Webster’s dictionary defines the word “gap” as “a pass or way through a range of hills.” I am writing my story after following the GAPS diet protocol for one full year.
I decided to write on this day to share my story of healing – my path through the hills.
For those of you who are not familiar, GAPS stands for Gut and Psychology Syndrome, the bestselling book written by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD. It is a natural digestive healing program.
It has been used to successfully treat many diseases/conditions including Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, Autism, ADHD/ADD, Allergies, Depression, Anxiety, Asthma, Eczema, Schizophrenia, and more.
The GAPS Diet protocol rebuilds the gut by healing the damaged and permeable gut lining. This is the root cause of autoimmune diseases.
Managing Ulcerative Colitis With Drugs
At the time, I was receiving Remicade infusions for the management of Ulcerative Colitis.
I had been dealing with this for over 10 years.
Ulcerative Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea.
Remicade is not a “treatment; it only manages the symptoms; therefore, it does not address the root problem.
To manage and “hide” symptoms throughout those years, I went through the typical pyramid of conventional medications, beginning with Asacol, Colazol, and Prednisone.
Finally, Remicade was prescribed when a major flare-up landed me in the ER. In the hospital, I was first given the highest dosage of IV Prednisone possible in an attempt to stop the bleeding and cramping.
When that wasn’t successful, they told me the only other option besides surgery was Remicade, an intravenous drug that suppresses the immune system.
It had just recently been approved for Ulcerative Colitis when previously it was only approved for Crohn’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
At the time, I had never heard of Remicade but I desperately wanted to stop the pain and bleeding so I started infusions in the hospital. I was soon released with directions for further Remicade infusions and a very high dosage of oral prednisone. In about three weeks surrounding my hospital stay, I lost about 15 pounds but I was encouraged by my doctors that the Remicade would get me better.
In time, I slowly tapered off prednisone and per the advice of my gastro-intestinal (GI) doctor, I began taking Mercaptopurine/6MP (another immuno-suppressant drug).
The Remicade indeed “managed” and hid my Ulcerative Colitis symptoms.
Fortunately, I was able to wean off the Mercaptopurine/6MP. This medication is not safe for fetuses and I eventually planned to have a child.
I remained on the Remicade infusions (a 3- hour intravenous process administered in an outpatient hospital setting).
I received these infusions every 8-9 weeks, continuing without any signs of symptoms.
According to the world of conventional medicine, it appeared that I was doing well with my health and Ulcerative Colitis. I had no signs whatsoever of my disease and I went through college and early adulthood “healthy”.
Unfortunately, this is the typical approach by our conventional healthcare system today – give the drug that hides the symptoms to make you forget that your body is at war underneath. And so, I was only reminded of my disease when I went in for my infusions, the drug that disguised my body’s ill state.
Remicade managed my symptoms, bleeding, and abdominal pain. However, I soon realized that I wanted out of the “managing symptoms cycle”.
You may be wondering why would I want to risk flaring, risk spending more time in a hospital, risk more pain and bleeding, and risk facing many health uncertainties.
There were several reasons that surfaced. First, I usually felt “uneasy” during infusions. It’s a difficult feeling to describe.
I never had any allergic reactions to Remicade and so I never needed to prep the infusion by taking other medications that other patients required. Following infusions, I usually felt a little “out of it” and I usually didn’t plan much for the remainder of the day.
So although I never had any direct reactions to the infusion, throughout the years, I became even more troubled at infusion times.
I also had the “uneasy” feeling (it sort of felt like a string was being pulled within my stomach) when I thought about my hidden disease and what my body was going through underneath the Remicade mask.
I guess that was my gut giving me a sign that something wasn’t right. This wasn’t the way to deal with my body’s ill state for the rest of my life.
I tried explaining my feelings when my Gastro-Intestinal (GI) doctor asked me “Why?” when I approached him regarding my desire to heal myself naturally and get off drugs.
