ULCERATIVE COLITIS : pH BALANCE and ACID

REFERENCES

Please reference the book: Prescription for Natural Cures, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D. A great resource for exploring natural remedies, including diet and nutrition, nutritional supplements, and body/mind work.

Also reference Wikipedia: pH


According to the Carlsberg Foundation, pH stands for "power of hydrogen". The 'H' in pH refers to the measurement of hydronium ion concentration in liquid solutions, such as bodily fluids.

In chemistry, pH is a measure of acidity of a liquid solution. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are said to be acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. pH values range from 0.0 to 14.0. Since pH is a logarithmic scale, a difference of just one pH unit is equivalent to a tenfold difference in hydrogen ion concentration. Like earthquakes, a pH of 9.0 on the scale would be 10 times higher than a pH of 8.0.

Measurement of pH can be done with a glass electrode and a pH meter. pH measurements are important in, among many fields, medicine, nutrition, and water purification.

pH VALUES OF SOME COMMON SUBSTANCES

Bleach has a pH of 13.0. Baking soda: 9.0. Sea water: 8.0. Blood: 7.34-7.45. Pure water has a pH very close to 7.0. Urine: 6.0. Human skin: 5.5. Black coffee, 5.0; Tomato juice, 4; Orange juice, 3. Lemons, which contain 5-6% acidic acid, have a pH of 2.2. Gastric (stomach) acid has a pH value of 1.0.
WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE US

The body is very sensitive to its pH level and strong, natural mechanisms exist to maintain it. Homeostasis refers to the proper balance between acids and bases, also called body pH. The pH of different cellular compartments, body fluids, and organs is usually tightly regulated in a process called acid-base homeostasis. By nature, the body is designed to keep everything balanced, healthy and flowing, living strong.

By nature, a body's metabolic processes (eating, digestion, breathing, moving and elimination) are designed to work together with the result being the production and elimination of acids and alkalis. Most of the foods we choose to eat produce an acidic effect in our blood. Most of the acid in our bodies is eliminated by breathing, but acid that is diet-based is expelled through our kidneys. Kidneys need minerals to do their job effectively. Without a large-enough reserve of minerals, acidic toxins can accumulate to a dangerous point. The kidneys can only do so much. If they're overtaxed by acid overload, you're in trouble. Outside the acceptable range of pH, metabolic processes begin to break down to a point where death may occur.

An excess of acid (acidosis) in the blood is called acidemia and an excess of base (alkalosis) is called alkalemia. If blood pH drops too low (acidemia), the body will compensate by increasing breathing, thereby expelling CO2, causing the pH to rise back to normal. For alkalemia, the opposite occurs.

The main issue to be addressed here is dietary in nature. Sugar, meat, dairy products and most refined grains all have acidifying effects on our blood and tissues. The body's acid-base balance (homeostasis) is tightly regulated, keeping arterial blood pH between 7.38 and 7.42. An acidic blood condition adversely affects enzymatic reactions in the body, contributing to a host of problems, particularly inflammation. Where it peeks its head out, only you and I know for sure.

Fruits and especially vegetables contain the kind of organic minerals needed to keep a body's pH level in balance. The organic acid found in fruits easily disintegrates and blows away with respiration (breathing), your body's natural exhaust system.

Green veggies, such as dark green lettuces, broccoli, and zucchini and super green foods such as spirulina, chlorella and wheatgrass as well as sea veggies like dulse, nori, wakame, and hijiki, apparently can neutralize acidic tissues due to their alkalinizing effect.

The thought here: Eat multiple servings of these alkalinizing foods each day.

A NOTE ON SODA AND ENERGY DRINKSACIDIFICATION

No more soda or energy drinks. The more I read about soda, the more I'm glad I'm away from it. It's one of the contributing exacerbators for my Ulcerative Colitis. And these new energy drinks are so full of inflammatory chemicals plus caffeine, they're like an atom bomb of ACIDIFICATION.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS : TUFF LUV AFFIRMATIONS

TUFF LUV INTRO: BROWN APPLES

The visual of a browning slice of apple is what I keep in mind regarding my gut cells. If I want them to be the healthiest they can be, I have to consciously act in their own best interests. I must be their advocate. They are demanding it of me and I can't let them down. I've learned they will scream at me if I don't treat them well. My cells want to do the right thing and I want to give them the best chance to succeed with the greatest army of soothing, anti-inflammatory foods and supplements, and stress-reducing activities. I'm worth it.

And so the goal of this little section is to get from "Why Me?!?' to "Why NOT You!". I know it seems counter-intuitive but let me explain. The "Why Me?" part is the powerless, confused, hopeless self who is suffering from IBD. The "Why NOT You!" is the empowered you. These Tuff Luv Affirmations are simply bootcamp for when you need that kick in the ass. Together, we can get you feeling better. But only if you behave. And, be reminded, there is only Tuff Luv behind the words, accent on the Luv.


TUFF LUV WARM-UP

YOU ARE SUCH A WUSS. YOU WOULD RATHER CONTINUE TO SUFFER THAN TO DO WHAT YOUR BODY IS ASKING YOU TO DO. YOU'VE ALLOWED YOUR TONGUE AND NOT YOUR BRAIN TO TELL YOU WHAT TO EAT. YOUR BRAIN IS A COWARDLY LITTLE BABY THAT NEEDS SOME WUPASS BOOT CAMP. YOUR TONGUE NEEDS TO SHUT UP FOR ONCE! YEAH, FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL, WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT YOU'RE EATING. THAT TONGUE NEEDS TAMING! YOUR BRAIN NEEDS EMPOWERMENT!

THAT'S WHY YOU NEED THIS BLOG. BUT JUST FOR A WHILE BECAUSE I CAN'T SUFFER WUSSES FOR LONG. SO I'M GONNA DEWUSSIFY YOU FAST. I'M GONNA HELP YOU PUT YOUR BRAIN BACK IN CONTROL. COS IF YOU DON'T GET CONTROL OF THAT TONGUE...I DON'T WANNA THINK ABOUT IT. BUT YOU ARE SUCH A WUSS, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. YOU BETTER READ THESE AFFIRMATIONS. READ THEM ALL. OVER AND OVER AGAIN. UNTIL YOU GET IT. BUT DON'T TAKE TOO LONG. THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS AND THE SOONER YOU GET YOUR WUPASS ON, THE SOONER YOU CAN CONQUER THIS. AND MAYBE YOU KNOW SOMEBODY WHO NEEDS SOME ASS WUPPIN. SHARE THE LUV, I SAY. BUT NOW THAT YOU'RE HERE, IT'S TIME TO OPEN THAT CAN. YEAH, THAT CAN OF WUPASS. YOU READY? WUSS? I SAID, ARE YOU READY? WELL, READY OR NOT.


AFFIRMATION NUMBER ONE

SHUT UP! THIS IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE! YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP MILK, CEREAL, BREAD AND DONUTS? I'M CRYING A RIVER. PUT ON YOUR BIG BOY DRESS, GROW A PAIR, BUCKLE DOWN, PICK UP YOUR BOOTSTRAPS, ADJUST YOUR BRA STRAPS AND YOUR JOCKSTRAPS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AND LET'S GET TO BUSINESS. DON'T YOU DARE WUSS OUT ON YOURSELF! BUT, GAWD, YOU ARE SUCH A WUSS!


AFFIRMATION NUMBER TWO

WHAT'S THAT?? YOUR WEAK, LITTLE WILLPOWER MACHINE ISN'T WORKING TODAY? WELL, KICK IT IN ITS ASS BECAUSE WE'RE GOING DANCING! THAT'S RIGHT. WE GOT NEW STEPS TO LEARN AND IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU HAVE TWO LEFT FEET. NO EFFING EXCUSES. GAWD, YOU ARE SUCH A WUSS. YOU GOT TWO FEET, AND THAT'S WHAT'S IMPORTANT. NOW PUT SOME DAMN SNEAKERS ON AND LET'S GO WALKING!


AFFIRMATION NUMBER THREE

AND I DON'T CARE IF A LEG OR TWO WAS BLOWN OFF SOMEWHERE. YOU'RE ALIVE, AND THAT'S WHAT COUNTS. YOU'RE HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR SPIRIT. STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF AND SHOW SOME SPIRIT. AND I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU HAVE: A WHEEL CHAIR, CRUTCHES, PROSTHETICS, WHATEVER. GET OUT OF MY FACE AND DON'T COME BACK UNTIL YOU'VE BROKEN A SWEAT. DON'T YOU PITY YOURSELF. YOU'RE GETTING NOTHING FROM ME. OF COURSE I'LL COME WITH YOU.


