Our Family Success Story
Intestinal Health through Diet
"The Specific Carbohydrate Diet"
(Recommended diet for Acid Reflux, IBS, Crohn's, UC, Diverticulitis,
Celiac Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Diarrhea, Autism & the many problems
stemming from inbalances in the intestinal tract.)
from
BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE
by
Elaine Gottschall, B.A., M.Sc.
~ ~ ~
“I Didn’t Believe It Would Work Until I Tried It!”
By Kay Stence
Updated 9/08
I originally wrote our story because so many of our personal friends were asking what my husband, Don, and I were doing to lose weight and feel and look so great. As time progressed, I came to realize that our lives had drastically changed because of the healthy answers we had found to digestive and related health problems we had had for years . . . just by changing what we were eating. Haven’t we all heard the old adage; “We are what we eat”? Well, now we truly believe it! We feel that had we understood the ramifications of our “minor” digestive “annoyances” years ago, we might have been motivated to make changes and prevent many or most of the more serious health problems we’ve had over the years.
After working with hundreds of people around the world the last eight years, seeing first-hand how the SCD has changed so many lives, and realizing that most people we know suffer from digestive, intestinal and/or bowel problems, we feel compelled to share our story with others who are searching for answers. If you benefit from my family’s experiences and the sources at the end of this article, we are thrilled! If not, you know someone else who needs this informaition. Please refer them to this website.
DON'S STORY:
Don was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in July of 2000, and has achieved total remission of the disease by following the information on this site. His former Gastrointerologist told him, "Diet has nothing whatsoever to do with your condition or your recuperation from the disease. There is no cure." His body language told me he thought things were quite hopeless. After two emergency hospital stays for dehydration within two months, and using several medications, he was still having so much pain and diarrhea that his Doctor prescribed cortisone for his next step of treatment. He seemed to be going down fast and we were totally helpless to control his symptoms. Through research, we learned that cortisone was only a “band-aid” for the disease, had many horrible side effects, would eventually become ineffective, and that surgery to remove damaged intestines would be the next step . . . if we followed conventional treatment. I kept replaying the doctor’s words, and wondered why, if there were ulcers in the colon, foods would have nothing to do with his condition or his recuperation. I reasoned that if I had ulcers in my mouth, foods certainly had something to do with how they felt and healed! It made no sense to me and actually made me angry enough to begin researching and looking for alternatives.
Don was terribly sick, in pain, living in the bathroom and terribly depressed. He couldn’t keep up the pace of his full-time job and began making plans for an early retirement. During this time I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I frantically began searching bookstores and the internet for answers. As I became educated, I realized that foods did indeed have everything to do with both our illnesses! After many weeks and a lot of “all-nighters” researching, I found a diet plan at 3:00 a.m. one morning and a supportive listserve of dedicated people to answer all my questions. It turned out to be a "Godsend" for our whole family! It brought all the bits and pieces of my research together into one simple eating plan.
Within one month of starting the eating plan, Don was a different person! After being on the diet since 2000, he’s had no serious attacks, is pain free, and long ago discontinued all Crohn’s medications. He also has no more heart burn or acid reflux causing the coughing that we had blamed on “allergies”. His depression has lifted and his energy level has soared. His check-up and colonoscopy revealed that the ulcerated area in his colon was totally healed after being on The SCD only 3 months! Although attacks typically recur with this disease, we (and thousands of others around the world) have found that the SCD has brought about a “natural” remission of the disease.
In addition, his cholesterol came down over 100 points the first year. That’s particularly important since he had four heart bypasses in 1994. March 1, 2001 was a milestone in his life as he retired from his job of 30 years to start his own consulting business at home. He was a new man . . . excited about life again, spending more quality time with our 2 sons and 4 grandchildren, working longer hours than he’s ever worked before, volunteering many hours each week, and just enjoying life more!
KAY’S STORY:
After a lifetime of dealing with allergies to pollens, molds, grasses, and foods; and their continuing to get worse, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. What a coincidence that Don and I would both be diagnosed with intestinal diseases, and in the same year. Maybe it’s really true that if you live together long enough, you become alike. For the record, we did have different doctors. After a lifelong search for answers to health problems, I was thrilled to finally be able to put a name to an illness that has been so illusive, and yet so pervasive my entire life; and to be able to say that I’ve also had a total remission of the disease and all its symptoms by following the information below.