I had just begun the health coaching certification program through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and I wanted to jump on the right track and embark on my own journey for true health.
In addition to the “uneasy gut feeling,” the possible effects of Remicade are very serious. They can include a weakened immune system, infection, liver damage, tuberculosis, and lymphoma (cancer); not to mention the unknown long-term side effects since Remicade was only approved in 1998.
My answer to his question was that I wanted to address the core problem and heal the chaos that my body was experiencing while hidden under the meds. I also was extremely terrified of all the side effects and the unknown future ramifications of the medications.
Remicade is classified as chemo-therapy when billed to an insurance company (each infusion costs about thousands of dollars!) My GI doctor seriously recommended that I continue Remicade.
He cautioned that if I were to stop infusions, I could build resistance and it would not be effective the next time. It was odd to me that he questioned why I would want to stop a “treatment” that was successful.
His approach was to keep his patients on Remicade as long as his patients don’t develop an immediate reaction.
Well, I don’t consider that successful. He also said that he didn’t know about any natural treatments.
He then said that IF I chose to stop Remicade, he wanted me to transition to another oral anti-inflammatory medication.
Of course, that medication came along with another list of side effects. Obviously, we weren’t on the same page and not even in the same book!
My objective was to heal my disease without the dangerous medications that are pushed upon patients too quickly every day. I wasn’t worried about building resistance to Remicade because I knew I wanted to stop putting that poison in my body and never go back.
I decided that I wasn’t going to receive the support that I needed from him. That was the last time that I saw a GI “specialist.”
My Search for Natural Healing
So, that brought me to my search for natural healing.
The role of food, which passes through our digestive system several times a day, was NEVER discussed during the 10-plus years dealing with Ulcerative Colitis.
I was told that I would have to manage the disease by taking medicines for the rest of my life. My former GI doctor mentioned that certain foods may trigger a flare-up but it is different for everyone. I was never questioned about my regular food intake.
Gluten is a well-known digestive irritant but I was never tested for a gluten allergy until I requested the test.
The test came back negative but that didn’t matter to me. I suspected gluten sensitivity in my body. After removing gluten from my diet, the chronic knee pain that I experienced for years dramatically decreased.
I found it very hard to believe that food didn’t play a major role in our gut health. But that is what we are told by most physicians.
Through the program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I was introduced to the teachings of Weston A. Price and the true meaning of health with traditional, nutrient-dense, and real foods.
I immersed myself in that lifestyle and approach to life and health. It resonated very deeply with me and my body.
Even though I did not return to my GI doctor, I decided to continue with infusions until I had a clear plan for healing. It was during a Wise Traditions Conference that a good friend talked to me about the GAPS program. She was about to begin it for her own personal healing.
After reading and learning more about it after the conference, I decided that it would be my path to healing.
Next, I consulted with Dr. Thomas Cowan, a physician who utilized the GAPS healing program. We determined how I would taper off Remicade meanwhile implementing the GAPS diet program.
GAPS Diet Heals Ulcerative Colitis
So, I prepared for GAPS. Fortunately, I was living the traditional food lifestyle already, so the transition wasn’t as shocking as I can imagine it could be.
However, there were still many procedures, routines, and foods that the GAPS diet highly stresses and I needed time to consistently incorporate them into my life. After a few months of preparing, I started the GAPS Introduction phase.
As I look back at this year on GAPS, the food aspect was of course challenging. Obstacles, trials, and of days of utter frustrations with food were always present.
It wasn’t easy.
I remember staring often into my refrigerator and thinking “I have nothing to eat!” even though I just spent HOURS preparing food ahead for several days.
Sometimes, especially in the beginning, I just got tired of stock and ferments. One time, I had a minor breakdown over acorn squash! I couldn’t find jars full of acorn squash that I had roasted over the weekend.
I prepared them ahead of time so that I would have some ready for meals during my busy work week. Oh, that was a fun morning, when I realized that I would just need to cook and prepare even MORE food than I already had in the previous days.