AFFIRMATION NUMBER FOUR

DON'T YOU WUSS OUT ON ME, WUSS. DAMN, YOU'RE A WUSS. GET OUTTA HERE! YEAH, I KNOW ALL YOUR BS EXCUSES. LOOK IN THE MIRROR FOR GOODNESS SAKE! I'M YOU! AND THE LONGEST JOURNEY STARTS WITH THE FIRST STEP. NOW, OUT WITH WITH YOU, DOWN THE STREET WITH YOU. YOU ARE SUCH A WUSS. GO!


AFFIRMATION NUMBER FIVE: THE JOHN BELUSHI LAW

IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL I SAY IT'S OVER!


AFFIRMATION NUMBER SIX: KNOWLEDGE IS EMPOWERMENT

OK. TODAY'S NOT SUCH A GOOD DAY. GET SOME REST. AND WHILE YOU'RE AWAKE, GET TO YOUR COMPUTER AND START DOING YOUR OWN RESEARCH, DO YOUR OWN BLOGGING. YOUR VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD. A LITTLE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD HAS BEEN SAYING YOU NEED TO TELL YOUR STORY. NOW'S THE TIME. THE TELLING OF YOUR HEALING WILL HELP KEEP YOU FOCUSED ON YOUR HEALTH AND HEALING. WITH YOUR STORY, YOU CAN HELP OTHERS. GO TO BLOGSPOT.COM RIGHT NOW. YOU'LL BE BLOGGING IN MINUTES. I WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY. DON'T FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF BECAUSE NOBODY LIKES TO FEEL SORRY FOR YOU. YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN TELL YOU OF THEIR CONCERN FOR YOU, BUT, AFTER A WHILE, BECAUSE OF THEIR FEELINGS OF POWERLESSNESS, IT HAS A LONG-TERM EFFECT. OTHERS WILL DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM YOU AS YOU DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM THEM.

SO STOP THE PITY PARTY. NOW IS THE TIME TO STOP USING YOUR ILLNESS AS AN EXCUSE. INSTEAD, YOU'RE GOING TO USE IT TO HELP MOTIVATE YOURSELF, TO EMPOWER YOURSELF, ONE DAY AT A TIME, ONE HOUR AT A TIME, ONE MINUTE AND ONE ELIMINATION AT A TIME. BUT YOU'RE GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS, I PROMISE. REMEMBER, IT TOOK YOU A WHILE TO GET HERE AND IT'S GOING TO TAKE A WHILE TO GET YOU BACK INTO THE LIGHT. BUT THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THIS TUNNEL (PUN INTENDED, DAMMIT YOU NEED TO LAUGH AGAIN) AND YOU'RE NOT ALONE. DRINK SOME WARM CHAMOMILE TEA WITH ALOE VERA JUICE, HAVE A BANANA, HAVE A SCRAMBLED EGG WITH BROCCOLI FLOWER TOPS AND AVOCADO, MAYBE SOME CREAM OF RICE CEREAL WITH BANANA, CINNAMON AND HONEY. SOOTHE YOURSELF. DO SOME READING. START YOUR BLOG. YOUR STORY OF HEALING NEEDS TO BE TOLD. LOVE YOURSELF. THAT'S A FREAKIN ORDER!


MORE TO COME...

ULCERATIVE COLITIS : ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

ALTERNATIVE IBD TREATMENTS

After my diagnosis and year-long treatment, I chose to consider alternative approaches to see if I could remedy my symptoms from another direction. Education drove me. My willpower took me the rest of the way there. OK, I know it took me 20 years. I'm a slow learner. I've been where I am today since 2001 and I feel great, no inflammation, and no symptoms of inflammation whatsoever. And you wouldn't believe the variety of food I can eat. I had no idea there were so many vegetables, fruits, plants, beans, nuts and seeds, other than potatoes, white rice and some peas. Sometimes, in desperation, we do what's right for us because we're afraid not to. Being afraid of my symptoms was a motivator, too.

My world opened up when I was diagnosed with ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

NUTRITIONIST

To learn how to eat to live, I needed to start with a nutritionist. At the time of my suffering, I was all ears to what I could and couldn't eat and how I should prepare my meals. I didn't always like the answers, but I got the point: I had to eat smaller portions, more often, and in the right combinations of nutrients.

The other good news, my food choices cost me nothing more than buying and cooking real food. Going marketing was actually fun and quick. Because all the healthy food is on the perimeter, the outside edges, of the typical market layout, that's where I get most of my food stuffs. If I need a can of soup, tuna, or beans or a jug of water, I know the aisle they're on. I stay away from most of the aisles because that's where all the processed foods are.

Food Shopping Tips: Don't market when you're hungry. Hungry shoppers are often impulse buyers of processed foods. Have a snack before you go so you're not tempted. Many fruits and vegetables can be bought frozen with confidence. They're often flash frozen shortly after being harvested and all the good nutrition is preserved. Great thing about frozen, you don't always have to be in the mood for a particular veggie. They last a good long time in the freezer, too, so fear not. Have your veggies when YOU want them because in the freezer they won't spoil. However, be aware that anything in the freezer will, over time, experience some freezer burn. Try to eat the entire bag of frozen fruit or veggies as soon as you can so they stay flavorful when you cook them. Frozen veggies are also good in smoothies and smoothie soups that you can make yourself.

In my journey, I wanted to know what was right for me and just DO IT. Whatever it took, short of going back on medication. I had to turn my sacrifices into assets that I'd never let go of. Like I said, it took me 20 years without medication after my first year of treatment. ULCERATIVE COLITIS turned my head around. Several times. Good thing, I like green pea soup.

Methinks, regardless of a patient's medical treatment, eating healthy, clean, whole foods and exercising regularly will probably not be in conflict with your treatment. However, always talk to your doctor first, of course, before eating healthy and exercising. There might be conflicts for some patients and only your doctor would know this for sure.


FASTING

Fasting has been used for thousands of years to give the body a rest and help it detoxify and heal. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, extolled the virtues of fasting in his writings. Many world religions have used fasting as a way to focus on both physical and spiritual healing. Fasting is also becoming an accepted method of detoxification for nutritionists and health practitioners.

HOW DOES FASTING WORK?

Digestion is hard work and the body takes a lot of energy to do that job. Fasting gives the body time to slow down, to rest, and to use the body's energy for calming the system. During the first day of a fast, the body burns stored sugar, known as glycogen. After this, the body burns fat for fuel. During the second to third day, the body goes into what is called ketosis. During ketosis, the liver converts stored fat into chemicals called ketones, which can be used by the brain, the heart, and muscles for energy. As fat is burned for fuel, stored toxins (pesticides, preservatives, additives) are released into the bloodstream, to be metabolized by the liver and the kidneys.

How often and for how long one fasts depends on a person's health. Many practitioners recommend fasting 2-3 days at the turn of each season. Others may fast one day a week. For the experienced, the basic fast is a water fast, and practitioners will drink only water for up to 5 days. Juice fasts are not as intense as a water fast because the nutrition prevents ketosis from occurring. Carrot, lemon, apple, beet, celery, wheatgrass, spriulina, barley, grass, and other super green foods. Fasters should consume eight 8 oz glasses a day (64 ounces).

MEDITATION, MINDFULNESS, and SELF-HYPNOSIS

Prior to my diagnosis, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to self-hypnosis and meditation. I found them to be powerful tools in the management of my dis-ease. Currents in those two disciplines inspires the concept behind Mindfulness. These disciplines appealed to me because of their inherent visual nature. I learned to direct my energies inward and visualize healing. Positive thinking, an optimistic outlook, a hopeful disposition, all help send positive, healing energy to affected areas. I used what I learned from these disciplines during every treatment. I used my mind and my body to visualize healing and to tap into my own healing reserves. This Mindfulness, if you will, kept me in the present, kept me focused on the healing process, and with it I helped support my emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. It gave me time for myself, something a lot of us neglect. Because the treatments are close to an hour in duration, it gave me plenty of time to direct my positive healing mental energy to my entire existence there in the acupuncturist's office.

YOGA

Yoga is another option for both exercise and centering ones focus and energy. Taking a yoga class gives me the time I need for myself and my own healing. I really love Hot Yoga, where the room is heated to about 100 degrees. Of course, only if you like to sweat...a lot! I just feel so cleansed and invigorated after my sessions. For you, always consult with your doctor to see if you're healthy enough to indulge.