Most of what I thought were "allergies" (bouts with acid reflux that I did not recognize, uncontrollable choking and coughing spasms with occasional vomiting of bloody mucus, wheezing, hoarseness, intense itching, hives and rashes, sore swollen joints, drowsiness, swelling and bloating, small bouts of diarrhea alternating with constipation, nausea, depression, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness, and inability to loose weight) were actually the result of intestinal bacterial overgrowth and damaged intestines from years of living on the Standard American Diet that most everyone lives on today - a diet heavy in refined foods, starches, carbohydrates, and sugars. The over-fermentation of indigestible foods increased the intestinal bacteria that caused inflammation and damage to the intestines (Intestinal Permeability or Leaky Gut Syndrom), destroying digestive enzymes, and causing intolerance to grain gluten (called Celiac Disease) and many other foods, which also caused Acid Reflux Disease that resulted in burning and inflaming the esophagus. Antibiotics and other medications for chronic sinus/bronchitis infections and on and off dieting over the years also added to the problem of upsetting the intestinal bacterial flora even more. I’ve since learned that MANY common medications, including birth control pills, actually CAUSE damage to the intestines and destroy enzymes that digest foods. When we can’t digest properly, our immune system becomes weakened. Isn’t that just too simple for most of us to take in? Medications have now become a last resort for me!
When I decided to begin a serious search to find answers, I really didn’t know where to start . . . the top of my body or the bottom. I was a mess! I hurt everywhere! I could only describe my symptoms as “I feel like I’m falling apart . . . loosing control . . . not sick enough to be in bed but not well enough to do what I wanted to do . . . frustrated and panicked that my life was passing me by and I wasn’t going to be able to achieve my lifetime goals. At 57, I felt 107 and rather hopeless and helpless since nothing was helping and I kept getting worse. I had reached a point where I didn’t really enjoy much of anything.” With so many vague symptoms, my doctors treated me as “just another whiny woman”. My annual physical and extensive lab work revealed nothing . . . everything looked “normal”. . . however, I was being treated for depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritic symptoms, severe acid reflux, asthma and allergies . . . and was feeling awful. I knew there had to be answers somewhere, and that there had to be a CAUSE! I had already started researching Don’s Crohn’s Disease, and was already beginning to realize that all health problems start with the digestive system. I was a woman on a mission to find answers!
I decided to go to a new allergist for testing and began allergy injections to help with the seasonal allergies and what we thought was asthma. He was baffled as to the cause of the chronic coughing, itching, aching, etc. He gave me asthma medications for a while and when I got little relief, suggested I try an acid reflux medication . . . which sounded absolutely “absurd” to me. Out of desperation, however, I tried it. Much to my surprise, I did feel some better and the coughing lessened. He then recommended I see a gastrointerologist to find the cause of the reflux. Wow, a medical doctor looking for the CAUSE of illness!?! I was impressed! Again, more pieces of the puzzle began to come together.
In researching, I learned about Celiac Disease and it seemed to fit my symptoms. Then, low and behold, a friend dropped in who had been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I made an appointment with her gastroenterologist but had to wait (impatiently) three months to see him. Feeling desperate for some relief, I began the gluten-free diet I had downloaded from the internet two weeks before seeing him. The results of the gluten-free diet were obvious. In just two weeks I was off of three asthma inhalers, all NSAIDs and all antihistamines! On the Celiac Panel blood test, sure enough, I tested positive for three of the five things they look for in diagnosing Celiac Disease. However, my doctor wanted to do a biopsy of the upper intestine lining to confirm the diagnosis and rule out anything else. By that time, I had been on the diet three weeks and the intestinal lining was somewhat healed but the esophagus was still very inflamed from the acid which was refluxing into the esophagus and eating away at the lining.
There were no cancer cells or polyps (thank God!), but the esophageal ring at the base of the esophagus had been damaged from the excess acids leaking back into the esophagus from the stomach. This caused the coughing with vomiting and explained the pressure I felt after eating and the feeling that food wasn’t going down. This damage would not have occurred had I recognized the acid reflux symptoms and changed my diet earlier. I learned that the damage is sometimes irreversible, except through surgery, which can cause other complications. I choose to control my symptoms by eating the right foods in order to maximize digestion and by not overeating which puts more pressure on this valve. In a couple of months, this had completely healed.
WHAT DID "THE SCD” DO FOR US?
I had good results from leaving gluten out of my diet; but, when I began the SCD, I really made a miraculous change! The first week I went through withdrawal symptoms since I was leaving off all sugar, starch, some (not all) carbohydrates and caffeine. The second week, I felt as though a weight had been lifted from my brain and body, my reflux was almost totally gone and my energy level soared. At first, Don ate with me at home, but didn’t bother being careful when eating out. After a month, he saw such a difference in me that he decided to try the SCD 100%. The results were unmistakable! Now, one by one, our family members and many of our friends have joined us and we are all reaping the benefits.
