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How to Set Realistic New Years’ Resolutions.

1/17/2021

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When the year starts coming to an end, and you have gotten through your holiday planning, the next thing you probably focus on is the next year. What goals you have, and what your New Years’ Resolutions will be.
If you want to stick to them this year, the number one most important thing to do is keep them realistic and attainable. Here are some tips for setting realistic resolutions that you will actually stick to.

Make Them SMART

Any time you read about setting realistic goals, this probably comes up. That is because of how essential it is! This acronym was created in 1981 and is still used today. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound or Time-Sensitive.

This means you want to set new years’ resolutions that are specific and detailed, can be measured with the progress, are realistically achievable, relevant to the goals you have for your life, and have a time when they should be completed.

Start with the Ultimate Goal, Then Break it Down

For a realistic new years’ resolution, you want to start big, but then break it down into actionable steps. Many people want to be healthy or reduce their symptoms as their resolution, which is a great goal, but it is too broad and often too grand of a goal. Saying you want to be healthy is much too broad, while saying you want to reduce your symptoms is too big to start with.

So reduce your goals into smaller bite size pieces. You know how many bad days you have in a month. Aim to reduce it by 10%. List the steps needed to do this and then break that down into mini actions you complete on a daily or weekly basis throughout the year.

Understand WHY You Want Each Resolution

Have you ever made a list of things you want to do or achieve, but didn’t really feel excited when writing about it? This is a good sign that you have the wrong intention behind it. You probably thought it was just something you were supposed to do, or you were following along with your friends. If you don’t feel excited in the beginning, you will never gain enough momentum to see it through.

Create an Actionable Step-by-Step Plan

Finally, choose a few small goals and create a step-by-step plan for each one. List down the steps you need to do in order to achieve that goals. This might include eating less carbs, giving up smoking, starting a fitness routine, drinking more water, and changing your diet.

NOTE: If you are not sure what the steps are, then it isn’t a realistic resolution to have.

If you are having any trouble setting your goals then please check out these FREE resources
HERE
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If you have any more questions then please free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.
Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael 
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My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com

​LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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What supplements should I take?

10/19/2020

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If you have Crohn's disease, you have to be very careful about what you put into your mouth whether it is food, drinks, herbs, or even vitamins and supplements. 

If you are going to supplement your diet make sure you select the supplements that are going to be beneficial to your health and also improve the quality of your life. I have included my recommendations that may be beneficial to your health. They have certainly helped me.

NOTE: It's important to regularly test your levels with blood tests. 

PROBIOTICS.
Probiotics or good bacteria is indeed a buzz word at the moment. They are believed to provide a positive benefit for your digestion. Probiotics are available to have on their own and are even available in many food products. You must make sure you are consuming the good bacteria. These do the best job of keeping away the harmful bacteria that might aggravate your Crohn’s disease symptoms.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
We all know the benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, they fight inflammation in your body. It makes sense then that they may help the tissues most affected by Crohn’s disease. If we wish to consume them in food, we can get them in flaxseed oil and deep-sea fish like salmon. Most people find it is easier to take them as a supplement.
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VITAMIN D
Vitamin D seems like it is the hot supplement of the moment. We are being bombarded with information. Experts believe Vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating our immune response. We know Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory condition which may be triggered by our immune system so vitamin D can then play a useful role. Our bodies can make Vitamin D naturally through sunlight but with the dangers of too much sun exposure consuming Vitamin D in food or through supplementation seems like a better option.

IRON
If you have Crohn’s disease, you may have a problem with the absorption of iron. As iron plays a vital role in keeping your blood healthy and maintaining your energy and sense of well-being, it is important to know if you are deficient. Make sure your doctor tests you and if you are a good quality supplement will be critical in helping you on the path to wellness.

VITAMIN A
This vitamins role is to support your immune system which tells us that it will be beneficial to those who have Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, some sufferers have a hard time absorbing Vitamin A so taking a good quality multivitamin which contains the minimum daily requirement is recommended.  If you also wish to incorporate eating extra Vitamin A in your diet make sure you eat foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens.

ZINC
Zinc is essential as it helps heal your tissues and assists in building strong bones throughout your life. It has been noted that some Crohn's patients are deficient in Zinc. So making sure you get enough zinc if you have Crohn's disease it is essential to make sure you are consuming enough. Zinc can be found in dark chocolate and oysters. Seeds such as sesame or pumpkin seeds or foods containing seeds like watermelon are also high in zinc. However, remember that sometimes people living with Crohn's have trouble with seeds so be very careful.