ACUPUNCTURE - HOW IT WORKS

I know what you might be thinking: NEEDLES! And I really haven't a clue how it works. I just know, for me, acupuncture was a gift. Wheat led me to consider acupuncture was that it has a 3,000 year track record for its healing abilities. I entered into treatment based on that recorded duration of practice.

I was told that the needles were so thin, you barely felt a twinge. They were right. These needles are so thin, they can enter a single pore in your skin. Although a little nervous and tense at first, I quickly learned to relax into the procedure. It's an interesting bodily experience, for sure. There is no pain whatsoever. getting used to what I was supposed to be feeling during the treatment, was a journey unto itself. Very quickly, I was able to give my acupuncturist valuable feedback during each and every needle.

Each treatment lasts about 45-60 minutes. Depending on your ailment, an acupuncturist will determine where needles should be inserted. Once a needle is inserted, the acupuncturist will gently twist and turn the needles, kind of like tuning into a station on the radio. When a needle taps into your individual "chi", or energy, you have a unique sensation in that area of insertion. When all the needles are in place, be open for feeling the flow of energy within your body. The concept is this: The needles connect the energy to the body's natural healing capabilities. Devotees to the treatment will go maybe once a month or every six weeks. Just to stay balanced. When I was sick with UC, I had to go a few times a week for the first month or so, to jumpstart my body's own defenses. I think of the needles as radio relay towers in miniature. The needles tap into, connect and synergize a body's own power until the body's energy is balanced and working like a fine-tuned Ferrari.

That was my experience. I don't see an acupuncturist currently as my health is strong. It's not a life sentence is my point. I go when I need to.


FECAL TRANSPLANT

Hope may have arrived as an ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT for battling a C. diff invasion.

Are you ready?

A Fecal Transplant. That's correct. A FECAL TRANSPLANT.


WHAT IS A FECAL TRANSPLANT ?


I'm glad you assked (pun intended, of course). And when I tell you, you're going to say "Eeewyuck!". Be thankful you don't have to drink it. And if someone ever feels the way I say I was feeling, they'll say, "Eeeew-where do I find out about this?"

A FECAL TRANSPLANT goes like this:

In a doctor's setting, a patient is diagnosed with a C. diff infection, an infection of really bad bacteria. The patient's doctor places a medical order to obtain stool from a healthy donor. Upon receiving the healthy donor stool, the patient returns to the doctor's setting for the procedure. At the time the FECAL TRANSPLANT procedure is to be performed, the doctor mixes the healthy donor stool with saline (salt water). Then, through a tube inserted into the patient's rectum, the patient is administered the dose of healthy stool, bathing the affected areas in good bacteria. The healthy bacteria from the donor stool provides an army of the good guys to once again crowd out the bad bacteria, changing a sick microbiome into a healthy one. The good bacteria, the good flora, now back in gut control, prevents C. difficile from recurring.

A FECAL TRANSPLANT is like an ocean of PROBIOTICS being added to an environment that is woefully lacking. If patients also exchange their processed food choices with more plants, fruits and veggies, patients should continue to see improved management. Adding a quality PROBIOTIC to a patient's daily regimen might be something a patient might consider. After consulting with their doctor, of course.

Interesting stuff if you ask me. It just makes so much sense.

There's a Dr. Colleen Kelly, a gastroenterologist at Brown University, who is doing FECAL TRANSPLANT research.

Naturally, these professionals cost money. However, not surprisingly, they cost less than a visit to an internist or specialist doctor. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover any alternative treatments, including acupuncture and counseling or talk therapy. Counter-balancing the negative with the positive is a strategy worth considering.

Always do your own homework.


HELMINTHIC THERAPY - Information taken from Wikipedia

Also, check out this article online (copy and paste into your browser: http://news.health.com/2010/12/01/worm-therapy-shows-promise-for-ulcerative-colitis/

Current research and pharmaceutical therapy are targeted at the treatment of CROHN'S DISEASE, ULCERATIVE COLITIS, INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE, multiple sclerosis, asthma, eczema, dermatitis, hayfever and food allergies.

While it is recognized that there is probably a genetic disposition in certain individuals for the development of autoimmune diseases, the rate of increase in autoimmune disease incidence is not wholly a result of genetic changes in humans; the rise of autoimmune related diseases in the industrialized world has occurred in far too short a time to be explained this way.

There is evidence that one of the primary reasons for the increase in autoimmune diseases in industrialized nations is the significant change in environmental factors over the last century. It is posited that the absence of exposure to certain parasites, bacteria, and viruses is playing a significant role in the development of autoimmune diseases in the more sanitized Western industrialized nations. The development of vaccines, hygienic practices, and effective medical care have diminished or eliminated the prevalence and impact of many parasitic organisms, as well as bacterial and viral infections. While many severe diseases have been eradicated, humans' exposure to benign and apparently beneficial parasites has also been reduce d commensurately. Lack of exposure to sufficient benign antigens, particularly during childhood, is sometimes suggested as a cause of the increase in autoimmune diseases and diseases for which chronic inflammation is a major component in the industrialized world.

Although a complete explanation of how environmental factors play a role in autoimmune diseases has still not been proposed, epidemiological studies have helped to establish the link between parasitic infestation and its protective role in autoimmmune disease development. Environmental factors include exposure to certain artificial chemicals from industrial processes, medicines, farming, and food preparation.

WHAT EXACTLY IS HELMINTHIC THERAPY?

Helminthic therapy is a type of immunotherapy. Helminths are - ready? - parasitic worms, such as hookworms and whipworms. I know. YUCK and EWWWWWW!

Helminthic therapy consists of the inoculation of the patient with specific parasitic intestinal helminths, aka nematodes.

In short, Helminthic therapy is the treatment of autoimmune diseases and immune disorders by means of deliberate infestation via inoculation with a helminth or with the ova of a helminth.


There are currently three closely related Helminthic treatments available.

They include 1) inoculation with Necator americanus (hookworms); 2) inoculation with Trichuris suis ova (TSO), aka pig whipworm eggs; or 3)inoculation with Trichuris trichiura ova, aka human whipworm eggs.

Sounds a bit disgusting and more than just a little unnerving. But wait.

If you're in pain, it might be a natural treatment worth considering. If a doctor is showing me a scalpel in one hand, and Helminthic therapy in the other, I'm with the worms. I think I could live with the worms before I could live without 12-36" or more of my intestines. But that's just me, the little worm, talking. As I've encouraged, you've got to answer this for yourself.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS : REMISSION v. CURE

For more ideas regarding IBD management, copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/IBD/

Also check out: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/FoodforGoodHealth


Ok, so I was diagnosed with an IBD, an inflammatory bowel disease called Ulcerative Colitis, and modern medicine doesn't know the etiology, the cause, or the pathology of the disease. It's a mystery disease. Modern medicine will tell you even today, they don't know how all these people are getting sick. Patients may have a genetic predisposition, or allergies or, who knows? Food? No, maybe, maybe not, we don't know (and we don't care). Eat whatever you want, don't eat certain things, we don't know, it's all a mystery. Maybe go easy on the dairy and red meat. Here's your prescription.

For all us sufferers, modern medicine has figured out how to suppress a patient's immune system responses so a patient can choose, with their doctor's consult and advice, to no longer feel the symptoms, the pain. If the treatment works, and a patient's symptoms subside, a patient can go into what's referred to as 'remission', the term modern medicine uses to describe their idea of disease management.

A patient should know, going into medical treatment, it's the best modern medicine has to offer. And remission usually lasts As long as a patient stays on the prescribed medicine of choice, of course. Modern medicine will also warn each patient to stay on the medication or the side-effects could be even more dire.

Never-ending treatment, symptoms, remission, symptoms, remission, symptoms and remission. The beautiful, colorful, kaleidoscopic goal of modern medicine. The message is, for inflammatory bowel disease, you need medicine for life. If you believe otherwise and want to discontinue treatment, you will be warned by your doctor not to discontinue treatment, that a decision to discontinue treatment at any point is a bad idea. A difficult position for a patient to find themselves in, to be sure.

I'm just a messenger here. Probably a bad one. Remember to do your own research.

THAT IBD REMAINS A MYSTERY, WORKS IN FAVOR OF THE POWERS THAT BE

HOW a patient gets IBD, HAS to be a mystery because the mystery works in favor of the powers that be, in my opinion.

IBD has a diagnosis, has behaviors and biomarkers that medical diagnosticians and gastroenterologists can identify.

