Question:

I suffer from Psoratic Arthritis that has effected my hands, arm, neck, knees, and feet. My doctor wants to start remicade IV infusions and I would like to hear from anyone that has had this done.

Response:

You should ask this question on a rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus site.  I’ve read a lot about Remicade but haven’t used it myself. Nicole

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I suffer from Psoratic Arthritis that has effected my hands, arm, neck, knees, and feet. My doctor wants to start remicade IV infusions and I would like to hear from anyone that has had this done.

Response:

Not sure of the spelling, but I heard through a relative that this medicine, Remicade, which is used to treat Crohn’s disease.  Anyone hear anything on this?  If so, any side effects for people without Crohn’s disease? Thanks. Judd

Response:

(Google) Searched the web for Remicade psoriasis.    Results 1 – 100 of about 984. Search took 0.47 seconds http://www.psoriasis.org/wc2001/advances.htm Infliximab (brand name Remicade) Remicade is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and binds to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). It is currently approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (in combination with methotrexate). Dr. Gottlieb presented the results of a 10-week study of Remicade to treat psoriasis. The 33 patients in the study had moderate to severe psoriasis over at least 5 percent of their body. Three intravenous (IV) infusions were given to all patients at the beginning of the study and after two weeks and six weeks. Ten weeks after treatment was initiated, 74 percent of patients receiving Remicade experienced a 75 percent improvement in their psoriasis symptoms, compared with 18 percent of patients receiving placebo. About half of the patients receiving Remicade have maintained the improvement for more than six months without the need for retreatment. Remicade was generally well tolerated. Three patients withdrew from the study and were considered unresponsive to the treatment. Two patients receiving Remicade withdrew from the study, one with a mild rash and one due to worsening psoriasis. One patient in the placebo group withdrew because of lack of improvement in disease. If these results are corroborated through large, multicenter phase III trials, Remicade could be a very useful alternative to patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1fed7e.htm IPS/ECP: Remicade (Infliximab) Provides Significant, Sustained Benefit in Psoriasis NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — June 21, 2001 — Encouraging preliminary long-term data will be unveiled this week that show the investigational drug Remicade

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got back from the clinic okay, just really tired. I mean, I had a really good weekend for a change and just kind of pushed myself a little too hard, and that’s why I haven’t written. I mean, I was okay enough to get the things done that I had to get done, but that was about it — no extra if you know what I mean. But the Prozac seems to be kicking in, and, if nothing else, my mood is a bit more stable. I think that really made matters so much worse in terms of me feeling so overwhelmed and put upon and just not really having the will to do much. Now the question becomes will the Prozac destroy the bit of creativity that I had been tapping into lately. That’s a problem that creative people have to face since the better part of their work comes from the emotional side — tame the emotions, the creative stuff suffers. But, we’ll see. I actually know of one artist who became more active once he was on Prozac because he suddenly felt like getting up and doing things. As for my symptoms, they stand about the same, maybe a little bit better. Getting away for a couple of days seems to have helped some as well. Or, at least, it seemed to until I had to come back! <BWG They actually decided to lower my prednisone some since we are dubious as to how much benefit I am getting from it anyway. If I see major changes from the small drop, I can push it back up, but so far, I really haven’t noticed much. Maybe a slight increase in diarrhea, but I am also eating more kinds of foods, so that may account for that. My sed rate was normal, but my c-reactive protein was high as was my WBC. My B12 level was down, so they want to give me some shots. And they want to scope things out. Great. So, I get to spend my vacation near the clinic getting these damn tests. Well, the truth is, I’m way overdo, but I was still hoping that no one would notice. So that’s set for the second week of August. Argh! And we have no more word about the Remicade assistance program. They did discuss some studies with me, but they just aren’t feasible at this time. One of them involves an interferon inhibitor, the other — We invite you to participate in a study of an investigational treatment for Crohn’s disease called natalizumab.  Available information suggests that natalizumab works differently from current Crohn’s disease treatments in that it may stop the movement of certain cells, known as white blood cells, into bowel tissue.  These cells are thought to cause damage to the bowel leading to the symptoms of Crohn’s disease AH, well. Anyway, thanks to all who have been thinking about me. I will write more later. Yeah, I know, you’re thinking, Jeez, he writes a novel everytime, how could he write more! love, steve (H) CD Class of ‘82 ASCC on the WWW: http://ascc.healingwell.com hi steve

i also do creative work and even darvon interferes..paul tillich said there was a question(he was an existentialist theologian) as to whether neurosis(as he called it back then) fostered creativity..or creative people became neurotic..which comes first..the chicken or the egg? i think its important tho to take what makes you FEEL better..and then  make some attempts to do creative stuff even if u have to push it..i know i tried doing a watercolor and it was blah…and my camera has been resting unused for sometime…my poetry has stopped since the 6mp…which doesnt affect mood but affects nausea but i wouldnt change the starting to feel less sick feeling i have for all the creative stuff in the world..i think creativity can be worked on if u are already a creative person..i am working on how to get my art back on the outside of me in painting, writing and photography…its gonna take some pushing.. i am glad u are feelingsomewhat better..but keep getting better and if u have to put your creative stuff aside for a while..do so..its funny its always a balancing act between feeling physically and mentally well…and being just loopy enough to really create love you annie

Response:

I got back from the clinic okay, just really tired. I mean, I had a really good weekend for a change and just kind of pushed myself a little too hard, and that’s why I haven’t written. I mean, I was okay enough to get the things done that I had to get done, but that was about it — no extra if you know what I mean. But the Prozac seems to be kicking in, and, if nothing else, my mood is a bit more stable. I think that really made matters so much worse in terms of me feeling so overwhelmed and put upon and just not really having the will to do much. Now the question becomes will the Prozac destroy the bit of creativity that I had been tapping into lately. That’s a problem that creative people have to face since the better part of their work comes from the emotional side — tame the emotions, the creative stuff suffers. But, we’ll see. I actually know of one artist who became more active once he was on Prozac because he suddenly felt like getting up and doing things. As for my symptoms, they stand about the same, maybe a little bit better. Getting away for a couple of days seems to have helped some as well. Or, at least, it seemed to until I had to come back! <BWG They actually decided to lower my prednisone some since we are dubious as to how much benefit I am getting from it anyway. If I see major changes from the small drop, I can push it back up, but so far, I really haven’t noticed much. Maybe a slight increase in diarrhea, but I am also eating more kinds of foods, so that may account for that. My sed rate was normal, but my c-reactive protein was high as was my WBC. My B12 level was down, so they want to give me some shots. And they want to scope things out. Great. So, I get to spend my vacation near the clinic getting these damn tests. Well, the truth is, I’m way overdo, but I was still hoping that no one would notice. So that’s set for the second week of August. Argh! And we have no more word about the Remicade assistance program. They did discuss some studies with me, but they just aren’t feasible at this time. One of them involves an interferon inhibitor, the other — We invite you to participate in a study of an investigational treatment for Crohn

Question:

Bummer….I don’t get that channel. Someone will have to take notes….hehe Lisa

Response:

This show is listed on my program guide.  The Health Channel  10pm.  I’ll be watching.  Anyone else?  Don’t confuse it with The Discovery Health Channel. That’s what I did at first.  Look for the show The Cutting Edge. Staci – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tr In an episode of the venerable series The Cutting Edge Medical Report Tr entitled "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life", William J. Tr Sanborn, M.D., Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Interest Group Tr at the Mayo Clinic, sheds light on this mysterious disease with a Tr comprehensive look at the symptoms and the treatment options that are Tr available. Tr Produced by Information Television Network and made possible by an Tr unrestricted medical educational grant from AstraZeneca, "Crohn’s Tr Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life" will air on The Health Network, Tr part of the networks of Discovery Communications, Inc. on Friday May Tr 31st at 10 p.m. ET & PT.        While my daughter was never able to find a listing for this        program, she did make contact with the company and has ordered a        tape.  Seems they have tapes to sell but havent produced then as        yet. Dont have any idea when they will be available.                                Art ___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30

Response:

Do you have any information as to channel for the piece?  My daughter has cable and she has been unable to find any listing for it. Loks like it may be something of interest.                                         Art … Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (S)lap nearest innocent bystander. ___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30

Response:

I looked on discovery health and the information tv website and found nothing also… so beats me… I will keep looking. Mike Do you have any information as to channel for the piece?  My daughter has cable and she has been unable to find any listing for it. Loks like it may be something of interest.                                        Art … Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (S)lap nearest innocent bystander. ___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30

Please Visit www.ibdcure.com and sign the petition for an IBD postage stamp. All opinions expressed are mine unless otherwise noted. "those that can be offended, will be" … Pastor Don

Response:

 Tr In an episode of the venerable series The Cutting Edge Medical Report  Tr entitled "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life", William J.  Tr Sanborn, M.D., Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Interest Group  Tr at the Mayo Clinic, sheds light on this mysterious disease with a  Tr comprehensive look at the symptoms and the treatment options that are  Tr available.  Tr Produced by Information Television Network and made possible by an  Tr unrestricted medical educational grant from AstraZeneca, "Crohn’s  Tr Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life" will air on The Health Network,  Tr part of the networks of Discovery Communications, Inc. on Friday May  Tr 31st at 10 p.m. ET & PT.         While my daughter was never able to find a listing for this         program, she did make contact with the company and has ordered a         tape.  Seems they have tapes to sell but havent produced then as         yet. Dont have any idea when they will be available.                                 Art ___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30

Response:

Thanks Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In an episode of the venerable series The Cutting Edge Medical Report entitled "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life", William J. Sanborn, M.D., Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Interest Group at the Mayo Clinic, sheds light on this mysterious disease with a comprehensive look at the symptoms and the treatment options that are available. Produced by Information Television Network and made possible by an unrestricted medical educational grant from AstraZeneca, "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life" will air on The Health Network, part of the networks of Discovery Communications, Inc. on Friday May 31st at 10 p.m. ET & PT. Monday May 20, 3:30 pm Eastern Time Press Release SOURCE: Information Television Network Four Hundred Thousand Suffer With Crohn’s Disease BOCA RATON, Fla., May 20 /PRNewswire/ — Crohn’s Disease afflicts nearly 400,000 Americans by causing an inflammation in their G.I. tract. With symptoms that are often similar to other inflammatory diseases of the intestines, Crohn’s Disease can be difficult to diagnose. Medical experts agree that it’s important to see a physician for any abnormal abdominal pain or prolonged diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever may also be symptoms in more advanced cases. The goals of treatment are to control the inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms. While Crohn’s Disease affects men and women equally, it does seem to run in families. William J. Sanborn, M.D., Head of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research, Mayo Clinic explains, "About 20 percent of the people that have been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, have at least one relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease. It’s usually another member of their immediate family." In an episode of the venerable series The Cutting Edge Medical Report entitled "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life", William J. Sanborn, M.D., Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Interest Group at the Mayo Clinic, sheds light on this mysterious disease with a comprehensive look at the symptoms and the treatment options that are available. Produced by Information Television Network and made possible by an unrestricted medical educational grant from AstraZeneca, "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life" will air on The Health Network, part of the networks of Discovery Communications, Inc. on Friday May 31st at 10 p.m. ET & PT. AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Backed by a strong research base and extensive manufacturing and commercial skills, AstraZeneca provides innovative, effective medicines that make a real difference for patients in important areas of healthcare. AstraZeneca aims to be the first with new ideas and innovation in all areas of activity, to create value for customers, shareholders, employees and the communities in which it works. Information Television Network Information Television Network (ITV), a full service television and entertainment production company, specializes in producing original programming. ITV is recognized as a leader in broadcast production and continues its tradition of strong partnerships with major corporations and government agencies. Founded in 1992 with a commitment to produce dynamic programming for entertainment and education, ITV’s distribution includes Public Television, the Discovery Health Channel and The Health Network. ITV has produced more than 200 half-hours of medical documentary programming and has consistently been recognized for its excellence with prestigious industry awards including an Emmy, Freddies, Tellys, Auroras, Omnis and Gracies. For more information about ITV or The Cutting Edge Medical Report, please visit the corporate web site at www.itvisus.com . To order a VHS copy of the program, call 1-888-380-6500. SOURCE: Information Television Network Please Visit www.ibdcure.com and sign the petition for an IBD postage stamp. All opinions expressed are mine unless otherwise noted. "those that can be offended, will be" … Pastor Don

Response:

In an episode of the venerable series The Cutting Edge Medical Report entitled "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life", William J. Sanborn, M.D., Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Interest Group at the Mayo Clinic, sheds light on this mysterious disease with a comprehensive look at the symptoms and the treatment options that are available. Produced by Information Television Network and made possible by an unrestricted medical educational grant from AstraZeneca, "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life" will air on The Health Network, part of the networks of Discovery Communications, Inc. on Friday May 31st at 10 p.m. ET & PT. Monday May 20, 3:30 pm Eastern Time Press Release SOURCE: Information Television Network Four Hundred Thousand Suffer With Crohn’s Disease BOCA RATON, Fla., May 20 /PRNewswire/ — Crohn’s Disease afflicts nearly 400,000 Americans by causing an inflammation in their G.I. tract. With symptoms that are often similar to other inflammatory diseases of the intestines, Crohn’s Disease can be difficult to diagnose. Medical experts agree that it’s important to see a physician for any abnormal abdominal pain or prolonged diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever may also be symptoms in more advanced cases. The goals of treatment are to control the inflammation, correct nutritional deficiencies, and relieve symptoms. While Crohn’s Disease affects men and women equally, it does seem to run in families. William J. Sanborn, M.D., Head of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research, Mayo Clinic explains, "About 20 percent of the people that have been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, have at least one relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease. It’s usually another member of their immediate family." In an episode of the venerable series The Cutting Edge Medical Report entitled "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life", William J. Sanborn, M.D., Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Interest Group at the Mayo Clinic, sheds light on this mysterious disease with a comprehensive look at the symptoms and the treatment options that are available. Produced by Information Television Network and made possible by an unrestricted medical educational grant from AstraZeneca, "Crohn’s Disease: Fulfilling a Normal Life" will air on The Health Network, part of the networks of Discovery Communications, Inc. on Friday May 31st at 10 p.m. ET & PT. AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Backed by a strong research base and extensive manufacturing and commercial skills, AstraZeneca provides innovative, effective medicines that make a real difference for patients in important areas of healthcare. AstraZeneca aims to be the first with new ideas and innovation in all areas of activity, to create value for customers, shareholders, employees and the communities in which it works. Information Television Network Information Television Network (ITV), a full service television and entertainment production company, specializes in producing original programming. ITV is recognized as a leader in broadcast production and continues its tradition of strong partnerships with major corporations and government agencies. Founded in 1992 with a commitment to produce dynamic programming for entertainment and education, ITV’s distribution includes Public Television, the Discovery Health Channel and The Health Network. ITV has produced more than 200 half-hours of medical documentary programming and has consistently been recognized for its excellence with prestigious industry awards including an Emmy, Freddies, Tellys, Auroras, Omnis and Gracies. For more information about ITV or The Cutting Edge Medical Report, please visit the corporate web site at www.itvisus.com . To order a VHS copy of the program, call 1-888-380-6500. SOURCE: Information Television Network Please Visit www.ibdcure.com and sign the petition for an IBD postage stamp. All opinions expressed are mine unless otherwise noted. "those that can be offended, will be" … Pastor Don

Response:

Question:

WHAT is "AS" please?

ankylosing spondylitis See:  http://www.arthritis.co.za/ankspond.html Best regards,

Response:

Maybe those ratios are just "pay-back time" for all the color-blindness in the world.

Hey, don’t forget we get to give birth, have periods and PMS, then there are the plumbing problems with the various female inards, oh yea, and the ever enjoyable menopause. Sarah L "Friends are those people who know the words to the song in your heart and sing them back to you when you have forgotten the words."  (unattributed)

Response:

Maybe someone else in the newsgroup has already mentioned this, but one of the reasons that auto-immune diseases occur primarily in women is that a woman’s immune system is inter-linked with her hormonal system in a way that a man’s is not.  Consequently, any condition in a woman that causes significant changes in her estrogen levels over a prolonged period causes her immune system to become vulnerable to malfunctioning in turn. RA, it is theorized is not caused solely by the immune system wonking out in this way.  It is also theorized that viruses can attack the immune system and cause it to malfunction.  This is thought to be the primary cause of auto-immune disease in males.  More than likely–and I am just theorizing myself here–there are probably environmental stresses (chemicals, etc.) that push the immune system "over the top" and cause it to break down and malfunction.   This cause, if it exists, probably account sfor some RA in males as well as some in females. Hopes this helps. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Message from the Deja.com forum: alt.support.arthritis Your subscription is set to individual email delivery Deja.com: Best way to buy a PC Well,  doesn’t that make us women feel special…LOL Gloria AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN – THE FACTS Autoimmune Disease The term "autoimmune disease" refers to a varied group of more than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that involve almost every human organ system. It includes diseases of the nervous, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems as well as skin and other connective tissues, eyes, blood, and blood vessels. In all of these diseases, the underlying problem is similar–the body’s immune system becomes misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to protect. Table I Female:Male Ratios in Autoimmune Diseases Hashimoto’s disease/hypothyroiditis  50:1 Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1 Sjogren’s syndrome 9:1 Antiphospholipid syndrome 9:1 Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1 Mixed connective tissue disease 8:1 Chronic active hepatitis 8:1 Graves’ disease/hyperthyroiditis 7:1 Rheumatoid arthritis 4:1 Scleroderma 3:1 Type 1 diabetes2:1 Myasthenia gravis  2:1 Multiple sclerosis 2:1 Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura2:1 A WOMEN’S ISSUE For reasons we do not understand, about 75 percent of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most frequently during the childbearing years. Table I(left) lists the female-to-male ratios in autoimmune diseases. Hormones are thought to play a role, because some autoimmune illnesses occur more frequently after menopause, others suddenly improve during pregnancy, with flare-ups occurring after delivery, while still others will get worse during pregnancy. Autoimmune diseases also seem to have a genetic component, but, mysteriously, they can cluster in families as different illnesses. For example, a mother may have lupus erythematosus; her daughter, diabetes; her grandmother, rheumatoid arthritis. Research is shedding light on genetic as well as hormonal and environmental risk factors that contribute to the causes of these diseases. Individually, autoimmune diseases are not very common, with the exception of thyroid disease, diabetes, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, taken as a whole, they represent the fourth-largest cause of disability among women in the United States. A NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE Autoimmune diseases remain among the most poorly understood and poorly recognized of any category of illnesses. Individual diseases range from the benign to the severe. Symptoms vary widely, notably from one illness to another, but even within the same disease. And because the diseases affect multiple body systems, their symptoms are often misleading, which hinders accurate diagnosis. To help women live longer, healthier lives, a better understanding of these diseases is needed, as well as providing early diagnosis and treatment. MAJOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) An inflammation of the connective tissues, SLE can afflict every organ system. It is up to nine times more common in women than men and strikes black women three times as often as white women. The condition is aggravated by sunlight. Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, hair loss, moth and nose sores, malaise, fatigue, seizures and symptoms of mental illness. Ninety percent of patients experience joint inflammation similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty percent develop a classic "butterfly" rash on the nose and cheeks. Raynaud’s phenomenon (extreme sensitivity to cold in the hands and feet) appears in about 20 percent of people with SLE. Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help control arthritis symptoms; skin lesions may respond to topical treatment such as corticosteroid creams. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, are used for the systemic symptoms. Wearing protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors is recommended. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder in which immune cells attack and inflame the membrane around joints. It also can affect the heart, lungs, and eyes. Of the estimated 2.1 million Americans with rheumatoid arthritis, approximately 1.5 million (71 percent) are women. Symptoms: Inflamed and/or deformed joints, loss of strength, swelling, pain. Treatment: Rest and exercise; anti-inflammatory drugs when necessary. SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (SCLERODERMA) Scleroderma is an activations of immune cells which produces scar tissue in the skin, internal organs, and small blood vessels. It affects women three times more often than men overall, but increases to a rate 15 times greater for women during childbearing years, and appears to be more common among black women. Symptoms: In most patients, the first symptoms are Raynaud’s phenomenon and swelling and puffiness of the fingers or hands. Skin thickening follows a few months later. Other symptoms include skin ulcers on the fingers, joint stiffness in the hands, pain , sore throat, and diarrhea. Treatment: The drug D-penicillamine has been shown to decrease skin thickening. Symptoms involving other organs such as the kidneys, esophagus, intestines, and blood vessels are treated individually. SJ

