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INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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- I have ulcerative colitis and also have skin problems and very bad arthritis. Can these be interrelated?
- Yes. The relationship between the bowel, the skin and the musculoskeletal system is a very intimate one. Gastro-intestinal dysfunction commonly is accompanied by skin and musculoskeletal problems, and likewise when the G.I. tract is returned to healthy functioning, these problems usually disappear as well.
- My ulcerative colitis is advanced. Are there any special steps I will have to take in order to recover?
- In advanced cases, where tissues are very bloody and raw, it is usually advisable for the patient to undergo a carefully supervised fast as an initial step. This may be critical to the success of the program. Just as you would not expect a broken leg to heal if the person continued to walk on it and did not allow it to rest, neither is it reasonable to expect a bloody, raw, ulcerated colon or small intestine to heal while the person continues to send undigested food and feces continually over it, not allowing the digestive tract a chance to rest.
- How long a fast is usually required and how does one go about it?
- The length of the fast varies greatly from person to person, and the total time cannot be determined at the onset. It depends on the progress of the fast, which should he determined by a doctor who is trained and experienced in fasting supervision. Ideally, the fast is undertaken in a relaxing, quiet environment, away from home, business and family, where the person can obtain unlimited rest, both for their digestive tract and for the rest of the body. ...
This should not be attempted on one's own, but only under the careful supervision of an experienced doctor trained in the art and science of fasting. Most doctors experienced in fasting supervision are members of the International Association of Hygienic Physicians' professional organization. (See IAHP physicians' list.) Conducted properly under supervision, fasting is very safe and extraordinaly effective. It is a true "physiological rest". Even though I have supervised fasting patients for over 20 years, I am still amazed at the healing power of the body to remedy difficult problems when we give it the opportunity and quit all of our meddling with pills, potions and treatments.
- What conditions would contradict a fast?
- Generally insulin-dependent diabetics, patients on very high doses of steroids, patients with advanced cancer, those with advanced tuberculosis and pregnant women should not fast, although short fasts of a day or two may sometimes be employed.
The biggest problem with most patients is the fear of missing a meal or two, i.e., psychological factors. Americans are so indoctrinated with the thought that if they miss a meal or two, something terrible will happen. How often I've seen patients surprised to find that, after the first few days of fasting, while they may have some transient discomforts, they felt stronger and more clearheaded and saw their disease symptoms disappear. I have had cases where I needed to convince the patient to break their fast, because they felt so well after the first two or three days, they did not want to stop!
- Does the fast result in a permanent cure of the patient's IBD?
- No. It must be followed by an individually tailored program of living for the patient to follow. Returning to old habits will surely eventually result in a return of the disease. I have seen this happen. If it is only possible to fast a patient for three or four days, some improvement may occur, but that is not sufficient time in most cases to effect a recovery for a health problem that may have been years in the making.
- Must the patient make lifestyle changes in order to get well and stay well in most cases?
- Emphatically yes! It is time we dispensed with this irrational notion that we can take some treatment and be cured of diseases (including IBD) that evolve out of a combination of our habits and our genetics. There is no single treatment or pill or potion that will resolve this degenerative condition. It takes a search for the causes of the problem, followed by a comprehensive health program tailored for the individual, who then must follow through with patience and perseverance. This includes understanding and respecting one's own limitations and making appropriate lifestyle changes as prescribed by their doctor.
- I read a book that says that all disease is caused by parasites, including colitis. What is your opinion on that?
- It would be convenient if all health problems were related to one single factor. There are many "one cause, one cure" theories. We are a diverse population of individuals living under diverse conditions. Health and disease have numerous causes for them, and no single factor is responsible for all cases of IBD, let alone for all health problems. Parasites, particularly protozoa, can be responsible for some cases of colitis, although in the United States it is not a primary factor in most chronic cases. Having a stool microbiology/parasitology conducted, however, can help to eliminate the possibility of parasitical involvement.
- What are the determining factors in how long it takes to recover from IBD?
- Each case will vary. The most important factor, as with most health problems, is the extent to which the patient is motivated to get well.
Those who are unwilling to undergo proper analysis, followed by a program that will likely include dietary restrictions; disposing of bad habits; change of rest and sleep habits; a period of detoxification; steps to insure emotional poise: adequate sunlight. fresh air and activity; cultivation of a balanced state of mind: and other specific steps will fail. Simply eating a little better or giving up a few bad habits alone will rarely suffice.
The amount of drugs the patient has taken, their age, their reserve of nerve energy; the extent of bad habits they have had, their ability to avoid stressful situations and obtain rest and other factors play an important role.
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