The mystery, however, HAS to be part of the story. Modern medicine depends on the mystery. It absolves everyone of responsibility if things don't work out, if treatments don't work out. Remember, doctors are practicing medicine. In some cases, they're practicing on you.

Mystery diseases also make it easier for researchers to appear to work hard to figure out a cure. And it appears they are working hard, of course, and with your donations, they'll be that much closer to the cure. It would be horrible if they were looking in the wrong places. Almost criminal, given the number of fatal side effects documented each year as the result of immune suppressant treatment.

Suppressing your immune system for any duration of time can lead to Superbug infections resistant to all current antibiotics, to surgery, cancer and death. Notice how many people in the obituaries are dying of 'pneumonia?' Superbug infections resulting from immune suppressant treatment, often for years. Just an uneducated guess, of course.

But, after all this time, they have to be looking in the right places for a cure. Right? Right?? Modern medicine wants cures, don't they?

So far, though, modern medicine has only developed treatments that will stop the pain and disease from feeling symptomatic. Remission of disease is the primary goal, not cure. Thinking about it, how could they cure a disease they claim not to know the cause of? Of course they can only come up with a treatment. A cure would require knowing the etiology and pathology of the disease first or at least discovering it along the way to a cure. If the cause is 'forever unknown', then shooting bullets in the dark is all I can expect. If modern medicine doesn't know the cause, we have to trust they're doing the best they can by guessing the answer over and over. How many immune suppressant therapies are there? Let me count the ways.

Why? Why don't we know what causes it? Are we looking hard enough? Is the current culture of overprescription and drug invention stacking the deck against what used to be the 'Healing Arts?' Does a student doctor end up with such debt that they're forced into alliances that preclude long-term treatment? Is treatment all about making money? Why is it that modern medicine can only create substances that suppress the immune system? Why aren't they looking into immune system boosters? Why aren't they figuring out how to harness a body's natural healing power and improve that?

Questions, questions, questions. I've got more silly observations.

Someone else might say, 'Graham, you're so silly. Don't you understand, this is all part of the 'Upside Down World' we now live in?'

Since 1996, when big pharma was given the green light to market their products directly to consumers, some of us have become obsessed with self-diagnosis. Commercials provide images and words in such an interesting way that you're encouraged to discount the side effects and ask your doctor about such and such a drug.

It's become more important to find medication for what ails you. Modern medicine discounts nutrition (who really likes eating broccoli anyway) and leaves consumers with the impression that you need to live your life the way you want. Medicines, the 'magic pill,' will be there to catch your fall. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, heartburn, gerd, IBS, IBD, no worries. We gotta pill or treatment or surgery for that.

There's a belief that medicine production is simply human beings providing what nature accidentally left out. Our modern medical miracles take away the pain. All someone has to do is take their medication. Medication is as good or better than food and you should ask your doctor about each. Because it's medication. And everyone should look forward to being on at least one medication as they grow older. Drug commercials children see today (Hey parents, how about all those ED commercials during televised sports? Those are fun to explain!) are designed for that long-term side-effect: creating the mindset for being open to becoming lifelong prescription drug takers. There is also the perpetuation of the myth that there's a 'magic pill' for everything that ails you. We are a pill-popping, magic pill seeking culture, one that seeks to perpetuate itself. There could be millions of reasons to keep us where we are, in treatment. Maybe even billions of reasons.

With 6 billion people on the planet, that's a lot of diagnosing to do. Everybody's got something, right? If we can diagnose it, we can try to treat it. And if we can treat it, the inventors get treated.

Besides, you can buy healthful food at the market. Modern medicine can't make a living handing out marketing lists. Modern medicine will gladly tell you what medication exists for your ailment, to be sure. Since modern medicine gives only lip service to nutrition, you're on your own when it comes to feeding your face. The latest and greatest drug invention and treatment for whatever, that's what gets their motor runnin'. It's better if the patient sees it that way, too. Then if/when the treatment fails, there's something wrong with you, the patient/your body, not the doctor or the treatment.

The law appears to be: Modern medicine is not responsible for failed or failing treatments. They are doing the best they can. You can't expect miracles.


Jessa Note to mah friendly readahs: I'm jes' speculatin' heyah, mahnd ya. Gots no credentials fer any o' this, y'know. Thank gudness my nonsense probly hazza scientis' that can be refutin' it all. Always consult yoah doctah befoah yah do anything stoopid. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Ahl's I know is, Butt Detective Colonblow's got questions. Lots o' questions. You might make a list yo'sef.


So, methinks, if modern medicine with all its $billion$ in research and development can only come up with immune suppressants and a variety of antibiotics to treat IBD, then suppressing and hiding the symptoms is most of what modern medicine has to offer. After all, the reasoning goes, if you don't feel it, then it's not there. And when symptoms don't appear after treatment, a patient is said to be 'in remission.' And that's the next best thing to being cured. Right?

I'm not privy to the latest figures mind you and cannot be sure of course, but I don't believe antibiotic or immune suppressant treatments have "cured" one person. Not one person. As a matter of fact, I believe if someone had been cured, it would be front page news. So, I've believe modern medicine can only claim victory in the category of 'remission'. But not 'cure.' For patients under care, remission has to be the agreed upon and hoped for goal. And remission means that once the treatment is discontinued, remission could end, too, and symptoms could return.

It's a Ferris wheel merry-go-round for sure. Where it stops, I certainly don't know. I can see it spinning, though.

And, if I say I've managed my IBD diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis without medication, does that mean I've 'cured' one more person than all of modern medicine? Until I'm convinced otherwise, I could certainly be seen as a possible test case for naturopathic management of an IBD diagnosis. It's certainly a bold claim from a nobody on the internet. It might be best to ignore me. You can bet modern medicine is.

Certainly, however, I'm not 'in remission' in a clinical sense. I haven't seen a proctologist for treatment of my diagnosis since early 1982. (I would never advise that to anyone, of course.) I haven't been taking any medication since 1982 and the symptoms of my diagnosis have been totally gone without a single flare-up since 2001.

In summary, modern medicine talks about an IBD patient under successful treatment as being 'in remission'. From modern medicine's point of view, remission of symptoms has to be good enough for both doctor and patient. It's not a cure, but it offers the next best thing: Not feeling your symptoms. Which are there, hiding, most likely only until your medical treatment's effectiveness comes to the end of its efficacy.

I have to believe that doctors really wish to do no harm to their patients, that managing IBD and pain are two of the most difficult challenges modern medicine has. But medical treatment options abound and there's a lot of money to be made by big pharma and the doctors beholden to them and their treatment incentives. Stock holders are betting on it.

Since there's simply no medical livelihood in giving a patient a marketing list as a prescription, it would be silly to look there. I mean, if you're a doctor, that's probably the FIRST place to look. They MUST have already looked there, right? Silly for me, then, to do that for myself. What could I possibly find there that would be relevant to MY situation?

ULCERATIVE COLITIS : SNACKS

NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS HEALTHY FEELS!

For more ideas regarding IBD management, copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/IBD/

Also check out: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/FoodforGoodHealth


After breakfast, I graze on healthy snacks throughout the day.

I have eliminated all GMO corn, soy, and wheat products from my food choices.

My favorite grazing is done with a combination
of fruits and nuts and soft and crispy veggies throughout the day.

These just happen to be my favorites.
Mix the nuts any way you like. Unless you have allergies. Then forget the nuts.

I grab a handful of nut mix throughout the day. My good intestinal bacteria - probiotics - love nuts.


It's been said, "You are what you eat." Well, then, I'm nuts!


"COCONUT CAN O'NUTS"

Almonds
Pistacios
Cashews
Sunflower Seeds
Peanuts
Walnut Pieces
Dried coconut (optional)



FRUIT

Bananas - easy to digest, PROBIOTIC-lovin stuff
papaya - digestive enzymes
apples - delicious fiber
pineapple - digestive enzymes
kiwi - great in smoothies or sliced on top of fruit salad
blueberries - great in anything: yogurt, smoothies, and all by themselves.
strawberries (Allergen Alert!) - Not too many at a time...
melon - all kinds are delicious
Apricots - cut up fine, sprinkle divine
Dried Plums aka prunes
Dates
Top your fruit plate combination with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt
Sprinkle with cinnamon and 72% dark chocolate shavings


VEGGIES AND PLANTS

Steamed, baked or broiled for easier digestion.
Sprinkle on your favorite seasonings.
Serve with avocado dip, mixed with Greek yogurt

Fresh Avocado - cut in half, dollop of Greek yogurt, sprinkle sesame seeds
Fresh Carrots
Fresh or Frozen Broccoli
Fresh or Frozen Kale
Fresh or Frozen Baby Spinach
Fresh Celery - sliced in a salad, cut in thirds for dipping
Fresh or Frozen Brussels Sprouts
Frozen Artichoke Hearts
Fresh or Frozen Bell Peppers (Green, Red, Orange, Yellow)
Fresh or Frozen Green Beans
Fresh or Frozen Peas

Top with a dollop of avocado and Greek yogurt dip
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar


AVOCADO AND YOGURT DIP

This is great on veggies and meat dishes.

