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Interesting study at UMass, shows SCD works

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Crohn's Disease
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DaveF
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Joined : Jan 2010
Posts : 1122
Posted 1/14/2012 9:58 AM (GMT -6)
 

Being 100% honest and not being sensitive to others feeling, I believe that this diet can help everyone. If the above makes anyone upset, I apologize. I do not want to make folks upset, that is true also.

Some do SCD low carb, others vegatarian, others dairy free. They do it cause that's how their body works, or for religious reasons. But at the end of the day we all eat and it is my belief eliminating 100% of all food coloring, preservatives, processed foods, HFCS, flour, and all that other bad stuff and replacing it with broths, veg, fruit and other good stuff has to be better for you. 

My doc says "If everyone ate SCD, docs would be out of business" and that is my honest belief.
I think those that the diet "does not work" are eating illegals (they may not
know it) or they have not figured out the tweaks they need for them. Doing SCD is not easy, but being sick is harder.

BTW - I am in San Jose Ca, right now. Yesterday I did a ride on a rental bicycle
that included one climb that was almost 1/2 mile of elevation. That is sort of
like using the bike to climb up a 200 story building. Like I could do that
without SCD...sure.

I have never gone on a rant about this before, and I never will again. Sorry again if I have made anyone mad, but someone how I needed to get this off my chest

Be well

Dave

http://crohnsdad.wordpress.com/author/crohnsdad/

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Jonny Five
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2009
Posts : 107
Posted 1/14/2012 10:51 AM (GMT -6)
It is interesting. Note that they followed a modified version of the SCD diet called IBD-AID (The Anti-Infammatory Diet for IBD). Also note that the study was quite small, involving only 11 patients - all 11 reported improvement.
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Roni
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Joined : May 2003
Posts : 2481
Posted 1/14/2012 12:32 PM (GMT -6)
The blog writer states it has a 100% success rate—but it doesn't.

The study said that the 11 patients or 100% had "reduced symptoms", not remission, and they all continued with various medical medications.

You can find the study results here:
escholarship.umassmed.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=cts_retreat

Thanks for sharing, Dave! I personally love to hear success stories with diet. I posted the link from the blog to the actual study because I feel it's important for us CDers to have all the facts and weigh carefully the evidence.
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DaveF
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Posts : 1122
Posted 1/14/2012 2:27 PM (GMT -6)
cool Roni
And as much as I am a diet believer, I still take my meds and intend to for a very long time. I think diet can control symptons, create healing and give my life back. I do not think diet cures. That is my opinion at this time.
Dave
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ivy6
Elite Member
Joined : Sep 2005
Posts : 10404
Posted 1/14/2012 4:24 PM (GMT -6)
When I hear results like these, I am always curious about what the study participants were eating before starting the special diet. Because if they were living on a diet of soft drink and McDonalds, almost any diet that involves more fresh and natural food would probably improve their symptoms!

It is promising, though. It's nice to know that studies are being done on diet, as well as drugs.

Ivy
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BeeSting
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2008
Posts : 392
Posted 1/14/2012 4:27 PM (GMT -6)
I agree with Dave, and one more thing, a diet like the SCD or the anti inflammatory diet could be a great help and may never hurt anyone. I changed my diet recently and I am gluten free, this time with much better results than for a year ago when I did it. I guess the reason is that I have prepared myself much better and done my homework.

A gluten free diet is not avoiding sugars, starches and dairy, as do the SCD, but I do so great after I started taking the diet seriously and avoided to go Gluten lite.

It's not easy to change a diet and make a new life style, it takes quite a bit of new learning, and new research.

Sometimes it's better to gradually learn something new, and I have learned by going gluten light in the beginning that it helped me, yes, but not enough. Now that I am eating only gluten free foods I am much better. It's been a few months only. I now have firm stool and my D is gone. I have no other symptoms either.