CALCIUM
Calcium is one of the essential supplements for those who have Crohn's disease. This is because sufferers often take high doses of steroids to help manage their symptoms and this puts them at a higher risk of bone loss later in their life. Consuming sufficient calcium also reduces the risk for cancers associated with Crohn's disease, such as colon cancer. Make sure you consume Vitamin D with your calcium as it helps with better absorption of the calcium. Also eat foods rich in calcium such as milk, spinach and almonds BUT remember to watch eating almonds if nuts are a problem for you.

Lemongrass
Lemongrass has been found, through research in Japan, to help ease some of the inflammation and irritation associated with Crohn's disease. It is also easy to add to your diet as it is very recipe friendly as a lot of Asian dishes, mainly Thai food, use lemongrass in their ingredient lists.  You can also get this in pill form.

Turmeric
Turmeric is believed to be anti-inflammatory and has been used to treat inflammation for a long time. It can be added to stews and curries, but because of the implications of eating spicy food, it is better to consume it in capsule form. Curcumin is the clinical name of turmeric.

Green Tea
Green tea has many healing properties. It is believed to reduce the inflammation associated with Crohn's disease. Some studies have even shown that green tea can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. So make sure you boil up a cup of green tea and enjoy it hot or turn it into a refreshing iced tea by adding mint.
At My Crohn's Doctor we are passionate about great health and wellness. As a result we only recommend and partner with the BEST products that will help you achieve your health and wellness goals. 
If you have any more questions then please free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.
Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael  ​​​
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​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com
​LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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Does my liver need cleaning?

10/15/2020

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A healthy liver is necessary for a healthy body. as it assists with Digestion, the smooth running of the lymphatic system, regulating blood sugar, and having a healthy and glowing skin. The liver works to filter out toxins, so keeping your liver in tip-top shape is so important to keep your body functioning properly. Especially if you suffer from Crohn's disease.

HOW DO I CLEAN IT?
I am actually not a fan of a detox. It can put a lot of stress on your body. Even more so if you suffer from
 Crohn's disease. I believe the symptoms associated with a detox may be too severe for us and we already have enough to deal with symptom wise on a day to day basis. 

SO, WHAT DO I DO?

So the key to a healthy liver is to maintain its harmony and balance. Keep it healthy rather than try to get it healthy. Here are some foods and supplements that will help the liver do its work better.
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  • Carrots: High in beta-carotene, they help regulate blood-sugar levels, while reducing inflammation in the body and are a good energy food.
  • Milk thistle: Contains an antioxidant that acts as a toxin blocker. Capsules can be taken daily for an extended period to repair the liver.
  • Lemons: Cleanse not only the liver, but also the gallbladder, kidneys, digestive tract and lungs.
  • Garlic: Helps strengthen and cleanse the blood, while giving the liver and kidneys a spring clean.
  • Dandelion tea: Dandelion has been used for centuries. It is a blood purifier and antioxidant and is recommended for those with liver complaints.
  • Beetroot juice: Contains a chemical called betaine that stimulates the liver cells and protects the liver and bile ducts.
  • Get plenty of sleep: Also have infrared saunas, indulge in lymphatic massages and drink lots of filtered water.
Below is a Liver Cleansing Juice via The Blender Girl
Liver Cleansing Beet Carrot Apple Ginger Juice.

This beet carrot apple ginger juice is sweet and delicious, and loaded with nutrients to help to build healthy blood, and clear toxins from the bowels. 
 
Prep Time 10 minutes
 Total Time 10 minutes
 Servings 1 (16-ounce glass or 480ml approx)
 Author Tess Masters

Ingredients
  • 4 medium carrots, scrubbed
  • 2 handfuls baby spinach
  • 1 medium red beet
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1 green apple, cored
  • 1 lemon, rind removed
  • 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger root, plus more to taste
  • Pinch of Celtic sea salt

Instructions
  1. Push the ingredients through your juicer, and consume whole or strain with a fine mesh sieve. 

Recipe Notes
Photo by
 Trent Lanz; styling by Alicia Buszczak
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If you have any more questions then please free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness

Dr Michael  ​
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​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com
​​LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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Is your bowel leaking and could it be poisoning you?

10/12/2020

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So you know you have Crohn’s disease. You probably know then that your gut health is the gateway to your own health. If your gut is healthy, chances are that you're in good health. Makes sense, right? Well, there's also a condition called leaky gut that can lead to a host of other health problems. Crohn’s disease may not be the only thing giving you grief.