I remember bawling to my cat, Lewis, saying “I just don’t want to MAKE any MORE food!”
That happened often in the beginning. Also, a GAPS girl always has to be prepared!
Traveling with lunch bags/coolers, thermoses full of homemade stocks and soups, and my trusty mini-crockpot to reheat homemade meals in hotels was (and still is) a must!
There were many times when I just wanted to have some gluten-free bread (grains are not allowed on GAPS). I often thought, what would happen if I just had one piece? Or what if I just had some roasted sweet potatoes?
Those thoughts definitely flew around in my mind. It was in those times, I had to dig even deeper, and envision my life healed and free of medications. I refocused and kept on.
The most challenging aspect of GAPS, especially during the first 8 months, was my body’s unknown reaction in reference to my previous symptoms.
I had NO clue what to expect while tapering off Remicade in addition to introducing a limited food regimen.
Questions such as “Will my symptoms return?”, “What will I do if they return?”, “Am I ready to possibly go through those severe symptoms again?”, “Will I be able to work?”
Since I had not experienced any symptoms since being on Remicade several years earlier, this was very scary for me. I had read several successful testimonials about healing digestive disease with the GAPS program.
I even found a new friend, a former patient of Dr. Cowan, who healed her Crohn’s disease with GAPS. She was and still is a great support throughout my GAPS journey. However, I was unable to find someone that decided to completely forgo “successful conventional treatment” (which was managing the symptoms of digestive disease) and choose natural healing when symptoms weren’t at all present.
All of the testimonies and stories that I encountered thus far were about taking on the GAPS program while symptoms were present and conventional medications were not managing symptoms. It was scary and I was in the dark.
While I began to taper off Remicade and start the GAPS program, I was also finishing up my health coaching program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I was working on building my health coaching business.
I had a lot on my plate, literally!
At the same time, I knew I needed to rest and let my body figure out how to heal. I remember countless days on end (I called them “healing weekends”) when I experienced setbacks. I stayed in the house, wore my pajamas for days, looked a wreck, slept, drank stock, sat in the sun, and didn’t do much at all.
My energy was greatly affected and I lost about 14 pounds; definitely not weight I needed to lose! However, I kept on with my journey, one day at a time, keeping my heart on true healing. I continued on and I began to see improvement.
While I once managed symptoms with the icy cold Remicade infusions, I was now finding true health through the warmth of the deeply nourishing homemade stocks.
Drug-Free At Last
It has been quite a year on GAPS. With any natural healing process, there are ups and downs, plateaus, and hills. It’s a long road. So far, through it all, I can say today that I am doing very well and I trust in my heart and gut, that this is the path for me. I have regained most of my lost weight — a sign of healing.
From the extra nourishing GAPS diet, my triglycerides are a record low! By the way, I am consuming a ton of fats! My energy has also increased. I remain on GAPS and I plan to do so in order to heal completely. I know that I have come a long way but I have more healing to go.
In addition to more gut healing, loads of pharmaceutical drugs throughout the years took a toll on other aspects of my health and GAPS will help in regaining balance with those aspects as well.
As I look forward, I am positive and full of thankfulness. I am so appreciative of all the support from my friends and family this past year.
Their continued love and support have been a tremendous reason for my success so far. In addition, Dr. Cowan’s continuous guidance has been nothing short of supportive and genuine care.
I hope that my story has inspired you to take a step toward natural healing. I truly believe that anyone can take back their health.
If you or anyone you know is dealing with any of the conditions I mentioned at the beginning of my story, I encourage you to read the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha McBride.
While it is slow progress, it is REAL progress and TRUE healing. It is extremely worthwhile. I wake up and I know that pharmaceuticals aren’t masking my body’s signs and feelings.
We all deserve to be well and to experience optimal health. We CAN get to that place naturally, without pharmaceuticals, with the strength of our bodies and heart, and with REAL, nourishing foods Let your healing journey begin!
