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Hi, All!

I'm forwarding an email from one of our "Austin Gluten-Free Friends"
who 3 weeks ago completed extensive tests for Celiac and other
intestinal problems.  Holly is a respiratory therapist, and has suffered
from gastro disturbances for several years (which they've called IBS
for years), pretty severe asthma, allergies, acid reflux, and other
symptoms.  Dr. Lubin (gastrointerologist) found her Celiac blood test
numbers a little high, but found nothing to confirm Celiac Disease in
the biopsy or colonoscopy.  He suggested she try a gluten-free diet
anyway to see if it would help.  Many doctors would have said she
was negative and not to bother with a diet change.

Holly opted to go on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet from BREAKING THE
VICIOUS CYCLE; the diet I so strongly believe in for all digestive
and/or intestinal problems, and am teaching in my support group meetings
here in Austin.  I asked Holly if I could share her emails with you and
below are the results of her eating this way for only 2 1/2 weeks. Holly
has been a friend of mine for many years and I am very excited for her!
I just had to forward her results to everyone, as they are typical of
what thousands of others around the world are experiencing in a short
while, from eating this way.

 ____________________________________

 ----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 2:07 PM

> Have I mentioned the word "ouch!" lately? No? That must be because
> I have no reason to do so!  Yesterday evening, after a busy day at
> Seton Hospital, I had the feeling something was wrong. I couldn't
> figure out what it was, but something wasn't right.
>
> Took me most of the evening to realize; "what aches & pains?" They all
> seem to be gone. Obviously nothing was "wrong". Things seem to be
> right. All my muscle & joint aching is GONE; simply GONE! My heel
> still hurts, but that is a different issue. Even it hasn't been
> hurting as much. I had a busy day yesterday at Seton; not like winter,
> but busy. I did quite  a bit of walking. I should have been hurting all
over.
>
> When I went to bed last night Ifigured I would see what I felt like
> this AM, as lying still all night usually made me even more stiff &
> sore, but nothing this AM.
>
> So far I am down 12# from when I started the prep for those exams.
> I just put on an OLD pair of Levi's I haven't worn since before Hal &
> I married.
>
> Made an interesting little lunch today. I cut a few chunks of bell
> pepper, kinda stuffed it with some fresh roast beef, topped that
> with some cuts chunks of portabella mushrooms & stuck it in the
> oven to bake for just a bit. Took it out when the pepper was still
> crunchy, and was that ever good.
>
> Yes! Go right ahead and send it along. I might add that all burping
> has stopped, and I have not noticed any acid indigestion at all; at
> least not during waking hours.   Holly
> _____________________________________

I'm hearing about people every day who are getting healthier and
healthier and feeling better and better on this diet.  I know many of
you who are contemplating trying it, and all I can say is, "What have
you got to loose?"  Perhaps your bad health?  It's not a hard diet to
follow, is the healthiest way to eat there is, and you will probably
love the "taste" of all your food more than you ever have (your taste
buds will totally come alive).  Don't do it "half-way", however.  There
is a science to it and it's important to follow it "fanatically" so
you'll KNOW if it will work for you.  And yes, I've even been called
"fanatical" for the first time in my life; but I really don't mind . . .
for my research into Celiac and Crohn's Disease led me to a "Godsend"
(BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE) that literally changes peoples' lives!  I
feel it would be a crime to keep what I've learned to myself.

I've now been on the SCD a year, and am a different person, and so is my
husband (and many others I know personally)!  A year ago I was very sick
and on 10 medications.  Today, I'm on one.  I would keep my one grandson
for a day, and hit the bed when he left because I was so exhausted.
Today, I keep 2 grandsons for a day and have energy to spare when
they've gone home.  I was comtemplating cutting back on my full-time
business I've enjoyed for 30 years.  I had already given up singing
professionally 3 years ago because I could not depend on having a voice
due to acid reflux. Two weeks ago I sang for my 40th High School Reunion
(Which was the thrill of my lifetime!) and had better breath control
than I can remember, and didn't become hoarse or go into a coughing
"fit", as I used to.  Thank God, I still have my successful full-time
business, run a support group in addition, and cook more than I've
cooked in my lifetime.  My strength has returned and my energy level and
stamina seem to be endless . . . and I have little to no aches and
pains; whereas I used to have to take an anti-inflammatory for muscle,
joint pain, and swelling!

I've also been able to eliminate 2 blood pressure medications.

My husband, diagnosed with Crohn's 14 months ago, was also very ill
and planning an early retirement because of his health.  Today, he feels
better than he's felt in 15 years, is tapering off his medications, has
started and owns his own consulting business and works longer hours
than he did all those years working for someone else, and enjoys it
more with better health.  He's regaining muscle strength, is able to
work in his shop and spend a day in our yard again without giving out,
and can sleep without medication that he's taken for years.

We are constantly having people tell us how much younger and how
"healthy" we look.  In short, we have our lives back!  We are seeing
this happen for so many, simply as a result of a change in eating
habits!  I hope all of you won't be satisfied with just feeling "better"
on just the gluten-free diet, when perhaps you can feel "great"!  If
any of you would like more info, please email me . . . I'd love to
tell you more.

 Eat healthy,
    Kay in Austin