One Avocado
Cut in half, place pit on a paper towel
Scoop the avocado into a mixing bowl
Discard of or compost the skin
Add the juice of 1/8-1/4 of a lemon
Add a little salt and pepper
Add a little garlic powder
Add a little finely chopped onions
Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt
Mix it up
Dollop on turkey sandwiches,chicken/turkey/hamburgers,
as a fruit or veggie dip...,

whatever your avocado heart imagines.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS : DINNER RECIPES

NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS HEALTHY FEELS!


For more ideas regarding IBD management, copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/IBD/

Also check out: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/FoodforGoodHealth



DINNER RECIPES

I'm an omnivore. Although I eat a lot of plants, I'm not a vegetarian.
Simple Rule 1: Include plants in at least 2 meals and a snack every day.
Simple Rule 2: Have your fruit or sugar either before or wait an hour after a heavy meat protein meal.

Fruit/Sugar Options: Include Fruit as part of your breakfast and eat soft fruit for snacks.

For Dinner, eat plants and veggies with your meal.
Eat as many and in whatever variety you want.
Eat the rainbow. Eat all the colors of veggies.
Steam them. Saute them. Bake or broil or barbecue them.
Your gut will thank you.


"BAKED ORGANIC CHICKEN BREASTS"

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Start with two boneless organic chicken breasts
1 lemon
Lemon-Herb Salt and Pepper, garlic powder, chopped onions to taste.
Lightly sprinkle spices over the meat. A little goes a long way.
Canola Spray the interior surfaces of a baking pan.
Place chicken in pan.
Place two handfulls your favorite cut and clean veggies around chicken.
Place a couple of thin slices of lemon on each breast. Of chicken, silly.
Squeeze the rest of the lemon onto the veggies. Watch for seeds and remove them.
Add a little pinch of the above seasoning on the veggies.
Place your pan with the chicken and veggies in the 350 degree oven
Cook for about 20-25 minutes or so, until the internal temperature
of the meat is 165 degrees.

Add steamed kale to cooked grains: Quinoa (pronounced: 'keen-wah'), or Amaranth, or Teff and steamed kale.

"BAKED WILD-CAUGHT SALMON"


Ground Organic Turkey

Ground Organic Grass-fed Beef

Green Eggs and Holy Moly!

My (Not Yet) Famous Chili Recipe

Steamed, baked or broiled rainbow of veggies

ULCERATIVE COLITIS : LUNCH RECIPES

NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS HEALTHY FEELS!


For more ideas regarding IBD management, copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/IBD/

Also check out: http://www.pinterest.com/graybecker/FoodforGoodHealth



I have breakfast to start the day, but I don't always have a lunch.

I'm what you call a grazer.

However, when I do sit down, here's a little sample of what I eat.



"EASY GREENSY TUNA SALAD"

Prep Time: Maybe 3 minutes?

No, silly, the tuna isn't green. I just like to visualize greens in my meals.

My local market carries wild caught tuna in cans (TUNA: MERCURY and ALLERGEN ALERT!)

The wild caught tuna is chunkier and has a pop-top can.

Open the can of tuna.
With a fork, separate the solid chunk into smaller, chunky pieces
Grab a fistful of your favorite greens and throw them on a plate.
I always choose organic baby spinach or a spring greens salad mix.
Fork the tuna from the can onto the center of your greens.
Whenever possible, add chunks, slices, or a half of an avocado!
Add a dollop of mustard or mayo or plain Greek yogurt anywhere on the plate.
Sprinkle with dill.
As you eat, gently fork a mouthful of deliciousness, dip in the dollops of your choice.
With your fork, stab some tuna and greens, dip in a dollop of mayo/mustard/yogurt...

plants, protein, Omega 3's (EFA's) prebiotics, and micronutrients...delicious!


"AVOCADO TUNA DELIGHT"

Prep time: 3 minutes

Use a medium or large avocado.
Cut avocado in half, keeping the pitted half to eat.
Seal the other half in plastic and place in the fridge.
Add a spoonful of already made tuna to the center of the avocado.
Add a dollop of yogurt, dill on top.
Spoon into your open mouth and enjoy!


"RAINBOW of PEPPERS"

When it comes to fruits and veggies, eat all the colors of the rainbow!

I love fresh bell peppers: Red, Green, Yellow, and Orange

GOOD NEWS: You can find peppers sliced and frozen, too!

Here's how I prepare them:
Wash and slice four medium to large fresh bell peppers, cleaning out the seeds.
Heat the oven to 400 degrees (bake or broil is fine).
Cover a large cookie pan with tin foil.
Spray canola oil or coconut oil onto the tin foil.
Spread the bell peppers evenly on the tin foil.
Place the cookie pan with the fresh sliced bell peppers in the oven.
Cook for 15-20 minutes or so.
Check often and don't worry if the skins burn a little bit.
Remove from oven, let them sit to cool for 5 minutes.
Place all the slices of peppers in a medium size recloseable container.
Place in fridge.
Eat all the peppers within a week for best flavor.
Add peppers to eggs, tuna, chicken dishes.
Come to think of it, they go with breakfast, lunch or dinner.


"VERY, VERY VEGGIE"

Follow the 'Rainbow of Peppers' directions.

Use any combination of your favorite veggies.
Prepare as above.
Add some spices like dill, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chopped onions.
Place in oven at 400 degrees.
Keep your eye on the cooking. Remove after 15-20 minutes.
Allow to cool and plunk them in your favorite recloseable container.
Use throughout the week. Add to eggs, tuna, chicken, fish, beef
Snack on them daily.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS : BREAKFAST RECIPES

IBD & FOOD: WHAT CAN I EAT?

WHAT  WE  ALREADY  KNOW

Eating is the biggest challenge for all IBD sufferers.

You can feel powerless and this can be depressing.

This is a guide to understanding what your body is telling you

and suggestions on how you might best answer it.

EATING DISORDERS and IBD

Eating disorders have strong emotional & psychological roots.

They can be difficult to treat and challenging to overcome.

If you suspect you might have an eating disorder

such as anorexia nervosa,

bulimia, bingeing & purging, overeating,

you're overweight, or have

processed fast food addictions,

and haven't yet seen a doctor,

please see a medical professional asap

to diagnose your particular condition.

Love yourself first.

IT'S A DETECTIVE STORY

Human beings are both simple and very complex.

Eat food, digest, eliminate, repeat.  That's the simple equation.

However, it's what happens between the

eating and eliminating that makes IBD complex.

If your digestive system was murdered,

where would you look first?

MY  MANTRA

"I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."

"I choose to manage what I have control over."

"I choose mindfulness expression, including

meditation / prayer / spiritual practice / positive affirmations

CALMING INFLAMMATION & FLARE UPS

    Flareups.  The worst.  The ABSOLUTE WORST.

What do you do when you're afraid to eat?

How do you calm the fire?

        First, you need to take a little time off,

get plenty of REST, HYDRATION,

and NOURISHMENT.

Empowerment begins with

exercising your choice to stay healthy.

It's not always easy... but you're worth it!

PHYSICAL  ACTIVITY

Objective: To minimize your internal & external stress.

DO NOT

operate heavy machinery, work out,

lift weights or heavy objects,

go jogging, hiking, biking or

engage in any intense physical activity.

Do NOT push your recovery!

Walking, a gentle swim, yoga and stretching are all great,

but always limit to your comfort zone.

WHAT TO DRINK

CONSUME

PURE, CLEAN, ROOM TEMPERATURE WATER.

WARM CHAMOMILE TEA

WARM BLENDED TEAS with TURMERIC

GEORGE'S ALWAYS ACTIVE 100% ALOE VERA

2oz - 4oz/daily

PAPAYA/MANGO FRUIT JUICE BLEND

GREEN DRINK FRUIT & VEGGIE JUICE BLEND

Drink cool, but not ice cold

AVOID drinking ice water or iced tea

during this time of recovery.

Our bodies like warm and gentle.

