My Journey to Healing: Overcoming Crohn's Disease Through Diet

It all started with a diagnosis. My journey with Crohn's disease began unexpectedly when I was just eight years old. Like many stories of sudden health changes, it started almost out of nowhere, turning ordinary days into endless cycles of medical consultations and uncertainty. Diagnosed in a world far more concerned with quick fixes than long-term health, I was introduced to a regimen of medications like prednisone, which seemed to mask the symptoms temporarily without addressing the underlying cause of my condition. It wasn't until my mother, through the grape-vine of family connections, discovered "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" by Elaine Gottschall that we found hope in managing the disease differently—through diet.

The book proposed the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (I’ll be calling it SCD), which was based on a profound but simple idea: certain carbohydrates fuel the bad bacteria in our intestines that are believed to contribute to the inflammation characteristic of Crohn's. This diet required a complete elimination of grains, sugar, and starch, a daunting task that transformed not just my meals, but our entire family's approach to food. My mother took on the challenge with unwavering dedication, reinventing the way we ate from the ground up. She started with homemade yogurt, meticulously fermenting it to ensure it was lactose-free and gut-friendly, and crafting broths that simmered for hours, pulling nutrients from bones and vegetables- protein, fiber.

Adapting our family recipes to fit the SCD guidelines was both challenging and creative. We learned to make our own condiments—ketchup from fresh tomatoes and apple cider vinegar, and BBQ sauce sweetened with natural honey. Every successful adaptation was a small victory in our kitchen battleground, each dish a step towards wellness.

As I grew older, the benefits of the diet became more apparent. However, it was during a severe flare-up in my twenties, triggered by a confluence of stressors—personal, professional, and food-related—that I truly understood the power of the diet I had been following. It forced me to return to the basics of the SCD at that critical moment. My health-view was formed well before self discipline, a space that was already on the path of what we considered as healed. As I explored from the start of an extreme state, the clarity of the diet’s impact during this time was profound. Preparing and consuming simple, thoughtful meals significantly alleviated my symptoms and reaffirmed my commitment to this lifestyle.

Today, those considering the SCD have a considerable advantage—access to clean eating options is more extensive and accessible than ever before. Organic markets and health food stores are now commonplace, offering a variety of ingredients that make adhering to the SCD not just feasible but enjoyable, not to mention what we provide at 86 Cold Press that is a direct reflection of the SCD diet. This ease of access is a game-changer for anyone starting this journey.

How to Start Changing Your Diet

If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of Crohn’s disease or a similar health condition, understanding how to implement effective dietary changes can be transformative. Here’s how you can start. Begin with simple recipes like our house-made yogurt for breakfast, grilled chicken salad with a simple vinegar & oil dressing for lunch, and a hearty beef stew for dinner. Embrace fresh meats, vegetables, and natural fats, while avoiding processed foods, grains, and sugars:

1. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the principles of the SCD. Resources like "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" provide a comprehensive guide to the foods that are allowed and those that should be avoided. Understanding the science behind the diet will help you grasp how it might alleviate your symptoms. This book can be found on our online shop.
   

2. Clear Out Non-Compliant Foods: Remove all foods from your pantry that aren't SCD-compliant, including anything with refined sugars, grains, and most starches. This step prevents temptation and accidental consumption of trigger foods.
   

3. Plan Your Meals: Successful adherence to the SCD requires meal planning. Sundays could turn into days when fresh almond-flour cinnamon muffins fill your home with home baked aromas, and when simmer pots can be condensed into sauces. Outline your meals for the week, and make sure you have all necessary ingredients on hand. This helps avoid situations where you might reach for convenient, non-compliant foods.

Foods to Embrace and Avoid: 

1. Embrace: Fresh or frozen meats without additives Most fresh or cooked fruits and vegetables (excluding starchy ones like potatoes) Natural fats like true butter and olive oil, Nuts and homemade nut flours. 

2. Avoid: Processed foods and canned goods. Grains (wheat, barley, oats, rice). Sugars and sweeteners (except for honey) Starchy vegetables and legumes.

Simple SCD Recipes to Get Started:

• Breakfast: Homemade Yogurt – Start with our house-made yogurt that has fermented for 24 hours to ensure the lactose is broken down, making it digestible and beneficial for gut health. Add a fresh drizzle of honey with fresh in-season fruit.
  

• Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad – Prepare a salad with fresh greens like spinach or romaine, topped with grilled chicken breast, slices of avocado (healthy fats), and a homemade dressing of olive oil, vinegars and lemon juice.
  

• Dinner: Beef Stew – Slow-cook chunks of beef with SCD-legal vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and squash. Use homemade bone broth as a base for added nutrients and flavor. Dishes with fresh fish for Omega-3’s, grilled chicken with greens such as Asparagus, pancetta baked green beans, or a cauliflower mash.
  

• Snacks: Go to your local grocer and find different nut mixes. You can also hop on the 86 Cold Press online shop and you’ll find dried fruits, and nut based energy nugs. Or, you can prepare slices of celery with all natural peanut or almond butters to scoop up. 
  
  

Transitioning to the SCD or any therapeutic diet is about more than just swapping out foods; it's about creating a new relationship with what you eat. It involves understanding the impact of each ingredient on your body and using food as a tool to regain control over your health.

This blog is not just a recount of my personal battles with Crohn's but a guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their gastrointestinal health. The path provided by the SCD isn’t just about avoiding discomfort or managing symptoms; it's fundamentally about enhancing life's quality, restoring vitality, and embracing a lifestyle that puts you in control of your health.

For those struggling with Crohn’s or contemplating a similar dietary change, remember: you are not alone, and there is a path forward. With determination and the right resources, you too can manage your condition and lead a vibrant, fulfilling life. Embrace the journey, educate yourself, and take control of your health—one meal at a time. The key to success with the SCD is consistency and commitment. It may seem daunting at first, but many have found profound relief and a renewed sense of vitality by sticking to it. Equip yourself with knowledge, prepare your kitchen, and set realistic goals. With each meal, you have the opportunity to nourish your body and soothe your symptoms. By following these guidelines, you can embark on a journey towards a healthier, more comfortable life.

Reflecting on the Future

As we close this narrative, take a moment to think about what you want for your future. The journey with a diet like the SCD is about building a future where you feel empowered and in control. Ask yourself, "What do I want for my future self?" Imagine a life where you're not held back by symptoms, where each day isn’t just about surviving, but thriving.

Your future self will thank you when you choose to start with simple, manageable changes, when you decide to educate yourself thoroughly about how diet affects your body, and when you opt to reach out for support to build a community that understands and shares your challenges.

We are here to support you on this path. With our comprehensive resources—from the book that offers a foundation, to nutrient-packed homemade yogurt available in our online store, from rejuvenating juices to satisfying healthy snacks—we are committed to providing you with everything you need to succeed.

Starting a diet like the SCD may seem daunting, but the rewards are immeasurable. It’s about more than just alleviating symptoms; it’s about rediscovering joy in your daily life, gaining energy, and feeling well enough to pursue your dreams. We are here to guide you, every step of the way, with products that support your journey and a community that understands your challenges.

Take that first step towards a healthier, more vibrant you. Your journey to health and vitality is just beginning, and yes, you can do this. Your future self will indeed thank you.