Ask Larry:

Your question: Do you have any remedies for Ulcerative Colitis? My friend has a terrible case and her doctors have taken her off of anything raw, like vegetables and fruit. Is there any hope for her?

Larry’s Response: First, understand that ulcerative colitis is a name given to a set of symptoms. It isn’t itself a disease. While the symptoms can last a long time and make you feel sick, they are not themselves a disease. While most people refer to it as an autoimmune disease I refer to it as a chronic condition that’s caused by something.

There may be genetic issues that make one person more susceptible to colitis or IBS, but the real culprit is unresolved inflammation – mostly in the gut itself.

What causes the inflammation? The list is long and may even include something as simple as water – if too much is consumed too rapidly, for example. The key is to discover the trigger(s) – probably not raw foods – and find a way to balance the system against them.

I don’t think avoiding raw vegetables makes a lot of sense. That would deny the body the important nutrients it needs to survive and thrive.

I’d think about a time of purge – a couple of days with nothing but water (clean water!). That’s the hard part. Start eating modest amounts of relatively bland foods – NOT processed grains like cereal or bread – or even potatoes.

Then use a LOT of probiotics – 225 billion units (PRObiotic 225) twice daily for 3 days with water, on an empty stomach. After three days drop the probiotic to 225 billion units once a day for seven days. Then use 40 billion units (Florajen) twice daily for a week, then 40 billion once daily for a week, then 20 billion daily for life.

Save the remaining Ortho product in case of a flare-up.

That should get the gut working well again. Carefully begin adding foods and pay attention to the reaction. Use extra probiotics if there’s discomfort. Be sure to get enough B-vitamin in the diet.

Limit the amount of irritating substances until the symptoms are under control. This includes alcohol, spices, peppers, and so on.

Here are the things I’d avoid after the initial problem seems under control;
·         Antibiotics and any meat that may contain antibiotics (commercial chicken and beef).
·         Sugars and all processed carbohydrates – especially wheat.
·         All artificial sweeteners.
·         Soy products (almost all salad dressings contain soy oil – use plain olive oil and fresh lemon instead).
·         Be VERY careful about using any drugs, especially the ones that are sold or prescribed to lower stomach acid (PPIs). They are exceptionally toxic to the gut and they reduce the absorption of many minerals (very harmful to the thyroid).

Other drugs on my top-worst list are statins, synthetic hormones (including birth control pills), and most of the drugs intended to alter mood.

Finally, increase exercise amount – not intensity. Walking and elliptical machines are good. So is stretching and yoga. The goal is to move things and improve physical balance.

Good luck.