DYSBIOSIS

Our gut bacteria make up our MICROBIOME.

Our gut is often referred to as our body's second brain.

As our gut goes, so goes the rest of us.

Our gut bacteria, the good ones, keep us healthy

and keep the bad guys moving safely out of your system.

DYSBIOSIS occurs when the bad gut bacteria

overwhelm the good gut bacteria,

creating an imbalance in our MICROBIOME.

LEAKEY GUT SYNDROME

Your gut lining is there to keep bacteria in its place,

bacteria that must not escape into your blood stream.

'LEAKEY GUT SYNDROME is characterized

by fissures or tears in the gut wall.

When this happens, bacteria can escape into your bloodstream.

This can cause SEPSIS, an infection of the blood which can be

antibiotic-resistant and lead to death, often in the hospital.

PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS.

WHAT ARE THESE?

PROBIOTICS are the good bacteria guys.

Think PRO SPORTS.

You always want to work with the PROs if you're going to get better.

These are the armies, the colonies, of good bacteria you need,

working together to help keep your gut healthy.

You have billions maybe trillions of these rich colonies of gut bacteria.

PREBIOTICS are the nutrients, the food, that

PROBIOTICS require to live and keep our gut healthy.

Without PREBIOTIC nutrients,

PROBIOTIC colonies simply will not endure,

compromising your healthy digestive response to food.

DYSBIOSIS occurs when the bad bugs overwhelm our good bugs.

A compromised gut can be a dysfunctional gut.

FOODS RICH IN PREBIOTICS

Note: If you're not a fan of plants...

"I DON'T LIKE EATING PLANTS/VEGGIES.

EATING PLANTS GIVES ME GAS.

I HATE HAVING GAS.

I'M SICK OF HAVING GAS PAINS."

I know.

It's going to take a little time.

I'll bet you've been suffering awhile and just want it to stop.

My suffering slowed to a stop when my healing began.

I believe your suffering can be managed & minimized, too.

So, GO SLOWLY when adding plants into your diet.

I'll try to make it simpler than you think.

It's relatively easy to disguise them in tasty ways.

PLEASE NOTE:

You may experience an uptick in gassiness during this time.

THIS IS NORMAL.  THE PLANTS ARE DOING THEIR JOB.

The gassiness will subside over time.

Plants are the sweepers.

They keep things running smoothly.

Kicking out the bad guys means kicking up the dust.

The gas I experience now is normal and doesn't smell, really.

You and I know what noxious, dysbiotic farts smell like.

Like death, sometimes, right?

Mine smell more like life.  Normal life.

I want this for you.  Sincerely I do.

Nice normal farts.

Think of your gut as an internal flower garden.

It needs the right combination of clean, pure hydration

and nutrients to stay viable and healthy.

So, what foods help nourish our GUT FLORA,

our MICROBIOME?

All edible plants are rich, nutritional sources of PREBIOTICS.

These SUPERFOOD POWERHOUSES

of PREBIOTICS are essential nutrients for PROBIOTICS.

PROBIOTICS ARE A KEY TO HEALING & GUT HEALTH

PLANTS & ROOTS

BENEFITS

Plants & Roots sweep out the DYSBIOTIC gut bacteria and

deliver nutritious PREBIOTICS to your entire gut lining,

promoting protective colonies of PROBIOTICS,

a key to healing.

PREPARE BEFORE EATING

Wash & Clean ALL Plants & Roots Thoroughly!

Bake or Roast     Gently Sautée     Steam     Air Fry

GO ORGANIC WHEN AVAILABLE

Organic Plants & Roots are always my first choice.

Hidden pesticides may be contributing

to your condition and there's really no test for that.

Although there are washes you can purchase,

 I use a veggie brush with mild soap and water & then rinse.

White vinegar can also be used as a wash.

Anti-Inflammatory

Cooking Sprays / Oils / Fats:

Olive Oil,  Avocado Oil,  Chia Seed Oil,  Hempseed Oil,

 Coconut Oil, MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) Oil,

Flaxseed Oil,  Organic Ghee & Grass Fed Butter

PLANTS

Fresh - Frozen - Riced

Broccoli Florets     Cauliflower

SQUASHES

Fresh - Frozen - Cubed

Zucchini, Yellow, Acorn, Spaghetti,

Butternut & Pumpkin Squashes

SPROUTS

Fresh Only

Alfalfa     Broccoli

ROOTS

Fresh / Baked or Frozen / Cubed / Shredded

Sweet Potatoes     Yams     Purple Potatoes

Parsnips     Beets

Plants & Roots work as sweepers and healers.

Let food be your medicine

and medicine be your food.

The bad guys have been having a party.

Party's over.

It's gonna take time to kick them out of their favorite club.

So, expect a little gas as a side effect of kicking the bad guys out.

Endure this part of the process because

calmer seas lie ahead as your body heals itself.

This may be a heavier lift than you anticipated.

That's ok.  Please...Stick with me.

Even if you're under a doctor's care, on medication,

taking infusions,

these suggested protocols for a more nutritious lifestyle

may be helpful

as part of your management protocol.

Always check with your doctor and pharmacist about

any foods that may interfere with your medical protocol.

Be patient with yourself.

There's no rushing this process.

One day at a time.  One hour at a time.

Rest and stay hydrated.

Meditate.  Visualize.  Spiritualize.

Healing Affirmations.  Deep Breathe.

Whatever it takes.

BREAKFAST  LUNCH  &  DINNER

It's been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

With IBD sufferers, however, any meal could be the worst meal,

especially when symptoms arise, persist, or intensify.

LOVE YOURSELF ALL OVER AGAIN!

Look to the BABY FOOD AISLE in your favorite supermarket.

That's right, Baby Food!

Think about it: Before babies can eat solid food,

they have to get their tummies used to the idea.

Kinda like us at the moment.

QUICK  PREP  TIME!

Pre-packaged, pre-portioned,

pureed BABY FOOD (organic preferred)

is an easy-on-your-tummy time saver.

Use as part of any recipe

for easy-on-your-tummy

smoothies, soups or a quick snack.

Stick with these winners:

mango, pear, apple sauce, papaya, carrots,

apricot, squashes, sweet potatoes

PLEASE NOTE:

Protein blends (chicken, beef, turkey)

may not play as well on your mature taste buds.

Try them anyway! You might like them!

To minimize/eliminate your exposure to pesticides from the field,

organic fruits/plants/veggies are always preferred.

Thoroughly wash your plants and fruits

in a gentle soap and water, or white vinegar wash,

even if organic.

MAKING  SOUP  EASY  PEASY

Serves 4

In a soup pot, pour 32oz of one of the following:

- Organic / Low Sodium preferred -

- Vegetable Broth -

- Beef Broth - or - Beef Bone Broth -

- Chicken Broth - or - Chicken Bone Broth -

Heat on Low until a low boil appears

Add to chosen broth:

12oz Fresh Onion/Celery/Carrot premixed

(Available in your market's Lettuce section)

-or-

One Medium, Chopped Sweet Onion

Plus Your Choice:

Small Handful of sliced/chopped/mixed:

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, Celery

(Cut off the stems, use flower tops only)

Plus

2 pinches of dill

1 pinch of parsley

1 pinch of salt

(Optional) 1 Tsp. Turmeric

Cover & Heat on low 20-30 minutes

until Veggies are soft

Optional

Add precooked, small pieces of chicken/turkey

Let sit in soup for 5-10 minutes to warm up

and soak up the juices

SMOOTHIES and SOUPS

Remember, our objective is to calm our inflammation.

Smoothies allow our body to work less intensely,

easing our digestive process,

and bringing calm to the storm.

In the beginning of your dietary recovery,

rely on smoothies to take the pressure off.

If you like the recipes, it's ok to have a few a day.

Resting our intestines is a good thing.

They need time to heal.  Smoothies can help.

SOOTHING SMOOTHIES

Appliance Needed: A Blender

The one I use:

Ninja Brand Blender

NutriBullet is Another Good Blender

Both Good Values, Long Lasting

1/2 cup broccoli florets

( cut off the stems, use just the green flower tops)

1/4 cup fresh papaya

1/2 banana

1+ cup non-dairy milk: pea/almond/oat/rice or pea protein*

1+ cup pure water (9.5 Alkaline preferred)

2 oz George's 100% Aloe Vera

1+ scoop of pea protein powder**

1 tsp Turmeric Powder

1 tbsp Honey

Blend & Liquify

A NOTE ABOUT NON-DAIRY MILK

*The most nutritionally dense Pea Protein milk brand name:

Ripple / Unsweetened

*The most nutritionally dense Almond Milk brand name:

MYLK / Unsweetened

(Avoid Almond Milk altogether if you have a nut allergy)

A NOTE ABOUT PLANT-BASED PROTEIN POWDER

**I prefer Pea Protein powder as it's easiest to digest.

Orgain (chocolate or vanilla) is a pea protein blend I enjoy.