Since starting the "Specific Carbohydrate Diet" on August 13, 2000, Don and I are actually having fun shopping, cooking and eating! They have become an "adventure"! Who would have thought?!? Don laughs and says he loves being my kitchen guinea pig. Now, you have to know that doesn’t sound like us at all. After our two boys grew up and left home, I got to be really great at buying take-out food and making it look like home-cooked. I never ever considered having much in common with “Martha Stewart”. Cooking had never before been “fun” because I liked to eat too much and I had a weight problem. I wanted as little to do with the kitchen as possible! Don was so excited that I was in the kitchen cooking that he even began to surprise me with baking dishes and gadgets.
Now, we cook and eat and enjoy food without feeling guilty because we’ve lost the unwanted pounds and are feeling sooooo good! In the first three to four months the weight literally "fell" off of us, and we had no feeling of deprivation . . . none! We continued to “eat small” and often, and ate the lower glycemic fruits and vegetables for about six months until we lost the amount we wanted to lose . . . 53 and 55 lbs. respectively. And we lost it without any pain and suffering! Losing weight in the process of getting well never occurred to us in the beginning of the SCD. WHAT A BONUS!!! I’ve seen, and tried a lot of “diets” in my lifetime, but I believe this way of eating to be the safest, easiest, and definitely the healthiest . . . and (best of all) it's not “diet” food! Actually, it’s not a “diet" at all; it’s just a natural way of eating much like our ancestors of long ago ate . . . before there was so much heart disease, diabetes, and cancer . . . before processed foods were so prevalent.
I find that when our body is nutritionally satisfied, and we’re healthy, we don’t crave, we feel satisfied, and we have more energy and we move more . . . which is what we should be doing more of anyway. We eat when we’re hungry and eat any of the SCD “legal” foods we want and have maintained our weight without concern unless we overeat too many of the SCD allowed carbohydrate foods. We don’t have the urge to binge or overindulge since we are so satisfied with the whole, natural foods. There are even days when I forget to eat lunch, which is also totally unlike the old me who used to feel constantly hungry. We have the confidence that we can live with this “diet” for a lifetime, whereas before, we always feared we couldn’t keep the weight off . . . and didn’t. We have even given away all our ‘big’ clothes this time, shoes included, as we’ve ‘shrunk' out of them . . . confident the weight won’t come back!
So as not to frighten those who might need to gain weight, I might add that many with digestive/intestinal/bowel disorders or diseases don’t have an overweight problem as Don and I had (Oh, I just love saying, “We’re not obese anymore!”). Many have trouble gaining weight and are anorexic because of dehydration and severe malabsorbtion due to intestinal damage and missing enzymes. When following a healthy balance of the SCD foods, the intestines heal and they begin to absorb nutrients more effeciently and actually GAIN to their proper weight level. When following this eating plan 100%, both the too heavy and the too thin seem to reach the weight they were meant to be. I feel it’s the healthy way our Maker intended us to eat.
Remember the old adage, “No pain, no gain?” Well, years ago I lost about 50 lbs. and was literally miserable doing it! I plunged myself into a rigorous exercise program 1-2 hours daily and literally starved myself . . . becoming very unhealthy as a result. I was on a restricted diet that I couldn’t live on indefinitely, and, of course, when I went back to eating my old way, my weight gradually crept back up. I originally thought that if I could just lose the weight, whatever it took, I could keep it off. Years before that, I lost a lot of weight on a high protein diet, but craved all the time and in a short time reached a plateau where I couldn’t loose any more. Years before that, I lost a lot by restricting the foods I tested allergic to . . . and really starved on that one! I used to stand in front of the fridge and cry. I felt better until my food allergies changed and then the cycle began again. Oh, my . . we learn our lessons the hard way, don’t we? I’ve learned, the hard way, that the only way to keep weight off is to establish new habits and eat an assortment of the RIGHT foods. I’ve learned that fad diets and restrictive diets only set us up for failure and damage the intestines. Eating HEALTHY MUST BE A LIFETIME LIFESTYLE DECISION or the weight will come back. I feel the SCD is the healthiest way for everyone to eat . . . a “no stress” safe, natural, whole foods way of eating that we all can live and be healthy on for a lifetime.
I started the SCD . . . very skeptical; after all, nothing else had worked. I was thinking I had nothing to lose; “sick and tired” of being on inhalers every four hours, taking steroids periodically, taking antihistamines and NSAIDs, using nasal sprays every few hours, and still being “sick and tired”. I still can’t believe I was off all those medications in just two weeks . . . just from changing the foods I was eating! Unbelievable! I have since been able to discontinue more medications for high cholesterol, blood pressure, and arthritis/FMS. Even while taking these meds, I still had high blood pressure at times, and felt sick, tired, sleepy and miserable much/most of the time. I was actually on 10 different medications when I began my search, and now I take only two! Today, I rarely even think about acid reflux or the esophageal problems since all symptoms are gone . . . unless I have to take antibiotics (which I have – but only three times in the last eight years) . . . after which the reflux begins again. See “How To Wean Off Acid Reflux Meds” to learn the process for getting off of damaging medications.