Question:

Hi Howard, I did not come up with an opinion of what I think is right, I simply found the material in websites, from doctors, CCFA newsletters, from books, articles, and collected info from various sources who agreed about the same protocol treatment in IBD,  etc. and gained an education. Education is a big help, because if you know what is going on, what your symptoms mean,  what to do to treat it, it gives you an added plus when you are discussing symptoms with your doctor and telling him  how you are feeling. It helps you to know what to look for to know if you are experiencing those symptoms, you have an idea about what to take, but should always discuss with doctor prior to taking.  I’m simply trying to help other people learn too. I thought I had provided websites and if there is anything you don’t understand all you got to do is ask me about it and I’ll direct you to the websites where I found the material or mail you the material I have here printed up. Who’s to say who is right and who is wrong or who is not up to date with methods of natural treatment that you read about on the net, but you can ask and dig by contacting them and find out things concerning their quality assurance and bioavailability of thier products to be sure you are getting quality and not pills filled with fillers, which are less effective if they work at all. I’m glad that pentasa has been the only thing you have needed to keep you in remission!  It is possible to stay in remission if you have fed your endocrine glands what they need to sustain the immune system, had what nutrients you needed to repair your intestines, digestive tract, and  still had nutrient stores in your body to do that for you to maintain an immune system  at optimum working level to protect your immune system and digestive tract from inflammtion,  and sounds like you also got a grip on re establishing your intestinal flora, and addressed the other factors you may have had contributing to the UC. I’m thanking God that you have been fortunate to not be so debilitated and skinny as I was. I certainly hope that those who suffer gain the education on how to get well and I wish you all true peace. Lisa Garcia

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive: yes I would hesitate to recommend its inulin/FOS-containing products to anyone with IBD. I would n’t hesitate at all……Believe me if there is a legitimate concern on inulin they will pull it… Well it’s a legitimate enough concern for Natasha Trenev, leading expert on probiotics and cofounder of the Probiotic Interest Group of the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), to strongly recommend against inulin being added to probiotic products.  It’s a legitimate enough concern for the New England Journal of Medicine to suggest that inulin may be a hidden culprit behind many food allergies.  And it’s a legitimate enough concern for the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization (FAO/WHO), to report that consumption of inulin may cause intestinal problems, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and copious amounts of gas.  And why isn’t the inulin-Klebsiella link a legitimate concern to USANA? I mean you will not see them useing sucrose for any of their products…even the childrens chooables…..Cause the evidence stacking up against table sugar is really mounting.Most nutritional drinks contain loads of sugar…in Boost  the second ingredient is sugar. You don’t need to convince me that sucrose is bad – I haven’t *touched* sucrose in over two years.  Rest assured that I wouldn’t buy those other brands of drinks (if that’s what you’re thinking) any more than I would buy USANA’s.  So what’s your point – that USANA uses inulin instead of sucrose to sweeten its meal-replacement drink?  Do you know that, according to the book "Probiotics: Nature’s Internal Healers", virtually all of the inulin added to probiotics in the US is chemically synthesized from white, bleached cane sugar (i.e. sucrose)? I’m not suggesting that you take the nutrimeal as a probiotic, there are lot better probiotics than Inulin. Inulin is *not* a probiotic (i.e. it’s not a type of living bacteria).  Inulin is a *carbohydrate* (i.e. it’s a polysaccharide/starch).  Bacteria and carbohydrates are two entirely different things, Ken. Anyone with IBD should always identify food allergies. It should be one of the first things a doctor should advise for a patient who has IBD.Cause food allergies and IBD  is pretty common.lactose intolerant being one of the more common ones. Ken, I think you need to brush up a little on your basic nutrition. Lactose intolerance is *not* a food allergy.  It’s a "lack" (for want of a better word) of the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose (milk sugar) into digestible components.  Lactose intolerance is actually *normal* among adults of many ethnic groups indigenous to parts of the world where dairy consumption is uncommon.  But you don’t have to take *my* word for it; go ask your USANA gurus if lactose intolerance is a true allergy. — MG

Ken: We appreciate your recent inquiry.  Just because there has been a report of an allergy, doesn’t mean it is not appropriate for the general population. If we banned all foods that cause allergies, we wouldn’t have any food to eat.  We realize that many sources of fiber can contribute to many of the symptoms associated with inulin – increased gas, bloating, etc.  That does not mean it doesn’t have any benefits.  I don’t know why anyone would single out inulin because of its potential allergies, when it is well known that other sources of fiber such as wheat also cause allergic reactions.  Bottom line, the potential downside to consuming inulin is far outweighed by the benefits for most individuals. Best Regards, USANA Science Information Services

Response:

Lisa I don’t know that I agree with you. But opinions may differ, but that does not necessarily mean that either of us are wrong. It just means that we have different opinions. If it is your experience that holistic treatment has been successful for you, that is great. It has been my experience that traditional medical treatment (i.e. Pentasa) has been quite successful in keeping my UC in remission. I answered your question by posting several vitamin web sites, because I have no interest in any vitamin brand. And I will be honest in admitting that I did not completely understand everything you said. It did appear that you had researched the subject quite extensively, though. I am glad that you have found something that works for you. Keep the faith. Howard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howard, Thank you for taking the time to reply and for the websites, but I had USANA’s, Shaklee, and Mannetech’s websites already, as well as the one on amp molo cure which are all good products.  I have looked at them carefully and found that although USANA is good natural supplements the amount of bottles of pills you need depends on your nutrient needs,  and contain no products with herbs to help medicinally.  It is best to take nutrients verses herbs but herbs combined with nutrients allows a person to recover with less suffering while taking nutrients, ecause herbs are used medicinally which contain very little nutrients, and herbs help greatly to reduce symptoms as well as drugs but are weaker than drugs. Mannetech targets a little better all factors of IBD but with 5 or 6 products, supplying your body with ambrotose essential carbohydrate sugars that are vital for cell to cell communicaiton.  The herbs in Mannetech’s products that target IBD are the weaker herbs, and maynot be strong enough for some individual needs, but these weaker herbs do target the digestive tract and immune system.  I found that the Shaklee products don’t address factors of IBD well, although they do contain some other products that do help medicinally(herbally) that are the weaker herbs also,  and it would take a lot of bottles of pills to get nutrients that target repair of leaky gut and immune system in general. Amp molo cure targets a variety of factors associated with IBD, namely the dysbiosis, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant properties, soothing properties, and takes a great deal of stress and overload off the immune system, but for some malnourished individuals would require additional nutrient therapy to meet their needs as well as probiotic type supplements. I have looked at New Image and it has a chinese herbal product that has stonger herbs in it and chromium picolinate called Plus that target every factor of IBD, except replace friendly flora needs and enzyme  needs of some indviduals. The herbs in New Image have poweful anti inflammatory action,  anti oxidants, anti allergy, anti microbial, anti dysbiotic, anti parasitic, anti viral, anti ulcer, anti tumor properties, with minimal nutrient contents of those herbs, needed to properly address some individual nutrient needs in those severly malnourished, but I’ve found USANA products have excellent products that fill the malnutrition factor needs. The other New Image product called Total is  a blend of OPC’s,bioflavonoids, antioxidant vitamins and antioxidant  minerals in a form that the person with IBD can absorb, making a potent antioxidant type product and also has some other nutrients in it to help repair intestinal lining, but you’d need a B complex with folic acid supplement as well to ensure the antioxidants work well, because the Total doesn’t contain all the B vitamins that antioxidants need to work correctly in the body. It isn’t spoken of in their website on how it addresses each factor of IBD, although the website is always changing and undergoing enlargement. I have done my homework to find out about New Image from other sources such as brochures, internet info on what the herbs and nutrients in Plus and Total do for your body, still gathering info on bioavailability references and quality assurance of their products, and contacted MLM magazine who voted New Image one of the top 10 industries 2 years straight in a row(98 and 98) in the fields of nutrition, health and wellness, weight loss, and anti aging. I, myself,  have experienced the dramatic difference in using Plus off and on and Total daily for the past 2 years, and I have gathered 8 testimonies of others having very good results for IBD weaning off medications, and avoiding surgery.  I do know for a fact that not any two people have the same exact nutrient or herbal needs, but New Image targets all the factors in only 2 products verses the other companies products mentioned here,  except you’d have to get your friendly flora(probiotic type supplement somewhere else) and/or digestive enzymes somewhere else if you needed those. Please note: It is not my intention to start up a war between Mannetech, New Image, Skalee, USANA, amp molo cure, or against any individuals who distribute these products. I am solely providing info that I have looked into about these products to help people avoid having to take so many bottles of pills on something that does’t target the factors of IBD well as well as to help them learn which products are less costly but that are good. I know that these products may not be for everyone for we all have individual needs best taken care of by doctors guidance. There is a basic treatment protocol for patients with UC and another for CD and it’s up to you to find out or to find a holistic  doctor who can direct you to tests for those needs and prescribe you the right nutrients. Everyone does have different individual needs for nutrients, but basically the factors to address stay the same. Here is a website on treatment protocol factors that need addressing: www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=Article&ID=425 and I have seen order of treatment protocol in books such as Digestive Wellness and Healthy Digestion. They are the dysbiosis, the incomplete digestion, the food allergies, the food intolerances, the malnutrition, the liver congestion, the need to help the body cleanse return the blood ph back to it’s balance, the low or high stomach acid production  problem,  the leaky gut, and dietary changes such as avoiding/llimiting  irritating to bowel foods. Food allergies are first and foremost addressed with getting the auto immune system reduced/stopped so that the person’s body will accept/tolerate the supplements or drugs going to be given and to ensure the immune system stops attacking itself, so that the immune system can again recognize self. Immunosuppressive meds and prednisone and 5ASA drugs  help reduce that inflammatory auto immune response and intestinal inflammation but with the aid of attending to nutritional needs patients respond much better to these meds. Dysbiosis evaluated by comprehensive stool test, parasite tests and followed with treatment to kill these offending culprits off. Incomplete digestion tests(includes tests to test for low or high stomach acid secretions, lack of enzymes, lactose intolerance). The cleansing of the blood, lymphatics, and organs of the body, which ususally begins when nutrients are introduced and there  are herbs or alkaline booster products to help the body do this. The repairal of the leaky gut(intestinal permeability) nutrients, to restore nutrient absorption, and repairal of the endocrine glands of the immune system. There is an intraveneous method of getting these vital nutrients in patients who could otherwise not tolerate food or supplements, but you’d stilll have to address the other factors as well. The need to replenish friendly flora once inflammation has calmed down. The need to ensure the adequate amino acids, complex carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids to give the body the nutrients it needs to keep the immune system in good working order which will help prevent future flares. If anyone wants more website  material on this they just need to ask.  I don’t include it here because  the amount of websites are unbelievably a lot of sites to list here and someone will most likely accuse me of spamming or advertising products. It’s also too much material to post here which will confuse a great many people who may not be familiar with factors that need addressing and the order to address them.  I’ve got sites to compare prices and bioavailibility of products and have done a lot of shopping around for less cost and most bioavailability which ensures absorption of the nutrients. I don’t know everything, still learning, but I have gained a lot of knowledge the past 8 years of looking into it to gain that educational knowledge and it has helped bring me into remission along with the help of 3 naturopathic doctors and my gastro along the way. This month marks the 2 year anniversary that I have been in remission from crohn’s/coliltis and I give God all the glory for that. Please note again: I am solely providing educational material here and it is not my intention to advertise products, brands, websites, or treat any condition, but I suggest you seek the guidance of a naturopathic (holistic) doctor skilled, knowledgeable with up to date products targeted at IBD, and experienced, as well as with your gastro  to help you gain remission. I pray special prayers for all those suffering and I ask God to teach you the ways to wellness, filling you with the knowledge of HIs will in all spiritual and physical understanding and wisdom, strengthened with all might according to His power in you, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Lisa G.

Response:

Howard, Thank you for taking the time to reply and for the websites, but I had USANA’s, Shaklee, and Mannetech’s websites already, as well as the one on amp molo cure which are all good products.  I have looked at them carefully and found that although USANA is good natural supplements the amount of bottles of pills you need depends on your nutrient needs,  and contain no products with herbs to help medicinally.  It is best to take nutrients verses herbs but herbs combined with nutrients allows a person to recover with less suffering while taking nutrients, ecause herbs are used medicinally which contain very little nutrients, and herbs help greatly to reduce symptoms as well as drugs but are weaker than drugs. Mannetech targets a little better all factors of IBD but with 5 or 6 products, supplying your body with ambrotose essential carbohydrate sugars that are vital for cell to cell communicaiton.  The herbs in Mannetech’s products that target IBD are the weaker herbs, and maynot be strong enough for some individual needs, but these weaker herbs do target the digestive tract and immune system.  I found that the Shaklee products don’t address factors of IBD well, although they do contain some other products that do help medicinally(herbally) that are the weaker herbs also,  and it would take a lot of bottles of pills to get nutrients that target repair of leaky gut and immune system in general. Amp molo cure targets a variety of factors associated with IBD, namely the dysbiosis, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant properties, soothing properties, and takes a great deal of stress and overload off the immune system, but for some malnourished individuals would require additional nutrient therapy to meet their needs as well as probiotic type supplements. I have looked at New Image and it has a chinese herbal product that has stonger herbs in it and chromium picolinate called Plus that target every factor of IBD, except replace friendly flora needs and enzyme  needs of some indviduals. The herbs in New Image have poweful anti inflammatory action,  anti oxidants, anti allergy, anti microbial, anti dysbiotic, anti parasitic, anti viral, anti ulcer, anti tumor properties, with minimal nutrient contents of those herbs, needed to properly address some individual nutrient needs in those severly malnourished, but I’ve found USANA products have excellent products that fill the malnutrition factor needs. The other New Image product called Total is  a blend of OPC’s,bioflavonoids, antioxidant vitamins and antioxidant  minerals in a form that the person with IBD can absorb, making a potent antioxidant type product and also has some other nutrients in it to help repair intestinal lining, but you’d need a B complex with folic acid supplement as well to ensure the antioxidants work well, because the Total doesn’t contain all the B vitamins that antioxidants need to work correctly in the body. It isn’t spoken of in their website on how it addresses each factor of IBD, although the website is always changing and undergoing enlargement. I have done my homework to find out about New Image from other sources such as brochures, internet info on what the herbs and nutrients in Plus and Total do for your body, still gathering info on bioavailability references and quality assurance of their products, and contacted MLM magazine who voted New Image one of the top 10 industries 2 years straight in a row(98 and 98) in the fields of nutrition, health and wellness, weight loss, and anti aging. I, myself,  have experienced the dramatic difference in using Plus off and on and Total daily for the past 2 years, and I have gathered 8 testimonies of others having very good results for IBD weaning off medications, and avoiding surgery.    I do know for a fact that not any two people have the same exact nutrient or herbal needs, but New Image targets all the factors in only 2 products verses the other companies products mentioned here,  except you’d have to get your friendly flora(probiotic type supplement somewhere else) and/or digestive enzymes somewhere else if you needed those. Please note: It is not my intention to start up a war between Mannetech, New Image, Skalee, USANA, amp molo cure, or against any individuals who distribute these products. I am solely providing info that I have looked into about these products to help people avoid having to take so many bottles of pills on something that does’t target the factors of IBD well as well as to help them learn which products are less costly but that are good. I know that these products may not be for everyone for we all have individual needs best taken care of by doctors guidance. There is a basic treatment protocol for patients with UC and another for CD and it’s up to you to find out or to find a holistic  doctor who can direct you to tests for those needs and prescribe you the right nutrients. Everyone does have different individual needs for nutrients, but basically the factors to address stay the same. Here is a website on treatment protocol factors that need addressing: www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=Article&ID=425 and I have seen order of treatment protocol in books such as Digestive Wellness and Healthy Digestion. They are the dysbiosis, the incomplete digestion, the food allergies, the food intolerances, the malnutrition, the liver congestion, the need to help the body cleanse return the blood ph back to it’s balance, the low or high stomach acid production  problem,  the leaky gut, and dietary changes such as avoiding/llimiting  irritating to bowel foods. Food allergies are first and foremost addressed with getting the auto immune system reduced/stopped so that the person’s body will accept/tolerate the supplements or drugs going to be given and to ensure the immune system stops attacking itself, so that the immune system can again recognize self. Immunosuppressive meds and prednisone and 5ASA drugs  help reduce that inflammatory auto immune response and intestinal inflammation but with the aid of attending to nutritional needs patients respond much better to these meds. Dysbiosis evaluated by comprehensive stool test, parasite tests and followed with treatment to kill these offending culprits off. Incomplete digestion tests(includes tests to test for low or high stomach acid secretions, lack of enzymes, lactose intolerance). The cleansing of the blood, lymphatics, and organs of the body, which ususally begins when nutrients are introduced and there  are herbs or alkaline booster products to help the body do this. The repairal of the leaky gut(intestinal permeability) nutrients, to restore nutrient absorption, and repairal of the endocrine glands of the immune system. There is an intraveneous method of getting these vital nutrients in patients who could otherwise not tolerate food or supplements, but you’d stilll have to address the other factors as well. The need to replenish friendly flora once inflammation has calmed down. The need to ensure the adequate amino acids, complex carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids to give the body the nutrients it needs to keep the immune system in good working order which will help prevent future flares. If anyone wants more website  material on this they just need to ask.  I don’t include it here because  the amount of websites are unbelievably a lot of sites to list here and someone will most likely accuse me of spamming or advertising products. It’s also too much material to post here which will confuse a great many people who may not be familiar with factors that need addressing and the order to address them.  I’ve got sites to compare prices and bioavailibility of products and have done a lot of shopping around for less cost and most bioavailability which ensures absorption of the nutrients. I don’t know everything, still learning, but I have gained a lot of knowledge the past 8 years of looking into it to gain that educational knowledge and it has helped bring me into remission along with the help of 3 naturopathic doctors and my gastro along the way. This month marks the 2 year anniversary that I have been in remission from crohn’s/coliltis and I give God all the glory for that. Please note again: I am solely providing educational material here and it is not my intention to advertise products, brands, websites, or treat any condition, but I suggest you seek the guidance of a naturopathic (holistic) doctor skilled, knowledgeable with up to date products targeted at IBD, and experienced, as well as with your gastro  to help you gain remission. I pray special prayers for all those suffering and I ask God to teach you the ways to wellness, filling you with the knowledge of HIs will in all spiritual and physical understanding and wisdom, strengthened with all might according to His power in you, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Lisa G.

