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Summary: Thanksbegiven for this book.
Review: The science in this book is strong. Anyone who states to the contrary either is trying to pick a fight or knows very little about digestion, bacteria, and the like and enjoys stating their ignorance. I find it interesting that anything that goes against the mainstream is some how based on "weak" science, no matter what the result! Atkins has been going through a similar turmoil. Is it worth eating a nutritious diet, albeit strict, for a couple of months to see if it will cure your digestive problems for the rest of your life? In my opinion it is well worth it. However the choice is yours. It is true that the diet does not work for all, but it does work for many. For those of us that it does work for, we are extremely grateful for the science in this book and for having our lives back. Imagine never having to worry where the nearest bathroom is just in case you have an "accident". Compare this to a life of lingering symptoms, drugs with dangerous side effects, and a disease without the hope of a cure and the picture gets a lot clearer. So get the book, give up the pizza, grains, complex sugars, and give it a go. The worst thing that can happen is nothing.
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Summary: I couldn't give up hope
Review: For years we had tried everything to create healthy digestion in my ailing daughter. She gave up gluten, dairy, yeast and a variety of other foods. She went on Nystatin, natural anti-fungals. She tried exotic grains and a myriad of supplements. Then, via the internet, I learned of this book. I read it quickly and, figuring that it couldn't hurt to try, put my seven year old daughter on the diet. Within three weeks my daughter produced her first healthy stool since infancy. My husband, my mother and I couldn't get over it. I had feared for the longterm health of my daughter but no more. This diet had been a most incredible gift, a gift of health.
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Summary: Mrs. Gottschall and her Supporters
Review: I have been following this book and the support list serve off and on for the past few years and have noticed that Mrs. Gottschall and her supporters will flock to write glowing reviews every time there is a review that contradicts her views of IBD and the cause/treatment of same. The fact of the matter is that the SCD book is based on weak science and 'cures' only a small percentage of IBD sufferers - therefore it is not the CURE for Bowel Disease that BTVC/SCD purports to be. The information contained in BTVC may lead researchers to a more definite cause/effect relationship between diet and IBD, someday, however it is not worth a complete change of lifestyle to find that you are one of the many that BTVC/SCD in its present form does not help.
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Summary: Outstanding book and the diet well worth the effort!
Review: After having suffered with chronic diarrhea and irritable bowel symptoms for over 8 years (I tried many diets and treatments with no improvement), I finally discovered this wonderful book, which has given me my life back! The book explains in detail the pathology of the intestinal flora and what happens in disease processes that create the state of malabsorption and intestinal inbalance. It then outlines a diet, which has been used by many, that enables the body to re-establish a normal balance and allow for healing. Although the diet does require discipline (most diets require discipline), it is NOT difficult to follow. It is probably the most natural and healthy diet around. I saw improvement in my condition within the first week, and now, after almost 4 months, rarely experience the horrible and incapacitating symptoms that I was having pre-SCD diet. The diet can be as easy or as hard as you make it to be. I rarely spend more than 10-15 minutes in the kitchen at any one time. On weekends, I do spend more time on food preparation, and, in return, I now have more quality time to spend with my family and friends. The foods allowed on the diet are good, healthy, and nutritious. I haven't felt this healthy and in control of my life in years! If you suffer from a gastrointestinal disorder then you really owe it to yourself and your family to try this diet. Remember, life is what you make of it! Don't waste all of your time whining about things you can't have. Instead, enjoy and rejoice in the things that you can have! Thank you, Elaine, for taking the time to share your knowledge with us!
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Summary: This book is a lifesaver for my son
Review: My 12 year old son was diagnosed with IBD a year ago and we bought the book and started the diet right away. He got immediate relief from his symptoms and although he has had a couple flares, I'm sure if not for this diet, he would be so much worse! The book is easy to follow, contains recipes, and is a wealth of information. The diet is one we should ALL follow, as it eliminates all processed/junk food and focuses on good healthy food. Elaine is a scientist who saw this diet save her daughter and wants to share it with as many others as possible. I strongly recommend it to everyone I know!!
