I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis nearly 4 years ago at age 19 and each year I seem to get progressively worse flare-ups. I am currently dealing with a severe case of dysbiosis, candida overgrowth and leaky gut now for nearly 6 months. This is the first time I am trying to calm down my system without medications and completely naturally considering the medications were overall ineffective to bringing me into full remission.
My flare-ups have undoubtedly been caused by nearly 3 years on antibiotics for acne. I now have about 10-15 trips to the bathroom a day with blood occasionally and much sensitively to foods. I've been following the Maker's Diet for nearly 3 months and started taking Primal Defense 3 weeks ago and raw cow colostrum kefir 1 week ago made by Organic Pastures (http://www.organicpastures.com/products_qephor.html). I am up to 5 PD a day and 1-2cups of kefir a day. Is that a good kefir to use? I now its not made with goat's milk, I just don't have access to raw goat's milk. Should I also be taking the raw colostrum (http://www.organicpastures.com/products_colostrum.html)? I've heard that heals leaky gut or does my kefir have enough of the colostrum in it?
I notice the kefir has been giving me a lot of gas, looser stools and the Primal Defense has made me break out a little on my face. The kefir however seems to keep my face clear and strangely it has taken away the puffiness I use to have in my face (maybe signs of inflammation?). But I am concerned that I am causing harm because it makes me go to the bathroom with more urgency than before and it causes bloating. Also I have spells of great fatigue maybe once or twice a week for most of the day. At times I have less of an appetite (but still fairly normal). Probably a good things don't have the CRAVINGS for sugars and breads I use to have.
I've heard that kefir and PD can really cause die-off effects. But for me I've been dealing with looser stools and gas and fatigue off since I started the PD. I feel lost because I now I have bad gut flora and I'm trying to restore it but how long can it take? Does kefir and PD for the most part expel all the bad stuff in your system or could it be irritating it more so? Has anyone heard of cases where it seems to be worse for several weeks on the Maker's Diet, kefir and PD before being able to restore gut flora?
Thanks for listening.