Response:

Lisa Here are several web pages for vitamins. The ones for Shaklee & USANA are presented first in alphabetic order. I do not use either one of them, although I do take some vitamins. Nor do I sell any vitamins, myself. Nor am I endorsing any of the products on any of these pages. The practice that I follow is to get my vitamins at a vitamin/health food store, rather than off the supermarket shelves. Here is the web site for Shaklee. http://www.shaklee.com/ Here is the web site for USANA http://www.usana.com/ Two pages with links to many brands of vitamins. http://www.vitamins.com/ http://www.myvitanet.com/shopbybranna.html And a few comments. One observation I have made about IBD, is that what works for one person may not work for another. What helps one person may not work for another. For myself, with UC, Pentasa seems have done a very good job in keeping me in remission. Howard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does Shaklee have a website? I’d like to see what they have to offer and gather the bioavailabity and price list, quality of the products info. I’ve done some research on it, but it was 3 years ago.  What factors are addressed for those with IBD do the Shaklee nutrional/herbal products address/offer? Please explain or provide me material and I thank you kindly for your time. Good health to you, perfect peace to you, and love, Lisa Garcia

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive: yes USANA’s meal replacement drink…contains imulin which help promotes good bacteria. I think you meant to write "inulin" – a form of FOS (fructooligosaccharides). Inulin’s purported role as promoter of "good" bacteria is actually clouded in controversy.  It is also known to stimulate the growth of Klebsiella.  Klebsiella is strongly associated with the autoimmune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis, which also afflicts some people who have IBD.  FOS has also been shown to grow Clostridium, another possible suspect in IBD. Furthermore, a report in the New England Journal of Medicine (05/04/2000;342:1372) stated that inulin has been found to cause severe allergic reactions, and speculated that it may be behind more food allergies than is currently recognized. Manufacturers of the highest-quality probiotics pointedly do *not* add inulin/FOS to their products – they’re concerned about growing reports of it causing intestinal problems, like bloating, abdominal pain, and gas. It’s disappointing that USANA has jumped on the inulin/FOS bandwagon. I would hesitate to recommend its inulin/FOS-containing products to anyone with IBD. — MG

I would n’t hesitate at all……Believe me if there is a legitimate concern on inulin they will pull it…Safety always comes first.I mean you will not see them useing sucrose for any of their products…even the childrens chooables…..Cause the evidence stacking up against table sugar is really mounting.Most nutritional drinks contain loads of sugar…in Boost  the second ingredient is sugar. In diet one always wants to follow the 50/30/20 rule. I’m not suggesting that you take the nutrimeal as a probiotic, there are lot better probiotics than Inulin.It’s just that it is a plus when taking a nutritional drink. Anyone with IBD should always identify food allergies. It should be one of the first things a doctor should advise for a patient who has IBD.Cause food allergies and IBD  is pretty common.lactose intolerant being one of the more common ones. . Campbell JM, Fahey GC Jr, Wolf BW. J Nutr 1997 Jan;127(1):130-6.

Response:

The reason why probiotic supplements, namely inulin and some other probiotics have produced Klebsiella or other offending organism problems in IBD is because the immune system in extremely allergic individuals or individuals with an auto immune disorder which IBD is when the immune system is weakened/confused, can’t recognize the beneficial organism as being beneficial, and therefore cause harm rather than good. It’s vital to wait till the inflammatoin has calmed down and address food allergy problems by consulting doctors experienced with those factors prior to taking probiotics or inulin. You can find this info from websites on auto immune response of the immune system, allergies and use of probiotics when to use them, doing a search on the web. I do a lot of web searches for virtually everything I post but would like to teach other people how to do that for themselves. To do that you simply type in www.askjeeves.com and a screen will appear where you can type in any question and it will find your answers for you. If anyone runs into trouble finding something and would like help, just let me know. Glad to help you find what you need to stop your suffering of you as well as anyone else close to you. God show you the way to wellness, Lisa Garcia  

Response:

  There is NO reason to take any supplements for "menopause." In fact it is a good time to get your diet and common sense life style choices in order and wean yourself off of any supplements, herbs and other junk products and start keeping that money for yourself and your own retirement, and not keep giving it away to the supplment makers who sell promises without any proof.   Commercial spam/scam like this preceding salespitch post are discouraged under usenet etiquette. jinelle Before you buy.

Response:

Some don’t see the heart behind the info presented here. Not accusing anyone of that but want people to understand facts have been given in my posts(websites are there) as to if these websites are false material or not, we cannot be absolutely sure, but it is reference/educational material). Tell me where to go to find websites or info backing up your statements that women don’t need cal/mg supplements for menopausal bone loss?  I presented website URL’s with study results on pine bark and grape seed extracts verses just grapes seed  product, although you may not have taken time to read it very carefully. I also provided material written by Dr. Michael Murray, on the need for certain supplements, namely cal/mg for menopausal bone loss women from his article from a Let’s Live magazine. He lists his reference material at the end of his article but I didn’t copy that material when I gathered my material. If you can’t trust me enough to be sure, then I suggest you go look for it, if it’s that important to you. It’ll be there.   If you cannot see my heart’s intention to simply provide educational material because  if we didn’t provide educational material, we are simply left to the certified MD doctors drug treatments with sometimes severe side effects, hoping we respond to the drugs. Tell me what you have to say to people who don’t respond to drugs? Their last resort is surgery if the gastro says it is necessary. They can also take upon themselves to get educated on how important it is to supplement your bodies need for nutrients to help it aid healing(some gastros refer patients to nutritionists for this info), in which the patient’s nutrient needs can be properly addressed with the proper diet and proper vitamins needed which in turn helps patients respond to their medications. I have printed CCFA material I picked up at a local CCFA support group meeting that says addressing nutrition needs with the proper diet and proper supplements to meet the patients vitamin and mineral needs(nutrient needs) helps patients respond to medication. If I need to I will search the web for this info to provide you a website or mail you a copy of it. I was secretary for our local CCFA support group in 1997 and very active with it and have collected quite a bit of articles. It’s difficult to find IBD naturopathic doctors(they are rare) who have this experience in natural medicine and if it wasn’t for my own education and knowledge of natural methods I would have never gained remissioin. Some people rebel against others who provide educational material on natural methods of treatment because they cannot afford to buy natural supplements themselves, but wish they could or failed taking them. I would like to see the day when the insurance companies will cover natural supplements for people. Some people are so sick and ill and want to be well and not well so they rebel against those who are well. I also know that some people don’t take herbs, natural supplements correctly and they fail because of this. I also know that some people are so allergic that they don’t respond to natural treatment and those people really need to treat the allergic/immune response first, which there are doctors who are skilled in that. In no way am I trying to treat anyone or spamming, or advising anyone on treatment methods. I am soley providing educational material that they can ask a specialist or doctor skilled with it, experienced with it for the proper professional guidance and actual  treatment. I have a few websites of naturopathic doctor treatment protocols for IBD: http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=Articles&ID… http://www.bcn.net/~stoll/body_lgs.html http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Colon%20Health/intest.htm Again it is solely educatinal material and please consult a physician skilled, knowledgeable and experienced with it, May God show you the way to wellness in mind, spirit, and body, Lisa Garcia

Response:

I appreciate you Ken for continuing to educate me on USANA products and for conducting yourself in such a professinal and friendly manner. It will help us all learn more about nutrition and what specific nutrients we can best absorb with IBD and what will help benefit persons with IBD in general,  as well as help those of us looking for specific individual nutritional needs find low cost, good quality products. I checked out the Dr RayStrand membership required (cost a fee to access) and it stated that he uses the USANA potent antioxidants to help build up the IBD patients natural own antioxidant defense system and also build up their own natural immune system so that the immune system becomes less confused and able to recognize self again. He states how taking potent antioxidants helps patients respond and tolerate their meds better. HE DID ALSO STATE THAT THE PATIENT WOULD STILL HAVE CROHN’S OR ULCERATIVE COLITIS FLARES FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT MAY BE ABLE TO PREVENT THEM OR THEY WON’T BE SO BAD BY INCREASING THE POTENT ANTIOXIDANTS WHEN FEELING STRESSED, UNDERGO EXTREME PHYSICAL VIGOROUS ACTIVITYTO PROTECT THE PATIENT FROM OXIDATIVE STRESS OR A FLARE UP THAT WOULD SET THEM BACK more than if they hadn’t taken antioxidants at all. There is Reishi Mushroom in New Image Plus chinese herbs product that also provides nutritionally powerful antioxidants to protect from oxidative stress and goes a step more to target factors of IBD and contains anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti allergy, anti viral, anti dysbiotic, anti microbial, anti parasitic, anti tumor properties and has the remarkable ability to cleanse the entire gastrointestinal tract benefiting people with IBD and any kind of digestive and immune system disorder. Any time you add an herb form  to a nutrient form you get added benefits, and Reishi Mushroom is one of those herbs that your body won’t stop responding to no matter how long you take it, but there are other herbs in the New Image Plus that you can only take off and on to ensure you continue to respond to them. Cat’s claw is another herb similiar to Reishi Mushroom with same properties as Reishi Mushroom. The person with IBD who would choose New Image Plus verses cat’s claw would be one who is looking to provide the body with more energy, needs to gain or lose weight,stop bleeding, help with anemia, arthritis or other health related conditions, who wants to cleanse the blood,lymph, organs,( whole body)  which in turn helps the body to return to health, and Plus contains herbs that do this for your body, whereas cat’s claw does not. The only people who cannot take New Image Plus is those on immuno suppressive meds and prednisone because the two combined counteract each other. The meds suppress the immune sytem, the New Image Plus herbs boost the immune system, therefore the two combined counteract each other. Concerning the benefit of combining pine bark extract and grape seed extract, which New Image Total provides, refer to this site to read how Masquelier states combining these 2 are better than one, that’s common sense. Dr. Raystrand also agrees that 2 are greater than one which he states in his membership free required access website. You mentioned USANA’s potent antioxidants contain only grape seed and not pine bark, although it may be powerful, it isn’t as powerful as both grape seed and pine bark extracts combined. Masquelier charges a whopping $45 a bottle verses the $26 for New Image’s(which contains both grape seed and pine bark) and the $59 of USANA. http://lifeplusvitamins.com/opcfaq.htm Dr. Michael T. Murray also has an article explaining the benefits/potency of combining grape seed and pine bark together that I picked up at a local health food store. Note reference source info at www.health-n-nutrition.com/pyc.html on grape seed and pine bark extract product Masquelier provides study results, verses products with only one, namely  the grape seed extract without pine bark. It shows the pine bark and grape seed extract to be clearly better than just the grape seed. New Image Total does contain antioxidant minerals in the forms that people with digestive system diseases absorb best,  but an extra needed cal/mg supplement is needed in those who take prednisone, or experiencing menopause or want to prevent osteoporosis.   The recommended dose for women 35 and older is 1200mg/day to prevent osteoporosis. People with IBD cannot digest and absorb just any chelated form of the cal/mg. The required form of ca/mg supplement that a person with IBD should take to ensure digestion and absorption of the ca/mg is the calcium citrate form and magnesium asparatate form. Twinlab and Solaray brands have these products. I looked and looked for one with the most ca/mg in one capsule and found the Solaray caps  contain 500mg. verses the 300mg calcium in Twinlabs, so I choose to take the one that I have to take the least amount of pills which is Solaray and it has shown/proven to benefit my bone density. One capsule of New Image Total is 100IU vitamin E  but recommended therapeutic saturation is required every 3 weeks for best results which would be 4-9 capsules or more depending on your weight. For every 20 pounds of body weight saturation dose is one capsule, so if you weigh 140 pounds saturation dose is 7 caps per day which would give you 700IU vitamin E for 5-7 days, which is the recommended saturation therapeutic length of time to saturate, then for 3 weeks you would take a normal dosage which is 2-4 capsules per day(up to 400IU). Look forward to hearing again from you Ken and want you to keep telling people about USANA products and  the benefits of potent antioxidants greatly helping people with IBD and allow them to see for themselves cost difference as well. We shall  all join in together to help other people suffering with IBD. May God show us all the way to wellness, Lisa Garcia

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ken, Thank you for replying with all that info on USANA’s products. I assuming that since you didn’t answer the question," does USANA have any other products that target factors in IBD other than the antioxidants/vitamins/minerals called Essentials and Proflavonols"($59–american money), verses New Image Total antioxidant’s/minerals $26 american money and B complex and folic acid Twinlab at $14 = $40 american money, which is still less expensive and just as bioavailable as USANA products, if not more bioavailable because it contains 2, not one more powerful than antioxidant vitamins,  pine bark pycnogenol, grape seed extract, and also quercitin as well as a blend of bioflavonoids and antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Bioavailablily absorption of nutrients are greatly enhanced the more antioxidants you have in them and the more OPC’s you have in the product. New Image Total has 2 OPC’s which are 50 times more powerful than vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than vitamin C antioxidant vitamins. It also includes all the antioxidant vitamins, antioxidant minerals, and L-cysteine targeted at healing intestines. You gave us info on USANA products that target general nutrition of the body but don’t target IBD specifically, other than the grape seed, quercitin(not as many mgs as the New Image Tota–l 10 verses 30 in New Image) antioxidant/v/m supplement.  Does USANA have a whole food complex carbohydrate, essential fatty acid, phytosterols and sterolins, amino acid type product? If you do a search on nutrients the body needs for proper support of the endocrine glands that keep the immune system in good working order you’ll find these nutrients listed therein. Once a person gets thier disease flare up under good control,with products that target the factors of IBD or with drugs,  it would help them to take supplementation of these whole food  nutrients along with probiotics, soluble fiber, to prevent other flares. There is a product that contains whole food nutrients and probiotics that kill off offending organisms and replenish good ones called Primal Defense HSO’s made by Gan Eden, Inc., but you must have inflammation brought under control or calmed down before being able to benefit from probiotics.  There are other factors in IBD that need to be addressed and treated with nutrients or drug treatment such as dysbiosis(intestinal imbalance of friendly/unfriendly organisms or parasites). The unfriendly organisms have got to be diagnosed and treated(and there are tests to do this) and meds or natural supplements to kill them off, then you must replenish the friendly ones with some sort of probiotic. See info here on the dysbiosis and stool test info: www.consciouschoice.com/holisticmd/hmd101.html   See

www.propernutrition.com/cig-local/testdisp,php3?ID=58&Category=Articles – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – for that info on nutrients needed to repair a leaky gut. When the leaky gut and dysbiosis has been addressed and treated this enhances your responding the the medications you take for IBD. I appreciate the professional friendly manner you provided us with the info on general nutrition of the body that USANA provides as well as their outstanding antioxidant supplements, but not targeted at repairing the leaky gut, dysbiosis, of which New Image does target with their chinese herbs product and which Primal Defense HSO’s does.  Remember herbs are not meant to be taken for more than 3-5 months at a time. Correct way to take herbs are 3-5 month off period, then get off them for 3-5 months and so on,  in order to contianually respond to them, so it helps and greatly enhances your recovery to also get the nutrients that target the leaky gut and have tests done to diagnose the dysbiosis to identify offending organisms, get treatment for it and then replenish probiotically the organisms.  USANA provides good nutrition and info on their products which you have provided us here.There is no price to put or limit yourself on good nutritional supplements, but we live in the real world, we have to shop around for good quality, bioavailability to find a lower price. We also want to be able to take as less pills as possible per day and I’ve shopped around at all the various companies that have products that target IBD and you have to take so much more piills per day of their products verses New Image. The info you provided here has helped me to understand more about USANA and the good overall nutrition it is for the body,  and I wish you complete total wellness always, Lisa

I don’t know if there is any advantage of using pine bark along with grape seed extract…They work basically the same….although grape seed extract seems to be the better of the 2. I took a quick look at New Image website…..and I can’t find the amounts of the ingredients it contains.New Image Total…..Like how many IU of vitamin E does it contain?  The essentials give you 450IU of Vitamin E which is right on line for daily consumption. Plus you will also have noticed that the Essentials contain Glutathione,Brocoli extract,Cruciferous Extract,Lutein, Zeaxanthin,Rutin, Quercitin, Hesperidin,Green tea Extract,Bilberry Extract,Coenzyme q10 and what about your bones?   Osteoporosis is definitly not somethin to disregard..Have you never heard of anti-oxidant minerals?..Especially if one has taken prednisone.If you got the amounts of the  ingredients would sure appreciate it….pretty hard to evaluate without them. USANA’s meal replacement drink is certified low glycemic and it contains imulin which help promotes good bacteria. PS.  Twin-Labs is a great company for buying single ingredients…..They have been tested by the colgan institute for over 10 years and they are always true to label. Stick with what science is suggesting you and you should never go wrong….