I think it's important to use Crohns medicines while on any diet that is promising to reduce inflamed guts.
Bee
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ivy6
Elite Member
Joined : Sep 2005
Posts : 10404
Posted 1/14/2012 4:33 PM (GMT -6)
Beesting, I love your sig! And so true :-)
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notsosicklygirl
Forum Moderator
Joined : Dec 2008
Posts : 17854
Posted 1/14/2012 5:33 PM (GMT -6)
I did SCD for 4 months and I didn't see even a slight improvement of my condition. I believe it helps some and not others. Did these people in the study have a mild case or a moderate/severe case? I haven't seen too many people with moderate+ symptoms get into remission with diet. I can't think of a single one. The ones who I know who say they did are also on Rx medication. It's hard to prove it is the diet and not the medication in my opinion.
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DaveF
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Posts : 1122
Posted 1/14/2012 7:37 PM (GMT -6)
I did SCD for 8 months before I got results. I was taking an illegal melatonin that I quite and I also went low carb. I introduced bone broths and I went back to the into diet. I realized that I had to make tweaks for my body for it to work. I was sick for years and I did not expect (although I wanted) to be healed in weeks. If I quite after 4 months I would still be sick.
I know you do not agree and please do not be upset, but I believe 100% that eating garbage makes us sicker than if we eat 100% healthy. And honestly it is so clear to me, that I con not understand at any level how you could argue. Since geting my Dx I have read tens of books and many articles and research papers.
You say you did SCD. Doing SCD you have to be fanatically compliant. I wonder if you were taking some illegal that you did not know. about. I know I was taking illegals duing my first 8 months.

One more thing, I started diet as soon as I was diagnosed. I asked my doc on a scale out of 10 how bad was my CD. I had a 6 out of 10. I had ulcers throught my small bowel and I was sick month after month.

Good health to all. You have to take control of your health. No one else will. Don't give up.

Hope to run into you on the top of the mountain where I was this afternoon.


Good bye
Dave
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TakillRa
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2010
Posts : 489
Posted 1/14/2012 9:17 PM (GMT -6)
That's great that it works for you, but it does not work for everyone!  Made me sicker. So i wish you nothing but the best, and if it works..keep it up.
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Roni
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Joined : May 2003
Posts : 2481
Posted 1/14/2012 9:21 PM (GMT -6)
Dave, nososicklygirl said she's only sharing her opinions.

When doing SCD, some ppl see results sooner than others. I've heard of people doing it for months and months before seeing results, others see results within days/weeks, some say it didn't help enough after the length of time they tried it, so they gave it up. Things aren't going to turn out the same for everyone, and we just have to allow people to make up their own minds about it.

Peace.
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notsosicklygirl
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Joined : Dec 2008
Posts : 17854
Posted 1/14/2012 9:47 PM (GMT -6)
I always post about alternatives in medical and lifestyle approaches. As I said, I think it is helpful for some people. I definitely don't believe it will help everyone. I eat very healthy, I just don't eat SCD. When I was first diagnosed, I was more abt to try alternatives, I guess I was beat down so many times, I am now less hopeful about those methods working. I still encourage others to try whatever they feel will help them. Better to try than to wornder if it would help you. I am openminded, I would go into a clinical trial or try seeing an integrative doctor in a heartbeat, I don't have a lot of faith in the fact that diet would change my particular case. I've had some luck with 6mp which I hate taking but it's better than being sick.

Do you find that Amitriptyline helps with bowel issues at all?

One thing I would like to add is that not all moderators are the same, we are all different people from different walks, ages, backgrounds, beliefs... I am a UC co-moderator, I pop in here once in a while and I saw info about SCD which I am quite familiar with. I am a master of making yogurt in fact. I am the person who constantly tells members about alternative therapies that are available. I updated the UC resources thread to include a detailed list of treatments that includes alternative and mainstream with links to information about these treatments. I keep a list of RX available through PAP programs for the uninsured folks and I update it often. I hate that you lump all moderators together. We are not all RX pushers. We are normal people with different experiences and opinions.

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vixen
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Posts : 794
Posted 1/15/2012 3:49 AM (GMT -6)
 

I am always interested when people talk about 'alternative' or 'self help'

When people's  bodies have spent many years getting into the state they are in it is only reasonable that

it will take some time to 'fix' them.