I had also lost my sense of taste and smell when I started the SCD. About six months into the diet, I begin to discover new smells in the house or when riding in the car . . . “scents” that I hadn’t noticed in years! I now understand that this is typically caused by a vitamin deficiency from malabsorbing nutrients as a result of damaged intestines. Getting the Acid Reflux under control allowed my taste buds to come back! Vegetables I never liked before began to taste really good and I began to feel satisfied from the foods we were eating.
Don and I still have a hard time believing that we have no more cravings! It was virtually impossible to practice discipline for a long period of time when we felt constantly hungry. I’ve learned to substitute “legal” for “illegal” ingredients in almost any recipe, and can find a replacement for any dish I used to make that isn't “SCD legal”. I feel so great now and realize that I had not known in my lifetime what “feeling good” really meant! We both feel so blessed. I know, I sound like a commercial . . . however, I don’t have anything to sell . . . except maybe an SCD cookbook in the near future. Now, if I could just get rid of my “floaters” (eye floaters), had a tuck here and there, and had my bunions fixed, I’d be in perfect condition! Ha! Well, so much for old age and turning back the hands of time. By the way, people are constantly commenting on our skin and our healthy color now . . . just another bonus of good nutrition, digestion, absorption . . . and elimination, I might add.
MY MOTHER’S STORY:
My Mother, now 85, has a history of acid reflux. I remember as a child, Daddy waking us in the middle of the night and rushing her into emergency thinking she was having a heart attack, only to find out it was a severe case of indigestion. I am amazed that she didn’t develop cancer of the esophagus after so many years of acid erosion. As long as I can remember, she would always have to go “throw up” after a big meal to relieve her “indigestion” and reflux problem.
Also, she had taken two blood pressure medications for over 20 years. About a year after starting the SCD, she became very weak. One night we thought she was having heart problems and called EMS who took her to HeartHospital. Tests were run and the only thing they found was that her pressure had dropped too low. The doctor had her discontinue one medication and cut the other tablet in half. She was also able to discontinue her acid reflux, cholesterol, and arthritis medications during that year. Her bleeding ulcer, hiatal hernia and diverticulitis also healed!
People who hadn't seen her in a while constantly asked how she looked so good. She had a sparkle in her eyes, healthy skin color . . . and just looked younger than her years from eating healthy. Others family members who have been healed on the SCD: My brother with IBS & Celiac Disease; another brother with IBS; a son with Celiac Disease; a second son with Celiac Disease, Acid Reflux & Asthma; and a multitude of friends & acquaintances that I've worked with all over the world with everything from Acid Reflux and Fibromyalgia to various intestinal disorders and diseases. Seeing firsthand how seven of my immediate family members healed certainly reinforced my belief in the validity of the SCD! We are all now healthier and feel better than we have in much of our lives!
Dallas (and other researchers around the country), specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and research of Celiac Disease, believe that between 35% to 40% OF ALL AMERICANS HAVE CELIAC DISEASE. Some researchers believe the percentage is even higher. Some say that 60% of all people have a problem with grains. They also believe that “it’s just a matter of time” before these people will develop full-blown autoimmune diseases . . . unless they change their way of eating.
My family and my husband’s families always thought we ate fairly healthy growing up on farms in west Texas. We attempted to follow the FDA Food Pyramid, for the most part. But, for the life of me, I can’t figure how the “powers that be” thought we could be healthy eating 12 servings of grains per day! My Father, who had chronic digestive/bowel problems was never diagnosed and ran from doctor to doctor looking for help. Sadly, most of the family labeled him a hypochondriac. Unlike the rest of us, he couldn’t gain weight, seldom felt “well”, suffered from deep depression, and eventually died from Lymphoma Cancer. How I wish I knew then what I know now.
New research has established a strong link between Lymphoma Cancer and bowel/intestinal inflammation. Almost everyone I know today has digestive/intestinal/bowel complaints. I am convinced that most digestive/intestinal/bowel diseases are a direct result of over-fermentation of indigestible foods and overuse of antibiotics, steroids and other medications, preservatives, etc. They are the result of overindulging in sugary/starchy processed foods on the STANDARD AMERICAN DIET (SAD) . . . and the reason that most people you know are sick. It’s no wonder acid relievers are one of the biggest selling OTC drugs today, and the number one selling prescription drug! I’ve also learned that inflammation in the gut travels throughout the body 'poisoning' the joints, muscles, and even the brain. There’s a strong link between bowel diseases and autism, ADD, schizophrenia, and other emotional disturbances – there is definitely a gut/brain connection. I believe that Chronic Fatigue, and Fibromyalgia are also caused by faulty diets and malabsorption of nutrients from damaged intestines. Sadly, doctors will likely continue to tell people that they don’t know what causes intestinal/bowel diseases/problems and other ailments since their medical education does not include nutrition.