The chronic inflammation of IBD literally eats away at our mucosal protective lining and exposes us to entry into our body of food materials and other foreign particles which enter our lymphatics and blood stream to make every tissue and cell in our body full of toxicity and our liver works overtime to process this toxic load our brain even is poisoned by these toxins.

The bad news is when our bowel gets more loaded with these toxins it leaks more. The good news is that it is very reversible.  

What is a leaky gut?

A leaky gut is a gut that leaks. The gut is naturally permeable to very small molecules in order to absorb these vital nutrients. In fact, regulating intestinal permeability is one of the basic functions of the cells that line the intestinal wall. In sensitive people, gluten can cause the gut cells to release zonulin, a protein that can break apart tight junctions in the intestinal lining. Other factors — such as infections, toxins, stress and age — can also cause these tight junctions to break apart.

Once these tight junctions get broken apart, you have a leaky gut. When your gut is leaky, things like toxins, microbes, undigested food particles, and more can escape from your intestines and travel throughout your body via your bloodstream. Your immune system marks these "foreign invaders" as pathogens and attacks them. The immune response to these invaders can appear in the form of any of the nine signs you have a leaky gut, which are listed below.

What causes leaky gut?

The main culprits are foods, infections, and toxins. Gluten is the number one cause of leaky gut. Other inflammatory foods like dairy or toxic foods, such as sugar and excessive alcohol, are suspected as well. The most common infectious causes are candida overgrowth, intestinal parasites, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Toxins come in the form of medications, steroids, antibiotics, and acid-reducing drugs, and environmental toxins like mercury, pesticides and BPA from plastics. Stress and age also contribute to a leaky gut.

Signs and symptoms are completely different e.g. a red face is a sign of leaky gut dysbiosis, but symptoms can be more of a physical feeling. Symptoms can only be described by the person feeling them. If you are having pain, no one knows unless you tell them. It's the same with dizziness, numbness, lightheadedness, fatigue, vision disturbances, ringing in your ears and a whole host of other feelings that anyone not in your body is going to know about unless you describe it.

That doesn't mean other people don't notice when you don't feel well. If your face is pale or you are unstable when you walk or you are sweating, then you are showing signs. Signs are just what they sound like: indicators of a problem. They also include breathing rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc.

So if you suffer from any of the following symptoms, it’s likely that you have a leaky gut:

1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhoea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Seasonal allergies or asthma.
3. Hormonal imbalances such as PMS or PCOS.
4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or celiac disease.
5. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
6. Mood and mind issues such as depression, anxiety, ADD or ADHD.
7. Skin issues such as acne, rosacea, or eczema.
8. Diagnosis of candida overgrowth.
9. Food allergies or food intolerance.

Remember if you have any more questions  then please free to email me at
 mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael
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​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com
​​LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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Are you Gluten Intolerant?

10/7/2020

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If you have any of the following symptoms it could be a sign that you have gluten intolerance. Obviously, these are only a guide but people who know they are gluten intolerant will tell you these symptoms are accurate. 

1. If you suffer from digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation. 
2. Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten. 
3. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.  
4. Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
5. Having symptoms such as dizziness or feelings of being off balance.
6. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.
7. Migraine headaches.
8. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue. 
9. Having chicken skin on the back of your arms. This is also known as Keratosis Pilaris, and occurs as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.
10. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.
 
TESTING FOR GLUTEN INTOLERANCE.

I have found the single best ways to determine if you have an issue with gluten is to do an elimination diet 
and take it out of your diet for at least 2 to 3 weeks and then reintroduce it.

NOTE: Gluten is a very large protein and it can take months and even years to clear from your system so the longer you can eliminate it from your diet before reintroducing it, the better.

I think the best advice with gluten is that if you feel significantly better off not eating gluten or feel worse when you reintroduce it, then gluten is likely a problem for you.  

NOTE: In order to get accurate results from this testing method you must elimination 100% of the gluten from your diet.

SO WHAT DO I DO NOW?
​

Eliminating gluten 100% from your diet means 100%. Even little amounts of gluten from cross contamination or medications or supplements can be enough to cause an immune reaction in your body. It must be 100%. You can't go by the notion that if I eat it when I am out it will be ok. You will know it is not ok! It must disappear altogether. 
​Remember if you have any more questions  then please free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael
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​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com
​​​LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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Crohn's Disease and Me. This is my Story.

10/5/2020

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I was diagnosed with Crohn's at a young age and my journey through my teenage years was precarious as a result. I was sick, I was well, and I was ill again. As a result, school was not a great place for me. I went from a straight-A student to just getting by, and I felt like I was always struggling. I was stressed. It’s hard to study, hang out with friends and have a part-time job when you have this disease. I am sure you all know what I mean. 

