A few months ago I was hospitalised for my Crohn’s Disease. At the time I had suffered for a couple of months with joint pain, stomach pain, feeling like I had the flu all the time and feeling very weak. The pain and the flu feeling was so bad, that the only relief I could get was having 4 - 6 hot baths a day. I have always been an exercise fanatic and the pain stopped me from exercising which was very frusrating. It was the first time since this disease was diagnosed eleven years ago, that I thought it might finally claim my wonderful lifestyle. I was scared, really really scared.

The doctors at the hospital insisted I be put on steroids, something I had resisted through my illness, in fact, I had not been taking any medication at all for many years. I believed (truly believed) that my fitness and my postiive mindset would keep me free from symptoms. I had proven this before because years ago when I was first diagnosed I increased my exercise and was extremely fit, I believed that the fitness kept me free from Crohn’s symptoms. I did take a drug for three years, however, I became allergic to that medication so sought out alternative therapies.

My research resulted in me practising a gluten and dairy free diet and the results were amazing. However, over the years I became bored of this diet, and thinking I was cured, I went back to not very good eating habits. Then I paid the price! Over the years of eating the wrong foods for my body, it took its toll and I ended up in the hospital on steroids, although I fought the doctors with tears and tantrums prior to taking my first tablets.

I lasted four days on the steroids, and I am here to say, they did give me immediate relief. I felt fantastic! However on day 4 I started to notice weight gain and my mood became aggressive. That was it for me, I took myself off them the next day (not recommended to anyone and it was a risky thing for me to do). I knew I was going to be in for a hard time that night, but nothing could have prepared me for how difficult a time I had. I was at home by myself that night so I had no one to help me and I spent the night shaking, aching and feeling like I was going to die. The next day the joint pain and flu feeling was back in full force and I thought that if this was to be the rest of my life, it wasn’t going to be much fun.

I decided that I would do whatever it took to get better. I told those that are close to me to “watch this space” and that I would cure my symptoms myself with my diet and positive mindset. I put myself on an anti inflammatory diet, took myself off sugar, salt, wheat, white rice, dairy. I ate copious amounts of avocadoes, Fish Oil, olive oil, fish, dark berries, vegetables and slippery elm powder. I had convinced myself that this would work, so I put a ‘belief’ in my head that I would be healthy again in a few weeks.

It worked within a week! Nothing short of a miracle to the people who witnessed what happened. To date, I am rigid with my diet and will never venture off it again. I have a friend, who is an Alchemist, he suggested that every day I drink a solution of chlorophyll, Chia seeds and Himalayan salt mixed in with purified water. At first it was a bit hard to stomach, however now I love it and drink over a litre per day. This has resulted in my skin being very hydrated and makes me feel wonderful. So thanks to Bill Rock in Manly for that little gem! Chlorophyll is known to be good for the blood, Chia is the highest known plant source of anti-inflammatory Omega 3 (8 times more than salmon) as well as a good source of potassium, phosphorous, folate, zinc, Vitamins A, B12, C and many other great benefits. Himalayan salt has a full spectrum of trace elements that provide the bloodstream a mineral-rich solution in a naturally balanced concentration for electrolyte replenishment.

My lifestyle today is eating a healthy diet, drinking my potion and exercising – I run and I work with free weights. I feel fantastic, I refuse to go on any medication and the more I research the powerful healing of some foods, the more I am convinced that our diet is vitally important to having good health. I keep a positive mind and try never to think of negative thoughts.

I am not a healthcare professional and just relaying a story that worked for me, my advice to you if you are unwell is to do your own research and be guided by your doctors.

Debbie Carr is a director of the True Colours Group and Coyote Management International. You can find her at www.truecoloursrecruitment.com, www.truecolourstraining.com, www.truecolourskeynotes.com and www.coyote.com.au/debbie_carr.html and you can read her story at www.seemingly-sane.com