To the Celiacs reading this; I’ve learned first-hand that Celiacs who avoid only gluten (as they are instructed to do by the national Celiac organizations and mainstream doctors) find they feel better for a while, then begin to feel worse as the bacteria overpopulate from the addition of starches and sugars that take the place of the gluten grains in their diet. I believe that it doesn’t really matter what name you give your “gut” problem/disease (Acid Reflux/GERDS, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s, Diverticulitis, UC, Colitis, Celiac Disease, etc.), a gut problem, is a gut problem, is a gut problem. They call them by different names, but they are all caused/exaserbated by the same thing, and need virtually the same diet for complete healing. The people that I’ve worked with who have all these different diagnoses dramatically improve or totally heal when grain gluten, starch, specific (not all) carbohydrates, lactose, and sugars . . . the foods that bacteria thrive on . . . are removed from their diet. Overgrowth of bacteria have to play a roll in all these ailments since they all respond to the SCDiet which balances the bacterial flora.
I’ve learned over the years that we are all only as healthy as our intestines. Symptoms of intestinal damage and malabsorbtion can manifest in all sorts of ways and vary from person to person. Some people have very subtle symptoms until they are diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which was brought on by a weakened immune system as a direct result of years of malabsorbing nutrients. OBVIOUS symptoms often manifest after severe emotional stress, a pregnancy, an operation, or a viral infection where antibiotics have been taken.
In our case . . . our symptoms flared after nine months of remodeling our home, while living in it and trying to keep both jobs going. Within two months after the house remodeling was finished, we had to be remodeled! I had three surgeries in three months to repair a torn tendon and rotator cuff, and carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. Don was getting sicker from the Crohn’s and then had to have gall bladder surgery. I guess those might fall into the STRESS category!?!?!
HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE HAVE GOOD INTESTINAL HEALTH?
BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE is about achieving "Intestinal Health Through Diet". Those with good intestinal health have both good digestion and good elimination. On the subject of digestion; some of us can’t tell if we have heartburn or acid reflux . . . both are indicators of poor digestion and malabsorbtion of nutrients. Any of the symptoms above can be a clue. There are always those who know they have problems, but are too stubborn or too lazy to make changes. Therefore they ignore them, hoping they will just go away . . . which they won't without a diet change. And “popping the magic pill” isn’t so magic when it quits working . . . and it does sooner or later while the damage to the intestinal tract and your immune system is continues on. Pills just masque the symptom and don’t correct the source of the problem.
Now, I'll go to the subject of "elimination" - a most important subject! I find that few people know how much they should be eliminating daily, or know that they can tell a lot about their health by studying their stools (and I don’t mean the kind with four legs that you sit on J). I hadn't really thought about it (and didn't want to think about it) until we were diagnosed and our health was deteriorating. Now I understand the human digestive system and realize how critically important elimination is. It’s really very simple. I think it's a crying shame that doctors aren't educated in nutrition so they can pass the information on to their patients! Of course, that would mean that the food and pharmaceutical industries would have to change their strategies . . . and I doubt that will ever happen.
After a lot of research, I began to tactfully teach Don about elimination . . . not a subject any of us likes to talk about . . . but a wife or a mother's “gotta” do what a wife or mother's “gotta” do, right? The best "ice breaker" we found to open up our conversation when he was so sick was an online article called, "Dr. Fart Speaks". I had never thought of this subject as funny before, however, in the wee hours of the morning, and being desperate for laughs, we both laughed until we cried at his "tongue in cheek" humor and play-on-words as he educated us on the human digestive system. From then on, we were able to talk more freely about our "bodily functions". Well, here's what we learned . . . are you ready for this?!?
***A normal healthy digestive system EASILY produces 2-3 formed stools per day that do not float and that will fall apart when flushed. The stools should be a light brownish color (not yellow, gray, or black), should not contain undigested particles of food, should not be “explosive” or foul smelling, and there should not be an oily film floating on the water (indicating malabsorbtion of nutrients). There, that wasn't so bad, was it? ***
Please, read it again . . . every single word here is important. That is our goal. ONLY when we reach that goal have we fine-tuned our diet to be healthy. Now isn't it a relief to KNOW what to look for? My guess is that most of you reading this need to make some changes.
