Guest Post-how to handle Crohn’s

Hey friends,

Well we have a special treat for you today. One of our friends, who happens to have a great blog too, is sharing her tips on how she deals with Crohns.

We came across Lauren’s blog, Ginger is the New Pink, a few months ago and so glad we did! She is an amazing person who has a big heart which you can tell in her post. She has an adorable dog named Ginger, who always brings a smile to our faces. : ) Like Lauren, we have stomach and digestive issues although we are not officially diagnosed, we feel best when we eat a clean high raw diet and with lots of fermented foods (we love our probiotics!)

Well without further do…

Hey Everyone!! I am so honored and excited that Michelle and Lori asked me to guest blog!!! For those of you that don’t know me, I am Lauren from Ginger is The New Pink. I have Crohn’s disease and you can read more about my story on my blog and more here. The lovely ladies asked me to blog about my regimen and how I keep my Crohn’s at bay. So here is goes..

When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s I knew something had to change. After some trial and error with my diet I found that a vegan diet was best for me (and for my animal friends). After a few years of that I slowly transitioned to a high raw vegan diet. I can tolerate most raw food and I have found this keeps me feeling my lightest and most energetic. My diet consists of mostly green smoothies, green juices, salads (especially kale), raw vegetables and fruits, coconut water, kombucha and raw pickles (probiotics anyone?), avocados and sometimes nuts and seeds. I also indulge in raw desserts and raw chocolate or cacao once in awhile.  I usually eat raw until dinner and if didn’t isn’t all raw it will usually be mostly raw or all cooked vegan. The cooked foods I consume are soups, legumes, root vegetables, lentils, other cooked vegetables, Sunshine Burgers, rice, quinoa and other gluten free breads and grains. I try to maintain a gluten free diet since wheat can be hard on the digestive system.

I start every morning with a nice big shot of aloe vera juice. I don’t find any pleasure in this but it is great for healing my insides and I have found it to help (just be careful not to over do it, it can also cause you to “go” more, which I definitely do NOT need!). I also take some different supplements and herbs. A lot of raw foodies don’t agree with supplements, but when you have absorption issues for any reason, I find them necessary. I take a raw vegan multi-vitamin, a raw vegan vitamin D3, a vegan probiotic, calcium with magnesium and B12. I also get a B12 shot once a month for a little extra energy (Crohn’s can be exhausting!). I do take medication, so always be sure to check with your doctor before starting a supplement program. Before every meal I take digestive enzymes, these are a lifesaver!!! If you have stomach issues, I am telling you, these are amazing!!! Certain teas help with my stomach as well, I love Yogi Ginger Tea, Nettle tea (helps strengthen blood), and my favorite: boiled water with lemon juice and a dash of cayenne! YUM!

I’ve always been active, I can honestly say that I love exercise!! Everyday I walk 3.5 miles (treadmill in the Winter and outside, or hiking in the warmer weather). I also love riding my bike, lifting weights, doing aerobic exercises and yoga. Exercise helps keep me sane!! Worrying and stress are big contributers to Crohn’s flares and getting it all out on the pavement/mat feels great! Yoga is perfect for keeping a meditative sense and clearing my mind of any stress. I have found that even when I am bed ridden for a few days, getting up and taking a walk can turn everything around. I have been on Prednisone many times and when my body starts aching from them, a nice walk or workout makes everything better. Something you would probably never think to do while sick.

Finally, a little soul nurturing is always the best prescription, with or without an illness. I love reading and journalling. There is nothing like looking in and seeing what’s going on once in awhile. I like to do a little self check everyday. I ask, how are you feeling emotionally, mentally, physically? Then I rid my mind of anything negative that may be causing any of these areas to act out. My favorite thing to say to myself is “negative thoughts be gone!” That helps to remind myself to stop thinking in a bad way, remember, you are what you think!

So that’s my regimen, this is not prescriptive advice, just what helps me and can hopefully help you! I think this advice is great for anyone, no aliments needed. A little love for your mind, body and soul never hurt!

Thanks Lauren! You are such an inspiration for so many! Thanks for sharing your tips and we agree they would benefit many people no matter what his or her issue may be.  And congrats to you as you venture into the world of motherhood. We look forward in sharing your adventure ; )

Do you  know anyone with Crohns? Have any tips you would like to share with others?

Other news:

Just wanted to let you all know that we have extended our t-shirt sale in honor of our birthday week…I guess you can say we are still celebrating, haha. Also wanted to wish the wonderful Shannonmarie a Happy Birthday and good luck to our friend Robyn as she creates her final raw food dish at 105 Degrees.  I remember my last day…so fun yet so sad to leave, we sure ate good at 105, miss that place!

Well have a busy day in the kitchen, have  a great Friday!

Till next time,

Michelle

Pure2raw twins