There are so many success stories either by taking this supplement or that one, or by doing this diet or eliminating a certain food etc etc.

But, it someone has tried self help/alternative and it hasn't worked for them, more often than not whatever they tried is 'rubbished' Have seen it time and time again.

However if someone is put onto prescribed medication and it doesn't work, that drug isn't rubbished it is usually just written off as not strong enough/not the right one for that person.

What people should accept is that however you choose to control your illness,  what works for one will not absolutely work for another there has to be some trial and error, after all each and everyone is unique.

I have looked at various diets and omg they look so hard and I take my hat off to anyone that follows them, I don't think it is an easy choice by any means(much less effort to pop a few pills) and by that I am not knocking anyone that takes prescriptive drugs. I would put myself whole heartedly into the category of pill popping, but by that I choose vitamins/supplements etc rather than put the time and effort into a whole diet change which imho would be preferable.

Right I will get off my soap box :D

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ambling
Veteran Member
Joined : Feb 2011
Posts : 1075
Posted 1/15/2012 5:09 AM (GMT -6)
I really think there are some people being diagnosed with I.B.D who actually have severe food intolerances.
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jujub
Elite Member
Joined : Mar 2003
Posts : 10422
Posted 1/15/2012 10:33 AM (GMT -6)
Dave, why on earth would you believe you're entitled to post your opinions (even if they hurt other people's feelings), yet NSS isn't? Is it because she's a moderator? Are mods not allowed to share personal experiences and opinions now? Or is it simply because she didn't entirely agree with your point of view? If so, that seems a bit hypocritical. Check your motivation, my friend.

As for diets, I know they do help a lot of people. Others not at all. In my initial six-year flare I tried them all. Believe me, when I was in the bathroom every hour day and night I followed every diet I tried religiously for at least four months. I would have done anything to get better, and in fact was seriously considering surgery.

So it didn't work for me, yet I don't question that it's working for you. I respect your experience and opinion, I just wish you could show others on the forum the same respect. Think about it.
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pmedic
Veteran Member
Joined : Nov 2009
Posts : 1698
Posted 1/15/2012 10:53 AM (GMT -6)
dfDavedf- please don't leave this site! Your expertise on SCD is invaluable to members needing advice on this subject! I don't know how many times I had a question about SCD and came to you for advice! I am a firm believer that organic foods, natural supplements and mesalamines along with diet (SCD, Paleo, Low carb) to maintain my semi- remission the DD. Although I am not dedicated to follow SCD as I should, I have taken enough from it that I am usually able to pull myself out of a flare and avoid Prednisone, which is now poison to me due to being diagnosed with AVN.
I just want to throw out a big thank you for sharing your knowledge to all those that want to try SCD!
Stay with us please!

Debb
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DaveF
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Joined : Jan 2010
Posts : 1122
Posted 1/15/2012 12:51 PM (GMT -6)
I will explain my position once. I am not going to get into a fight with anyone.

"I did SCD for 4 months and I didn't see even a slight improvement of my condition. I believe it helps some and not others. " You quite after 4 months. I kept at it for 8 before I figured it out. And, you did not provide any alternatives. Newbies take away is, there are none. If you said, SCD is not for me, but Fodmap makes sense, or some alternative, then there is action and hope.

"Did these people in the study have a mild case or a moderate/severe case? I haven't seen too many people with moderate+ symptoms get into remission with diet. I can't think of a single one. " FIrst sentence is what I would expect from a doc with no training in how food impacts health. There is always an excuse not to do something and your response is one I have heard over and over again from docs and folks who are not willing to do what it takes to get healthy. There are tons of studies corelating what we eat with health. Then you add that you do not know anyone who has healled this way. Again, no hope, nothing to do, poor us, and oh by the way the only way you can not know anyone is if you have done no research.