Approximately 85% of all those with digestive/gut problems/diseases respond to the SCD, when followed 100%. I tend to believe that the other 15% perhaps do not understand the diet, or don't take their health seriously, or do not “fanatically” adhere to it, or they rush through the stages too quickly, or don’t give it enough time to work . . . or perhaps, their intestines have already deteriorated past the point of return. Even if you've had surgery to remove damaged intestines, it is critical to eat correctly, or the damage can/will occur somewhere else. I believe if everyone ate this way for a lifetime, much like our early ancestors did, there would be far less disease today. Perhaps, with time and more success stories like ours, mainstream doctors will even admit, “DIET HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH HEALING THE GUT AND DISEASE”.
If you are reading this and you are not the cook in your household, it’s important that you and the cook get your heads together to make this work. The cook usually has to be the one to instigate the change in most households. For those who say they don’t have time to cook . . . I say, “Do you have time to be sick? Do you want to see your children sick? Do you want your or your children’s lives shortened?” Never in history has there been so much disease in our country! Even our children are becoming sicker earlier insuring a shorter lifetime. Please do some research in order to become motivated to make the necessary changes for you and your family. As parents and grandparents we need to take a stand on getting better nutrition into the schools . . . which is another BIG challenge . . .
DOCTORS & PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES:
Why don’t doctors tell patients about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet? It appears that mainstream doctors, even those who know about the success of the diet for digestive/intestinal/bowel diseases, are hesitant to recommend it because they would not be following the “traditional” approach to treating gut problems, and would be ostracized by their peers for not following the usual medical treatment protocol. Doctors treat symptoms with drugs and perform surgeries. They are not schooled in preventive nutrition. And, of course, if everyone was on the SCD, we wouldn’t need as many drugs or doctors . . . and big business would suffer. Drug companies would certainly lose a lot of business if EVERYONE wasn’t on multiple drugs.
Celiacs are not getting well on the gluten-free diet, and yet the national organizations continue to promote a gluten-free food industry that’s made up of refined fast foods that are little but empty calories and loaded with starch/sugar/carbohydrates that feed the gut bacteria that caused the gluten intolerance to begin with. I believe this to be a very sad situation . . . but then, we all know that making money, at the expense of health, has been the driving force behind the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries for years.
The pharmaceutical companies don’t tell you this (since they are going to sell their billion dollar drugs and perpetuate big business one way or another), but MANY prescription and over-the-counter drugs actually cause acid reflux . . . and all drugs have side effects. We should take that long list of drug warnings that come with each medication to heart! Instead, most of us ignore them.
CONVERSATION WITH ELAINE GOTTSCHALL:
Only three times since I began the SCD in 2000 have I had to take antibiotics; whereas before, I used to have to take them about every 2-3 months for some sort of infection. Each of those three times my previous symptoms returned with a vengeance! I simply increased my homemade yogurt and went back to the “Beginning SCD Diet” and healed the intestines again (See “How To Wean Off Acid Reflux Medication”). Once the bacteria balance was re-established, the reflux and symptoms again subsided. My husband has also experienced this after a couple of flares from eating out and accidentally eating trigger foods. The cramping and diarrhea mysteriously began . . . we again started him on the “Beginning Diet” of the SCD, and once again the symptoms quickly subsided. It’s such a relief to KNOW what to do now, instead of feeling helpless and hopeless as we did years ago. We’ve been there and it’s not a fun place to be. Yes, If you have chronic heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms like Don and I were experiencing, or even think you might have something going on, it’s very important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor so you will KNOW FOR SURE what you are dealing with. Don’t expect your mainstream doctor to get excited about or even discuss the SCD with you, however. “We are what we eat” . . . I now believe that with all my heart! I’ve also realized that without our health, living life to the fullest is impossible!
Many believe that unless their symptoms are overwhelmingly obvious, and they are deathly ill, they don’t need to dramatically change their diet. Remember: The more your health deteriorates the less chance of a complete comeback/cure. Subtle indicators of digestive/intestinal/bowel/gut problems are: chronic indigestion (indigestion more than twice a week), burping, Acid Reflux (GERDS), gas, a little diarrhea, or a little constipation. People often make jokes about “burps and farts”, when in reality, they really are a serious matter and a clue to serious health problems to come. Medication will often control the symptoms for a while, but will not continue to control symptoms forever or “cure” the "cause" of the problem. Medication is only a temporary band-aid that will become ineffective in time . . . perhaps resulting in an even more serious “inflammatory bowel disease” such as one, or a combination of those listed above.