Response:

Ken, Thank you for replying with all that info on USANA’s products. I assuming that since you didn’t answer the question," does USANA have any other products that target factors in IBD other than the antioxidants/vitamins/minerals called Essentials and Proflavonols"($59–american money), verses New Image Total antioxidant’s/minerals $26 american money and B complex and folic acid Twinlab at $14 = $40 american money, which is still less expensive and just as bioavailable as USANA products, if not more bioavailable because it contains 2, not one more powerful than antioxidant vitamins,  pine bark pycnogenol, grape seed extract, and also quercitin as well as a blend of bioflavonoids and antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Bioavailablily absorption of nutrients are greatly enhanced the more antioxidants you have in them and the more OPC’s you have in the product. New Image Total has 2 OPC’s which are 50 times more powerful than vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than vitamin C antioxidant vitamins. It also includes all the antioxidant vitamins, antioxidant minerals, and L-cysteine targeted at healing intestines. You gave us info on USANA products that target general nutrition of the body but don’t target IBD specifically, other than the grape seed, quercitin(not as many mgs as the New Image Tota–l 10 verses 30 in New Image) antioxidant/v/m supplement.  Does USANA have a whole food complex carbohydrate, essential fatty acid, phytosterols and sterolins, amino acid type product? If you do a search on nutrients the body needs for proper support of the endocrine glands that keep the immune system in good working order you’ll find these nutrients listed therein. Once a person gets thier disease flare up under good control,with products that target the factors of IBD or with drugs,  it would help them to take supplementation of these whole food  nutrients along with probiotics, soluble fiber, to prevent other flares. There is a product that contains whole food nutrients and probiotics that kill off offending organisms and replenish good ones called Primal Defense HSO’s made by Gan Eden, Inc., but you must have inflammation brought under control or calmed down before being able to benefit from probiotics.  There are other factors in IBD that need to be addressed and treated with nutrients or drug treatment such as dysbiosis(intestinal imbalance of friendly/unfriendly organisms or parasites). The unfriendly organisms have got to be diagnosed and treated(and there are tests to do this) and meds or natural supplements to kill them off, then you must replenish the friendly ones with some sort of probiotic. See info here on the dysbiosis and stool test info: www.consciouschoice.com/holisticmd/hmd101.html   See www.propernutrition.com/cig-local/testdisp,php3?ID=58&Category=Articles for that info on nutrients needed to repair a leaky gut. When the leaky gut and dysbiosis has been addressed and treated this enhances your responding the the medications you take for IBD. I appreciate the professional friendly manner you provided us with the info on general nutrition of the body that USANA provides as well as their outstanding antioxidant supplements, but not targeted at repairing the leaky gut, dysbiosis, of which New Image does target with their chinese herbs product and which Primal Defense HSO’s does.  Remember herbs are not meant to be taken for more than 3-5 months at a time. Correct way to take herbs are 3-5 month off period, then get off them for 3-5 months and so on,  in order to contianually respond to them, so it helps and greatly enhances your recovery to also get the nutrients that target the leaky gut and have tests done to diagnose the dysbiosis to identify offending organisms, get treatment for it and then replenish probiotically the organisms.  USANA provides good nutrition and info on their products which you have provided us here.There is no price to put or limit yourself on good nutritional supplements, but we live in the real world, we have to shop around for good quality, bioavailability to find a lower price. We also want to be able to take as less pills as possible per day and I’ve shopped around at all the various companies that have products that target IBD and you have to take so much more piills per day of their products verses New Image.   The info you provided here has helped me to understand more about USANA and the good overall nutrition it is for the body,  and I wish you complete total wellness always, Lisa

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for replying Ken and answering most of the questions I asked about USANA products. Another question: What is the complete nutrition ingredients in USANA products that target FACTORS such as inflammation, auto immune response inflammation, building up the endocrine glands with nutrients besides bioflavonoids, antioxidants,OPC’s, such as  essential fatty acids, phytosterols and sterolins, whole food green nutrients, whole food carbohydrate nutrients, and amino acids?  Your website address given: www.raystrand.com stated oxidative stress was a big factor among the other factors also present that needed addressing in IBD to fight free radicals to prevent/reduce tissue damage and cell destruction.  It’s also helpful  to take an herb as well as nutrients  targeted at digestive and auto immune diseases(IBD) such as cat’s claw. Anyone need the websites on cat’s claw?  There’s the aloe vera herb one too or the aloe mucinolaginous polysaccharide nutrient. Anyone need the websites on these?  Also New Image Plus chinese herbs targeted at auto immune and digestive diseases. Is a website but it’s not completed. Only info I have in my hands are 8 testimonies of others benefiting from it for IBD and a phone # to call to hear testimonies of others on the products. Need to contact the company for more info.  I realize that most herbs are designed to be taken on 2-4 months, and off 2-4 months regimen because they only contain a minimal amount of nutrients and more a natural medicinal agent that loses it’s effectiveness if taken daily for too long, so it’s important to give the digestive and endocrine glands of the immune system the whole food nutrients they need to properly return the body to wellness and keep us well, but we have to stop the incomplete digestion, leaky gut and the food allergies  to be able to absorb these nutrients. For those with extreme allergies it’s best to see the professionals at NAET allergy elimination clinic.  What USANA product stops the leaky gut? Antioxidants will help aid stopping permeability of the gut, but you also need other key nutrients that target repair of intestinal lining(leaky gut) such as glutamine, phospatidylcholine, essential fatty acids, soluble fiber, fish oils, and probiotic organisms. See www.propernutrition.com/cgi-local/testdisp.php3?ID=58&Category=Articles which is the reference website for that info. What is in USANA that will kill off offending organisms and parasites? viruses? If you don’t answer a question I ask I will assume that there is no USANAproduct for what I asked about,but can you suggest other products that do? The crohn’s disease link of the website address you gave…. www.raystrand.com I viewed the oxidative stress link and  no wonder I improved so much when I added the New Image Total blend of OPC’s,bioflavonoids,antioxidant vitamin and minerals, combined with the Bcomplex/folic acid  I was also on. How much is USANA’s antioxidant product? New Image Total is $26 a bottle of 60 capsules. I priced the USANA OPC’s antoxidant, bioflavonoid, vitamin, mineral products and it totalled a whopping expensive $50 for Essentials and $29 for the Proflavonols. No need to comment "you get what you pay for". That is true, quality cost, but who is getting the profit when quality prices are this expensive? First of all the manufacturers are, 2nd of all the distributors. No wonder the cost is so expensive. I’m not posting this in war against prices or at you Ken, just trying to help people to find what’s less expensive and excellent quality. I haven’t asked the New Image company for quality data on their products, but will.  Look for the post when it’s in my hands. Please let’s not fight or war about prices and quality, just help people know what’s quality and what is less cost by providing USANA’s data on quality and pricing as well.  The B complex and folic acid I bought at health food store at $14 a bottle and I see in the oxidative link at www.raystrand.com site you gave me, that the antioxidants need the B vitamins and folic acid, and antioxidant minerals,for the antioxidants to work properly,  and these minerals are in New Image Total. Are the B vitamins in the Usana Essentials or Proflavonols?     USANA $79 + B vitamins if not included therein. New Image Total $26 plus B’s and follic acid $14 = $40 which is less expensive. Data to come soon from New Image company manufacturer on quality of bioavailablity of New Image Total. Note again: I am not trying to create an argument here or war, just want to provide info to the public on what’s out there, its quality, its effectiveness, its price. Come on Shaklee, Mannetech, Herbal life, amp molo cure, aloe vera/OPC’s/alkaline booster, anyone else  let’s here from you. Please answer these same questions and remember to include website info,

quality/bioavialable data info and prices. Be sure to conduct yourselves in a professional friendly manner. Thank you, Lisa

That 50 dollars for the Essentials is the canadian Price. The american price for the Essentials is 35 dollars.You will not find it’s eqivalent for that price.So are you always speaking in Canadian dollars or American dollars? You will see that the Usana Essentials contain all the ingredients being Essential for good health, you don’t have to add a b-complex, they also contain 450 IU vtiamin E  1300mg of Vitamin C  etc. USANA is voluntarily in compliance to USP pharmaceutical standards for potency, quality and purity. The Essentials is also listed in the Physicians Desk Reference. The Proflavanol isa natural inflammatory, it is so much easier to just take a look at the USANA website…at www.usana.com They have all the info there….its all out in the open.They also have some price comparisons of the Essentials there. http://www.usana-nutritionals.com/research/difference/index.shtml It is much easier to just list what the Essentials contain.You seem to have a good idea f what you are looking for.But bare in mind the totals are put in per pill and you take them 3 times a day with food so the daily recommended amount is 3 times the amount listed per pill. Mega AO . USANA has concentrated on formulating an extremely potent combination of vitamins and essential nutrients to assist your body in its struggle for optimum health. Vitamin E-The Premier Oxidation Combatant Vitamin E plays a very important role in the human body. It is one of the most important of all the nutrients in reducing oxidative stress because it helps maintain strong cell membranes. Because of its importance, USANA uses natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol). USANA’s Unique Poly CTM USANA’s Poly C is a complex of calcium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium ascorbates. That helps to prolong vitamin C activity in the body. One of the many health-enhancing functions of vitamin C is its well known ability to counteract free radicals. Mixed Carotenoids-Superior Source for Vitamin A Vitamin A boosts resistance to infection,it inhibits aging of the skin, and is a constituent of photopigments necessary for vision. USANA uses the carotenoid beta-carotene-the safe, provitamin form of vitamin A. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A only as needed, thus providing you with the benefits of vitamin A without the risk of toxicity. In addition, carotenoids are oxidation defense molecules with value in protecting the human body from free- radical damage. USANA uses a mixture of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. By using a mixture of carotenoids, we provide a broader spectrum of protection.1 Coenzyme Q10 As aging occurs, the body’s ability to assimilate and synthesize coenzyme Q10 from the foods we eat diminishes. Coenzyme Q10 acts as an energy coenzyme, an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is the fundamental unit for energy production in our cells.2 Alpha Lipoic Acid Alpha lipoic acid is a vitamin-like oxidation defense component with a unique characteristic. It is both fat and water-soluble. As such, it is easily absorbed through the gut and transported across cell membranes, offering protection against a wide variety of free radicals both inside and outside the cell.3 Glutathione Complex Mega AO also includes glutathione and N-acetyl L-cysteine, both of which are essential components of a critical oxidation defense pathway. N-acetyl L-cysteine is a building block for glutathione. Together, they help the body to regenerate other oxidation-fighting nutrients.4 Cruciferous/Broccoli Extract Another important ingredient is cruciferous extract from cabbage and broccoli contains a group of sulfur-containing molecules that help neutralize specific species of free radicals. Bioflavonoid Complex Through careful research, USANA has developed a unique bioflavonoid complex. This complex is designed to provide a synergy of oxidation defense activity from hesperidin, quercetin, rutin, green tea extract, and bilberry extract. This exclusive mixture enhances the overall oxidation defense profile of the Essentials.6 Complete Vitamin B Complex B-complex vitamins are fundamental to cellular health, metabolism, and growth. They further help the body to counteract tissue damage caused by environmental pollutants such as lead, mercury, and nitrates. B-complex vitamins are carefully proportioned in USANA’s Mega AO. References 1. Seddon JM et al. JAm Med Assoc 1994;272:1413-1420. 2. Littarru GP, Battino M, Folkers K. In Cadenas E and Packer L, editors. Handbook of Antioxidants. New York:Marcel Dekker, Inc 1996; pp 203-39. 3. Packer, L., E.H. Witt, and H.J. Tritschler. 1996. In. E. Cadenas and L. Packer (eds). Handbook of Antioxidants. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York. Pp. 545-591. 4. … read more »

Response:

Thanks for replying Ken and answering most of the questions I asked about USANA products. Another question: What is the complete nutrition ingredients in USANA products that target FACTORS such as inflammation, auto immune response inflammation, building up the endocrine glands with nutrients besides bioflavonoids, antioxidants,OPC’s, such as  essential fatty acids, phytosterols and sterolins, whole food green nutrients, whole food carbohydrate nutrients, and amino acids?  Your website address given: www.raystrand.com stated oxidative stress was a big factor among the other factors also present that needed addressing in IBD to fight free radicals to prevent/reduce tissue damage and cell destruction.  It’s also helpful  to take an herb as well as nutrients  targeted at digestive and auto immune diseases(IBD) such as cat’s claw. Anyone need the websites on cat’s claw?  There’s the aloe vera herb one too or the aloe mucinolaginous polysaccharide nutrient. Anyone need the websites on these?  Also New Image Plus chinese herbs targeted at auto immune and digestive diseases. Is a website but it’s not completed. Only info I have in my hands are 8 testimonies of others benefiting from it for IBD and a phone # to call to hear testimonies of others on the products. Need to contact the company for more info.  I realize that most herbs are designed to be taken on 2-4 months, and off 2-4  months regimen because they only contain a minimal amount of nutrients and more a natural medicinal agent that loses it’s effectiveness if taken daily for too long, so it’s important to give the digestive and endocrine glands of the immune system the whole food nutrients they need to properly return the body to wellness and keep us well, but we have to stop the incomplete digestion,  leaky gut and the food allergies  to be able to absorb these nutrients. For those with extreme allergies it’s best to see the professionals at NAET allergy elimination clinic.  What USANA product stops the leaky gut? Antioxidants will help aid stopping permeability of the gut, but you also need other key nutrients that target repair of intestinal lining(leaky gut) such as glutamine, phospatidylcholine, essential fatty acids, soluble fiber, fish oils, and probiotic organisms. See www.propernutrition.com/cgi-local/testdisp.php3?ID=58&Category=Articles which is the reference website for that info. What is in USANA that will kill off offending organisms and parasites? viruses? If you don’t answer a question I ask I will assume that there is no USANAproduct for what I asked about,but can you suggest other products that do? The crohn’s disease link of the website address you gave…. www.raystrand.com I viewed the oxidative stress link and  no wonder I improved so much when I added the New Image Total blend of OPC’s,bioflavonoids,antioxidant vitamin and minerals, combined with the Bcomplex/folic acid  I was also on. How much is USANA’s antioxidant product? New Image Total is $26 a bottle of 60 capsules. I priced the USANA OPC’s antoxidant, bioflavonoid, vitamin, mineral products and it totalled a whopping expensive $50 for Essentials and $29 for the Proflavonols. No need to comment "you get what you pay for". That is true, quality cost, but who is getting the profit when quality prices are this expensive? First of all the manufacturers are, 2nd of all the distributors. No wonder the cost is so expensive. I’m not posting this in war against prices or at you Ken, just trying to help people to find what’s less expensive and excellent quality. I haven’t asked the New Image company for quality data on their products, but will.  Look for the post when it’s in my hands. Please let’s not fight or war about prices and quality, just help people know what’s quality and what is less cost by providing USANA’s data on quality and pricing as well.  The B complex and folic acid I bought at health food store at $14 a bottle and I see in the oxidative link at www.raystrand.com site you gave me, that the antioxidants need the B vitamins and folic acid, and antioxidant minerals,for the antioxidants to work properly,  and these minerals are in New Image Total. Are the B vitamins in the Usana Essentials or Proflavonols?     USANA $79 + B vitamins if not included therein. New Image Total $26 plus B’s and follic acid $14 = $40 which is less expensive. Data to come soon from New Image company manufacturer on quality of bioavailablity of New Image Total. Note again: I am not trying to create an argument here or war, just want to provide info to the public on what’s out there, its quality, its effectiveness, its price. Come on Shaklee, Mannetech, Herbal life, amp molo cure, aloe vera/OPC’s/alkaline booster, anyone else  let’s here from you. Please answer these same questions and remember to include website info, quality/bioavialable data info and prices. Be sure to conduct yourselves in a professional friendly manner. Thank you, Lisa

Response:

What have I started?  How about if some nondistributors tell me what they are taking?  Thanks! Andrea Crohn’s 98′

Response:

I would like to hear from USANA and Shaklee distributors or any other distributors from other companies on what products they sell that target the various factors of IBD, what those factors are and what products  target those factors and what the prices are of them. I know everyone has specific individual needs that are different but I’d still like to hear from you. Please back up info with reference websites of info.   thanks.LG

Response:

I would like to hear from USANA and Shaklee distributors or any other distributors from other companies on what products they sell that target the various factors of IBD, what those factors are and what products  target those factors and what the prices are of them. I know everyone has specific individual needs that are different but I’d still like to hear from you. Please back up info with reference websites of info.   thanks.LG

Well seein as how excessive free radicals is a big factor in IBD the Essentials and Proflavanol  are goin to minimize the damge done by free radicals same as it does in the other 60 chronic diseases where oxidative stress is a known factor.It’s a potent free radical fighter…Plus it gives you complete nutrtion so your body will be able to mend.There are specific things one can also take like inulin which promotes good bacteria but the gettin the free radicals under control is the big one… Which do you think is better to take each day? The amount of vitamin C you need to prevent scurvy (60 mg) or the amount that has been shown to promote healthy vision throughout life (over 1,000 mg per day)? For a good explanation of oxidative stress go to Dr. Raystrands site (Author of Bionutrition) at www.raystrand.com Studies show that a fiber rich, unrefined carbohydrate diet reduced the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and decreased the amount and length of hospital admissions and intestinal surgeries. 5,6 Nutritional deficiencies of vitamin K, copper, niacin, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium and iron, may occur with Crohn’s disease.7 As appropriate, nutritional supplements should be utilized to correct deficiencies, reduce the inflammatory process and promote healing of the damaged mucosa (consult with your physician for guidance). All dietary allergens should be eliminated. 8 1 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898. 2 Balch JF and Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York:Avery Publishing; 1991. p 147. 3 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898. 4 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898. 5 Brandes JW, Lorenz-Meyer H. [ Sugar free diet: a new perspective in the treatment of Crohn's disease?]. Z Gastroenterol 1981;19(1):1-12. 6 Heaton KW et al. Treatment of Crohn’s disease with an unrefined-carbohydrate, fibre-rich diet. Br Med J 1979;2:764-66. 7 Rosenberg IH, Bengoa JM, and Sitrin MD, Nutritional aspects of inflammatory bowel disease. Ann Rev Nutr 1985;5:463-84. 8 Murray M and Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin (CA):Prima Publishing; 1991.