For an update on this inspiring story, click here!
More Information
GAPS Diet: Heal Your Autoimmune Disease Now
Overwhelmed by the GAPS Diet? Help Has Arrived
FPIES: Resolving the “Other” Food Allergy
How to Speed Healing and Shorten Time on the GAPS Diet
The Five Most Common GAPS Diet Mistakes
Hannah’s Story: 2 Years on GAPS Diet Heals Autism
Chronic Stomach Pain and Bloating Gone!
Hello Dan – thank you for sharing your journey thus far. To answer your questions, the GAPS diet is not meant to be a “forever” program. It’s a temporary 1-2 years intense gut-healing protocol. That being said, from my journey, I now will never choose to eat certain things that I used to, ever again. I don’t enjoy the thought of certain foods whatsoever any more. Those are foods that I believe, greatly contributed to the poor health of my gut. Also through this transition and healing, I LOVE my food lifestyle now. My husband does too. Every meal we eat is so darn tasty and nourishing. We don’t feel deprived at all. The other thing to think about (which I needed to wrap my brain around) is that the food lifestyle that I had before was not supportive in disease prevention or healing. My food lifestyle was a huge component, I believe, in disease coming to the surface. When I altered my food lifestyle, my health DRASTICALLY improved in so many ways. I know with that food lifestyle, it not only addressed my UC symptoms, it also helped me recover from other health issues. I feel if I would have been eating as I am now, all throughout my life, that I wouldn’t have developed such intense disease. It’s the same things that heal that also prevent. So, I even work with people that don’t have IBD, because again, the same components that help a body heal/recover also are components in prevention. I work with families in implementing more healthy/healing.prevention pieces in their diet and help to crowd out the harmful foods and ingredients. Therefore, when I’m working with my clients privately, I really help them see and understand this big picture. It’s so important to encourage this transition with family and friends too. Yes, it is a lifestyle transition but one in which I don’t regret in any shape or form, and everyone that I know that has transitioned (even those without IBD) are excited and thrilled about it. When you know why you are doing what you are doing, it sticks, it’s sustainable and it’s a positive experience. Sorry for the long answer but I hope this helps!
Great accomplishment, Gina!! It’s amazing how the GI “Specialists” say that food has nothing to do with UC. I was diagnosed with UC back in 2001. I smoked back then and my very first flare up was huge. It took me out of work for almost a month. I lost probably around 20 lbs during that time and was thrown on steroids to stop the flare and then immediately put on Asacol when my 5 day steroid doses were done. Since i smoked, i found out that i would flare only when i tried quitting smoking. As soon as 3 weeks would hit after I quit smoking, my flare up would start again. So, i kept smoking. I was in my 20’s and didn’t really care at that time. I stopped Asacol because the UC was gone for now. Every once in a while my UC would flare and go away. Fast forward to 2012. My daughter was born and i quit smoking permanently. Of course, my UC came back and have been back to the specialist. I got the ol “food has nothing to do with it” line and I just glared back at him. So, i’ve been on Apriso for amost 2 years now. I still have had blood in my stools, diarrhea and frequent running to the bathroom. I went back to the GI and he said, “Well, we may have to up your medication”. I told him no and I decided to start taking things into my own hands last year. I stopped dairy and stopped eating gluten. I’m still on Apriso but immediately i found that i could manage my symptoms a whole lot better then i did before. I’ve been eating Paleo like but never strictly because it’s very difficult when you are the only one in the house with the issue and your wife loves mac n cheese. What are you gonna do? I’ve read the SCD book and once again, the diet is so strict that it’s hard for me to do. So, i haven’t really had the time to go strict with anything. I’ve heard of cleansing from different sites which has ingredients that alot of UC folks use daily. Then you have the FODMAPS diet. My UC isn’t bad at all. It’s i guess they say, left sided or whatever. But it’s a mild case and easily controlled. So maybe i don’t have to be so strict with the preparation? My goal is to get rid of this completely without wasting thousands of dollars on Holistic doctors and your fast talking sales person at the local herb store. Do you have to stick with the GAPS diet after you healed yourself? I know to not stuff my face with cake, potato chips and cheesy garlic bread sticks, but have you gone back to any of the foods from before UC or have you made this diet an actual lifestyle. I’m also curious what other trials you’ve done or did you just get lucky with being introduced to the GAPS diet? Congrats to everyone else on their path to healing!