I finally went off to Uni, and I struggled again. The lack of energy and the stress played havoc with my health until I finally succumbed to having surgery. I thought this was going to be the answer, BUT it merely opened up another can of worms for my health. I continued to fight my way through my study until I graduated. However, not long after I started work as a chiropractor, the wheels fell off again. My health went, and again I agreed to another surgery. 

This experience was far worse than the first. I became septic, spent one month in Intensive Care, nearly died three times and was left with 90cm of Small Bowel. To say I have experienced everything this disease can throw at you is an understatement. 

During my life with Crohn's, I have always struggled with what my mind wants to do and what my body was able to do. I had plans, goals, dreams but this disease was continually thwarting them. 

However, the real reason I struggled was that I couldn’t handle the way people looked at me or thought of me because of what they saw on the outside. That was my real struggle. On the outside, I seemed ok due to the medication they put me on, BUT you guys know the truth. Inside I was dying. Again, the stress, the lack of energy, the trying to live up to my own expectations, without even thinking of the judgement of others. It was all too much — the self-medicating, the loneliness, the depression that was taking over my life. I was spending my days helping others to live their best life and yet I was miserable and definitely NOT living the life that I had dreamed of. 

I think I hit the wall a few times during this journey. It took a few bangs on the head to get me to realise I needed to change. I already knew I wanted to, but I guess I didn’t know how. My most vivid memory was the day I left the hospital after spending four months trapped inside. My surgeon said to me as I was leaving the hospital that he wished me good luck and that there was nothing they could do for me medically. He wasn’t sure of what lay ahead for me but thought I probably wouldn’t live very long. I was 49 kg and stooped over like an old man. When in reality I was 28 years old and should have been in the prime of my life. As I left, he handed me the Serenity Prayer. That certainly stopped me in my tracks. 
After this encounter with my surgeon, I realised that if I wanted to live, then I needed to take control of my health. None of the medical doctors I saw offered me any real solution. (BTW I am not a doctor basher at all. My son wants to study medicine. BUT they couldn’t help me.) It’s not their fault as this disease doesn’t seem to fit the medical model currently being taught to our doctors. 

I realised I needed to go way outside the box and try and find people or things that offered me a different solution or a different way of healing. And, believe me, I tried everything. I cooked goats’ intestines; I ate green Papaya leaves cooked, I ate boiled Cascara seeds. I travelled to India, America, Thailand to find the answers. 

One of the most vivid memories I have though is travelling to the rainforests in far north Queensland and living with a natural hygienist. We ate raw food, bathed in the river and shared stories on healing. This time cemented my views on what had happened to me. Why I had gotten sick, why I was now left with 90cm of short bowel and told I wouldn’t live very long. This time also taught me the things that I needed to do to get better. All the crazy things I’d done that I now needed to let go of. It became obvious to me. 

I had made being well so complicated that there was no way anyone could stick to what I thought I had to do.  It was so painful to think about the steps, the actions, the complicated diet. I kept failing at sticking to it and then I would give up. At least if I ate a grilled chicken burger from Burger King (Hungry Jacks in Australia), I felt pleasure for a while. This was a vicious cycle I had been spiralling down so it was crucial I had this moment while I still held the possibility that I could get well within me.

I realised that I didn’t have any chances left and that if I wanted a better life in the future, I had to take action now.  

The answer, I discovered, was something, as a chiropractor, I already knew. The body has an amazing ability to heal if given the right circumstances. Fine tuning those circumstances and giving my body the time to heal turned out to be the solution. 

The difference this time over all the others was I kept it simple. While I was in the rainforest life was simple, there weren’t all the shiny objects to distract me, the excuses I had used in the past didn’t apply, eg I needed energy to get to work so it was ok to eat/drink something sugary, I was stressed, so I needed a drink to relax. As the plan unfolded, the excuses weren't there, and it turns out the plan was pretty simple. I learnt I could stick to it and I also discovered that it wasn’t the end of the world if I strayed from the plan. The plan was simple, so if I strayed, I simply got back on. 

We all make healing so complicated. You need this powder with these 27 other ingredients, plus you need to eat this, do that and then do these five times a day. No wonder we all fail.

What my plan taught me was that it could be simple, it was easy to follow and if you strayed so what. You just began again.  