Response:

Andrea,   USANA is a brand-name of products. GNC carries mostly their own line of products. William

Response:

Usana is good but Shaklee is better. A question I would ask any company is for studies.  Published "peer reviewed" studies.  These are studies that are done in independent laboratories that indicate absorbability or bioavailability to the body. They are done in independent laboratories and ANY company should have 100’s of them.  They just say that have research but what kind of research.  You should be able to hold that research in you hands.  There should be a way to know about purity of product.  What kinds of selection do they do.  Making sure they do tests during production to check for standards being met. GNC is probably the worst company out there! If you have Crohn’s or Colitis you need to be on Optiflora.  A product giving you both the bacteria and the food for the bacteria.  Acidophis and bifidus.  So much of what we have can be cleared up by that one thing alone. That’s why I recommend Shaklee.  Not just because I am a distributor, you can buy Shaklee from anyone out there, but because I’d like to see you get well.  Do your own research.  Ask the questions. Bonnie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I see a good deal of people are taking this.  What is it and where can I get it?  I just got home from GNC and the girl had never heard of it. Andrea Crohn’s 98′

Response:

Does Shaklee have a website? I’d like to see what they have to offer and gather the bioavailabity and price list, quality of the products info. I’ve done some research on it, but it was 3 years ago.  What factors are addressed for those with IBD do the Shaklee nutrional/herbal products address/offer? Please explain or provide me material and I thank you kindly for your time. Good health to you, perfect peace to you, and love, Lisa Garcia

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Usana is good but Shaklee is better. A question I would ask any company is for studies.  Published "peer reviewed" studies.  These are studies that are done in independent laboratories that indicate absorbability or bioavailability to the body. They are done in independent laboratories and ANY company should have 100’s of them.  They just say that have research but what kind of research.  You should be able to hold that research in you hands.  There should be a way to know about purity of product.  What kinds of selection do they do.  Making sure they do tests during production to check for standards being met. GNC is probably the worst company out there! If you have Crohn’s or Colitis you need to be on Optiflora.  A product giving you both the bacteria and the food for the bacteria.  Acidophis and bifidus.  So much of what we have can be cleared up by that one thing alone. That’s why I recommend Shaklee.  Not just because I am a distributor, you can buy Shaklee from anyone out there, but because I’d like to see you get well.  Do your own research.  Ask the questions. Bonnie

Now that was kinda dumb sayin Shaklee is better than USANA…. There is just no way!!  Do the research!!  I mean just compare the Essentials to your Vita-lea…..There just isn’t a comparison…..you will find that the Essentials contain the ingredients being mentioned at the amounts being recommended. example vitamin E should be around 400IU per day.Your Vita -lee does not even contain 50IU of Vitamin E. Vitamin C should be around 1000mg per day your vita lea  doesn’t even contain 50mg of vitamin C..  etc etc etc.the B vitamins are woefu;lly inadequate.Where is the Coenzyme q10?  it seems to be missing ? What about all the benefits of green tea?  that ingredient seems to have gotten missed also….etc etc etc There is a book available called the Comparitive Guide to Mutritional Supplements.  It is just base on the ingredients on a blended standard from Colgan, Passwater, and Murray.  You will find that Shaklee didn’t get rated very well. Yes, I do reaslise that there is more to it than just that…..but right from the get go it lets people know that shaklee is incomplete and a waste of money.If your lookin for just sound nutrition you shouldn’t have to add a b-complex,extra vitamin C, extra Vtiamin E, extra beta-carotene, all on top of the multi vitamin which is incomplete to make up for it. Plus now you have a pretty expensive vitamin just to try and make it not so incomplete. Far as the research goes I haven’t seen too many showing benfits of vitaminE where they used less than 50IU. In that comparitive study you will also find that GNC  Men’s Mega Men was rated better than shaklee’s vita’lea.  But then again that is just based on ingredients.  and yes USANA was rated #1.  and if you wanna see how usana makes its supplements it is all available on its 2000+ page website. Yes, it is very very good for one too research the company fully, thats where you will see USANA excells…they are very proud of their facilities. USANA Orthomolecular Laboratory is one of the most proficient in the world. Project Hope – Cancer Research which is being carried out at Sanoviv. Linus Pauling Institute-  USANA plays a major role in supporting research. Cardiology Research Center in Moscow, Russia….You probably heard about how advanced the research was being done out there…prior to it being vitually disbanded after the cold war…well it is back up and running again thanks to Dr. Wentz. One of the major news to hit the scientific commuinity was the first ever assay procedure to measure antioxidants and test for nutrients in fluids from the body itself,Scientists can now know where the antioxidants are and how they are functioning.  That Assay was developed by Dr. Wemtz and his Team and was presented to the scientific commuinity. That was nuts to say shaklee is better than USANA….you should know your competition better before you jump in the ring  :)   You must at least realise that there has to be some kind of reason why MLM insider has rated USANA #1  3 years in a row. Plus you may also find out the founder of USANA receives no wages or benefits from USANA.And yes he does own the majority of the stock..which is a wise business move.But the man is a millionaire many times over and doesn’t need it for his own personal benefit.He could have bought all of it easy enough if that was his intention.USANA was made with the sole reason of helping people.I bet Shaklee doesn’t let you know how much the people are being paid? Maybe they have something to hide? USANA is just a big open book.So do have yourself a looksee then try and tell me shaklee is better than USANA  :)   HA!

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I see a good deal of people are taking this.  What is it and where can I get it?  I just got home from GNC and the girl had never heard of it.   Andrea Crohn’s 98′

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Ken should answer you soon, haha. I use it, just the daily suppliments. It might seem expensive, or "why pay more", well you get what you pay for and Ken seems very knowledgable to back up everything scientifically. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I see a good deal of people are taking this.  What is it and where can I get it?  I just got home from GNC and the girl had never heard of it. Andrea Crohn’s 98′

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I see a good deal of people are taking this.  What is it and where can I get it?  I just got home from GNC and the girl had never heard of it. Andrea Crohn’s 98′

Howdy Andrea and thanks Looney Tunes USANA is the name of a science based health company.USANA Health Sciences is there full name Among other  things they also produce the best multi-vitamin on the market. They are called the Essentials and they were based on what science is recommending we take daily at the amounts they are recommending we take daily.They wern’t based on the FDA’s recommendations nor were they based on cost so there is no skimping on the more expensive ingredients.Add the proflavanol and you got you some great free-radical fighters. You purchase the products straight from USANA itself.All you have to do is get registered,(which is what i do or any other associate of USANA.) there is no registering  fee or anything like that ….you only pay for the products you purchase. I’ve maintained a 5 year drug free remission and although USANA was by far not the only thing i tried it is definitly the best. USANA has a website at www.usana.com and yes …a lot of people are taking USANA.Although it is only 8 years old I think its safe to say USANA is #1.  you put out a superior product and people are going to buy it. If you have any questions at all just give me a shout via e-mail Ken.W

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Question:

Is there anyone out there who suffers from Crohn’s Disease? I have been a sufferer for 7 years and have had one re-section on the small bowel. I am now at the stage that if I have another operation I will have to be fed by tube for the rest of my life. The pain is not under control as yet but I have been a ‘guinea pig’ for a new slow release drug which while I was taking this my health was very good. June

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June asked : " Is there anyone out there who suffers from Crohn’s Disease? " I reply : I’m a Crohnie  You can find a whole group of us in alt.support.crohns-colitis June.  Join that group and post to say hi to everyone.  You will find many who have been thru what you have that you can relate to I’m sure.  See ya there and in here I’m sure ! — MrsRat Admin XWorld NetWork http://www.xworld.org http://sefl.satelnet.org/~brats/

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June, I feel for you, as I have a dear friend and first cousins on BOTH sides of my family with Crohns.  You might want to check out the newsgroup called: alt.support.Crohns-colitis (not that you are not always welcome here, but…….) HTH Barry K

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there anyone out there who suffers from Crohn’s Disease? I have been a sufferer for 7 years and have had one re-section on the small bowel. I am now at the stage that if I have another operation I will have to be fed by tube for the rest of my life. The pain is not under control as yet but I have been a ‘guinea pig’ for a new slow release drug which while I was taking this my health was very good. June

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: My 2 yr old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me : a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me : any advice. I would think that the variety in a home-prepared diet might indeed irritate the bowel of a dog with Crohn’s Disease. Lynn K. —

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My cat was diagnosed with a similar condition a few years ago, the Doctor put her on Prescription I/D, which is basically a bland diet. I’m happy to say that it has helped, yes she is on it for life, and it’s a little more expensive, but I think it’s worth it. Good Luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My 2 year old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me any advice.

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My 2 year old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me any advice.

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Is this special food supposed to cure the disease, or at least manage it? If so, I’d say do it. My dog doesn’t have Crohn’s, but I do. It’s not pleasant. Sorry to be so graphic, but imagine the worst case of stomach flu you ever had and then imagine having it every day. That’s what Crohn’s is; cramps and diarreha (spelling?) all the time. Most of the drugs available for Crohn’s have some bad side-effects and most of the people I know with Crohn’s (and myself) have had less than good luck with the various drug therapy’s. If you can ease your dog’s suffering with a simple diet change, please do it. Les – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 2 year old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me any advice.

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: My 2 yr old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me : a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me : any advice. I would think that the variety in a home-prepared diet might indeed irritate the bowel of a dog with Crohn’s Disease. Lynn K. —

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My cat was diagnosed with a similar condition a few years ago, the Doctor put her on Prescription I/D, which is basically a bland diet. I’m happy to say that it has helped, yes she is on it for life, and it’s a little more expensive, but I think it’s worth it. Good Luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My 2 year old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me any advice.

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My 2 year old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me any advice.

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Is this special food supposed to cure the disease, or at least manage it? If so, I’d say do it. My dog doesn’t have Crohn’s, but I do. It’s not pleasant. Sorry to be so graphic, but imagine the worst case of stomach flu you ever had and then imagine having it every day. That’s what Crohn’s is; cramps and diarreha (spelling?) all the time. Most of the drugs available for Crohn’s have some bad side-effects and most of the people I know with Crohn’s (and myself) have had less than good luck with the various drug therapy’s. If you can ease your dog’s suffering with a simple diet change, please do it. Les – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 2 year old Rough Collie has Crohn’s Disease and my vet is trying to sell me a dry food. I wish to keep my dog on natural foods if possible. Can you give me any advice.

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http://www.clevelandclinic.org/florida/

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My husband has Crohn’s he just got out of the hospital today. He had a resection 3 years ago and now has a bad flare up. Does anyone know of a good GI in orlando Florida? I know Dr. Shafran is the best but he doesn’t take our insurance, and with all the hospitalizations we are broke. Thanks, Rachel

 Did you check with the hospital dep’t. that handles the billing ( I don’t know names) if it is a public hospital they’ll have programs available that may help you. Since Darin is working poor but with insurance he was able to qualify for them to accept the insurance as all payment except for the TV and phone which was required…and I paid that. It depends on income and family size so check…Good luck – Linda + Darin

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Have him check what his insurance will cover for a dr and then pass some of the names or I can give you a site to look up the drs to check on the background and get info about them.  Email me if you would like the site anyways.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My husband has Crohn’s he just got out of the hospital today. He had a resection 3 years ago and now has a bad flare up. Does anyone know of a good GI in orlando Florida? I know Dr. Shafran is the best but he doesn’t take our insurance, and with all the hospitalizations we are broke. Thanks, Rachel

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My husband has Crohn’s he just got out of the hospital today. He had a resection 3 years ago and now has a bad flare up. Does anyone know of a good GI in orlando Florida? I know Dr. Shafran is the best but he doesn’t take our insurance, and with all the hospitalizations we are broke. Thanks, Rachel

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My husband has Crohn’s he just got out of the hospital today. He had a resection 3 years ago and now has a bad flare up. Does anyone know of a good GI in orlando Florida? I know Dr. Shafran is the best but he doesn’t take our insurance, and with all the hospitalizations we are broke. Thanks, Rachel

There are many programs to help people who are financially unstable. I myself am broke, too, and I can tell you about a few that i’ve tried. First off, a state hospitol should offer financial assistance. They should have a financial office where you can go to apply. Since I make very little money, I was getting treatment for free for a while. Eventually, you may be turned down. Even still, you can go to a state hospitol and have them bill you. When the bill comes, you shouldn’t have to pay it in its entirety. Pay only what you can when you can every month. Arrange this with the financial office. Here at UVA, I only need to pay 20 dollars or so every month (because that’s WHAT I CAN pay) and it suffices. Make sure you talk to the financial office, though, so they don’t sick any collection agencies on you. Next there is medicade for those who don’t make enough money. You might get denied for this. If you do, just keep re-applying. Here in Virginia, we have a program called "State and Local Hospitalization." It is a pool of funds that is open to the public. You may apply for assistance from them, but the money may run out or you may be denied because you make too much money. Talk to a social worker at the hospitol. They can tell you about programs available in your area. I know how you feel. Being broke sucks. Good luck.

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Rachael; To find a GI Doc try giving the local Chapter of the CCFA a call.  For Central Florida your local chapter is the Gold Coast/South Florida Chapter.  Their toll free phone number is 877-664-2929.  They should be able to give you a list of physicians in your area. Good luck and I hope your husband feels better. Dave

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I think the cause of my colitis is from eating to much proccessed food and not enouph fruits and vegetables. Everybody is different. Yr cause was probably something else. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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I use to use herb fibre from shaklee….It was one of the things i had tried to help out with the hemmoroids and perianal abcesses. Can’t say that i ever noticed anything,but it sure didn’t hurt me Also from all the good things being said about fibre in one’s diet i think it will become a part of my regimen in the near future.I think it is the same as any other supplement out there…buyer beware – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Chris was initially told by his doctor to avoid all fibre during a flare-up as it would literally scratch the gut linings and may even rip open healing scars. The doc advised a LOW-fibre diet, but high in protein to help with the protein loss. Is this correct? Bryan

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This is what I have been told in the past when I was in a flare situation. Of course, once you were in remission a reversion to a high-fibre diet seems to be the way to go… I just found it rather ironic, being told by a gastroenterologist to go onto a low fibre diet… Sam : Chris was initially told by his doctor to avoid all fibre during a flare-up : as it would literally scratch the gut linings and may even rip open healing : scars. The doc advised a LOW-fibre diet, but high in protein to help with : the protein loss. Is this correct? : Bryan

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Perhaps it goes back to the fact that they spend less than one month in their 7-12 years’ studying on Nutrition! Perhaps the people on this ng reallydo know a LOT more than doctors about the nutritional aspects of disease. I’m sure Ken Ward will agree. It’s tme doctors started believing more in nutritional healing and the power of supplementation. Bryan

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Perhaps it goes back to the fact that they spend less than one month in their 7-12 years’ studying on Nutrition! Perhaps the people on this ng reallydo know a LOT more than doctors about the nutritional aspects of disease. I’m sure Ken Ward will agree. It’s tme doctors started believing more in nutritional healing and the power of supplementation. Bryan ABSOLUTELY!!!

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There’s a book called Eating right for a Bad Gut which covers this topic really well.  Basically, there’s insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.  Insoluble fiber will tend to do what your dr says- this is stuff like bran.  Soluble fiber, like oatmeal, really ripe bananas (pectin) and metamucil-type stuff can do a lot of good for people with mild to moderate inflammation as they soak up the excess water your inflamed gut can’t deal with and solidfy your stool.   People with severe inflammation have to be very careful, and of course things can vary from individual to individual. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Chris was initially told by his doctor to avoid all fibre during a flare-up as it would literally scratch the gut linings and may even rip open healing scars. The doc advised a LOW-fibre diet, but high in protein to help with the protein loss. Is this correct? Bryan

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I found it on the Usana website http://www.usana.com/techservices/health_cond/crohns.html Abstracts Kuroki F, Iida M, Tominaga M, Matsumoto T, Hirakawa K, Sugiyama S, Fujishima M. Multiple vitamin status in Crohn’s disease. Correlation with disease activity. Dig Dis Sci 1993 Sep;38 (9):1614-1618.We measured serum, blood, or red cell concentrations of various vitamins in 24 patients with Crohn’s disease who had been free from any nutritional treatment, and compared them with those in 24 healthy controls. Twelve of the patients were affected in the small bowel only, two in the large bowel only, and the remaining 10 in both the small and large bowel. The fat-soluble vitamins A and E were significantly decreased in patients with Crohn’s disease compared to controls. Among the water-soluble vitamins, vitamins B1, B2 and B6 and folic acid were more depleted in patients with Crohn’s disease than in the controls, whereas vitamins B12 and C, nicotinic acid, and biotin were not different between the two groups, and pantothenic acid was increased in patients with Crohn’s disease. In addition, vitamin B2 and nicotinic acid showed a negative correlation with the Crohn’s disease activity index. These findings suggest that there is a variety of vitamin deficiencies in Crohn’s disease prior to treatment and also that concentrations of some vitamins, such as vitamin B2 and nicotinic acid, may reflect the severity of the disease. References 1 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898. 2 Balch JF and Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York:Avery Publishing; 1991. p 147. 3 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898. 4 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898. 5 Brandes JW, Lorenz-Meyer H. [ Sugar free diet: a new perspective in the treatment of Crohn's disease?]. Z Gastroenterol 1981;19(1):1-12. 6 Heaton KW et al. Treatment of Crohn’s disease with an unrefined-carbohydrate, fibre-rich diet. Br Med J 1979;2:764-66. 7 Rosenberg IH, Bengoa JM, and Sitrin MD, Nutritional aspects of inflammatory bowel disease. Ann Rev Nutr 1985;5:463-84. 8 Murray M and Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin (CA):Prima Publishing; 1991. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Crohn’s Disease  Description [snip] Great summary Ken. Can you tell us where it is from, and supply the references? Thanks, Allyn — Allyn B. Brodsky

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Chris was initially told by his doctor to avoid all fibre during a flare-up as it would literally scratch the gut linings and may even rip open healing scars. The doc advised a LOW-fibre diet, but high in protein to help with the protein loss. Is this correct? Bryan

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I found it on the Usana website http://www.usana.com/techservices/health_cond/crohns.html Abstracts

Much thanks, Ken! Cheers! Allyn — Allyn B. Brodsky

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Chris was initially told by his doctor to avoid all fibre during a flare-up as it would literally scratch the gut linings and may even rip open healing scars. The doc advised a LOW-fibre diet, but high in protein to help with the protein loss. Is this correct? Bryan

In my own experience, I have been best on a diet that’s high in protein and carbohydrates, moderate on fats, and low on fresh fruit and vegetables, low on fiber generally. I have used Metamucil, psyllium fiber, to reduce diarrhea, wile most people use it to help with constipation. Cheers! Allyn — Allyn B. Brodsky

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Crohn’s Disease  Description Crohn’s disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It usually affects the small bowel (regional enteritis), and can also affect the colon (granulomatous colitis). The inflammation extends through all layers of the intestinal wall and can involve the adjacent lymph nodes, and mesentery. As the inflammation heals, it leaves scar tissue that thickens the bowel wall and narrows the passage way. Because the inflammation occurs segmentally, the bowel can become a patchwork of healthy and diseased segments. Serositis (inflammation of the serosa ) also develops causing the inflamed bowel loops to adhere to other diseased or normal bowel loops, which results in bowel shortening. Symptoms can include diarrhea, periodic cramping, lower right abdominal pain, fever, malabsorption, anemia, fatigue, and losses in appetite and weight. 1 A lack of nutrients from malabsorption may cause nutritional deficiencies, weaken the immune system, prolong healing time, and cause intestinal obstruction. Chronic bleeding may cause iron-deficiency anemia. If the inflamed intestinal wall leaks, peritonitis (a rare complication) can occur. If the disease continues for many years, bowel function gradually deteriorates, and can increase the risk for cancer. 2 Causes Researchers are still investigating the causes of Crohn’s disease, possible causes include lymphatic obstruction, infection, allergies, and other immune disorders. Crohn’s is not infectious. 3 At Risk Crohn’s disease is most prevalent in adults ages 20 to 40. Genetic factors may play a role; however, no pattern of inheritance has been identified. 4 Prevention and Management General: Measures to help control Crohn’s include medications, dietary changes, and supplementation. Many suffering from Crohn’s will required surgery during the course of their illness. In periods of severe active inflammation hospitalization may be required, and TPN (total parenteral nutrition) administered. This is necessary to allow the bowel to rest. Nutritional Influences: Studies show that a fiber rich, unrefined carbohydrate diet reduced the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and decreased the amount and length of hospital admissions and intestinal surgeries. 5,6 Nutritional deficiencies of vitamin K, copper, niacin, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium and iron, may occur with Crohn’s disease.7 As appropriate, nutritional supplements should be utilized to correct deficiencies, reduce the inflammatory process and promote healing of the damaged mucosa (consult with your physician for guidance). All dietary allergens should be eliminated. 8

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Crohn’s Disease  Description

[snip] Great summary Ken. Can you tell us where it is from, and supply the references? Thanks, Allyn — Allyn B. Brodsky

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Mary writes: The problems I have been having as of lately are:

1. Pain In the Hip Area 2. Stiffness all over when first getting up in the morning. 3. Pain in the lower right side. 4. Soreness in the chest and the neck. 5. Joint Pain in the knees. 6. Fatigue 7. Headaches I have gone to doctors, had all kinds of test done. But they cannot seem to figure out what the problem is. Of course they think it is all in my head. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease about 9 years ago. My recent medications are: 1. Prednisone 2. Imuran 3. Synthroid 4. Zoloft 5. Asacol 6. Levsin 7. Estrace If anyone has had this same problems. I would like to hear from you, to find out what treatment you are recieving, and what actually is the problem. Thanks, Mary < I have had most of that kind of pain Mary.  I am only 1 year off prednisone after 13 years on it. (varying doseages).  I also take Asacol.  Predisone messes with your bones.  My kneecaps are crumbling (I’ve had one arthroscopic surgery, a piece of bone broke off in my knee) and I’ve been promised more artho surgery.  My orthopedic surgeon thinks that probably there is detioration in my hips too, but he has not X-Rayed them to find out for sure.  Take calcium if you can, and good luck.   Roseanne Roseannadanna AGC Visually Impaired Item Maintenance Technician Alternatively, Keeper Intact of Blind Bits Listed Entirely Separately and Blind Items Together for Searches (KIBBLES & BITS) AND Keeper of Daniel Day-Lewis!

