• Celiac Disease

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Crohn’s Disease

• Ulcers

• Diverticulitis

Overview

Chronic digestive diseases usually involve an intestinal condition characterized by a combination of abdominal pain; constipation; diarrhea; increased secretion of colon-related mucus; and dyspeptic symptoms such as flatulence, nausea, anorexia and varying degrees of anxiety or depression. Each condition has specific causes and symptoms as well. Celiac disease is characterized by gluten intolerance and severe wasting. Crohn’s disease is a condition in which the intestinal wall thickens and causes narrowing of the bowel channel, blocking the intestinal tract. Diverticulitis is inflammation of an abnormal pouch or sac opening from a hollow organ (as the intestine or bladder). Ulcerative colitis is a nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon of unknown cause characterized by diarrhea with discharge of mucus and blood, cramping abdominal pain, and inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane with patches of ulceration. An ulcer involves a break in the gastrointestinal mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue.

The onset for chronic digestive diseases peak during young adulthood, although gastrointestinal ulcers afflict persons of all ages. Restoration of the balance of friendly bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract is essential to recovery. The complete avoidance of disaccharide-containing foods such as grains, most beans, sugar, maple syrup, noncultured fluid dairy products (milk and ice cream), potatoes and corn is a must in order to heal the digestive tract and improve the microbial balance.

Diet

Follow the diet prescribed in Chapters 9 to 11 diligently for 6 to 12 months. It is imperative to avoid all grains even those in the “Super” and “Healthy” categories which include soaked sprouted or sour leavened grains for the first six months. While the aforementioned properly prepared grains are healthy for most people, those suffering from chronic digestive disease often have problems digesting grains in any form. After symptoms are completely gone for at least three months, you may gradually add foods from the “Neutral” or “Dangerous” categories, if you desire. Because people with chronic digestive diseases (Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis) appear to have a predisposed weakness in their intestinal tracts, we strongly recommend that they adhere to a diet of foods in the “Super” and “Healthy” categories for the rest of their lives.

THERAPEUTIC FOODS

These therapeutic foods will help you get well. Appendix A lists sources where you can obtain these foods.

• Cultured goat’s milk dairy products: Consume 8 to 32 ounces of Probiogurt, the highest quality cultured yogurt from goat’s milk. Try to find yogurt that does not contain the organism Streptococcus thermophilus, a bacterial microbe that has been known to make immune-system disorders worse.

• Grass-fed red meat: Red meat from grass-fed cattle, buffalo, and lamb is very healthy and can be eaten a few times per week. This meat is a great source of protein, minerals, vitamin B12, vitamins A and D, omega-3 fats, and CLA.

• Omega-3 eggs: Consume as many as two eggs high in omega-3 fatty acids each day. These eggs contain DHA, vitamins E and B12, and antioxidants including lutein.

• Extra virgin coconut oil: This oil is perhaps the healthiest of the widely available oils. I recommend cooking almost exclusively with extra virgin coconut oil. Consume as much as two to four tablespoons per day of the oil in cooking, smoothies, or right off the spoon. It contains large amounts of lauric acid, a potent antimicrobial and one of the chief fatty acids in breast milk.

• Ocean-caught fish: This type of fish is perhaps the healthiest of all protein sources. Salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and albacore tuna are high in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Ocean-caught fish can be consumed every day to enhance digestive and immune system health.

• Cod liver oil: Take one to three teaspoons of Olde World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil each day. The amount consumed should be based upon the amount of sunlight you receive. People in colder climates generally need to consume larger amounts. Cod liver oil is a fantastic source of the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, as well as vitamins A and D.

• Vegetable juice: As long as diarrhea is not active, consume vegetable juices that are low in carbohydrates, such as celery and green juices mixed with a small amount of higher carbohydrate veggies such as carrot or beet. Mix in some form of healthy fat with each glass of the juice. One to three teaspoons of cultured goat’s milk, extra virgin coconut oil, canned or fresh coconut milk and cream, or flaxseed oil enhances absorption of minerals and prevents spikes in blood sugar.

• Fermented vegetables: Consume a few tablespoons of fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut with each meal to aid in digestion. Fermented vegetables are an excellent source of naturally occurring probiotics and enzymes.

• Berries: Berries, particularly blueberries and raspberries can be very beneficial for those suffering from chronic digestive diseases. These berries are high in antioxidant nutrients and are great sources of fiber.

• Stocks: It is a great idea to consume stocks on a regular basis, especially when you have a cold or flu. Stocks made from the bones of chicken, fish, lamb and beef contain minerals, gelatin, cartilage, collagen, and electrolytes from the vegetables. Stocks are an excellent source of proteins, especially collagen. They help to heal the gut lining and reduce inflammation.

SUPPLEMENTS

Take these health supplements to alleviate symptoms and get well. Appendix B explains where to obtain these supplements.

• Primal Defense: Start with one caplet per day on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before or one hour after meals. Increase usage by adding one additional caplet per day (i.e., one caplet the first day, two the second day, three the third day and so on). Once your dosage is up to 12 caplets per day, stay on that amount for a minimum of three months and then begin to gradually decrease to a maintenance dosage of between three to six caplets per day. Primal Defense is best taken first thing in the morning and right before bedtime with eight ounces pure water. Primal Defense may be taken with other nutritional supplements, but should be taken one hour apart from medications. If you experience symptoms of detoxification (i.e., increased elimination, loose stools, constipation, excess gas, flu-like symptoms or fever), reduce the dosage and work up slowly to 12 per day.

• Omega-Zyme: Take one to three caplets with each meal or snack.

• FYI: Take six caplets two times per day on an empty stomach for one to four weeks, followed by 12 caplets per day for three to six months, and then reduce to a maintenance level of three caplets per day. If a relapse or “flare-up” occurs, take 12 caplets per day for at least one week or until symptoms are under control.

• Perfect Food: Take two tablespoons twice daily with eight ounces water or fresh vegetable juice.

• Springs of Life: Consume at least eight, eight-ounce glasses per day of purified water mixed with 12 drops of Springs of Life living water concentrate.

• Goatein: The only protein powder on the market made from organically produced goat’s milk. This protein powder is partially pre-digested, low temperature dried and is usually well tolerated by those with food allergies and digestive problems. Take one to four tablespoons per day mixed in water, juice, smoothies, yogurt or can be used in baking. (For those with known milk allergies and/or lactose intolerance it is best to add Goatein once symptoms have begun to improve.)

Additional Therapies

For people who have or may have imbalanced intestinal flora, avoiding contact with chlorinated water is of the utmost importance. That includes bathing water and drinking water. Chlorine kills bacteria, friendly and unfriendly, in the intestines. It can be absorbed through the skin. I recommend installing a shower filter to remove chlorine . Avoid swimming in chlorinated water as well.