You, too, have probably heard that digestive problems occur as a result of growing older? Of course, they do! Years of eating an inappropriate diet damages the intestines and destroys digestive enzymes! If you are having acid reflux and/or heartburn (and remember, many people don’t recognize the symptoms), there is inflammation in the intestines or stomach caused . . . most likely . . . by a diet not genetically appropriate for you. Dr. Joseph Mercola at www.mercola.com believes, "There is a serious misconception in the basic physiology of gastric reflux (acid reflux). It is NOT due to an over-production of acid, but is due to poor digestion that causes inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Suppressing acid actually causes intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The solution, like most problems, is to optimize the diet."
THE VICIOUS CYCLE:
Intestinal damage from drugs and indigestible foods that sit in the intestines too long waiting to digest = over-fermentation & overgrowth of bacteria = excess toxins & waste products produced by the bacteria = inflammation and damage to intestinal walls (villi) = destroyed digestive enzymes = malabsorbtion of nutrients from foods & supplements = weakened immune system = leaky gut/allergies/diseases = increased inability to digest . . . and the cycle has begun again . . . and on and on it goes in another “vicious cycle” until a full blown disease has occurred.
AUSTIN SCD FRIENDS”:
The purpose of our group is to come together to support each other as we become well, and to inspire each other to eat a balanced organic diet in order to feel better, strengthen the immune system, gain or lose weight, and learn shortcuts in the kitchen so we can incorporate healthy eating into our busy lifestyles. I also work online with many people out of state and in other countries. I believe most health problems (autoimmune or other) can be avoided, cured or greatly improved by maximizing digestion . . . and elimination. My goal is to help increase public awareness about digestive/intestinal/bowel diseases that can lead to other debilitating and life-threatening autoimmune diseases. I hope those of you reading this will feel compelled to do the same . . . after all . . .
"WHAT WE SEND INTO THE LIVES OF OTHER COMES BACK INTO OUR OWN"
THE SAD (STANDARD AMERICAN DIET):
It has been proven that most people actually “gain” weight on a low fat diet because the body cannot digest properly without the right balance of fats and protein. We must have the right kind of fats in our diet to be healthy. Mary Enig, author of KNOW YOUR FATS, states: “Foreign populations that do not have an obesity problem are usually found to consume only natural fats. Switching from a diet of imitation foods, such as those found in the typical low fat and high carbohydrate diets or those imitation foods high in partially hydrogenated fats, to a diet of real foods with normal levels of natural fats in the foods will result in a gradual and sustained weight loss in most overweight people. Sometimes it is as simple as using home processed foods instead of factory processed foods.” That probably explains why my 80 year old mother, who had been overweight all her life, lost over 45 lbs. without even consciously cutting down on the amount of food she was eating . . . but just by eating whole, natural, "real" foods.
If you have digestive/intestinal/bowel disorders or diseases and are living on "fast foods” that are high in starch, carbohydrates, and hydrogenated fats, you are getting a "triple whammy". You’re suffering from all the symptoms of your disease and you’re getting “empty” calories because processed/refined foods have most of the nutritional value removed. Also, you are absorbing little of what little nutritional value is there.
Even nutritional supplements help little to none if you’re not absorbing properly. They are simply going down the toilet! As a result, your immune system continues to become weaker. If you’re “popping” a pill as a “quick fix” to your health problems, remember that you’re not “fixing the source of the problem” and that with every medication there are numerous side effects. I know people who take a second medication to combat symptoms of the first medication . . . another “vicious cycle”.
Doesn’t it make better sense to get as healthy as possible through proper nutrition and exercise and possibly fix the problem that’s causing the symptoms? If you have children, do them the favor of a lifetime and change their way of eating so they will cultivate good habits now and stay healthy for life. If you can’t do this for “you”, do it for your loved ones who love you and need you at your best!
DON AND I HAVE FOUND THAT WHAT WE EAT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH OUR HEALTH AND HOW WE FEEL AND FUNCTION! We feel so fortunate and blessed to have friends and family who “pushed” me to try another doctor, and to have found the following information and sources. Their encouragement caused me to research and find "THE SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE DIET" and it has dramatically changed the quality of and (I’m sure) lengthened our lives. It will do the same for others with whom we are sharing our experience and knowledge.
ABOUT “THE SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE DIET”:
This diet is just a very healthy, natural diet, very close to the way our ancestors ate. It is recommended for EVERYONE (young, old, sick or well) who wants to get or stay healthy. It is important to understand that some people have to fine-tune the diet a bit in the beginning to fit their specific needs. Some cannot eat all of the “SCD legal” foods at first, if they’ve had serious damage to their intestines and have food sensitivities/allergies. That’s why it’s important to have the book, BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE, so you’ll know how to begin and proceed with the diet. Most respond to the diet in two or three weeks, some in two to three months, some, two to three years to see dramatic results. Sometimes they will take two steps forward and one back for a while as the symptoms gradually taper off. Some people continue to have “flares” once in a while if under a lot of stress or they eat the wrong things. I had profound results in two weeks and Don in about three . . . and we’re still reaping the benefits! I’m still having a hard time believing I am pain free . . . as I had every symptom of fibromyalgia and arthritis for years! I still find myself thinking, “I hope this isn’t just a dream and that I won’t wake up tomorrow with all the symptoms back.” We never, even for a moment, consider ever going back to our old way of eating! Have we “cheated”? Absolutely . . and paid the price! We've learned that it’s just not worth it. We’ve been called “fanatical” by some . . . and that’s ok. As with many things, until a person has walked in our shoes, they won’t understand.