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I have UC, apparently, but I also have stiffness in the morning, kind of generalized bone pain (esp. at night when I suffer from "restless legs") and fatigue.  My GI says that these are symptoms that go along with IBD.  I have noticed that my stiffness is worse at different times of the year. Kathy

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I have not posted to this group in a very long time. But I do read if faithfully once a week. The reason I am writing today is because I was wondering if anyone else has had the same problems I have been having. I would very much appreciate hearing from you. The problems I have been having as of lately are: 1. Pain In the Hip Area 2. Stiffness all over when first getting up in the morning. 3. Pain in the lower right side. 4. Soreness in the chest and the neck. 5. Joint Pain in the knees. 6. Fatigue 7. Headaches I have gone to doctors, had all kinds of test done. But they cannot seem to figure out what the problem is. Of course they think it is all in my head. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease about 9 years ago. My recent medications are: 1. Prednisone 2. Imuran 3. Synthroid 4. Zoloft 5. Asacol 6. Levsin 7. Estrace If anyone has had this same problems. I would like to hear from you, to find out what treatment you are recieving, and what actually is the problem. Thanks, Mary

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I have had those same problems.  How long have you been on prednisone?  That’s what made me that way.  Everytime I went on the stuff I felt the same way you do.  I’d try going off the prednisone temporarily to see if that helps. Lisa

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The problems I have been having as of lately are: 1. Pain In the Hip Area 2. Stiffness all over when first getting up in the morning. 3. Pain in the lower right side. 4. Soreness in the chest and the neck. 5. Joint Pain in the knees. 6. Fatigue 7. Headaches I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease about 9 years ago. My recent medications are: 1. Prednisone 2. Imuran 3. Synthroid 4. Zoloft 5. Asacol 6. Levsin 7. Estrace If anyone has had this same problems. I would like to hear from you, to find out what treatment you are recieving, and what actually is the problem. Thanks, Mary

Mary, It may be the prednisone at least for the Joint Pain.  You may want to have a Bone Scan done to see if their is any weakening of the bone fibers.  I have developed the beginings of osteoperosis from the pred.  One of the main points they check is the hip bones.  I’m not a doctor, but it may be a good precautionary measure. Peace, Rob

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absolutely!

I have Crohn’s Disease.  Anyone relate?

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OHH YA!   I think you will find a lot of people can relate. You will find a lot of good advise here. Ken.W   5 Years Med Free!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohn’s Disease.  Anyone relate?

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yup, i can relate. i got it. found out about….3 weeks ago..so its all kinda new to me but the meds im on (predisone and pentasa) seem to be working and so far i can and am eating whatever i wast. ewell, i stay clear of milk and such cos i got bad pains a few weeks ago after having a glass of milk. hope u are ok joanne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OHH YA!   I think you will find a lot of people can relate. You will find a lot of good advise here. Ken.W   5 Years Med Free!! I have Crohn’s Disease.  Anyone relate?

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quite – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohn’s Disease.  Anyone relate?

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Sure do!  Welcome to this NG …it will help you a lot! Odie — Unconditional Love = A Loving Pet & This Family Is Blessed With 2 Wonderful Dobie-Kids

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have Crohn’s Disease.  Anyone relate?

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chip72 You will find a lot of people can relate … This newsgroup is loaded with caring, educated, people with various forms and intensities of CD,UC,CC,MC Welcome, ask questions, and enjoy the comradship and care that we all have with one another Maryjo – CC classof ‘98

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Wouldn’t that be commode-rad-shit  ???? chip72 You will find a lot of people can relate … This newsgroup is loaded with caring, educated, people with various forms and intensities of CD,UC,CC,MC Welcome, ask questions, and enjoy the comradship and care that we all have with one another Maryjo – CC classof ‘98

Leah’s Body Sugaring Recipe Make it yourself and save http://www.for-romance.com/sugar

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I have CD (crohn’s disease) so I relate, what meds are you taking and when were you DXed (diagnosed) ? Mike I have Crohn’s Disease.  Anyone relate?

Leah’s Body Sugaring Recipe Make it yourself and save http://www.for-romance.com/sugar

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I have Crohn’s Disease.  Anyone relate?

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The medical literature has shown us that the mucosal lining of the small bowel is very depleted in antioxidants.

increasing antioxidants along with aloe vera will stop inflammation ‘www.altern-methods.com/" info and research

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Just increasing one’s anti-oxidants will stop the inflammation.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The medical literature has shown us that the mucosal lining of the small bowel is very depleted in antioxidants. increasing antioxidants along with aloe vera will stop inflammation ‘www.altern-methods.com/" info and research

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Hi there! I already know Aloe Vera but what are antioxydants? Noella – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The medical literature has shown us that the mucosal lining of the small bowel is very depleted in antioxidants. increasing antioxidants along with aloe vera will stop inflammation ‘www.altern-methods.com/" info and research

Response:

Antioxidants are what renders the free radicals harmless.As long as there are adequate amounts of antioxidants within our bodies to handle the free radicals produced within the cell, there is no damage to the surrrounding tissues. The body has the ability to make some of its own antioxidants, but is not able to produce enough on its own to neutralize all of the free radicals our bodies produce.We need to get the rest of these antioxidants from our food.If there is an excess of free radicals,however, oxidative stress occurs and the body begins to degenerate. The most commonantioxidants are vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C is water soluble and the most effective antioxidant within the plasma; it also helps regenerate Vitmin E which is the most effective antioxidant within the cell wall. In addititon to these Vitamins, there are thousands of different antioxidants obtained from foods, primarily fruits and vegetables. They all work in synergistic fashion within our bodies, and the more we have and the more varied they are the better. Glutathione perioxidase is one of the most potent antioxidants within the cell and works alongside superoxide dismutase. Alpha lipoic acid,mixed carotenoids, Coenzymeq10,cruciferous, N-acetyl L-cysteine, lutein and a host of bioflavonoids are examples of more antioxidants we are able to get from our foods to help us in the battle against free radicals.Not only do these antioxidants work in synergy with one another, but they work against different types of free radicals. But antioxidants by themselves are not the complete answer. They need adequate amounts of the so-called antioxidant minerals copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium. There must also be adequate amounts of folic acid and vitamins B!, B2, B6, and B12, which are cofactors for the antioxidants, If these minerals and cofactors are not present in adequate amounts, it does not matter what level of antioxidants are present; you will place yourself under oxidative stress.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there! I already know Aloe Vera but what are antioxydants? Noella The medical literature has shown us that the mucosal lining of the small bowel is very depleted in antioxidants. increasing antioxidants along with aloe vera will stop inflammation ‘www.altern-methods.com/" info and research

Response:

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease that involves primarily the small bowel but occasionally the large bowel. The body is actually attacking itself, in this case the small bowel. The medical literature has shown us that the mucosal lining of the small bowel is very depleted in antioxidants. This is because the inflammatory response created by the body’s own immune system causes us to use up all of our antioxidants by handling the tremendous number of free radicals that are produced. Since this disease involves the gastrointestinal tract, there is a malabsorption of our nutrients. When you combine the depletion of nutrients caused by the inflammatory response and the poor absorption of nutrients from our diet, it is easy to see why these patients need a nutritional supplement program. T. P. Mulder, et al. Effect of oral zinc supplementation on metallothionein and superoxide dismutase concentrations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Gastroenterol Hepatology 9, no. 5 ( September-October 1994): 472-477. L. Lih-Brody, et al. Increased oxidative stress in decreased antioxidant defenses in mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease. Digestive Diseases and Science 41, no. 10 (October 1996); 2078-2086. A. Burke, et al. Nutrition and ulcerative colitis. Baillieres Clinical Gastroenterology 11, no. 1 (March 1997): 153-174. I. Beno, et al. Ulcerative colitis: Activity of antioxidant enzymes of the colonic mucosa. Presse Med 26, no. 31 (October 18, 1997): 1474-1477. E. J. Hoffenberg, et al. Circulating antioxidant concentration in children with inflammatory bowel disease. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 65, no. 5 (May 1997): 1482-1488. T. Iantomasi, et al. Glutathione metabolism in Crohn’s disease. Biochemical Medicine and Metabolic Biology 53, no. 2 (December 1994): 87-91. G. D. Buffinton, and W. F. Doe. Depleted mucosal antioxidant status in inflammatory bowel disease. Free Radical Research 22, no. 2 (February 1995): 131-143. S. J. McKenzie, et al. Evidence of oxidant-induced injury to epithelial cells during inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation 98, no. 1 July 1, 1996): 136-141. G. D. Buffinton, and W. F. Doe. Depleted mecosal antioxidant defenses in inflammatory bowel disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 19, no. 6 (December 1995): 911-918. —-

Response:

I have used Evening Primrose oil and Kefir for IBS and colitis.  I take 2600mg of EPO everyday (2 big gelcaps).  It has made an enormous positive impact on my digestive tract.  Greatly reduced my inflammation in first 24 hours.  I cannot imagine living without it.

Response:

Hi Kevin! Take a look at this web site: http://www.usana.com/techservices/health_cond/crohns.html Regards, Ed Torres.

Response:

Hi.  I’m wondering if anyone knows of any good sites on Crohn’s disease and alternative treatments. Thanks Kevin

Response:

Don’t know of any sites, but here is a protocol I have…. Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, is characterized by painful ulcers that form in one or more sections, or all along the length of the gastrointestinal lining. When the ulcers heal, they leave thick scar tissue that narrows and hardens the tract and adversely affects elimination. Poor assimilation of nutrients is always involved; accompanying ulcerous bleeding often causes anemia. A strictly followed, highly nutritious, mild foods diet has proven to be an effective, non-toxic alternative to cortico-steroid drugs. Common causes: A diet with low fiber, excess refined sugar and acid-forming foods, leading to a severely inflamed colon which forms deep ulcers along the entire length of the digestive tract from rectum to mouth. Malnutrition is common in Crohn’s disease. Multiple food intolerances, particularly to wheat and dairy, emotional stress, zinc deficiency. Diet improvement is the key: 1. Start with an alkalizing liquid diet for 3 days: carrot and apple juice, grape juice, pineapple and green vegetable drinks. If you have a problem with your blood sugar level dropping, make a mixture of 1-1/2 cups of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1/3 to 1/2 cups of pure maple syrup, and 2 quarts of distilled water. This will bring your level back up. An average woman generally needs about 1/3 cup of the maple syrup, and a man 1/2 cup. Some people will need more. 2. Then add mild fruits and vegetables for a week: carrots, potatoes, yams, apples, papayas, bananas, etc. 3. Add steamed and raw vegetables, brans, cultured foods for 2 weeks: yogurt, kefir, miso, etc., fresh salads, broccoli, cabbage, oat bran, rice bran, etc. 4. Finally add rice, whole grains, wheat germ, tofu, fish and seafood for healing protein. 5. The continuing diet should be high in complex carbohydrates, fiber and fresh vegetables, and low in fats. (Avoid too much fiber during flare-ups.) Avoid nuts, seeds, and citrus while healing. (Except the lemons in the syrup and water if you need them.) Eliminate red and fatty meats, saturated fats (especially from dairy foods), and fried foods. Drink only bottled water–preferably distilled. Over treated tap water can wreak havoc on an inflamed bowel. Herbal Therapy: Note: Crohn’s disease sufferers can react to almost anything, no matter how mild or soothing. Start gently and slowly, noting your reactions carefully. Evening Primrose Oil caps–500mg twice daily. Mix 1 teaspoon bee pollen in a cup of chamomile tea. Take 2 times daily. Effective herbal anti-oxidants to scavenge free radicals involved in Crohn’s: Garlic caps–4 to 6 daily. Pau d’ arco Effective herbal flavonoids: Hawthorn extract Bilberry extract Rosehips Supplements: Use liquid or powdered supplements whenever possible for the least irritation, and preferably made from a natural source. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids. L-Glutamine 500mg-as effective as prednisone in controlling Crohn’s and GI integrity. Take daily for enzyme therapy: Quercetin with bromelain 750mg. Acidophilus 1/4 teaspoon 3 times a day, before meals. Bromelain 40mg or papaya enzymes after meals. Replace depleted nutrients: Zinc 15 to 30mg daily. Magnesium 200mg 3 times daily. B complex liquid with extra B-2, B-6, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin E 400IU daily twice daily. Avoid commercial antacids. They eventually make the inflammation worse by causing the stomach to produce more acids. Consciously work to reduce stress in your life. Acupuncture, yoga and meditation (or prayer) have all been successful with Crohn’s. Eat smaller meals more frequently. Apply hot, wet ginger compresses to stomach and lower back. Kay   —  kay http://www.herbcare.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi.  I’m wondering if anyone knows of any good sites on Crohn’s disease and alternative treatments. Thanks Kevin

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Indeed – try alt.support.crohns-colitis! The FAQs from same are as follows: Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-info-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1995/03/14 Version: 1.3 "Information Resources for alt.support.crohns-colitis newsgroup" ** AND ** Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1994/12/02 Version: 1.2 "Inflammatory Bowel Disease Frequently Asked Questions" ** AND ** "Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ" Where to get these FAQs: This FAQ is posted monthly to the alt.support.crohns-colitis, alt.answers, and news.answers newsgroups. It is also now archived at MIT and is available by anonymous ftp at rtfm.mit.edu and its mirrors (listed below).  The file is, unfortunately, not found in a consistent place.  It can be archived under the subject line of the post (Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease_FAQ_Vx.x) or under the archive name (crohn-colits-faq) note the misspelling.  Some sites use UNIX compress so there may be a trailing .Z as well and you’ll need a program to UN-compress it. There exists also an IBS FAQ which deals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which has symptoms that can be similar to those of UC or CD.  Neither FAQ is currently archived there and, as of this writing, the authors do not have plans to archive them there.  Both are posted to ascc monthly. For those with World Wide Web access, all three FAQs can also be found at http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/cduchome.html.  Kudos to Stuart Anderson for the HTML versions. — Copyright 1994 by Christopher Holmes —  * Origin: Medical System Munich – medsys.muc.

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, thanks, David Freedman

I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Indeed – try alt.support.crohns-colitis! The FAQs from same are as follows: Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-info-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1995/03/14 Version: 1.3 "Information Resources for alt.support.crohns-colitis newsgroup" ** AND ** Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1994/12/02 Version: 1.2 "Inflammatory Bowel Disease Frequently Asked Questions" ** AND ** "Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ" Where to get these FAQs: This FAQ is posted monthly to the alt.support.crohns-colitis, alt.answers, and news.answers newsgroups. It is also now archived at MIT and is available by anonymous ftp at rtfm.mit.edu and its mirrors (listed below).  The file is, unfortunately, not found in a consistent place.  It can be archived under the subject line of the post (Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease_FAQ_Vx.x) or under the archive name (crohn-colits-faq) note the misspelling.  Some sites use UNIX compress so there may be a trailing .Z as well and you’ll need a program to UN-compress it. There exists also an IBS FAQ which deals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which has symptoms that can be similar to those of UC or CD.  Neither FAQ is currently archived there and, as of this writing, the authors do not have plans to archive them there.  Both are posted to ascc monthly. For those with World Wide Web access, all three FAQs can also be found at http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/cduchome.html.  Kudos to Stuart Anderson for the HTML versions. — Copyright 1994 by Christopher Holmes —

Response:

Carlton Fredericks had written of the use of 16,000 IUs of vitamin E by Dr. Wilfred Shute in the book Carlton Fredericks’ Nutrition Guide for the Prevention & Cure of Common Ailments & Diseases.  I had also heard of the high amount being used by a doctor on Long Island, NY but can not locate the source at this time.  Vitamin E should be taken in a dry form.  The dry form is much more stable. The following two doctors are recommended in Gary Null’s book Healing Your Body Naturally:  Alternative Treatments to Illness: Martin Feldman, M.D. 132 East 76th Street New York, NY 10021 212-744-4413 718-376-5032 John McDougall, M.D. Saint Helena Health Center P.O. Box 250 Deer Park, CA 94576 800-358-9195 800-862-7575 I would also recommend:  Robert Atkins, M.D.                                       152 East 55th Street                                        New York, NY 10022                                        212-758-2110 Of course, you may have to do some traveling but it may well be worth the trip and expense.  My mother has had very good results at the Atkins Clinic in NYC.  One suggestion is that you plan the trip in advance and use the time efficently.  You also do not have to stay in NYC since the hotels are very expensive; there are many in NJ and mass transit will take you into the city for the exams, tests, etc. You should also start to look at the various books in health food stores for other sources.  Please avoid the operation(s).  They seem to be endless once people start.  Allopathic medicine is a total failure when it comes to Crohn’s Disease. George

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD?
Please e-mail me with any comments,
thanks,
David Freedman

I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Response:

Carlton Fredericks had written of the use of 16,000 IUs of vitamin E by Dr. Wilfred Shute in the book Carlton Fredericks’ Nutrition Guide for the Prevention & Cure of Common Ailments & Diseases.  I had also heard of the high amount being used by a doctor on Long Island, NY but can not locate the source at this time.  Vitamin E should be taken in a dry form.  The dry form is much more stable. The following two doctors are recommended in Gary Null’s book Healing Your Body Naturally:  Alternative Treatments to Illness: Martin Feldman, M.D. 132 East 76th Street New York, NY 10021 212-744-4413 718-376-5032 John McDougall, M.D. Saint Helena Health Center P.O. Box 250 Deer Park, CA 94576 800-358-9195 800-862-7575 I would also recommend:  Robert Atkins, M.D.                                       152 East 55th Street                                        New York, NY 10022                                        212-758-2110 Of course, you may have to do some traveling but it may well be worth the trip and expense.  My mother has had very good results at the Atkins Clinic in NYC.  One suggestion is that you plan the trip in advance and use the time efficently.  You also do not have to stay in NYC since the hotels are very expensive; there are many in NJ and mass transit will take you into the city for the exams, tests, etc. You should also start to look at the various books in health food stores for other sources.  Please avoid the operation(s).  They seem to be endless once people start.  Allopathic medicine is a total failure when it comes to Crohn’s Disease. George  * Origin: Medical System Munich – me

Response:

Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, thanks, David Freedman

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, thanks, David Freedman

I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob  * Origin: Medical System

Response:

Anyone know any alternative therapies for Crohn’s patients?  My mom-in-law was just diagnosed and is having a terrible time with the cortizone treatment as well as the disease itself. Thanks!

