 'the unlawful killing of one person by another'. Veganism is the unhealthiest lifestyle there is; it's high-carb by definition, you'll end up severely anaemic (unless you're on very high iron tabs which'll do wonders for your constipation - I don't think!). Humans CANNOT assimilate iron, and vitamins A and B12 from plants - they MUST come from animal sources).

You owe it to your body to quit all this silly nonsense you've got inside your head - veganism WILL lead to a premature death as you MUST be severely malnourished. Not only that, but you'll end up with dementia (braincells NEED saturated fat; the low-fat diet fad is what's causing the rise in dementia - as well as obesity!)

I really think you need to buy the Primal Blueprint, too. I have 3 copies; my own, and 2 to lend.

In fact, EVERYONE needs to read it!

Sarah xxx

Wow. Just wow. shocked
Posted 8/13/2012 1:00 PM (GMT 0)

Athena Noctura said...
I'm extremely surprised to hear Palaeo didn't work for you, as it works for EVERYONE - it's IMPOSSIBLE for it not to...
You owe it to your body to quit all this silly nonsense you've got inside your head...


Please respect that everyone is different and what works for one person will not necessarily work for another. I am happy that Paleo works for you but it does not mean that it must work for everyone else. Veganism is not for me but I know many others who thrive on it.

You have found Mark Sisson's Primal Blueprint as The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Well there are many more educated authorities such as Dr. Neal Barnard who advocate veganism for health and has documented proof that it has reversed diabetes in his patients.

It isn't long before veterans of this disease discover that doctors can be fallible. And they will eventually learn that alternative gurus such as SCD's Elaine Gottschall, Jordan Rubin of the Maker's diet, and Mark Sisson do not have all the answers either. If Paleo works for you then I celebrate with you that you have found a way to get relief from this DD. But please don't try to shove it down everyone's throat.

I can eat non-gluten grains such as corn and rice, as well as starchy vegetables, without any problems whatsoever. These are verboten under SCD and Paleo. But I am intolerant to plums, cruciferous vegetables, and shellfish. These are legal under SCD and Paleo but they trigger flares for me.

Please respect that everyone is different.
Posted 8/13/2012 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto BabeintheWoods and kitcat -- when it comes to UC, we all have to figure out what works. For some it's meds and for others, it's diet. I've not found one single thing that helps OR hurts all UCers. And besides, having such a strong opinion about what will help UC, when you haven't been diagnosed with it. What makes you so sure you do have it?
Posted 8/13/2012 1:26 PM (GMT 0)

Athena Noctua said...
Now I'm pretty certain I've UC, but I doubt VERY much that Palaeo is to blame

It could be to blame.

There's a lot of studies linking high intake of animal protein, amongst other things, to an increased likelihood of getting IBD.

I'm just sayin'.

Nothing wrong with carbs either.
Posted 8/13/2012 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
If Paleo doesn't work for you, it means you're an Alien and must be eliminated!  ;)
Posted 8/13/2012 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
athena, it is actually very easy to get b12, iron, and all your nutrients from a vegan diet. i would know since i've done it for 5 years. our bodies produce b-12 on it's own and i don't take supplements. but i do think killing is wrong no matter what the species and that is just my belief. if i would need to eat meat again, it would only be because i am totally desperate to survive but i haven't gotten to that point yet.

i also consider it is a joke to think one diet can help everyone- you shouldn't attack others if the diet doesn't work for them. this forum is for bouncing ideas off one another and making suggestions, not rude comments.
Posted 8/13/2012 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Bananagirl,
In regards to your question about which meat to try first, I would start with fish and go from there. I was a vegetarian (mostly vegan though) for almost 3 years before I started adding fish back into my diet. I didn't have any digestive problems. Oven baked salmon with sauteed spinach is my favorite. My iron levels dropped towards the end of my 2nd pregnancy, but other than that they have been fine despite flaring for almost a year. I don't eat any other meat, but I'm kind of tempted by bacon these days. I've also stopped caring if soup is made with chicken or beef broth, etc... I was definitely a little OCD with all that nitpicky stuff. I haven't tried this, but I've read that cooking with a cast iron skillet also helps iron get into your food. All the best.
Posted 8/17/2012 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
new update. well, my mom gave me an ultimatum today. she said i'm either goin to the hospital or starting SCD. i hate hospitals so i chose SCD right away. i'm really hoping it will help even though i'm basically cutting out my entire diet.

i just had my first meal of scrambled eggs in years. it was actually DELICIOUS and i really didn't think i'd say that. i could even eat another bowl of it but i don't wanna overdue it and then be in excruciating pain. obviously, i am not delusional that this diet will be my savior, but maybe it'll help until i can get on humira (called the doctor today about getting it).
Posted 8/17/2012 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just wondering why your mom would give you an ultimatum.

Make sure you start with the chicken soup if you're willing to eat chicken that is. Sometimes I just make it without the meat :)

Glad you're able to tolerate eggs.

I hope Humira will help you as well.
Posted 8/17/2012 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Banana girl- that's great! I hope you get feeling well from it! I wish I could eat eggs I envy you!
Posted 8/17/2012 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
andrina and chrissysoul, i HOPE i can eat eggs!!! haha i mean, i chewed them and swallowed them so i did eat them. since it's been like 4 years, i have no idea how they will digest- they used to give me a lot of very smelly gas but i'm hoping they will slow things down. i've been reading that it's good to reintroduce one food at a time so you know what bothers you. if i don't see any problems with it, i'm gonna add fish next- probably sardines since i used to like those.

well, i guess the word ultimatum was kind of mean. she just said she's worried that i'm not eating enough and wants me to either get nutrition through IV at the hospital or just try SCD/paleo. since i HATE IV's and hospitals, i figured SCD it is. i'm reading the paleo book, too, and oddly enough, the author was a vegetarian with colitis who was so sick and didn't understand why since he thought he was following the healthiest diet there is. his recovery was kind of hard to believe. he said he bought a rack of ribs, cooked them up in the oven, and felt better the next day... then added eggs back in and felt even better. he's been symptom and med free for years now.
Posted 8/17/2012 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
I'm crossing my fingers for you!

Keep us updated :)
Posted 8/17/2012 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
"said he bought a rack of ribs, cooked them up in the oven, and felt better the next day... then added eggs back in and felt even better. he's been symptom and med free for years now.
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lol, common now.
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