Available at Costco.com

It comes in powder form and also as a ready-to-drink smoothie shake

 

Anti-Inflammatory

Ingredients & Recipes

FRUIT:  Banana     Papaya     Mango     Avocado     Melon

PLANTS:  Baby Spinach     Baby Kale     Riced Cauliflower     Riced Broccoli

ROOTS:  Sweet Potatoes     Yams     Purple Potatoes     Parsnips     Beets

SEEDS/CEREALS:  Chia Seeds     Hemp Seeds

                Grain-free/Gluten-free cereals and breads

PROTEIN:  Fish and Poultry preferred

        Tuna     Salmon     Tilapia     Sea Bass     Chicken     Turkey

SPICES:  Turmeric     Dill     Parsley     Onion Powder

LIQUID:  George's 100% Aloe Vera     Pure Alkaline (8.0-9.5) water (preferred)

                        Bottled/Purified water

TEAS:  Chamomile     Hybiscus     Roibos     Any Turmeric Blend

OMEGA 3, 6, & 9 FATTY ACIDS 

OMEGA 3 fatty acids are known as

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

because we need them, we must consume them,

and our bodies don't make them.

Think of them as being ESSENTIAL to our health.

The Best Part:

OMEGA 3 fatty acids are

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

and can be found in:

Fish: Salmon, sardines, anchovies,

Tuna, herring, catfish, cod, & mackerel,

& Cold-water Fatty Fish

Seeds/Nuts: Chia Seeds, Walnuts, Flax Seed

Nuts & Oils: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Krill Oil

Walnuts/Walnut Oil, Flax & Flax Seed Oil,

Avocado Oil

Omega 6 Fatty Acids are inflammatory to our gut.

Although GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe),

these Omega-6 dominant oils

& their accompanying fatty acid profile

contribute to our own inflammation

and DYSBIOSIS.

Omega-6 dominant oils are used

in processed, fried, & fast food.

They're cheaper and more profitable.

If you consume processed/fast/fried food regularly,

expect a continued inflammatory response.

GOOD BYE & HELLO

GOOD BYE

Partially hydrogenated & hydrogenated vegetable oil,

which is used to make products like margarine, coffee creamer,

packaged snacks and fried food.

Partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils

contain harmful trans fats which can lead to heart & health problems.

Vegetable Oil, Soybean Oil, Corn Oil, Peanut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil,

Grapeseed Oil, Canola Oil, Safflower Oil, PAM Vegetable Oil Spray

HELLO

Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Hempseed Oil

GLUTEN

GLUTEN is a protein found in some grains, especially the ubiquitous WHEAT.  GLUTEN can cause severe allergic reactions in those who are sensitive.  People with CELIAC DISEASE are GLUTEN SENSITIVE.  CELIACS should always avoid GLUTEN in their diet, especially from WHEAT.

THE  GROUND  RULES  OF  FOOD

Always read nutritional labels

on boxes, cans, & bottles.

Know what you're putting into your body.

Knowledge is empowerment.

Eat several smaller meals during the day.

Your tummy will thank you.

Keep your nutritional intake uniform in size.

Sip your smoothies, don't guzzle.

Chew, chew, chew your food.

Eating is not a race to dessert.

Pay attention to your food combinations!

Simple rule: Don't follow protein with sugar.

If you follow an animal protein meal with

any sugary dessert, be it fruit, dairy, pastry or cake,

you will have digestive issues.  Sugar digests

faster than protein and can't go around the protein

you've consumed, rendering it trapped, stuck &

fermenting the protein, causing gas discomfort.

You'll probably take an acid reducer like you usually do.

Or maybe you've taken one ahead of time to prevent this.

I'm trying to help you understand the digestive

processes so you can eliminate or greatly reduce

your use of acid inhibitors.  Let your digestion do its work.

All you may have to do is pay attention to food combining.

You can do this.  Whatever it takes.

And don't overdo it.  Don't overstuff yourself.

Eat until gently satiated.

Our objective is to ease digestive stress.

Several small "meals" a day will get you there.

Easy on the red meat there, tigers and lionesses.

PAPAYA  BOWL  OF  PARADISE
Anti-inflammatory, probiotic powerhouse

of digestive smoothness.

If I was a doctor, which I am not,

I'd prescribe consuming 1/4-1/2 papaya a day.

Perfect in smoothies, salads, gluten free cereal & oatmeal,

paleo pancakes, on top of frozen yogurt...experiment at will!

You'll feel the calming difference.

For a filling dessert:

One medium papaya, cut in half, lengthwise.
Wrap one half in food plastic and put it back in the fridge for tomorrow.

You can also cut in quarters if half is too big a portion.
Spoon out the seeds and compost them or toss them.

Spoon the papaya in to a cereal/soup bowl.

Discard/compost/place in green bin/ the papaya skin.

Suggested Additions:

Any fruit you find agreeable.  Modify at will.

Banana, mango, soft melon, blueberries, blackberries,

raspberries, peaches, ripe purple plums, dark cherries, kiwi
Top with unsweetened frozen or refrigerated yogurt

Drool some honey swirls on top of that.

Sprinkle to taste, Chia Seeds & Hemp Seeds.

Dark (72%+) Chocolate Shavings/Chips on top.

Dust with cinnamon.

Big enough to share a little!  Enjoy!

MIXED  BERRIES  BANANA  SPLIT

A plant protein & probiotic powerhouse.

Slice into individual pieces or split lengthwise into a serving bowl
1 tsp chia seed, 1 tsp hemp seed.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon
Drizzle little honey on top of that
Next, crush or grate one or two chunks of 72% Dark Chocolate for the final topping
I recommend dark chocolate with a 72% cacao content or higher
And then as a final final option: A sprinkle of 100% organic cacao powder on top of it all, just enough for taste.

Ready, set, mix it up and spoon! And, just TRY to keep this a secret from the kids ... not !

Banana splits in the morning? I'm getting up early!!


Great for staying sharp in the morning


I'M NUTS ABOUT BANANA PANCAKES! - the absolute easiest way to make pancakes, without a speck of flour!

One medium to large banana
In a bowl, slice and moosh the banana
Thoroughly blend two large eggs in a separate bowl
Add a little vanilla and cinnamon to the egg mixture
Add some hemp seeds or chia seeds or flax seeds to the mix
Add the egg mixture to the mooshed bananas and blend thoroughly
Preheat a griddle to 350 degrees or heat up a medium or large pan on the stove
Land dollops of the egg-banana mixture onto the griddle.
Serve with honey, cinnamon, sliced blueberries, bananas, papaya, or kiwi
Drizzle some pure maple syrup
Add a sprinkle of coconut sugar
Splash your favorite nut mixture, chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds on top

Delish!







"The Perfect 'You're a Genius!' Hard-Boiled Egg"

I make my hard boiled eggs a dozen or more at a time. Always a great snack for me, anytime of day.

Fill a sauce pan about 2/3 with water, enough to cover the eggs.
Add your dozen or so eggs, gently, into the saucepan, making sure you still have enough water to just cover the eggs. Place a cover on your sauce pan.
Turn on your burner and set to LOW. This will ensure the cool water and the cool eggs don't heat up too fast. I the eggs heat up too fast, they crack. Be patient, slow and easy.

Bring the water to a boil and boil the eggs for one minute.
After one minute, turn off the burner.
Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 15 more minutes
During this time, in a large bowl, prepare an ice bath for the eggs.
After 15 minutes, place the hard boiled eggs in the ice bath for 5-10 minutes, until cooled
Remove the eggs from the ice bath, dry them off and lace eggs in a bowl in the refrigerator

12 automatic snacks.




"Green Eggs" (EGGS: Allergen Alert!)


Whenever I have scrambled eggs or an omelet, I always throw in an overflowing handful of greens or plants first.
In a saucepan, with heat on LOW, melt a dollop of 100% Organic Pure Unrefined, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil.
You can substitute the coconut oil with canola spray, if you like.
As the oil is heating, add a handful of your favorite greens:
Spinach and kale and broccoli flower tops are my favorites.
On the side, in another bowl, whisk two eggs and blend them together
When the greens have kind of melted into each other and have turned dark green,
Add the blended eggs and stir gently with a spatula designed for high heat cooking.
When the eggs are firm, sprinkle on a little shredded cheese
Gently fold the egg dish onto your breakfast plate.