Response:

Anyone know any alternative therapies for Crohn’s patients?  My mom-in-law was just diagnosed and is having a terrible time with the cortizone treatment as well as the disease itself. Thanks!

Hi Cassia, sorry to hear your mom-in-law is having such a difficult time. At http://www.worldprofit.com/health/mblpls2.htm you will find a link to a nutrition guide that has a list of products that may be helpful for use against Crohn’s.  None of the products listed are drugs.  I hope you find what will help. Tom

Response:

<< Anyone know any alternative therapies for Crohn’s patients?  My mom-in-law  was just diagnosed and is having a terrible time with the cortisone treatment as well as the disease itself. I have a file on leaky gut.  Will email if you like.      See ya!       ;  )    Dr. Lynn Kelly, Chiropractor, Philadelphia, PA                                Non-Force Chiropractic Techniques and Muscle Therapy      For health info visit me at: http://members.aol.com/STARCHIRO/STARCHIRO.html                                "DON’T LET YOUR SPINE GET ON YOUR NERVES!"

Response:

Any special diets that have worked for you?  I’m currently on Asacol and Prednisone.  Thanks! — Kathleen Crotty

Response:

K Any special diets that have worked for you?  I’m currently on K Asacol and Prednisone.  Thanks! Crohn’s disease can be developed by the accumulation of excessive Cold in the Large Intestine. I have met several C sufferers who were subsisting on frozen youghurt. Total abstinence is required in those cases, and the addition of garlic to the diet can do wonders. (Of course, this is just a <simple solution. To really interfere in your health you have to take <steroids). A word to the wise. – "I’ve dreamed the night green, with dazzled snows: and rising to kiss the sea’s eyes with all slowness." -AR

Response:

Excessive cold in the Large Intestine?? What are you ever talking about? jon

Response:

: — : Kathleen Crotty — Kathleen Crotty

Response:

– Kathleen Crotty

Response:

: : — : : Kathleen Crotty : — : Kathleen Crotty — Kathleen Crotty

Response:

I have used Evening Primrose oil and Kefir for IBS and colitis.  I take 2600mg of EPO everyday (2 big gelcaps).  It has made an enormous positive impact on my digestive tract.  Greatly reduced my inflammation in first 24 hours.  I cannot imagine living without it.

Response:

Hi Kevin! Take a look at this web site: http://www.usana.com/techservices/health_cond/crohns.html Regards, Ed Torres.

Response:

Hi.  I’m wondering if anyone knows of any good sites on Crohn’s disease and alternative treatments. Thanks Kevin

Response:

Don’t know of any sites, but here is a protocol I have…. Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, is characterized by painful ulcers that form in one or more sections, or all along the length of the gastrointestinal lining. When the ulcers heal, they leave thick scar tissue that narrows and hardens the tract and adversely affects elimination. Poor assimilation of nutrients is always involved; accompanying ulcerous bleeding often causes anemia. A strictly followed, highly nutritious, mild foods diet has proven to be an effective, non-toxic alternative to cortico-steroid drugs. Common causes: A diet with low fiber, excess refined sugar and acid-forming foods, leading to a severely inflamed colon which forms deep ulcers along the entire length of the digestive tract from rectum to mouth. Malnutrition is common in Crohn’s disease. Multiple food intolerances, particularly to wheat and dairy, emotional stress, zinc deficiency. Diet improvement is the key: 1. Start with an alkalizing liquid diet for 3 days: carrot and apple juice, grape juice, pineapple and green vegetable drinks. If you have a problem with your blood sugar level dropping, make a mixture of 1-1/2 cups of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1/3 to 1/2 cups of pure maple syrup, and 2 quarts of distilled water. This will bring your level back up. An average woman generally needs about 1/3 cup of the maple syrup, and a man 1/2 cup. Some people will need more. 2. Then add mild fruits and vegetables for a week: carrots, potatoes, yams, apples, papayas, bananas, etc. 3. Add steamed and raw vegetables, brans, cultured foods for 2 weeks: yogurt, kefir, miso, etc., fresh salads, broccoli, cabbage, oat bran, rice bran, etc. 4. Finally add rice, whole grains, wheat germ, tofu, fish and seafood for healing protein. 5. The continuing diet should be high in complex carbohydrates, fiber and fresh vegetables, and low in fats. (Avoid too much fiber during flare-ups.) Avoid nuts, seeds, and citrus while healing. (Except the lemons in the syrup and water if you need them.) Eliminate red and fatty meats, saturated fats (especially from dairy foods), and fried foods. Drink only bottled water–preferably distilled. Over treated tap water can wreak havoc on an inflamed bowel. Herbal Therapy: Note: Crohn’s disease sufferers can react to almost anything, no matter how mild or soothing. Start gently and slowly, noting your reactions carefully. Evening Primrose Oil caps–500mg twice daily. Mix 1 teaspoon bee pollen in a cup of chamomile tea. Take 2 times daily. Effective herbal anti-oxidants to scavenge free radicals involved in Crohn’s: Garlic caps–4 to 6 daily. Pau d’ arco Effective herbal flavonoids: Hawthorn extract Bilberry extract Rosehips Supplements: Use liquid or powdered supplements whenever possible for the least irritation, and preferably made from a natural source. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids. L-Glutamine 500mg-as effective as prednisone in controlling Crohn’s and GI integrity. Take daily for enzyme therapy: Quercetin with bromelain 750mg. Acidophilus 1/4 teaspoon 3 times a day, before meals. Bromelain 40mg or papaya enzymes after meals. Replace depleted nutrients: Zinc 15 to 30mg daily. Magnesium 200mg 3 times daily. B complex liquid with extra B-2, B-6, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin E 400IU daily twice daily. Avoid commercial antacids. They eventually make the inflammation worse by causing the stomach to produce more acids. Consciously work to reduce stress in your life. Acupuncture, yoga and meditation (or prayer) have all been successful with Crohn’s. Eat smaller meals more frequently. Apply hot, wet ginger compresses to stomach and lower back. Kay   —  kay http://www.herbcare.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi.  I’m wondering if anyone knows of any good sites on Crohn’s disease and alternative treatments. Thanks Kevin

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Indeed – try alt.support.crohns-colitis! The FAQs from same are as follows: Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-info-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1995/03/14 Version: 1.3 "Information Resources for alt.support.crohns-colitis newsgroup" ** AND ** Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1994/12/02 Version: 1.2 "Inflammatory Bowel Disease Frequently Asked Questions" ** AND ** "Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ" Where to get these FAQs: This FAQ is posted monthly to the alt.support.crohns-colitis, alt.answers, and news.answers newsgroups. It is also now archived at MIT and is available by anonymous ftp at rtfm.mit.edu and its mirrors (listed below).  The file is, unfortunately, not found in a consistent place.  It can be archived under the subject line of the post (Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease_FAQ_Vx.x) or under the archive name (crohn-colits-faq) note the misspelling.  Some sites use UNIX compress so there may be a trailing .Z as well and you’ll need a program to UN-compress it. There exists also an IBS FAQ which deals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which has symptoms that can be similar to those of UC or CD.  Neither FAQ is currently archived there and, as of this writing, the authors do not have plans to archive them there.  Both are posted to ascc monthly. For those with World Wide Web access, all three FAQs can also be found at http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/cduchome.html.  Kudos to Stuart Anderson for the HTML versions. — Copyright 1994 by Christopher Holmes —  * Origin: Medical System Munich – medsys.muc.

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, thanks, David Freedman

I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Indeed – try alt.support.crohns-colitis! The FAQs from same are as follows: Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-info-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1995/03/14 Version: 1.3 "Information Resources for alt.support.crohns-colitis newsgroup" ** AND ** Archive-name: medicine/crohns-colitis-faq Posting-frequency: every two weeks Last-modified: 1994/12/02 Version: 1.2 "Inflammatory Bowel Disease Frequently Asked Questions" ** AND ** "Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ" Where to get these FAQs: This FAQ is posted monthly to the alt.support.crohns-colitis, alt.answers, and news.answers newsgroups. It is also now archived at MIT and is available by anonymous ftp at rtfm.mit.edu and its mirrors (listed below).  The file is, unfortunately, not found in a consistent place.  It can be archived under the subject line of the post (Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease_FAQ_Vx.x) or under the archive name (crohn-colits-faq) note the misspelling.  Some sites use UNIX compress so there may be a trailing .Z as well and you’ll need a program to UN-compress it. There exists also an IBS FAQ which deals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which has symptoms that can be similar to those of UC or CD.  Neither FAQ is currently archived there and, as of this writing, the authors do not have plans to archive them there.  Both are posted to ascc monthly. For those with World Wide Web access, all three FAQs can also be found at http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/cduchome.html.  Kudos to Stuart Anderson for the HTML versions. — Copyright 1994 by Christopher Holmes —

Response:

Carlton Fredericks had written of the use of 16,000 IUs of vitamin E by Dr. Wilfred Shute in the book Carlton Fredericks’ Nutrition Guide for the Prevention & Cure of Common Ailments & Diseases.  I had also heard of the high amount being used by a doctor on Long Island, NY but can not locate the source at this time.  Vitamin E should be taken in a dry form.  The dry form is much more stable. The following two doctors are recommended in Gary Null’s book Healing Your Body Naturally:  Alternative Treatments to Illness: Martin Feldman, M.D. 132 East 76th Street New York, NY 10021 212-744-4413 718-376-5032 John McDougall, M.D. Saint Helena Health Center P.O. Box 250 Deer Park, CA 94576 800-358-9195 800-862-7575 I would also recommend:  Robert Atkins, M.D.                                       152 East 55th Street                                        New York, NY 10022                                        212-758-2110 Of course, you may have to do some traveling but it may well be worth the trip and expense.  My mother has had very good results at the Atkins Clinic in NYC.  One suggestion is that you plan the trip in advance and use the time efficently.  You also do not have to stay in NYC since the hotels are very expensive; there are many in NJ and mass transit will take you into the city for the exams, tests, etc. You should also start to look at the various books in health food stores for other sources.  Please avoid the operation(s).  They seem to be endless once people start.  Allopathic medicine is a total failure when it comes to Crohn’s Disease. George

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD?
Please e-mail me with any comments,
thanks,
David Freedman

I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob

Response:

Carlton Fredericks had written of the use of 16,000 IUs of vitamin E by Dr. Wilfred Shute in the book Carlton Fredericks’ Nutrition Guide for the Prevention & Cure of Common Ailments & Diseases.  I had also heard of the high amount being used by a doctor on Long Island, NY but can not locate the source at this time.  Vitamin E should be taken in a dry form.  The dry form is much more stable. The following two doctors are recommended in Gary Null’s book Healing Your Body Naturally:  Alternative Treatments to Illness: Martin Feldman, M.D. 132 East 76th Street New York, NY 10021 212-744-4413 718-376-5032 John McDougall, M.D. Saint Helena Health Center P.O. Box 250 Deer Park, CA 94576 800-358-9195 800-862-7575 I would also recommend:  Robert Atkins, M.D.                                       152 East 55th Street                                        New York, NY 10022                                        212-758-2110 Of course, you may have to do some traveling but it may well be worth the trip and expense.  My mother has had very good results at the Atkins Clinic in NYC.  One suggestion is that you plan the trip in advance and use the time efficently.  You also do not have to stay in NYC since the hotels are very expensive; there are many in NJ and mass transit will take you into the city for the exams, tests, etc. You should also start to look at the various books in health food stores for other sources.  Please avoid the operation(s).  They seem to be endless once people start.  Allopathic medicine is a total failure when it comes to Crohn’s Disease. George  * Origin: Medical System Munich – me

Response:

Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, thanks, David Freedman

Response:

writes: Does anyone have any advice / experiences re alternative therapies for CD? Please e-mail me with any comments, thanks, David Freedman

I believe that there is a Crohns Disease usenet conference where you might find your answer. – Rob  * Origin: Medical System

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Anyone know any alternative therapies for Crohn’s patients?  My mom-in-law was just diagnosed and is having a terrible time with the cortizone treatment as well as the disease itself. Thanks!

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Anyone know any alternative therapies for Crohn’s patients?  My mom-in-law was just diagnosed and is having a terrible time with the cortizone treatment as well as the disease itself. Thanks!

Hi Cassia, sorry to hear your mom-in-law is having such a difficult time. At http://www.worldprofit.com/health/mblpls2.htm you will find a link to a nutrition guide that has a list of products that may be helpful for use against Crohn’s.  None of the products listed are drugs.  I hope you find what will help. Tom

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<< Anyone know any alternative therapies for Crohn’s patients?  My mom-in-law  was just diagnosed and is having a terrible time with the cortisone treatment as well as the disease itself. I have a file on leaky gut.  Will email if you like.      See ya!       ;  )    Dr. Lynn Kelly, Chiropractor, Philadelphia, PA                                Non-Force Chiropractic Techniques and Muscle Therapy      For health info visit me at: http://members.aol.com/STARCHIRO/STARCHIRO.html                                "DON’T LET YOUR SPINE GET ON YOUR NERVES!"

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Any special diets that have worked for you?  I’m currently on Asacol and Prednisone.  Thanks! — Kathleen Crotty

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K Any special diets that have worked for you?  I’m currently on K Asacol and Prednisone.  Thanks! Crohn’s disease can be developed by the accumulation of excessive Cold in the Large Intestine. I have met several C sufferers who were subsisting on frozen youghurt. Total abstinence is required in those cases, and the addition of garlic to the diet can do wonders. (Of course, this is just a <simple solution. To really interfere in your health you have to take <steroids). A word to the wise. – "I’ve dreamed the night green, with dazzled snows: and rising to kiss the sea’s eyes with all slowness." -AR

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Excessive cold in the Large Intestine?? What are you ever talking about? jon

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: — : Kathleen Crotty — Kathleen Crotty

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– Kathleen Crotty

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: : — : : Kathleen Crotty : — : Kathleen Crotty — Kathleen Crotty

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This is timely for me as I’m receiving my 6th Remicade injection tomorrow…This news item talks of pharyngitis as a side effect. Just since my last injection I have had a nagging mild sore throat. Anyone else expereince that? -Steve Repeat Treatment With Infliximab Effective in Patients With Crohn’s Disease WESTPORT, Oct 19 (Reuters Health) – The monoclonal antibody directed against anti-tumor necrosis factor, infliximab, is safe and effective in repeated treatments for Crohn’s disease, according to a report published in the October issue of Gastroenterology. In an extension of a placebo-controlled multicenter study of infliximab in patients with Crohn’s Disease, Dr. Paul Rutgeerts of the University Hospital, in Leuven, Belgium, and colleagues, evaluated the safety and efficacy of repeated infusions of infliximab in patients who had not responded to conventional therapies and who had responded to an initial infusion of the drug. Of 73 patients with Crohn’s disease, 37 received up to four infliximab treatments, 10 mg/kg every 8 weeks. The placebo group comprised 36 patients. Four of the infliximab patients stopped treatment due to lack of efficacy, and six due to adverse events, including upper respiratory infection, nausea, bronchitis and pharyngitis. One case of lymphoma and one of suspected lupus were observed during the study. Clinical response to treatment was maintained in 62% of the infliximab group compared with 37% of the placebo group. At week 12, 37.8% of the treated patients were in remission, and this proportion rose to 60% during retreatment. Eight weeks after the last infusion, 52.9% of treated patients were still in remission. Serum concentrations of infliximab were maintained in the treatment group throughout the study, and most patients "…still had detectable concentrations of infliximab present 12 weeks after the final infusion." "[I]nfliximab ameliorates the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease in patients with moderate-to-severe, treatment-resistant disease activity," the researchers conclude. They added that "[r]etreatment with infliximab every 8 weeks was effective in sustaining the treatment benefit at levels associated with disease remission and was well-tolerated." Gastroenterology 1999;117:761-769. Before you buy.

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This is timely for me as I’m receiving my 6th Remicade injection tomorrow…

You’re lucky. In South Africa, 6 treatments would cost well over $20,000!!! Bryan

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The thiner people are in the advantage. The US price is about 550$ of 100 mg. The recommended dose of Infliximab is 5mg/ kg body weight. If I calculate for 75 kg average weight, US cost is only 13,200$. I not think, that the Remicade work for everybody. If this is the 6th infusion (injection ?), I worry, if they work properly for you. At the beginning this was advertising as a single infusion. Anecdote less: In which base work the medical insurance in South Africa ? Another way: in Slovak republic drug distributors often give the gratis pack of new drugs to doctors, therefore they help spread it. Try to find one well-know influential GI. Molnar

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In South Carolina the cost is a little over $5100.00 EWR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is timely for me as I’m receiving my 6th Remicade injection tomorrow… You’re lucky. In South Africa, 6 treatments would cost well over $20,000!!! Bryan

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24 x 100 mg Remicade ??? Molnar

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Please don’t get me wrong.  I was not attempting to insinuate that harm was being done, or that I knew it all.  Just get a little jumpy when people do "projects " like this.  As you say it almost always strikes men, but the only other Crohns sufferers that I know personally are women.  So as anecdotal evidence I would jump to the conclusion that women are affected more.  Just some food for thought. Regards, Connie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is a genetic component to these diseases, so questions about other genetic features (hair, skin, etc) are not nessesarily out of line. Neither is sex (AS for example almost always strikes men–my wife being an exception).  Unprofessional?  Perhaps.  But she said she is a student, someone learning the ropes, not someone pretending to know it all. No harm done. Best Wishes To All, CAD Sara, I don’t mean to be stuffy or paranoid or both, but we have no credentials regarding your capabilities for doing this research.  I am a Project Evaluation Specialist for the company I work for and set protocols and direct wearer trials for our particular product which happens to be spectacle lenses. The way you are conducting this research and the questions you are asking are highly unprofessional and frankly I question the nature of your inquiry. Regards, Connie Are you a Crohn’s sufferer? I am a student conducting research into the significance of diet and its causes/effects on Crohn’s disease.  I am looking for volunteers to participate in an interview.  The data will be collated and used as part of a project.  The research data will be deleted after the test and complete confidentiality will be observed.   Any help would be greatly appreciated by completing the following questions as fully as possible and returning to the following address.  Thank you for your help. Kind regards,       Sara. Age?                                  Gender? When did you first notice symptoms that something might be wrong? What were they? When were you first diagnosed? What prompted you to seek medical advice? Do you have any food intolerance e.g. Lactose, wheat? Do you smoke? Do you get any other symptoms e.g. Indigestion? Are there any other blood relatives in your family with Crohn’s or any other related disorders? How aware of this condition were you before diagnosed with Crohn’s? Do you have red, brunette or fair hair? What colour eyes do you have e.g. blue, brown? What is your skin colour e.g. fair, medium, dark? Have you had the MMR vaccine or the Rubella injection prior to any symptoms of Crohn’s disease? Are there any other questions that you think should be asked that might be relevant to this interview?