There were many challenges along the way to finding better health for myself. I had to let go of what I thought was the answers to allow room for the actual solutions that caused me to get healthy. I also had to quieten the noise of others who thought I was crazy because I wasn’t doing the things that I was supposed to. Even at times, I doubted myself because my path was definitely off the beaten track. I also had to remain steadfast as there were times my symptoms and health got worse before they got better. I always find this funny as I explain this concept to my patients regularly and so easily and they accept what I say, BUT for me, that was a big challenge. I wanted to HEAL now, not later and I wanted it to be easy. 

The result is my Crohn’s is gone. I have had pill cams, colonoscopies and there is no evidence of the disease. I have done the things I wanted, had kids, travelled and worked all over the world and been able to surf. I have also been able to instil the ingredients for great health into my children, and that really excites me as well. I also enjoy immensely being able to tell others that they can be well and live their best life. 

The transformation I experienced has been multi-layered. I not only have the best health that I can have, but I have also been able to assist my family in having their best health. PLUS, I have also been able to help 1000’s of other people live their happiest and healthiest lives, and that makes me super happy. Life isn’t about suffering or lack. It’s about joy and abundance. And that’s what I want to continue doing. Helping others and giving them the necessary tools to escape and to keep escaping from the jaws of this terrible disease every time it tries to take a bite out of them. 

I wish you well
​Dr Michael
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What is Gelatin and why you should include it in your diet when you have Crohn's Disease?

9/21/2020

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Gelatin is a translucent, powdery substance, resembling the texture and appearance of white sand, and is full of amino acids.  While our bodies can make some of the amino acids on their own, we experience higher levels of inflammation, sickness, compromised digestion, aches and pains, resulting in depleted essential amino acid levels that the human body requires to function optimally.

Gelatin’s amino acid profile
  • 4% Lysine
  • 6% Aspartic acid
  • 8% Arginine
  • 9% Alanine
  • 10% Glutamic acid
  • 12% Hydroxyproline
  • 12% Proline
  • 21% Glycine

One of the most valuable amino acids found in gelatin is glycine, which helps to lower inflammation, improve mental alertness, joints and digestive health as well as helping to prevent and heal leaky gut. This is what makes gelatin an important food to add to your diet when you have Crohn's Disease. 
In addition to this, gelatin has a number of other key benefits if you have Crohn's Disease:
​( Thank you to Changing Habits for this great list.)

11 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GELATIN

1. Skin health
Consuming more gelatin in our diets is a smart natural skin care approach. The reason for this is that gelatin has skin healing properties due to its rich source of collagen. Collagen is considered one of the building blocks for skin, it helps with skin elasticity, reduces skin roughness, aging, wrinkles, stretch marks and helps protect you from free radical damage.
2. Teeth, nails and hair
Gelatin provides abundant amounts of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous which helps to build and maintain strong teeth, nails and hair.
3. Cellulite and stretch marks
Cellulite is caused by a breakdown or loss of collagen. Gelatin also helps prevent stretch marks by improving the skins strength, elasticity, tone and firmness.
4. Hormone balance
The glycine in gelatin helps the body to make glutathione which is crucial for helping to remove excess estrogen from the body.
5. Adrenals
Under stressful situations the body requires more minerals, nutrients and amino acids which can be provided to the body from gelatin. Gelatin has been found to help rejuvenate organs such as the adrenals as it helps the body to deal with stress easier.
6. Mood booster
Many people take amino acid supplements to naturally boost mental focus and clarity, ‘happy’ hormones and reduce nor-epinephrine (stress hormones). However, what they don’t know is that gelatin can aid in all of this as it contains many amino acids, one being glycine which acts similarly to an anti-anxiety and an anti-depressant, but without the negative side effects.
7. Boosts metabolism
Glycine also helps to boost metabolism and also helps to regulate insulin sensitivity keeping people from storing abdominal fat.
8. Digestion
Gelatin is incredibly easy to digest. Some of the amino acids founds in gelatin helps to increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach which is essential for digestion and nutrient assimilation.
9. Keeps you satiated
Taking gelatin increases satiety hormones and helps to control and lower hunger hormones.
10. Improves sleep
Gelatin has been found to not only aid sleep, but also improves sleep quality and reduces day time sleepiness.
11. Aids liver detoxification
Often in today’s toxic world the body can’t make enough glycine needed to keep up with the body’s detoxification needs. Taking gelatin provides additional glycine which supports the neutralisation of toxins in the liver and aids the body to naturally detox from heavy metals along with toxins and chemicals from our diet and environment.

HOW TO ADD MORE GELATIN TO YOUR DIET.

The best way to consume gelatin is to honour the whole animal and eat from ‘Head to Toe’, meaning you use the bones and connective tissues from healthy animals to make foods like stock or bone broth.

