I've come through and incredible stressful time recently and was very pleased that my UC didn't flare..that is until the last two weeks when our entire family became ill with a nasty virus (vomiting and diarrhea). I started the wild oregano protocol and after one week am feeling the need to go elemental cause things are getting worse. Do I continue with the oreganol protocol with the elemental diet? I was using psyllium as well in the protocol, I'm thinking this at least needs to be stopped or it's not very elemental. I'd appreciate some insight. I've got my book packed away due to a recent move. (a small part of my recent stress Thanks

Hi, Donna.

Isn't that the worst? Just when you think you're home safe.....

You can definitely continue with the Oil of Oregano while on the elemental diet. Just make sure that you continue to take the probiotics at bedtime....without the probiotics, your stools will probably become VERY loose and explosive.

You can also alternate the Oil of Oregano and probiotics. I was already taking Oil of Oregano when my family came down with the stomach bug last month and I think that did definitely help me.....even though I'm the one with compromised health, I had the mildest case of the bug. At one point, though, I spent two days with one dose of Oil or Oregano in the morning and then 1/2 teaspoon of probiotics every hour or so throughout the day (but not starting until two hours after taking the Oil of Oregano). This was on the theory that since the probiotics can actually multiply, I thought they might work in a more sustained manner against the "bugs" than separate doses of Oil of Oregano. I don't know if I was right, but as I said, I only had a very mild bout, so I'm setting it out there as a thought.

I believe that you are right, also and that the psyllium does not fall within elemental parameters.

Last but very definitely not least, what are you doing for stress management? The first time I followed the IBD Remission Diet, which was for six weeks, my husband was wonderful about doing the grocery shopping, taking on most of the cleaning, laundry, etc., so that I could get the maximum rest and recuperation. I definitely think that was instrumental in how well I did. At the very least, I think it's of paramount importance to carve out some time every day for a walk, a bath, meditation, EFT, whatever renews you.

You might find EFT wonderful for releasing any stress your body is holding/expressing from your recent stressful time.

Nicole

Thanks Nicole. This is certainly not a great time of the year to be making this diet change. Last time doing this I had such a determination, this time I am working through a pervasive sadness, with meditation and prayer. I appreciate the reminder about the stress. My daily schedule with four children makes it difficult to carve out that much needed time. A mom is in high demand:) We are working on different options. I regained so much before this flare and I am continually grateful for that and hold onto that as a hope and motivation.

Nicole answered all of your questions correctly and gave some great advice too.

Us mothers have GOT to learn how to schedule regular help with house and/or kids - whether it's from family members or hired help.

A great suggestion I got - for when things are really hairy - is to just get out of the house on your own for 1/2 hour each day. Get in your car and go park somewhere in nature or with a nice view, or nice foliage around. Put a tealight on your dashboard, light it, and just sit there for half an hour, or journal, of do EFT. It's a great suggestion, because no matter how busy we are, we can always sneak out or have hubby cover for us for half an hour!

take care,
Jini

Hi, D.

I'm sorry; I called you Donna before, and I don't actually know if that's your name....I confused you with someone else.

I just wanted to sympathize a little on the time crunch. I can understand, because I have two children, too....I can imagine the demands, times two!

I don't know how true this is for other mothers, but I know for myself sometimes what gets me into "trouble" isn't so much the demands the children put on me so much as the demands and expectations I make of myself. I mean, what would you want more passionately to get right than motherhood? At least for myself, that can lead to some imbalance behaviorally....not getting the rest I really do need, for instance.

So speaking only for myself, I've had to learn to be a little more compassionate with myself in meeting both my needs and the kids'. But I suspect that's an issue a lot of us mothers have in common, to one degree or another.

EFT, meditation and prayer are my three lifelines for balancing myself and rebalancing and rebalancing again, as needed. My favorite times to do one or more of these are either when I've just gone to bed for the night or when I've just woken up. To be honest, sometimes I have to make myself do one of them, but I'm always glad I did.

Empathetically,
Nicole