Thank You!!!

by Ariel
(USA)

Dear Rick,
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for sharing your inspiring and motivating story. I suffered from IBS-D for five years, and many times it was so unbearable that I contemplated ending my life.


I tried everything including numerous medications, diets, allopathic and alternative treatments, and visits to gastroenterologists, naturopaths, and other medical practitioners without success. What I didn?t realize was that the solution was very simple. Not easy, but definitely simple. I agree with you 100% that IBS is a modern disease.


After coming across your post during another one of my desperate searches to find a cure, I was newly inspired to make important changes to my lifestyle. I followed your advice and bought a shower filter, and began eating only organic, fresh food. I slowly but surely threw away all my chemical products (soap, toothpaste, skin cream, hair products, deodorant, dish soap, etc) and replaced them with all-natural alternatives. I also began Michael Mahoney?s IBS hypnosis, and made a long list of positive affirmations regarding my health, happiness, and comfort, which I repeat daily, over and over until I believe them. I now exercise regularly ?yoga, jogging, etc, and I practice breathing slowly, deeply and consciously.


Over the past several months I devoured a giant stack of books, myriad articles and several documentaries on the topics of IBS, IBD, food processing and drug company conspiracies, organic food, healing through positive thinking, meditation, etc. I realized just how addicted I actually was to processed food, and just how much anger, fear, and resentment I had been holding on to for many years, which I now understand was a major perpetuating factor in my struggle with IBS.


Every day I work on letting go of negative thoughts and feelings through positive affirmations, visualization, and behavior. I also consciously decided that I am worthy of living an amazing and wonderful life as a healthy, whole and complete person, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to be that person.


Yes, organic food can be expensive. Yes, it is more time consuming to prepare a meal from scratch than popping a box of frozen toxins into the microwave. Yes, modern society does not support a healthy, organic, low-stress lifestyle. However, it is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.


We can all start over and learn how to prepare real food (its really not that difficult ? most fruits, veggies and nuts are already ready to eat, and other meals can be as simple as steaming some broccoli with a side of grilled fish, or throwing some boiled vegetables into the blender to make a hearty soup.)


I personally did not feel better immediately, as you did, but I stuck with the lifestyle changes for a few months, and I now feel better than I have in a very long time, with my health is improving every day. I was saddened to read that you gave up after just a month. I believe that you and everyone else in this world who suffers from IBS, are worthwhile and deserving of a happy, healthy, comfortable life free from pain and suffering.


Again, I am very grateful to you for sharing your experiences, and I wish you success on your healing journey.
Sincerely,
Ariel


P.S.-I am anxiously awaiting your post on making bread from scratch.