Has anyone had good results in treating u/c with Chinese medicine?

I have not tried Chinese herbs but I started eating bread white bread works for me it appears that the bread bulks up my stools and the diarrhea goes away I know it has been said that bread is not good but it works for me its worth a try it can't hurt, everyone is different.

I have been ill for quite a while now and I am on a new medicine that works by lessening the immune response in the digestive tract instead of the entire body. It is called Entyvio and so far so good. I have had some odd side effects from it, but the get better as time goes. They may want to ask their doctor about it if they have no been on it yet. So far it is getting me off of the Steroids.

What herbs are you using? What is a fodmap diet? I am about to be put on a drug with a lot of side effects, but other things have not worked for me. So glad that you have found a way to stay clear of these strong drugs...if you could add me to your prayer list, a would appreciate it!

Hello Pamela,

Sorry for delayed and responses:

 

There are 2 (I'm generalising) interesting trains of thought with Crohns/ Colitis - one is Western and one is Eastern.

  The Western Naturopathy that I've dealt with says, "there is probably an irritant such as bacterial imbalance in the gut causing the inflammation in the lining of the bowel - i.e. the body is fighting the bad bacteria in the gut so naturally the immune response is inflammation" - their solution is to modify the diet perhaps putting the patient on a no sugar, no carbohydrates/ complex carbohydrates type of diet while introducing soothing and antibacterial herbs - I found it helpful but it didn't stem the severe bleeding and I got quite cranky and was looking like a half starved skeleton in no time (so was my wallet as all the recommended food is quite pricey) nonetheless this was quite interesting as in Western MEDICINE we are told, "your body has gone bonkers - your immune system is attacking you - quickly dampen it."  

The Chinese Naturapath/ Herbalist's take on it was - "you have a very weak digestive system, let us stem the bleeding with herbs and nourish the lining of the bowel."  In the meantime only have warming foods, soft cooked foods, and absolutely nothing cold as your digestive system is too weak.  Within a few weeks I was told to eat just about everything to regain my strength.

What the name of the amazing herb that stops the bleeding is, I will try to find out, but the rest of the combination/ concoction of herbs to nourish etc.. I would have great difficulty finding out - I think its a person to person thing - they seem to take into account many health aspects when they concoct .

FODMAPS is brought to us Western Medicine- the gastroenterologists, funnily enough.  It is a diet that cuts out many sugars that are not easily absorbed by the bowel, that hang around undigested and fermenting in the gut. (such as fructans - found in wheat, celery, asparagus, such as fructose - found in apples, honey - and lots and lots more avoidables to add to the long list) There are on-line links on FODMAPS. Effectively - the irritated lining of the gut is not producing the enzymes to break down these sugars:  The Lactase is not being made which breaks down the Lactose, The Fructase is not being made which breaks down the Fructose....etc (to put it simply)

It is a helpful diet to alleviate symptoms but once again can leave you hungry HOWEVER, the a claim of some claim of Western Naturopaths (based on a microbiologist's research in the 1950s  who researched this as her daughter had Crohns) is that the enzymes may still be getting produced but not getting through due to the inflamed lining (a cyclic problem). 

Personally, I've found that no one method on it's own has worked.  Funnily enough, the Chinese method, simple though it is has been the most helpful BUT I greatly reduce sugars at the same time to minimise irritants.  (I should keep up the low sugar diet but on busy days between laundry, studies etc... it is tempting to have 3 chocolate biscuits and 2 unsweetened coffees for lunch ).

I will certainly pray for you.  Even finding a skillful Chinese herbalist is a gift from God.  (and these herbs have Chinese names and are really things I have never heard of before.

God Bless

 

 

Hi Kathleen,

I am glad the white bread is helping you.

  Would you believe it, my relative has found that white bread is no longer helping but strangely enough adding fibre, such as with flaxseed meal, absorbs more liquid from the bowel and bulks up even more than white bread. .

Thanks again.

Hi Kathleen,

I am glad the white bread is helping you.

  Would you believe it, my relative has found that white bread is no longer helping but strangely enough adding fibre, such as with flaxseed meal, absorbs more liquid from the bowel and bulks up even more than white bread. .

Thanks again.

Hello Craig,

That is exactly what my relative has just started on, however, Entyvio has been problematic with people who are already excessively run down and I am concerned that since my relative can no longer get a cold without it developing into a life-threatening illness that the previous medication has worn them down.  Thanks again Craig, and God Willing, you are right and the Entyvio will help in getting rid of the harsher meds..  

God Bless

P.s. Pamela,

Honestly, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

When I called on him he answered me:

In the Emergency Department I would have bled to death from my bowels and I was about to be turned away again but I called on him and he sent a gastroenterologist, (I'm thankful for that guy BUT the meds had problems) I asked for help again and I found a naturopath in my social circle..

There were times I just asked him and I would suddenly get better....

Why he sometimes answers this way or that way I don't know, it is always amazingly ou there, but he always answers - I dont know anyone kinder.

Get well soon, Pamela, and if any of my lengthy exposition is useful to you I will be so glad.