Rating: 
Summary: as thankful as the others
Review: Let me add one more praiseful review.Our child was diagnosed with Crohns at the age of 12. He quickly developed severe symptoms, and underwent a number of treatments and a number of hospitalizations. Surgery seemed imminent. Associated with this history were different dietary and feeding regimes (tpn and naso-gastric feeding, for example). During one hospitalization, which lasted about 3 months, I found time to read this book which a friend had given me some months earlier. It was an absolute revelation. It seemed to provide an exact explanation for patterns and timing of symptoms which were simply inexplicable in the context of any discussion with doctors. One example, and there were several others: The standard advice given by doctors with regard to nutrition and Crohns seems to focus almost exclusively on the physical process of food passing through the bowel, rather than causality. That is, if the bowel is constricted by inflammation, roughage should be avoided. On such a diet -- which in practice was heavy on processed food, starches and sugar -- several symptoms of our child's intestinal distress visibly increased, though drugs -- objectionable for other reasons -- controlled the inflammation. Our child (who is now 14) has had the discipline to stay on this diet for close to a year, though many of his favourite foods were eliminated. Since starting it he has never had a relapse of the disease, or the intestinal symptoms associated with it. This has been essentially without drugs. This very much contradicted the predictions of doctors who were urging the continued use of powerful drugs. I might add that his observance has not been absolutely religious. Very occasionally for social or simply for personal reasons he briefly departs from the diet. In his case this seemingly has no ill effect, contrary to the tone of the book and several of the reviews. I think that we owe a great measure of thanks to Elaine Gottschall.
Rating: 
Summary: Beware. This book has almost killed me
Review: Sturve bacteria to death. And where, in bowels (!?) What an increadible idea ! By using this diet you practically illiminate any iron containing food from your menu. So if you have digestive deasese and most likely, already having difficulties absorbing Vitamin B complex and iron - you are on the way to killing yourself. After being on SCD for 7 months and becoming progressively weak and pale, I've had a routine blood test done, which came up with Hematocrite of 23 (!) At that point my physycian was insisting on blood transfusion, but I was lucky to get out of the situation with just Iron pills.
Rating:
Summary: If only my Doctor would listen!
Review: This book is a gold mine for health. I have suffered from chronic diarrhea for 12 years as a side effect of Crohn's disease. I have had one surgery, several different types of treatments and been on every drug imaginable. I noticed an immediate cessation of the diarrhea after starting this diet, and am looking forward to complete healing as this book claims it can happen. I just wish my Doctor would take some stock in this. Why is it that doctors do not care about nutrition? Anyway, anyone who suffers from intestinal disorders, should give this a try. It is well worth it!
Rating:
Summary: Must read and follow for GI health
Review: My family doctor gave me this book upon discharge from the hospital with colitis and celiac sprue disease based on lab work. He had another patient who had tried it with great improvement. I was so sick that I was ready to try anything to feel healthy again. This is an change of eating habbits that you can't cheat on!!! But after a month it seems normal and you feel much better. The recipes are easy to follow and most are pretty good. I have been a registered nurse for over 22 years and this book is highly recomended.
Rating:
Summary: Must reading for anyone with GI problems
Review: Do you suffer from a Gastrointestinal(GI) disorder(Crohn's, Ulcertative Colitis, Celiac, Diverticulitis,IBS, IBD, etc...)? Do you suffer with any of the following symptoms on a daily basis: rectal bleeding, diahrrea, constipations, urgency, abdominal pain, etc..., and do you have to scout out every restroom every time you leave your house? I urge everyone out there experiencing GI problems to read this book and give this diet a try. I developed Ulcerative Colitis symptoms at age 34(in 1994) and by 1998 my condition had deteriorated to the point where my Doctor was recommending surgery(Colectomy). At this point I found the book "Breaking The Vicious Cycle". The Author offers a dietary approach to the treatment of GI disorders, backed up with scientific research and analysis, and presented in terms that the layman can understand. The diet is nutritious, well-balanced and highly specific as to the types of sugars and starches allowed. A recipe section and the means to communicate with others following the diet(via email and the web) are also included. Faced with the prospect of a lifetime of medications and/or surgery I decided to give the diet a try first(why wouldn't one try something so simple when faced with something so drastic?). I was able to avoid the immediate threat of surgery, and eventually eliminate all symptoms and reliance on medications(including prednisone and asacol). Today I am completely symptom-free and continue with the diet. Brian Hicks (...)
Rating:
Summary: Every doctor should be familiar with this and recommend it
Review: Following the dietary recommendations in this book gave me my life back. I suffered with ulcerative colitis for over 20 years and was always told that diet would not stop it. I no longer take medications and feel great! My family doctor and gastroenterologist both recommend this book to their patients after witnessing my success. It requires reading the book a few times to really grasp everything, but the book is not too long. In addition, there is support available on the internet to answer questions and concerns. If you suffer with a digestive disorder, this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: This is the magic bullet for IBD
Review: This book outlines a diet that is absolutely the best treatment for IBD. As a colitis sufferer I have been given back my quality of life thanks to this book. I never knew I could feel this good. Elaine has written a concise, informative, easy to read book that all Crohn's and Colitis sufferers should own. The diet isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it. I hope those who are suffering will at least read the book and give the diet a try. Once you do, you'll be hooked.