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Sara, Do you get any other symptoms e.g. Indigestion?

I omitted some things which may be related. When not taking Prednisone, I get symptoms similar to dandruff and athlete’s foot.  My PCP stated that the condition is not caused by a fungus and is common in CD patients.  He treats the condition with antifungal shampoo for my head and antifungal cream for my feet. These medicines control the condition, but without treatment, the symptoms always reoccur. I don’t remember the name, but it’s (I believe) a type of Psoriasis. Be seeing you, — Jim Batka

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There is a genetic component to these diseases, so questions about other genetic features (hair, skin, etc) are not nessesarily out of line.  Neither is sex (AS for example almost always strikes men–my wife being an exception).  Unprofessional?  Perhaps.  But she said she is a student, someone learning the ropes, not someone pretending to know it all. No harm done. Best Wishes To All, CAD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sara, I don’t mean to be stuffy or paranoid or both, but we have no credentials regarding your capabilities for doing this research.  I am a Project Evaluation Specialist for the company I work for and set protocols and direct wearer trials for our particular product which happens to be spectacle lenses. The way you are conducting this research and the questions you are asking are highly unprofessional and frankly I question the nature of your inquiry. Regards, Connie Are you a Crohn’s sufferer? I am a student conducting research into the significance of diet and its causes/effects on Crohn’s disease.  I am looking for volunteers to participate in an interview.  The data will be collated and used as part of a project.  The research data will be deleted after the test and complete confidentiality will be observed.   Any help would be greatly appreciated by completing the following questions as fully as possible and returning to the following address.  Thank you for your help. Kind regards,       Sara. Age?                                  Gender? When did you first notice symptoms that something might be wrong? What were they? When were you first diagnosed? What prompted you to seek medical advice? Do you have any food intolerance e.g. Lactose, wheat? Do you smoke? Do you get any other symptoms e.g. Indigestion? Are there any other blood relatives in your family with Crohn’s or any other related disorders? How aware of this condition were you before diagnosed with Crohn’s? Do you have red, brunette or fair hair? What colour eyes do you have e.g. blue, brown? What is your skin colour e.g. fair, medium, dark? Have you had the MMR vaccine or the Rubella injection prior to any symptoms of Crohn’s disease? Are there any other questions that you think should be asked that might be relevant to this interview?

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Sara, I don’t mean to be stuffy or paranoid or both, but we have no credentials regarding your capabilities for doing this research.  I am a Project Evaluation Specialist for the company I work for and set protocols and direct wearer trials for our particular product which happens to be spectacle lenses.   The way you are conducting this research and the questions you are asking are highly unprofessional and frankly I question the nature of your inquiry. Regards, Connie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are you a Crohn’s sufferer? I am a student conducting research into the significance of diet and its causes/effects on Crohn’s disease.  I am looking for volunteers to participate in an interview.  The data will be collated and used as part of a project.  The research data will be deleted after the test and complete confidentiality will be observed.   Any help would be greatly appreciated by completing the following questions as fully as possible and returning to the following address.  Thank you for your help. Kind regards,    Sara. Age?                                       Gender? When did you first notice symptoms that something might be wrong? What were they? When were you first diagnosed? What prompted you to seek medical advice? Do you have any food intolerance e.g. Lactose, wheat? Do you smoke? Do you get any other symptoms e.g. Indigestion? Are there any other blood relatives in your family with Crohn’s or any other related disorders? How aware of this condition were you before diagnosed with Crohn’s? Do you have red, brunette or fair hair? What colour eyes do you have e.g. blue, brown? What is your skin colour e.g. fair, medium, dark? Have you had the MMR vaccine or the Rubella injection prior to any symptoms of Crohn’s disease? Are there any other questions that you think should be asked that might be relevant to this interview?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are you a Crohn’s sufferer? I am a student conducting research into the significance of diet and its causes/effects on Crohn’s disease.  I am looking for volunteers to participate in an interview.  The data will be collated and used as part of a project.  The research data will be deleted after the test and complete confidentiality will be observed.   Any help would be greatly appreciated by completing the following questions as fully as possible and returning to the following address.  Thank you for your help. Kind regards,         Sara. Age?

33  Gender?

Male When did you first notice symptoms that something might be wrong? What were they?

1985 (I was 19) Occasional unexplained diarrhea, foul smelling loose stool. When were you first diagnosed?

1990 What prompted you to seek medical advice?

Severe anemia Do you have any food intolerance e.g. Lactose, wheat?

None Do you smoke?

No, I’ve never smoked. Do you get any other symptoms e.g. Indigestion?

Cramping, Diarrhea, Night sweats, Occasionally black tarry or bloody stools, Fatigue (difficult to determine whether this is from anemia or     CD) Occasional indigestion (difficult to determine whether this is     from Prednisone, Questran, or other factor) Are there any other blood relatives in your family with Crohn’s or any other related disorders?

Mother – Sarcadosis How aware of this condition were you before diagnosed with Crohn’s?

Mildly.  A co-worker’s sister had Crohn’s, and my co-worker described the condition to me about 6 months prior to my diagnosis. Do you have red, brunette or fair hair?

I was a natural blond when diagnosed, over the years my hair has darkened and now I have light brown hair. What colour eyes do you have e.g. blue, brown?

Blue What is your skin colour e.g. fair, medium, dark?

Fair Have you had the MMR vaccine or the Rubella injection prior to any symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

I’m not sure about the MMR vaccine, but I have had Mumps & Measles.  I’m fairly certain I’ve had the Rubella vaccine but I’m not certain whether it was prior to the symptoms. Are there any other questions that you think should be asked that might be relevant to this interview?

If your research study concerns the effects of diet on CD / UC, then I’d expect some questions regarding diet.  e.g. Do any foods seem to induce or exacerbate the symptoms of your Crohn’s disease? If so which foods and what conditions? Yes Food                        Symptom Popcorn                   Black tarry or bloody stools & diarrhea Nuts                         Black tarry or bloody stools & diarrhea Jalepeno Peppers      Black tarry or bloody stools & diarrhea Do to the recent research implicating milk in CD, you might ask some questions along these lines: How would you characterize your consumption of milk prior to the manifestation of your symptoms? 0    None 1    Little (<= 8 oz [1 glass] / day) 2    Moderate ( 8 oz [1 glass] / day & < 24 oz [3 glasses] / day) 3    Heavy (= 24 oz [3 glasses] / day) A: 3, heavy

You need to change your "Reply-to:" to include the _nospam or your countermeasures won’t help.  Often the spammers use a program that strips that information directly out of the email header information. Good Luck, — Jim Batka

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Are you a Crohn’s sufferer? I am a student conducting research into the significance of diet and its causes/effects on Crohn’s disease.  I am looking for volunteers to participate in an interview.  The data will be collated and used as part of a project.  The research data will be deleted after the test and complete confidentiality will be observed.   Any help would be greatly appreciated by completing the following questions as fully as possible and returning to the following address.  Thank you for your help. Kind regards,         Sara. Age?                                    Gender? When did you first notice symptoms that something might be wrong? What were they? When were you first diagnosed? What prompted you to seek medical advice? Do you have any food intolerance e.g. Lactose, wheat? Do you smoke? Do you get any other symptoms e.g. Indigestion? Are there any other blood relatives in your family with Crohn’s or any other related disorders? How aware of this condition were you before diagnosed with Crohn’s? Do you have red, brunette or fair hair? What colour eyes do you have e.g. blue, brown? What is your skin colour e.g. fair, medium, dark? Have you had the MMR vaccine or the Rubella injection prior to any symptoms of Crohn’s disease? Are there any other questions that you think should be asked that might be relevant to this interview?

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WELL SAID MARTY!!!  Remember the Zapper??? Paula

Sure, I remember it.  Wasn’t that the "cattle prod instrument" you condemned me for using on my "child?"  Fact is, he uses it without needing any encouragement from me, and I would be loathe to quote what he said about your remarks.   It’s rid him of thousands upon thousands of parasites, and who knows how big a part it’s had in his complete remission?   Jan…  

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Hey!  I resent that…if I knew what you meant by that. — DAWN/Bonnie

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" I’m trying not to be too negative, but I find your post incredibly frustrating. " I’m with you Marty.  I much prefer the scam artists who are honest and outright beg for money. " If, on the other hand, you haven’t found the cure,… " If you are a betting man…put your money on ‘no cure, all scam’. " There are now several studies documenting improved outcomes with intensive prayer. " This I’d love to read…can you get me copies of the articles?  Sounds like some great reading, but then again, I am Christian. One more question Marty…when we gonna do lunch? (You’re buying, I’m broke..LOL.) — MrsRat Admin XWorld IRC NetWork http://sefl.satelnet.org/~brats/

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Right-on….i’m a user of supplements and like you i have done fantastic on them so far!!  4 years and still holdin strong!! but easy on the medical commuinity…Everything i take was researched by the medical commuinity!!plus i just finished gettin reminded how narrow minded i was by just thinkin of just canada and the states…The net is the world!!

Hi Ken: Why don’t you post what you do here or on a Web site for us to see?  Hey, every bit helps. — Jason Smith Coping with IBD? Me too! – check out http://www.passport.ca/~pax

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My name is Bonnie Zeman from Wisconsin.  I have had Crohn’s Disease for 14 years. . . when I began supplementation program, I got completely well.  I have no symptoms of Crohn’s Disease at all.  I have high energy levels everyday and never experience any cramping or diarrhea. I now teach and train many others to do the same thing.  I have a toll-free number that you can call and find out more about this.  Yes there are diet changes.  But you have a nutritional disease and the medical community does not have the answers for this breakdown of the immune system. Bonnie.    I’m trying not to be too negative, but I find your post incredibly frustrating.  If you really have found the cure for a chronic disease then why in the world don’t you compile and publish your results? If your results are even half as good as you claim, you’re talking a lead article in the New England Journal of Medicine.  I mean, for someone to have the cure for this disease and not share it would just be unspeakably selfish.    If, on the other hand, you haven’t found the cure, and are just playing on the desparation and gullibility of those suffering from the disease, then that’s also deplorable.    As an aside, I find it frustrating that people talk about different standards of proof for alternative remedies.  An intervention – be it pharmacologic, nutritional, dietary, herbal or spiritual – either has measurable efficacy or it doesn’t. If any intervention is effective, both its effectiveness and its side effects should be quantified so that patients (and their docs) can make an informed decision.    As a further aside, conventional medicine is not averse to using effective herbal or nutritional interventions if they’re effective.  There are now several studies documenting improved outcomes with intensive prayer.  In the last couple years major medical journals have published studies on the use of herbal remedies in prostate cancer, and on the use of shark cartilage and hydrazine sulfate in cancers – although these remedies did not prove effective.                                                            MartyBL

WELL SAID MARTY!!!  Remember the Zapper??? Paula

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You’ll get better reach if you create a Web site that discloses your treatment approach, and make reference to it in the newsgroup. How many other people have been "cured" this way? — Jason Smith Coping with IBD? Me too! – check out http://www.passport.ca/~pax —– Posted via Deja.com, The People-Powered Information Exchange —–

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Hi, My name is Bonnie Zeman from Wisconsin.  I have had Crohn’s Disease for 14 years.  I have been diagnosed at 2 major medical facilities, one of which was a very prestigious University.  I always had some inflammation no matter how much prednisone and sulfa drugs I was on.  With diet changes I could achive a little bit more of wellness, but when I began supplementation program, I got completely well.  I have no symptoms of Crohn’s Disease at all.  I have high energy levels everyday and never experience any cramping or diarrhea.   I now teach and train many others to do the same thing.  I have a toll-free number that you can call and find out more about this.  Yes there are diet changes.  But you have a nutritional disease and the medical community does not have the answers for this breakdown of the immune system. My toll-free number is 1-888-761-7903. Bonnie Zeman

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Its always the ‘bonnies’ isnt it… Andy

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My name is Bonnie Zeman from Wisconsin.  I have had Crohn’s Disease for 14 years. . . when I began supplementation program, I got completely well.  I have no symptoms of Crohn’s Disease at all.  I have high energy levels everyday and never experience any cramping or diarrhea. I now teach and train many others to do the same thing.  I have a toll-free number that you can call and find out more about this.  Yes there are diet changes.  But you have a nutritional disease and the medical community does not have the answers for this breakdown of the immune system.

Bonnie.     I’m trying not to be too negative, but I find your post incredibly frustrating.  If you really have found the cure for a chronic disease then why in the world don’t you compile and publish your results? If your results are even half as good as you claim, you’re talking a lead article in the New England Journal of Medicine.  I mean, for someone to have the cure for this disease and not share it would just be unspeakably selfish.     If, on the other hand, you haven’t found the cure, and are just playing on the desparation and gullibility of those suffering from the disease, then that’s also deplorable.     As an aside, I find it frustrating that people talk about different standards of proof for alternative remedies.  An intervention – be it pharmacologic, nutritional, dietary, herbal or spiritual – either has measurable efficacy or it doesn’t. If any intervention is effective, both its effectiveness and its side effects should be quantified so that patients (and their docs) can make an informed decision.     As a further aside, conventional medicine is not averse to using effective herbal or nutritional interventions if they’re effective.  There are now several studies documenting improved outcomes with intensive prayer.  In the last couple years major medical journals have published studies on the use of herbal remedies in prostate cancer, and on the use of shark cartilage and hydrazine sulfate in cancers – although these remedies did not prove effective.                                                             MartyBL

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Right-on….i’m a user of supplements and like you i have done fantastic on them so far!!  4 years and still holdin strong!! but easy on the medical commuinity…Everything i take was researched by the medical commuinity!!plus i just finished gettin reminded how narrow minded i was by just thinkin of just canada and the states…The net is the world!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, My name is Bonnie Zeman from Wisconsin.  I have had Crohn’s Disease for 14 years.  I have been diagnosed at 2 major medical facilities, one of which was a very prestigious University.  I always had some inflammation no matter how much prednisone and sulfa drugs I was on.  With diet changes I could achive a little bit more of wellness, but when I began supplementation program, I got completely well.  I have no symptoms of Crohn’s Disease at all.  I have high energy levels everyday and never experience any cramping or diarrhea. I now teach and train many others to do the same thing.  I have a toll-free number that you can call and find out more about this.  Yes there are diet changes.  But you have a nutritional disease and the medical community does not have the answers for this breakdown of the immune system. My toll-free number is 1-888-761-7903. Bonnie Zeman

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Question:

I am currently taking Prozac, and have taken nortriptyline (Pamelor) in the past. I also have a pretty good general knowledge of antidepressents from my time as a mental health case manager. Remeron must be very new, or at least, since I retired in Sept 1997, but I am assuming that it is a new SSRI type. Although, to be honest, there really isn’t that much difference in potential side effects and drug interactions between the SSRI’s and the tricyclics except that the SSRI’s are less likely to cause problems. As far as I can tell, there are no known interaction problems with prednisone, Asacol or Imuran and the SSRI’s and tricyclics. I have taken prednisone and Asacol and 6MP while on them without any problems. The closest thing I think you could see is a slight change in bladder habbits — prednisone makes you retain water, and the antidepressents tend to cause bladder hesitation and retention and a tendency to "dribble" as one of my clients used to describe it. You know, you think you’re through, and here comes another few drops. But that is only a potential problem, and one that you may not see. Good luck! Oh, and be aware that antidepressants can cause some GI problems such as gas, cramping, nausea & vomitting, heartburn and diarrhea. If you start to see these problems, contact your doctor — the chances are that switching to another drug will take care of the problem. Love, Steve http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Falls/3298 http://www.digdat.com/~psyche0/index.html

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i have been on anti-depressants for years.  i don’t think i could survive this disease without them.  it did take a while of trial and error to find the one best suited for me though.  keep trying if you find that this one doesn’t work or there are side effects that you can’t handle.  good luck caryn

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Hey Steve, I’ve only just started taking Prozac along side my Pentasa, must say I feel like a new woman!  Mind you so does my husband, I’m too active for him now, he wants me to stay at home locked up LOL!  Can’t win, when I’m miserable he seems happy, when I’m happy he seems miserable! <g I have noticed that sometimes when I’m sitting still I get a slightly dizzy sensation.  Nothing major.  See this noted on message boards around, but maybe it’s just the pentasa, or too much inane smiling! ))))))) Mandy.

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Congratulations: I’s sure it’s great to feel human again. BTW—How do I get my wife a Rx for the meds….just kidding, but glad you are feeling better. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Steve, I’ve only just started taking Prozac along side my Pentasa, must say I feel like a new woman!  Mind you so does my husband, I’m too active for him now, he wants me to stay at home locked up LOL!  Can’t win, when I’m miserable he seems happy, when I’m happy he seems miserable! <g I have noticed that sometimes when I’m sitting still I get a slightly dizzy sensation.  Nothing major.  See this noted on message boards around, but maybe it’s just the pentasa, or too much inane smiling! ))))))) Mandy.

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I take 20 mg. Prozac a day and its done wonders for me. I think depression goes hand in hand with a cronic illness. I just wish my doc would be more lenient with pain meds. Oh well. Mark

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Does anyone know about drug interactions between an antidepressant called Remeron and Imuran, prednisone, or Asacol?  Are any others out there taking antidepressants?  Judging by the general tone of the postings here, it seems like a lot of you could use some. I never saw a psychiatrist until yesterday, but the stress of insurance crises, ongoing flares and surgeries, medical school, a research job, family issues, etc. compounded by the moodiness I get with prednisone finally broke me down enough to look for help.  Actually it was mostly my wife who helped me make that decision because she’s the one who has to put up with me. My shrink said I have some classic low serotonin symptoms, especially sleeplessness.  She also said there is at least anecdotal evidence that antidepressant therapy helps alleviate symptoms of Crohn’s Disease. If my GI gives the OK, I will start this new medication on Friday.  I’ll let you all know how it goes, and hopefully some others can get help. Tim

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