Inbox: Flare Ups

Erin,

First of all, I just want to say thank you so much for your website! It has been so helpful to me, and a source of inspiration and motivation during some pretty hard times. My family was pretty skeptical of the SCD diet, but they have become more open to it after seeing how healthy I became and how quickly I began to recover from my Crohn's.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's this past fall and really struggled until I found this diet. Your own story really resonated with me because I am currently a student, and had to take a medical leave of absence this past semester. I was very strictly on the SCD starting in October and stayed strong through mid-December. When the holidays and my birthday passed (it is in mid-January), I fell off the wagon, started eating unbalanced meals, and cheated a couple times.

Now, I have been having the longest flare-up since I started the diet. I know it's my fault, and I am back on a strict SCD and seeing small improvements. I don't really have many people around me who are particularly encouraging in regards to the diet, so I would really, really appreciate any words of encouragement you might have.

Thanks again for your website and for the hope it gives me! All the best to you in this coming year.
Best, GL

 
Hi GL,
 I am so glad to hear that you found the SCD! The fact that you have been improving so much shows that your body is responding well to the diet, and as you stick to it you should see big improvements in your health.
 
You might want to try going onto the intro diet for a few days to clear your system out. The homemade chicken soup is particularly healing for many people. Then I would try eating things that are easier on the stomach, like smoothies, SCD yogurt with honey, the chicken soup, homemade applesauce, etc...anything that you handle really well. Also make sure that you keep a food journal so you can identify if any legal foods are causing you problems, as well as identify any illegal foods that may accidentally slip in as you are learning the ropes.
 
If you stick to the diet 100% you should see yourself continue to get healthier and healthier...just imagine how much better you'll be feeling a year from now! Don't give in to what anyone else tells you - this is your body and your health and no one cares as much about it as you do! I'm glad your family is starting to see the positive changes that the SCD is bringing to your health, and over time they will see even more.
 
Please keep up the good work - it WILL pay off! :)

Erin