Hi Gina,
I feel your story is my story. I was diagnosed with uc in 2011 after having my third child. I have tried the asacol and prednisone off and on up to this point. I had been doing okay from 2012 until now and landed in the hospital on January 14, 2014 with a severe flare up to the mid transverse colon. I too was on the high dose solumedrol for 6 days. At first I thought it was helping. Then in day 2 they did a sigmoid and after that the bleeding was continuing. I felt they were rushing the process in general and they too told me I should start the Remicade. I struggled so much with the decision, like you did. I am most afraid of the fact that the drug is so new and there are no long term studies. I am home after 9 days and struggling. I have started the scd and do feel it is helping at times. I have a follow up on Wednesday in Boston with my doctor as well as my second infusion scheduled. I know this is my decision and with three little ones to take care a I am so unsure if what to do. I have a feeling my Doctor will have the similar approach as yours and not be open minded. Just like you my doctor never tested for anything to find the root cause. I currently have thrush which I feel may have led to this flair and before going to the ER I had seen the NP in the office and her comment was, “why would you have thrush?” When she looked at my throat. The medical field just band-aids the symptoms. Any advice would be greatly appreciated at this crossroads in my life.
Sincerely,
Leigh
Hello Leigh – I am sorry that you aren’t doing well. I know how it is and I can completely relate. I encourage you to look at the GAPS program. I work with clients privately via phone on an individual basis to guide them to get ready for GAPS and through it. There is a lot that could help even if you aren’t doing 100% GAPS. I’d be glad to help you if you would like, with individual coaching. Feel free to reach out if and when you are ready. Best wishes to you!
Thanks Gina. Could you give me contact info and I will be in touch. I really appreciate you getting back so fast.
Leigh
Leigh – You are very welcome. All of my contact information is actually at the end of my article next to my picture. http://www.simplisticwholistic.com is my website with a contact form on there or email directly to [email protected] I look forward to talking with you. Talk soon.
hi hi
thanks for your post , i was wondering if you have ever tried juicing to heal ulcerative colitis ? i am kinda vegan so feel chicken broth may be too much , what would you suggest
Hello Nush – For me, I did some juicing in the past during a flare but it didn’t seem to help much. There are some that find success with juicing so perhaps it may help you too.
Nice story, I am also trying to find solution of my UC through Diet, and recently i started SCD. Here, I have put some of my experiences with SCD: http://pakproject.com/health/uc/scdrecipe.php
Osman – best wishes on your healing journey!
My brother recommended I might like this web site.
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Hi Gina,
Are you still on the GAPS diet or have you returned to normal eating? How is your UC health? I am debating starting the GAPS diet but wanted to know long term how its been working for you. Do you take any medications or supplements at this point?
Hello Ray,
No, I am on longer strictly following the GAPS diet, however I do maintain many of the food lifestyle concepts that are so important for all of us. My normal eating is much different than my “normal eating” before I embarked on my healing journey, My normal eating now is so great and I love it! I am doing extremely well. I actually wrote my updated story here on Sarah’s blog and I encourage you to read it as it speaks to the long-term success that I have had with GAPS.https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/yes-you-can-heal-from-severe-ulcerative-colitis-with-no-drugs/
Anna- please contact me- I am sure I can help. I am a Registered Nurse. At least let’s “talk”!