"The ones who I know who say they did are also on Rx medication. It's hard to prove it is the diet and not the medication in my opinion." No one said anything about drugs. This is just more fear uncerntainty and doubt that you throw out there. Your "opinion" is just that and opinion. There are tons of studies where two groups of people were on simlilar meds and one arte healthy and the other did not, and the ones eating healthy had better health than those eating poorly. All you have to do is look


The ony way to interpret your post is. Diet did not work, I am a mod and I do not know of one person where it has worked, There is no eveidence it works and even if you can found someone, it probabbly was the drugs. SO we are doomed , poor us, lets all sit around and feel sorry for ourselves.

It is my 100% opinion that posts like yours are posion to people that are trying to figure it out. My position is not an opinion. I base all my decisions on medical research. What we eat impacts our health. Saying I know no one that it has helped and it might have been the drugs, is your experience and opinion (it might have been the drugs) and I would expect more from mods, I would expect other mods or peter to correct a mod who puts a post like this.

When I was first Dxed this site gave me info and support. It was someone here how told me diet impacts. After 8 months of still being sick but on SCD, it was someone here (Sniper and Holly) who encouraged me and gave me advice that turned my life around. So I feel I owe back. But I am not going to waste my time arguing with mods about diet.

Judy2 I am not posting an opinion I am posting fact. Diet impacts health and more importantly the health of folks with CD. I have never said SCD is the way. I always recognize that there is not one answer. If you have ever read my posts I always encourage to look at FodMap,Gap, Low Carb and all the others. I am not a SCD bigot, But to say "eliminating 100% of all food coloring, preservatives, processed foods, HFCS, flour, and all that other bad stuff and replacing it with broths, veg, fruit and other good stuff has to be better for you." is an opinion again is just silly and can not be supported by any research any where in the world.

But again, no one corrected you. So the position of this board is what I said is an opinion. And the opinion that there there is nothing we can do is equally as valid.

Nebies, do not believe these silly people. You can do something. You are not doomed. No I do not have the answer as there is not a single one for everyone. However, if you keep reading, and trying you will improve. This is a fact not an opinion. Do not let people who spread negativity get in your way. Go with the medical research. What we eat impacts our health. As I said in my first post "eliminating 100% of all food coloring, preservatives, processed foods, HFCS, flour, and all that other bad stuff and replacing it with broths, veg, fruit and other good stuff has to be better for you." The facts supported by reseach is, if you did what I said you would be healthier than you are now. This may provide healing or you might have to more. It took a lot of time for me to figure out what else I had to do, but with the support of positive people, who actually pointed me to medical research, I continue to make progress.

Debb - Thanks for you good thoughts. I really am not sure what I am going to do next. You can always email me. I am pleased to have open conversations where we are sharing positve and negative experiences as we progress on the journey to optimize our health.
Dave
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JavaJay
Regular Member
Joined : Mar 2009
Posts : 452
Posted 1/15/2012 1:01 PM (GMT -6)
Dave,

I noticed that you said you were taking illegal melatonin. Did you ever stop and think that maybe that was the cause of some of your problems and by going off of it actually helped you and not the diet.

Just a thought
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DaveF
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2010
Posts : 1122
Posted 1/15/2012 1:07 PM (GMT -6)
Java - fodd is either legal or illegal on SCD. You would not know that unless you read SCD stuff. So the melatonin I took was from a top end supplimnet manufacturer, but it is "illegalL in SCD speak.

But are you still thinking that what I said which was "eliminating 100% of all food coloring, preservatives, processed foods, HFCS, flour, and all that other bad stuff and replacing it with broths, veg, fruit and other good stuff has to be better for you." is not fact?
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notsosicklygirl
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Joined : Dec 2008
Posts : 17854
Posted 1/15/2012 1:19 PM (GMT -6)
One study of 11 people is not fact.

I don't eat processed foods, nor do I eat corn syrups or preservatives. I eat very healthy for the most part. I find it insulting that you assume that I am a lazy person with poor eating habits. I have tried other diets such as low residue, raw eating, vegetarian... I have had the most luck with medication.