And there you have it, "Green Eggs"


Here's a variation on the "Green Eggs" recipe that I also use a lot.


"Green Eggs and Holy GuacaMoly!" Now it becomes an egg, protein, probiotic blast.


In a saucepan, with heat on LOW, melt a dollop of 100% Organic Pure Unrefined, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil.
You can substitute the coconut oil with canola spray, if you have that.
As the oil is heating, add a handful of your favorite greens and plants.

This is where you can go a little crazy because there's no limit on the amount of greens or plants you can eat.
Spinach, kale, mushrooms, jalapenos, broccoli flowertops, fine-cut asparagus, shredded brussels sprouts,
artichoke hearts, green/red/yellow peppers, thin sliced/shredded zuchini or banana squash.
Green, white, sweet or red onions and garlic. Throw in whatever you like!

The veggies in your pan will soften and melt together with the oil.
I'll add a tiny bit of salt, pepper and powdered garlic and onion to taste. Add the spices you like.

I will often add a little organic chicken sausage, ground turkey or ground beef.
I cut the sausage into little pieces and I like my ground meat to be in small pieces too.
Gently stir and blend the ingredients so all the flavors are melded together.

When everything has been cooking for a little bit and the sliced sausage is browning
I will add two smoothly beaten eggs. I just pour it in, using my spatula to get every last drop of egg.
With my spatula, I move the mixture around for a few minutes, adding a little more coconut oil if I need to.
When the eggs have cooked, I add some shredded cheese blend on top, letting it melt for a minute
Then I use my spatula to guide the meal onto my breakfast dish.

I will add dollops of guacamole that I've handmade with a little lemon, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic and onion.

I'll add dollops of wasabi mayonaise and mustard on the side of my plate as shmearing condiments.
I like it with a little kick.



"Avocado and Egg Salsa" (EGGS: Allergen Alert)


Use a small avocado or cut a large one in half.
Scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl
Add lemon juice from 1/4-1/3 of a lemon
Add a little salt and pepper
Sprinkle in a tiny pinch of garlic powder (to taste)
With a fork, moosh it all together until it's lumpy-creamy, guacamole-style
Gently fold in some finely chopped tomatoes, green chiles, mangoes, and fine-chopped onions to taste

With a spatula, scrape the guacamole into a soup bowl
In another bowl, take a hard boiled egg, remove the shell, slice it and crumble it up
Add a tiny dollop of mayo, mustard, or organic non-fat, plain (Greek) yogurt, salt and pepper to the hard boiled egg
Gently stir the ingredients so as to preserve the chunky yolk
Fold the hard boiled egg ingredients on top of the guacamole mixture
A little paprika on the top

Eat this with some carrots, celery or gluten-free veggie chips or rice cake

It also makes a great side dish, the perfect complement for fish or poultry or beef



"Cupcake Eggs"

These can be made two ways: Scrambled or sunny-side up.

"Scrambled Cupcake Eggs"

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
12-cup cupcake oven pan
12 paper cupcake liners
6-8 eggs
Scrambled in a large mixing bowl
Finely scissor or chop broccoli flower tops
Blend broccoli flower tops into scrambled eggs
Finely cut or crumble turkey bacon, ham, or chicken
Set the meat protein to the side for the moment
Maybe add a little green onion or garlic powder to taste
Maybe add a little salt and pepper, maybe not
Place paper cupcake liners one per cup in the pan
Pour the scrambled eggs and broccoli mixture into
each cup, filling each cup about half-way or so. The mixture
will rise during cooking and you'll want to make space for that.
If you fill it up too high, it will overflow the
cup and make a bigger mess.

To each cup, add your choice of protein.
As an additional option, I like to top it off with
a little shredded cheese, or feta cheese, or goat cheese.
Bake maybe 15 minutes
or until a toothpick test comes out clean

The first time, just keep checking.

When done, they can be served immediately
on a bed of quinoa and kale
or you can cool them in the fridge for
afternoon snacking. Nuke em for 15 seconds
and you're good to go!


"Sunny-Side Up Cupcake Eggs"

The easier version of the two, I think
Prepare the oven
Prepare the pan
Crack and plop one egg per cup in the pan
Add your veggie and meat, being careful
not to break the yolk if possible
Sprinkle your cheese on top as a final option
Bake for like 15 minutes or until a toothpick
comes out clean


HOT CEREALS - Insane in the Membrane Grains, Supergrains to soothe your soul and colon.

"Fire's Out!! Hot Cereal"

The easiest morning breakfast for me to digest when I had a flare-up would be hot cream of rice cereal with bananas or papaya and honey or blueberry or apricot jam as a sweetener. That's it. Every morning, easy breezy. Along with moderating and cooking everything for lunch and dinner, I would eventually calm down my system. Then I could add things, good things, back into my food choice menu. Like some of the following.


Now that Fall is officially here, a morning hot-shot shooter of whole grains can feed the good bacteria in your gut and keep you going all morning long. Even without coffee!

Here are some grains that may be new to you. These grains are naturally wheat-free and nutrient dense. I've had no digestive issues related to any of these grains. You might. Always consult a doctor before adding any new food choices into your life.

Amen.

I whole-heartedly endorse the Earnest Eats brand of hot cereals. Check out www.earnesteats.com. Their product line can also be found and purchased at www.vitacost.com.

First of all, what I like about the Earnest Eats brand of hot cereal, is they come in individual 2.35 oz, recyclable paper serving cups into which you pour your hot water, let it steep for a few minutes, and voila! It cooks in its own cup and is ready to eat. A hot-shot morning shooter of Supergrains . The only thing you have to get used to is the nutrient-dense mouth-feel of what real food used to feel and taste like to our ancestors. These are ancient grains, unrefined. Know that with every bite of a nutrient dense meal or snack moderates blood sugar spikes and keep the fires burning longer.
The other thing I like about Earnest Eats Asia Blend is that it also works well as a base for an even denser nutrient experience.

I will often add tiny bits (it's not a big cup) of banana or other fruit, chia seeds, hemp seeds, raw honey, 100% organic cacao powder, 72% dark chocolate or cinnamon before I add the hot water. It depends on the mood of my taste buds, but I like to add my own personal touch.

What I'm saying is, eat it right out of the cup, as is, or feel free to amp it up even more. Here's how it comes in the cup:


(Allergen Alert!) Earnest Eats is manufactured in a facility that
produces products that contain wheat, soy, eggs, milk, peanuts and tree nuts.


Earnest Eats Asia Blend (Allergen Alert!)

Instant Hot Cereal in a Cup.

Great for late morning starts
Make 'em in minutes
Great breakfast shot or afternoon snack
Make 'em in the morning and
let the kids eat hearty on the go

Never eat and drive yourself. Never.

Unless you're talking and sexting,
changing the channel, disciplining the
kids with the dog on your lap and a to-go latte
in your other hand. Then it's ok. For you
to get a ticket and arrested for intoxicated
behavior. Really, I'm just seeing if anyone is
paying attention.

Add banana and honey for extra nutrition!
The good gut bacteria LOVE bananas and fruit!

Ingredients:
Superfood Grains (Whole Rolled Oats, Quinoa, Puffed Amaranth)
Dried Cane Syrup, Chopped Almonds, Dried Mango
Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds,
Matcha Green Tea, Korintje Cinnamon, Sea Salt.


Earnest Eats Mayan Blend (Allergen Alert!)

Wheat-free, Vegan blend, Zero sugars, 7g protein
14 oz cannister

5 minutes stove top; 90 seconds, microwave
You provide the cup and sweetener.

Ingredients:
Superfood Grains (Whole Rolled Oats, Quinoa, Puffed Amaranth)
Raw Pepitas, Raw Sunflower Seeds, Cashew pieces,
Raw Chopped Almonds, Raw Flax Seeds, Unsweetened Natural Cocoa
Korintje Cinnamon, Sea Salt


OTHER WHEAT-FREE GRAINS and SEEDS

I always try to buy organic when I can.

Quinoa
Chia Seed - antioxidant power, high in dietary fiber, vegetarian sourced EFA's
Hemp Seed - raw, shelled, high protein, omega 3's
Teff - Porridge recipe with dates and honey, zero sugars, 7g protein
Kamut - Easy to digest whole grain
Amaranth - An ancient Aztec grain, easy to digest


More to come...!