[email protected]
Hi Gina,
I read your post a few days ago and it gave me the hope I needed as I started the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) after starting Remicade, so thank you very much. I saw my GI yesterday and talked about quitting Remicade because of my fears for the side effects. I have been having infusions for 2 years now, I’m 21. He reminded me of how sick I had been before Remicade and that my Crohn’s was a very aggressive type (I had not forgotten this though – I had four strictures and was not able to eat or drink, lost weight like there was no tomorrow so was put on total parenteral nutrition. I was eager to start Remicade because I was so sick, and I had been told by my doctor a few months earlier that the SCD that I had come across online would not work and therefore had not tried it yet).
I wonder, how can I know that the diet (GAPS or SCD) is strong enough to cure my very aggressive Crohn’s? (SCD has cured my bloating so far, so that’s improvement but naturally no guarantee). What (tests for example, time, or ‘gut feeling’?) gave you enough confidence to quit the infusions? I am looking for some clues, and I wonder if you have any ideas to share about this. Also on GAPS as opposed to SCD? Thanks a lot!
Hi Anna – Good questions. All things that I wondered about for some time. First, it’s a great sign that following the SCD diet has help with bloating so far. I say “so far” because healing takes time and not all showings of dis-ease (symptoms) will improve at the same time. For me (and this is always individual for my clients as well), Remicade did the job of hiding my symptoms so when I weened off my infusions, I had been on GAPS for about a month. Prior to all that I had a feeling that it was time, but again things may have panned out differently for me if I was symptomatic. However, some people (some of my clients included) decide to stay on medications and then ween once they’ve seen bigger improvement. It’s all so individualized and there is no tell-tale sign of when someone is ready but it is ultimately their decision. I would encourage you to make sure you are confident on your decision, whichever it may be. I find that I spend a good amount of time talking with my clients on topics such as this and helping them navigate through their decisions, in an objective manner. Regarding GAPS vs SCD, I have found so many more people feel better long-term (ie healing) with GAPS vs SCD, although SCD is a great place to start. There are also some aspects of SCD (such as certain foods allowed such as yogurt and dairy) that I think deserve an elimination period before properly introducing any dairy again. I also like how GAPS gradually introduces foods in the introduction portion. Again, SCD is a great start and I’m glad that you have felt some improvement. I’d be glad to guide you to/through GAPS as well. Sending gut-healing wishes your way!
Hi Gina,
Thanks for your reply! I am considering starting GAPS, though I am having major difficulties keeping up the motivation to do SCD (actually I am doing it only for 60% since a long time ago because I could not control my carb cravings). Maybe I will buy the GAPS book to get a clear overview of how to do it. I live in Europe, so I will try to find a good nutritionist who’d be able to help me here.
Thanks again! Kind regards,
Anna
Anna – I definitely see carb cravings greatly diminish on the GAPS program. Carb cravings are many times the bad bacteria/yeasts talking. I do work with clients via skype too so that’s always an option. Best wishes on your healing journey and I’m here if you need.
THank you Gina for your kind words, i know i want things too quick too soon, and the diet does help with pain, bloating, general feeling, it just i am not much of a “meat” person so eating that much of it makes me depressed. and i probably expected the diet to work on its own without meds, pretty foolish i know. i just need to be more realistic and stick with the plan for longer.
thank you for offering the coaching i will deff get in touch with you
Well it’s perfectly human to want to feel better as soon as possible. Just remember you are healing from the inside out and peeling back the layers of the onion. Since you are seeing improvement with regards to less pain, less bloating, that’s the start of healing my friend! That’s your body saying “Thank you”!:) I would say the expectation of the diet to heal without bumps and hurdles is unrealistic, but I wouldn’t say that one definitely needs rx medications to get through it either. Everyone chooses their path, sometimes rx medications are in the picture, sometimes not. I know plenty of people who chose to forgo rx medications and use the dietary modality without rx medications. Everyone is different and has their way. I work with my clients in on-going and consistent sessions to help people stay on track, hopeful, motivated, reflective on their progress, etc. So, I’m here if you need me. Best wishes for healing Iana!