Remember, medical doctors are only schooled in diagnosing, dispensing medication and surgery, not “prevention”. According to Elaine Gottshall in BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE, a year or two adhering FANATICALLY to this way of eating has CURED disease in many people. The word “cure” has been debated often among Celiacs since many believe there is no “cure” for Celiac Disease.. The GF food industry jumps all over this statement and uses it to try to discredit the SCD because they see the SCD as a threat to their industry. Most of them are ignorant of Elaine Gottschall’s statement that going back to the old way of eating will bring back the same old problems . . . therefore, I believe the word “remission” rather than the word “cure” would probably be more accurate.
Before you begin this diet, it is highly recommended that you check with your doctor to make sure it is suitable for you. Remember, however; medical doctors are not “schooled” in nutrition and may not support you enthusiastically . . . sad, sad, sad! Also, mainstream doctors do not have knowledge of the relationship of starch/sugar molecules on intestinal bacteria. It took Dr. Haas in the 1940s to lead the way and a Molecular Scientist (Elaine Gottschall) to do the research and learn how and why certain foods worked with patients and some did not.
In the beginning you may think the SCD sounds difficult. I promise you, it is not! It’s just different from the SAD (Standard American Diet)! You will be enjoying food more than you have in your lifetime! Your taste buds will come alive! Once you become familiar with the “Allowed” and “Not Allowed” food lists and RESTOCK your kitchen, it becomes EASY AND EVEN FUN! Having never been a “kitchen lover” myself, I’m now spending more time there and loving it! Food preparation gets easier and faster with practice and I’m constantly experimenting with different recipes. I just came up with an absolutely heavenly German Chocolate Cake recipe with no chocolate, no sugar, and no flour! Now, that’s fun!
KEEPING THE SCD BALANCED & HEALTHY:
In my material, I will strive to include information on how to make the SCD foods as balanced and healthy as possible. I recommend you refer to this website often. You will want to read and reread “BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE” and my articles several times over the first few weeks in order to absorb all the information. Then “FANATICALLY” adhere 100% to the allowed foods to really see a difference. If you “ease” into the diet you will likely see little to no improvement and become impatient. “Kay’s Safe Shopping List”, carried in your purse or wallet, can make the job of shopping and restocking your kitchen easy. When it’s easy, you will be more apt to stick to this healthy way of eating for a lifetime.
MAINTAIN AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE:
Attitude is everything . . . in dealing with health problems . . . and life in general. As some of you, I went through an angry period when my husband was diagnosed with Crohn’s and then I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I was upset that I had to change my lifestyle and habits. However, I am so very THANKFUL now because we and others we know have a better life as a result.
I believe that everything that happens to a person is for a reason. I choose to believe we found the SCD so we could get well and help others get well. We can use our experiences for good or for bad. We can face them positively or negatively . . . it's our choice. I believe the good Lord put us here to use our experiences in positive ways to enrich other lives. I've chosen to pass on our positive experience to help others get well naturally, and have a happier, healthier, longer life. That decision has brought me great satisfaction and happiness . . . and I'm sure it will you, too.
WARNING SIGNS OF GOOD HEALTH
(From the Utne Reader Almanac)
1. Regular flare-ups of a supportive network of friends and family.
2. Chronic positive expectations.
3. Repeated episodes of gratitude and generosity.
4. Increased appetite for physical activity.
5. Marked tendency to identify and express feelings.
6. Compulsion to contribute to society.
7. Lingering sensitivity to the feelings of others.
8. Habitual behavior related to seeking new challenges.
9. Craving for peak experiences.
10. Tendency to adapt to changing conditions.
11. Feelings of spiritual involvement.
12. Persistent sense of humor.
(To gain the most from this website, please see How To Use This Website.)
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This website is maintained by Kay Stence in Kingsland, Texas.
Information published on this Web site is intended to support the book
BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE by Elaine Gottschall and is for information
purposes only. It is not the intention of this site to diagnose, prescribe, or replace
medical care. Your doctor or nutrition expert should be consulted before
undertaking a radical change of diet.
© 2006