You can then use this stock or bone broth as the base of curries, soups, stews and to cook vegetables in. While eating bone broth is one of the best ways to get gelatin, collagen, nutrients, minerals and other important nutritional components, we do understand that this isn’t always easy or possible for some people.

Another alternative is to add gelatin powder to your diet, which can allow you to make it an easy and simple addition to many foods like smoothies, coffee, hot chocolates, gravies, and many more.
 
HOW MUCH GELATIN DO I NEED?


Most people can start off with ½ – 1 Tbsp of gelatin (or 1 cup of bone broth) per day without any side effects and are able to slowly increase the amount every week or so as you body becomes used to the volume. As everyone is unique and has different requirements, the key here is to listen to your body and its needs.
​

It’s important not to get too carried away with consuming gelatin, especially if you are new to it. Taking too much gelatin too quickly can lead to some digestive distress, so start slowly and listen to your body’s signs and symptoms.

Gelatin is a product that I use regularly because of its wonderful healing properties and natural source of amino acids which aids skin and bone health, hair and nail growth, recovery after exercise, immune function, digestion aid and weight regulation. 

​Unable to source certified organic gelatin within Australia, Changing Habits Organic gelatin is supplied by a 5th generation family owned business in Europe, recognised for their high quality standards.
​

So add some gelatin into your diet so you too can reap the health benefits.

This is the Gelatin I like to use.
​Click on the Image below to purchase from the Changing Habits SHOP.

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​If you have any more questions then please free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor. 
​

Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael
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​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com
​

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this blog post is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this blog. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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This is why you need a GREAT night's sleep when you have Crohn's Disease.

9/18/2020

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Other than causing you to feel awful in the morning [hang on, I have Crohn's Disease I often feel awful in the morning] What else could a poor night's sleep be doing for your health. Well it has been discovered that a lack of sleep, or a disturbance in your sleep cycles, may increase inflammation in the digestive system. Now if you have Crohn's Disease you don't want to be doing anything that causes more inflammation.

How does this work - The Sleep and Digestion Connection.

The circadian clock refers to the cycle of sleeping and waking. This is an internal clock, located inside the brain. A brain structure called the pineal gland secretes a hormone, melatonin, at night that helps regulate the clock. In fact, many body functions, including digestion, are influenced by it.
​

During the sleep cycle, digestion slows down. There is less movement and less production of digestive juices. Although researchers are still discovering details on this, several digestive problems — including Crohn's — have been linked to sleep disturbance. 

In fact it has even been discovered that chemical messengers produced by the body during inflammation may disrupt sleep. This can set up a vicious cycle in which inflammation interrupts sleep and lack of sleep triggers more inflammation.

We also know that sleep disturbance can also be caused by symptoms of Crohn's, like abdominal discomfort and having to get up to use the bathroom at night. Also many sufferers of Crohn's also take steroids. These have also have been shown to interfere with sleep. 

So it appears it is a kind of a lose lose. 


Tips for Better Sleep

In order to sleep better you must improve your sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is simply a group of healthy habits that help promote a good night’s sleep. These healthy habits are:
  • Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
  • Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
  • Avoid naps during the day.
  • Avoid caffeine later in the day.
  • Avoid alcohol in the evening. It can put you to sleep, but it will wake you up during the night.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Avoid late-night meals.
  • Get regular doses of sunshine. Natural light helps set your circadian clock.
  • Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable.
  • Use your bed only for sleep or sex. Avoid watching TV in bed.

To find out more about the Importance of Sleep and your Crohn's Disease please feel free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael
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​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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Can I drink my food?

9/14/2020

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I've Have you been told by your doctor to try an elemental diet? An elemental diet is nutrition made from vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, glucose and amino acids. It is not whole foods.
Following an elemental diet is a BIG commitment and can be too much for most of us. I like to adopt some of the principles for a few days (or sometimes even a few hours).
I do this because it gives my digestion a break. It may even help someone who is lacking an appetite or is suffering the nausea that can come with a flare. You are kind of (not scientific I know) giving your digestive system a rest while still getting in the much-needed calories and nutrition that can go missing from our diets when we are unwell.
So, no matter who you are or what your current health status may be with your Crohn's Disease, you cannot go wrong when it comes to introducing smoothies or juices into your life.
By drinking these potent beverages, you're literally changing your cells. You're providing your body with calories, vital nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants in an easy-to-digest form. 
​So, Juices and Smoothies can be a great way to get the Nutrients we need easily without having to "DIGEST" food from scratch and provide us with the extra calories we also desperately need. ​
I like to drink a juice in the morning of Carrot, Celery and Beetroot with a touch of Ginger and I have done for years BUT I am also partial to a Smoothie Bowl. (I know you've seen some of the pics I've shared) I've included an AMAZING one below.
​So which will you try first? Here are some ingredient suggestions and 9 Recipes to get you started! 
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Suggestions for Ingredients
Protein 
It can increase your energy and help you gain weight (if that’s your goal). Good sources include nut milk; organic, smooth, all-natural nut butter (store-bought or homemade); good quality protein powders; and collagen.