Rating:
Summary: This book gave me back my life
Review: A little over year ago at this time I felt like I was in a living hell. I had a three small children under 6, one a baby. I had a horrible peri-anal fistula/abscess that was huge and would not go away even after many surgeries. This went on for a ten month period. I lost 20 pounds from an already thin frame. I was going to the bathroom every fifteen minutes all day long. I was exhausted and trying to take care of three small children. The thought of getting dressed exhausted me. Some days I would literally crawl around on the floor to my children. I was in constant pain and couldn't sit down without leaning to the side.
I couldn't wait for my children to go to bed at night so I could rest.
My colo-rectal surgeon told me I needed a colostomy. I have severe strictures in my rectum and sigmoid colon and he said the damage was just too severe and the abscess wasn't going to get any better and would never go away.
In desperation I searched the internet for answers and I found this book.
Within days I felt better. Within 3 months my abscess had dried up. Within 6 months I had gained back all 20 pounds and was loaded with energy and feeling great. Best of all I wasn't worrying about a bathroom when I went out for the first time in 25 years. I am now off all medication! This is the first time I have ever been in remission. My colo-rectal surgeon recently examined my rectum and said that the tissue was actually softening (before it was very hard from the stricture). My doctors are amazed. I gave the book to my colo-rectal surgeon to read (he used to be a research scientist). He agrees with the theory of the book and now recommends it to his patients. He recently gave it to several of his patients and they are already getting better.
The diet seems overwhelming at first. I never thought I could do it. I was totally hooked on junk. As I improved though, it motivated me to stay on the diet. After three months the cravings went away. I wouldn't have believed this a year ago but I would never go back to my old way of eating now. I just enjoy the diet too much and it is so healthy. It is a habit now that I don't even think about. I just took the diet one day at a time when I started. I told myself I would only do it for a month. I figured I could do anything for a month.
I thank God For Elaine Gottschall. I can once again enjoy my children. I can enjoy a boat ride or a train ride without worrying. I no longer miss out on life. I am free to do whatever I want to do. It is well worth a few dietary changes. There are so many great recipes that I don't even feel deprived. It does take some work, but then anything worth while usually does.
I hope anyone with intestinal trouble will at least give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Rating:
Summary: A Life Saver
Review: My husband was totally miserable with a discharge from his bowel. He was in constant pain and suffering so very much. Nothing his doctor perscribed gave any relief. We were beginning to think he would need to have his colon removed. Then we found this book, and the problem entirely has disappeared. My husband follows this diet and only ever has a problem when he goes off it. My husband even made a trip to inform his doctor. If you know anyone with a bowel problem, please get them this book, it is truly a life saver. The readers of this book maintain a beautiful website on the diet.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you Elaine for saving my LIFE!
Review: I was diagnosed in 1979 with Crohn's Disease in the last foot of the ileum. My crohn's spread to my bladder wall, leaving me with constant bladder infections. My doctor, at that time, three and a half years ago, sent me to a surgeon. The surgery was explained that I had a very good chance of loosing control of my bladder and bowel functions from the surgery. At 37 years old, I broke down in tears. That after, 18 years of living with this disease, it might get the best of me. I have been on sulfur, floxin, and prednesione. Prednesione is of course a solution to a crisis anytime. Whether I had severe arthritis, bladder infections or attacks of pain. My doctor told me that if I was fatter maybe there would be a better chance of not having this problem. I am 6,' 175-180. I last took prednesione in February 2000, just coming up on 2 years. I was on 40 mg and tapered until August, When I moved to my own place. Oh my, as I tell my short story this is quite surprising to see it in writing. Emotional, I guess. Anyways. . . . . .. Almost 4 years ago, I was involved in the "foundation" support groups in San Francisco. At one of the group meetings they told us of a special speaker, her name is Elaine Gottschall, a Canadian Author. She told the large group that basically the way Americans eat is so crazy. We were raised to eat animal feed, corn, rice, grains, processed sugar. We consume a tremendous amount of yeast and sugar, allowing our systems to develop a yeast infection or imbalance in the gut. We eat a tremendous amount of processed sugar that feeds the imbalance in the digestive tract. We don't consume enough protein. Protein breaks itself down into any missing minerals and vitamins our body needs. Protein easily fills the stomach with fiber, iron and is certainly better than carbs. Carbs and sugars convert to fat. Protein is used completely with fibrous byproducts. She went in detail about how she discovered a proper way of eating to help her daughter that has celiac disease. Gluten free diet as we know it now. She found through research that people with crohn's and colitis or obesity were helped. The only thing about the diet and she says this in her book is that you need to be a fanatic about the diet. If you don't commit yourself, you will not succeed in total remission and possibly reversal of the disease completely. I changed my diet completely. I have been symptom free for almost two years. It takes only three days to feel better and after a month, doing well. It is a change on lifestyle. When I got sick in February 2000, I believe it was soy sauce used in the Chinese food, I thought I could splurge on, through the peer pressure. The diet is so easy and so common sense, eat pure! Don't eat processed anything. Eat lots of protein. No grains, processed carbs, starches of any kind, processed sugar. I went to my old doctor I haven't seen for 12 years. I told him of the diet Even brought in the book. After living with this disease after 20 years, I have finally got affirmation that what I was doing was the right thing to do. I finally found a doctor that believed in this type of diet and that it was possible to reverse what was "going on" inside me for so many years. I cried that whole way home with happiness flooding my body.
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