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Summary: Very difficult to follow and not very scientific.
Review: I followed this diet religously for over two years and have come to the following conclusion. The diet is very very difficult to follow and if it doesn't work for you then the only reason you will be given is that you did not follow the diet religously. There are many items in the book that do not make scientific sense such as "no items containing sugar are allowed" however "bacon with sugar is allowed once a week". These discrepancies will never be addressed in later versions. My reccomendation is that you ONLY try this diet if you are able to make ALL of your own food from scratch and if you are willing to try this for many many months (again religously) even if it does not work for you.
I believe that there is a strong 'Placebo Effect' which makes this diet work for some people.
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Summary: Thanks to this book-I have a life again!
Review: After being so sick with Crohns disease,I followed this books diet,and after 4 months on it,I am symptom free for the first time in 10 years! And feeling fantastic,healthy,with hope for the future! Before,I didn't feel like taking a trip or doing much of anything,Now i want to do everything!I really can't say enough about how it has changed my life.Five stars just doesn't do it justice! Follow the diet very strict and see what it does for you!
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Summary: So far, so great!
Review: Let me start off by giving my Crohn's history. I have had one surgery--five years ago--.... My specialist had me on a combination of [meds], which did nothing. He also told me flat out that diet has NOTHING to do with Crohns. Well, he was WRONG! I am in the sixth month of this diet, and am doing great. Within a day of starting of the diet, my fistula shrank, and other than a few bumps in the road--mostly due to me foolishly going off my meds, as well as one big cheat one night with a few pieces of cake--my fistula pain has disappeared, and the fistula has shrunk to the point of almost being non-existent. The last two months have been problem-free. While it took me a while to get used to the diet and get rid of my sugar/carbo cravings, i now am totally used to it. It is great getting all that processed junk out of your system, and my eating habits are now very "19th Century." I know the diet doesn't work for all--which it clearly states in the book--but I urge all with Crohn's to at least give it a try. If it works for you, you won't be able to imagine how good you will feel!
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Summary: Give it a try, but don't count on a miracle.
Review: I gave the book a one star because the diet did not help releave my Colitis symptoms. Though the book does have a strong following, so I'm sure that it can help some people. But if you are like me, then the book will do you no good. To be fair, the author suggests that the diet does not help all. But reading these reviews might lead you to believe that this a miracle cure. The only benefit I received was a virtual elimination of gas pain. But the amount of stool blood, BM frequency, and cramping remained the same or increased. I was very faithful to the diet for about 3 months before throwing in the towel with disappointment. I would also be very careful not to malnourish yourself on this diet. With IBD it is difficult enough to absorb calories and nutrition, and this diet is *very* restrictive (especially carbs) making it difficult to consume the calories you need. I went from being skinny, to verging on anorexic. But I tolerated my weak and withering condition expecting my 'cure' to kick in any day. The day never arrived. But for you, who knows!? Best of luck on your quest.
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Summary: take an active role in your health
Review: I was diagnosed with UC in August of 2000. The symtoms developed during my pregnancy with my third child. I was immediently put on prednisone and another drug. The symtoms would temporarily subside, but any time I was tapered off- it would worsen. This cycle continued for a year and a half until I was put in the hospital because of dehydration, anemia, extreme weight loss- I was told that my best option was surgery- removal of the entire colon. As soon as I got home, I decided it was time to educate myself. I am thankful to have found the scdiet.org website. I immediently bought the book and began the diet. When I realized that I must be totally committed to this way of eating- I experienced rapid progress. I have now had a year of no symptoms and no medication! I still do not understand the science of why it works although it's explained in the beginning chapters- what is critical is that it works! I enjoy a diet of great foods- fruit, vegetables, meat, cheeses, nuts, and the best yogurt smoothies! My life has been restored!
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