Dairy
Quite often we can't tolerate dairy, but if your system can handle it, fermented foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir, may help you feel better during a flare. Yoghurt can also be a good source of protein.

Fruit and veges 
They are one of the best sources of carbohydrates and much-needed vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Focus on fresh, soft, peeled fruits and leafy greens, or opt for frozen fruit and vegetables.

Healthy fats 
Mono- or polyunsaturated fats, are satiating and can give your smoothie a calorie boost. Good sources include fresh or frozen avocado, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, chia seeds, ground hemp seeds, ground flaxseed, and smooth nut butter.

Liquid 
These help blend the other ingredients, but it can also keep you hydrated. Water is always an option, but other good choices include fruit juice and non-dairy milk.

Whole grains 
These are a good source of fibre. Try including whole rolled oats or quinoa in your smoothies; both are gluten-free.

GUIDELINES FOR A SMOOTHIE SNACK
  • Protein: 7–14 grams (g)
  • Fruit: ½ cup
  • Healthy fat: 1 teaspoon (tsp) to 1 tablespoon (tbsp)
  • Fibre*: 1 tsp to 1 tbsp
  • Liquid: About ½ cup; add more if necessary (Your liquid could contribute to the protein.)
GUIDELINED FOR A SMOOTHIE MEAL
  • Protein: 14–20 g
  • Fruit: ½–1 cup
  • Liquid: ½–1 cup (Add more if necessary for your desired texture.)
  • Healthy fat: 1 tsp to 1 tbsp
  • Fiber*: 1 tsp to 1 tbsp
*For your fibre, consider a partially hydrolyzed guar gum.
During an IBD flare, it may be beneficial to be on the side of caution with how much fibre you introduce into each meal and snack. Sticking to lower-fibre soft fruits and cooked vegetables can help under these conditions.
SMOOTHIES
1. Blueberry Smoothie
This is not only great for your health, but it's loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals, and flavonoids, which are vital for cellular health and disease prevention.
·         Big handful frozen or fresh organic wild blueberries
·         1 Banana
·         1 Tbsp extra-virgin coconut oil
·         1 Tbsp hemp seeds
·         1 Tbsp chia seeds
·         Pinch of cinnamon
·         1 cup hemp milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut water as your base

​2. Kidney Nourishing Smoothie

Cucumbers hydrate your body, and they're also fabulous for flushing out toxicity in your kidneys.
·         1⁄2 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
·         1 cup fresh/frozen blueberries
·         8 oz coconut water or unsweetened hemp/rice/almond milk
·         1-2 Tbsp ground flax or chia seeds
·         Tbs raw organic honey or stevia to taste (optional)
·         Ice (optional)

 3. Cranberry Lymph Flush Smoothie
Cranberry concentrate is a wonderful way to keep your bladder free of unwanted bacteria naturally. Bonus: cranberries are a great source of vitamin C.
·         1 cup of mixed berries
·         1⁄4 cup unsweetened Cranberry juice concentrate
·         1⁄4 avocado
·         1 cup coconut water or coconut milk/hemp/almond/rice milk 
·         1 Tbsp ground flax or chia seeds
·         1 teaspoon ginger
·         Ice (optional)

4. Blackberry-Cinnamon Smoothie
Blackberries a fabulous source of Vitamin K, which is essential for absorbing calcium and bone growth. (And it tastes so good! PLUS great for us as well) 
·         1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
·         1 cup coconut water or unsweetened almond/coconut/hemp/rice milk
·         1 Tbsp ground flax or chia seeds
·         1⁄8 tsp cinnamon
·         1 handful of spinach
·         Splash of vanilla extract
·         Tbsp raw, organic honey or stevia to taste (optional)
JUICES
1. The Green Monster
Drinking this green juice will alkalize your body and leave you feeling fabulous. Even better, it contains parsley, which is loaded with Vitamin C and iron, which can be difficult for many vegan or vegetarians to get enough iron. (You must drink this one!)
·         1 and 1⁄2 cups coconut water 
·         1 handful kale
·         1 handful spinach
·         5 stalks celery
·         1 apple, cored and chopped
·         Juice from 1 lemon
·         1⁄2 bunch parsley
Note: add the coconut water at the end to your juice.

