Hi, I'm 46 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's at age 26. Unfortunately through the course of the disease, I've have had multiple surgeries. My whole large bowel was removed and a small portion of the small bowel was removed as well.

Small bowel obstructions seem to occur every couple years. The latest was a few weeks ago with a fistula also. I have just found your website and ordered LTYG and the IBD Remission diet as well as some supplies from the Holistic Health Shoppe.

Considering the limited amount of bowel left, is there anything specific you recommend to take or stay away from? I am currently taking no medications, and have started TPN to help with malnutrition and weight loss. I started TPN prior to finding your site. My current plan is to use the TPN for 2 weeks, then change to Absorbplus with the oils and supplements recommended in the book.

I am a bit confused on the course of treatment with the Oregano Oil and probiotics. Is it okay to use the Oregano Oil while on an elemental diet? When is the proper time to introduce the probiotics and/or Mucosaheal? I got the impression that probiotics should be used only when eating food.

I appreciate any help or suggestions you can give.

Thanks,
Deb

Hi, Deb.

I'm so sorry to hear about the hard time you've had. I am diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, also, and I started immersing myself in research on it from the time the GI doc told me he thought that's what I was suffering with and wanted to do further tests. What really jumped out at me is that the standard medical protocols for IBD are barbaric.

I'm not saying that to criticize doctors, because in my experience, I think most of them do want to help, but the treatments are just awful.

Your idea to do TPN for two weeks and then change to the IBD Remission Diet sounds great. I would suggest making a transition from one to the other over the course of a few days, as opposed to abruptly, just because I think gradual changes are easier on the body.

You'll get more information when your books arrive, but briefly, to answer your questions about the Oregano Oil and probiotics, you can definitely use the Oregano Oil, MucosaHeal and probiotics while you are on the IBD Remission Diet. In fact, Jini recommends probiotics for the entire time (and after) you're on the IBD Remission Diet. Most people have a lot less problems with "explosive" bowel movements if they are also taking probiotics.

What you will have to do is make sure that you take probiotics at least two hours apart from Oregano Oil. Taken too close together, the Oregano Oil will kill the beneficial bacteria. Also, you should not take the probiotics simultaneously with the MucosaHeal, aloe vera juice, etc. Take the probiotics first, then wait a half hour or so and take the MucosaHeal. All of these are best taken on an empty stomach.

You can get an idea from the schedule I used while on the IBD Remission Diet; I know I posted it previously. I'll look up the title of the post and you can check it out if you want.

I hope this helps.

Nicole

Hi, Deb.

If you want to see the schedule I used, you can find it on the IBD Remission Diet forum. It is dated Oct. 29, 2006 and the discussion thread is titled, "Time frame for Absorb Plus and supplements."

With solid food, you need to wait two hours after you've eaten to be sure the stomach is empty for taking probiotics, etc. However, Absorb Plus clears the stomach more quickly than solid food, so you only need to wait an hour or so after eating, or drinking, actually.

Nicole

Hi Deb,

Once again, some great suggestions from Nicole.

Something you may want to consider since you have a very short bowel: coconut oil is comprised of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are much easier to digest than other fat sources. They are quickly absorbed in the small intestine and don't require lipase (enzyme for fat digestion) or bile salts to be present. Coconut oil is also 50% lauric acid, which has powerful antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

The one disadvantage to using it in an elemental diet is that it is solid below 76 degrees. Unless you live in the tropics, you'll have to heat it gently on the stove to bring it to liquid before adding it to your shakes.

The omega-3s in Udo's Oil and flax oil also have numerous healing properties, so I would still use as much of this oil as you can tolerate. Perhaps alternating between Udo's Oil and coconut oil throughout the day would be a good idea. But be careful with the Udo's Oil... a small amount would likely be best in your case, because of the shortness of your bowel.

Make sure you get a brand of coconut oil that is organic, extra-virgin and has been processed very soon after the coconuts were harvested. I like Nutiva myself, and you can order it from their website.

Best,
Chris

Nicole and Chris,

Thank you very much for the great information. I'm sure I will have more questions along the way and will post again. I will also post my results.

Thanks again,
Deb