I was diagnosed last thursday with ulcerative colitis to approx 80% of my
colon. I just purchased your book and I am looking into taking supplements: I am currently taking salofalk after every meal 2 pills and at bedtime 2 pills.
I want to start taking L glutamine, b complex, fibre upplement, probiotics, multi vitamin, fish oil, calcium/magnesium and aloe vera juice.
Can you recommend when to take all these supplements to get teh most benefit? As well anything else you can recommend for my situation is most appreciated.

Hi, Starfire.

First, some supplements should be taken on an empty stomach. This means at least 15 minutes before or 2 hours after eating.

Probiotics and aloe vera juice need to be taken on an empty stomach. Probiotics also need to be taken in isolation. So it's best to take the probiotics first, wait about half an hour and then take aloe vera juice. If you're taking them both before a meal, wait another 15-20 minutes before eating once you've taken the aloe vera juice.

If you're taking the L glutamine for its anti-diarrheal effect, this needs to be taken on an empty stomach. If you're taking it primarily for its healing action on the mucosa, it can be taken with food.

Your vitamins, minerals and fish oil can be taken with meals. The fiber supplement can also be taken with a meal.

I would suggest going slow with the fiber supplement. If you're not used to fiber and your colon is already aggravated, it may exacerbate your symptoms. It would be a good idea to try a small amount once a day and work up from there to see how it affects you.

As you'll see from Jini's book, she also emphasizes the importance of diet and treating the emotional/spiritual self at the same time as addressing physical issues. My experience validates this advice. These are stressful diseases and the stress needs to be addressed to free up energy for healing. You'll find two chapters in Listen to Your Gut that address mind/body healing. Definitely read those chapters and see if any of the therapies Jini recommends resonates with you as something you think would work for yourself.

Another therapy you might want to consider reading about in Jini's book is the section in Chapter Two on natural antimicrobials. You may want to consider Jini's Wild Oregano Protocol to address any infectious component to your disease.

I wish you the best as you begin your healing journey.

Nicole