2. Delicious Detox
This is a great drink for juicing newbies because the carrots add enough sweetness to make you feel like you're not even drinking a green juice.
·         3 carrots
·         3 stalks celery
·         1 cucumber
·         1⁄2 bunch kale
·         1⁄2 bunch parsley
·         1⁄2 bunch cilantro
·         1 lemon squeezed

3. Cleanse Your Blood Juice
Beets are known to cleanse the blood and colon. By doing so, you're supporting and strengthening your liver and gallbladder.
·         1 medium beet
·         1 large apple
·         3 radishes
·         1 cup fresh kale leaves

4. Simple + Sweet Green Flush
This is great for anyone with digestive issues, because the apple aids in digestion and improves bowel function. It's a fun and easy treat for juicers at all levels. (Another must for us!)
  • 1 green apple
  • 1 pear
  • 1⁄2 inch fresh ginger
  • 1 lemon, peeled
  • 1 cup kale or spinach

 5. Carrot + Apple 
Looking to reduce water retention? This one's for you, as carrots help to eliminate excess water from the body! This is perfect for anyone who is feeling bloated and wants to flush! 
  • 2 green apples
  • 10 carrots
  • 1⁄2 inch ginger
REMEMBER that you will need to adapt THESE RECIPES to suit your dietary
​PREFERENCES and also which foods you can TOLERATE. 
If you have any more questions then please free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness

Dr Michael  ​
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​​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com
​​LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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These 7 Steps will help ease your Crohn's symptoms.

9/9/2020

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1. Don’t smoke. 
If you have Crohn’s Disease and you smoke, you will likely have more flare-ups and emergency surgeries — and smokers are more likely to be diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in the first place. One more reason why if you smoke, you should STOP now. 

2. Only drink in moderation. 
Alcohol can irritate the lining of your intestinal tract and exacerbate your Crohn’s symptoms. It also may interfere with medications if you are taking any. Even if you find that you can tolerate alcohol, it’s important to limit how much you drink. I say try and not drink at all. I know this may not always be possible but set it as your goal. 


3. Get regular exercise. 
Both aerobic activity and resistance training can benefit in helping you if you have Crohn’s Disease. Exercise not only helps your digestive tract to work more efficiently, but it also can be a stress-reliever due to the release of endorphins, or feel-good hormones, that come with getting your blood pumping. Weight-bearing exercise also can help prevent osteoporosis (bone loss), a common complication of Crohn’s. Choose an exercise you enjoy to stay motivated.


4. Practice relaxation techniques. 
This might include slow breathing, yoga, tai chi, meditation, or something else that you find relaxing. Do what works for you. It could even just be reading a book in a quiet place, listening to your favourite music, or spending time with friends and family. As you all know, I love to get out on my surfboard. Even when I was very unwell and couldn't surf just laying on it made me feel better. 


5. Get enough sleep. 
When you're tired, you're more likely to feel stressed, which can worsen your Crohn's symptoms. You'll sleep better at night if you stick to a routine, with a set time for getting up and going to bed on weekdays and weekends. Also, be sure to give yourself enough time to wind down before bed so you can focus on sleep and not other distractions. Turn off technology and don't sleep with these devices next to your bed. 

6. Seek out support. 
Find Crohn’s support groups online (ESPECIALLY NOW) or groups that meet face-to-face (HOPEFULLY IN THE FUTURE) near where you live or work. Having supportive friends and family can help, but they don’t know what it’s like to live with this every day. People who face the same challenges you do can share what works for them in a variety of situations, and this can offer you big emotional benefits. Also make sure you check out my Facebook Page - 
My Crohns Doctor.

7. Communicate what you feel is appropriate. 

Are you stressed out from hiding your condition from co-workers or because you don't know what to tell friends and family? Everyone handles Crohn's differently, and you should decide for yourself who to tell, how much to tell them, and when. 

My advice when you do want to share is to keep it simple with something like,
"I just want you to know I have a digestive disorder". 

You may not feel comfortable sharing this, but it may help if your boss and co-workers know you have a digestive disorder so they're not wondering why you're frequently in the bathroom or may need to take more sick days than others. Or that some days you don't feel so good. 

If you have any more questions then please free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness

Dr Michael   ​
Picture
​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com
​LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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