Your attitude is insulting, disrespectful and narrowminded.
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DaveF
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Joined : Jan 2010
Posts : 1122
Posted 1/15/2012 1:22 PM (GMT -6)
You are unhappy and so am I.
We, both you and I, do come here for that.
I may return or not, but I will not contribute to you being unhappy any more
Take care all
Dave
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notsosicklygirl
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Joined : Dec 2008
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Posted 1/15/2012 1:29 PM (GMT -6)
You are welcome to email admin@healingwell.com and explain your concerns.

You can also alert him to this thread using the button on the top right if you would like him to review it.

I am not unhappy. I just disagree. No big deal.

Moderators are not selected, we volunteer. Anyone can volunteer.

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Kiwi12
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2010
Posts : 486
Posted 1/15/2012 2:22 PM (GMT -6)
Dfdave thanks for all your positive help and advice over the years - found you to be extremely positive, generous, open minded and respectful.

I am a little amazed at moderators from other groups posting so rudely. This used to be such a pleasant place to visit and it quite frankly lately it has gone decidely down hill.

I have held my tongue over all the unpleasantness but this person having a go at you is the last straw for me.

I know moderators are volunteers but the attitude of some of them is just NOT helpful to a healing forum. People like nanners and Ivy were uplifting and unfailing positive.

All the best Dave - thrilled and impressed with your latest cycling - inspirational !

Stay well

hugs
Lesley in NZ
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BeeSting
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2008
Posts : 392
Posted 1/15/2012 4:40 PM (GMT -6)
I guess that there are foods that kill, and there are foods that heal.
I am convinced that within 10 years or less, we will find
lots of food that everyone with auto immune diseases have to avoid,
or have to eat more of as the science learn more.

Diets like the paleo, the SCD, gluten free diets and all the other are all something to consider, for those interested.

Years from now,
The science may find that milk, soy and grains are devastating to us,
but even legumes and nightshades like potatoes and tomatoes could be food we have to learn to avoid.

We could always debate what came first, our vulnerable genes or our bodies reaction to certain foods, the science are now finding that the cells receptors and neurotransmitters are communicating on a level we have been far from understanding untill recently.

Online there are hundreds of forums with people using diets, I am a member of at least a few of them, a SCD group and a Gluten free group. I know that we have to follow the diet to the T to manage going into remission. People are failing and trying again, it's a long learning process, and many of them doesn't get any improvements untill they have used the diet for close up to a year. But some get gradually better, that's what keep them going.

What is important to think of is that within the SCD group we will find someone here and there that is allergic to food that is allowed (legal on SCD-language) and it may take a long time to figure out why the diet isn't working as expected. When that is done, the person can go on.

If someone consider the SCD diet, or any other diet that is telling you to quit you favorite food, then it's a cardinal sin to feel sorry for what you can't have anymore, but it's absolute BIG TIME nice to feel happy for what you CAN have. First; you'll find that cooking is fun, trying to learn how to make tasty caseroles and good steaks isn't the worse thing that may happen to you. The
home made breads and cakes are not at all killing anyone, and you'll have a lot of fun when you're making a home made yogurt that helps you rid your tummy pain.

When you have learned how to cook a lot of yummie food you will never look back. By then you probably have no diarrea, no anemia, no reumatic pain, no tummy pain and discomfort.

I guess we have to admit that our bodies got sick after years, we can't expect it to heal in 4 months.
Stay on your meds and change your diet, gradually or at once.

Thank you Dave, your posts made me change my diet, we need you here!! Please stay and continue to inspire us! //Bee
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ambling
Veteran Member
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Posts : 1075
Posted 1/15/2012 7:26 PM (GMT -6)
We all have differing levels of I.B.D. Some also have food intolerances which others do not.
There is no absolute clarity at this point in time, despite what people may believe to be a universal truth, or claim as absolute knowledge. That is why we have disagreement amongst intelligent and well meaning people, which all are on this thread.
Saying 'this is fact not opinion' on issues of diet and I.B.D. is wishful.
People get well very quickly on the right cocktail of drugs. Some people also recover through dietary changes. Good luck to all!
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