The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/05/2010
Book Review "Crude Black Molasses" by Cyril Scott
Even though the book is tiny half of the pages are empty while I think that there must be a lot of interesting things to say about molasses. I actually, only bought this book because I didn't find any other and was very interested in the subject. The author has a very Victorian style of writing which seems to indicate that the book was written long before the first edition was published. He talks about the amount of "gallons" being allotted to the UK in 1946, meaning that it was maybe written somewhere after that date but the writing style feels much and much older. The quality of the paper is also very bad especially for those people who, like me, like to underline anything important (the ink leaks to the next page quite easily).
Anyway, the book does contain some interesting information but would I have bought it if there was another alternative..... surely not!
This said I will go on taking my tspoon full of molasses every day, hoping to keep healthy and to have my hair restored to its original color! If it is true that it can protect from cancer, lower blood pressure, keep your nails and hair in a good condition, cure skin problems, growths, constipation and colitis, ulcers, arthritis, strokes and much more it is surely worth it! An interesting fact is that molasses are alkaline while white sugar turns acid in your body. And also his suggestion to add a bit of molasses when you make your jams (as I use jellifying sugar which only exists in refined form I have always worried about my jams not being too healthy after all!).
Maybe time some author would look into molasses and write a more comprehensive book?
Side Effects
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/02/2010
I have to say that this surprises me..... a lady in a health food shop told me a while ago that she lived somewhere in an exotic place (I don't remember where) and that the population which is very poor used to get molasses as kind of a food suplement as it wasn't used for anything else. A lorry would come along and distribute it. Then a lot of people would surely be feeling ill...... I have to say that other than diarrhea if I take it first thing in the morning I never felt any other side effect.
Side Effects
Posted by Charlotte (Seattle, Washington, Usa) on 07/02/2010
I agree with Pamm! Beware the spike in blood sugar from blackstrap molasses! I don't have anything to check my blood sugar readings, but I had the same side effects after taking blackstrap molasses in my hot tea a while back when we ran out of our usual sweetener (organic brown sugar). I felt dizzy and faint (but not right away, a few hours later). I stopped taking honey for this same reason.
Very good idea to be able to check your blood sugar, thanks for the reminder Pamm!
Side Effects
Posted by Pamm (Birmingham, Alabama) on 07/02/2010
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Beware, I don't have Diabetes. However, after taking this Black strap molasses I started feeling bad and started urinating alot! I checked my blood sugar (I do this for optimal health) and it was 223!! Only after 5 minutes of taking 1 teaspoon of Black Strap Molasses. So Be Careful Especially If You Have High Sugar issues.. I felt Faint, dizzy, and the more you urinate the more potassium and sodium your urinating out. So then you end up being dehydrated. So to me it wasn't worth it..Good Luck!@If you have low blood sugar still be careful..
Arthritic Pain
Posted by Kaelia (Emerald, Vic Aust) on 06/04/2010
★★★★★
Yes indeed. I have been taking BSM for approx a week, and have noticed considerably less pain in my lower back and hip joints. I will continue taking BSM, approx 2 desertspoons per day. In addition, I mix 2 desertspoons of ACV with a litre of water and sip on that through the day. Something is working for me.
Gray Hair
Posted by Amy (Scottsdale, Arizona) on 06/03/2010
★★★★☆
6 Month Report
I have been taking BSM for 6 months - 3 teaspoons a day. I believe it is beginning to work. My hairline and first several inches looks less gray, although the cowlick, at the back of my head, is still quite gray. I was never very gray, or solid gray. maybe more like 50%.
The bottom line is, at 6 months I still need to color my hair every three weeks. However, the gray looks less noticible to me around my face.
I shall continue ading the BSM to my tea. Why not? It is tasty enough. And I sooooo want this to work. I don't mind coloring my hair but every three weeks is too often for me.
Fingernails
Posted by Norman (Metro Cebu, Philippines) on 05/22/2010
I have taken molasses for many years now for a daily nose bleeding I use to have since very young, then clauterization worked but I became too much of a heath nut and wanted everything natural to have that procedure done again. Molasses was way more effective for me.
But now I have for the last 5 yrs edema in feet & ankles & legs to calf and am upping my molasses to cure that also hopeful, better than wearing compression socks to control it but never cures it.
I'm a vegetarian & fish & fruit diet for many years now since a young teen ager,( I like to walk a lot)( am 66 yrs now) barbecued meat & fast food & drugs all have side affects . Many people say I look like 40 .
Acne
Posted by Kristen (St. Peters, Mo) on 05/07/2010
★★★★★
Organic BlackStrap Molasses
(2 Tbl's per day - one in coffee, one with EARTH CLINIC'S ICED MOLASSES RECIPE)
37 years old, have been plagued with oily, cloggable skin my entire adult life, antibiotics make me feel sick so I won't take them. Within 2 hours of first tbl spoon I percieved changing skin (flushed, drier) within 2 days (4 Tbls)no new acne and quickly healing. I think I can go without any makeup already! IS AMAZING!!
Anemia
Posted by Amanda (Hot Springs, Ar, Usa) on 04/22/2010
just because you are from that background doesn't mean that is the type of anemia you have, i was just saying that this type of anemia is found in some people from those areas.
also, anemia can be from different deficiencies; iron, b12, folic acid, copper, etc.
Anemia
Posted by Amanda (Hot Springs, Ar, Usa) on 04/21/2010
i just wanted to add that it is a disorder that affects people of mediterranean decent. my mother was Greek, and she, my sister and brother have it (the minor form), but like you said, IRON is very bad for these people.
Anemia
Posted by Saliza (San Jose, Ca) on 04/20/2010
I have been anemic for over 10 years after my last pregnancy. My doctors (I have several within these 10 years) asked me to take OTC iron supplements once a day for life. One of them even called me to go for blood transfusion. Not good at taking direction, I only took the supplement only once in a while when I felt too tired. I also declined the advice for blood transfusion. I thought my iron supply should be enough with the food I eat. Until recently, my latest doctor suggested that may be, just may be I was anemic not because of iron but something else. She sent me for a blood work, testing both the iron level and the genetic condition called "Thalassemia". Sure enough, my anemic condition is not because of iron, but because of Thalassemia. What is more - I am now overloaded with iron 3x the max amount. Luckily I did not religiously taking the supplement, otherwise my liver, heart and spleen would be severely damaged by now. Just thought to share my experience.
Side Effects
Posted by Candy (Fort Madison, Ia) on 04/07/2010
i had that problem too until i used it after eating. in other words, if i took it on an empty stomach, i would get d.
but, i found a wonderful way to enjoy it if you like coffee. i put a tbls. in a cup of warm coffee, then set it aside.
later in the day i pour it over ice for ice coffee. tastes almost like one of those wonderful mocha coffees everybody likes.
well, i mean if you like coffee. hope this helps somebody.
Side Effects
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/07/2010
Hi Jesse, I did the same for the past two days and I had bad diarrhea. Before I went on holidays I would take a teaspoon of molasses every morning, sometimes one in the evening and it wasn't this bad. Now I will stop for a few days and start with a lower dose. I had no idea that molasses was used for constipation...... A pity because now instead of getting all the good stuff in molasses I am loosing all the nutrients of anything else I eat.
Side Effects
Posted by Jesse (Holmdel, Nj) on 04/05/2010
Question....I have just started to use 3 teaspoons of Black Strap Molasses with 1 tablespoon ACV in water. In half an hour I will have diaherrea for a few hours. Is this normal or I am allegic to BSM? When I drink ACV, I don't have that problem.
EC: Blackstrap molasses is known to be a very effective cure for constipation!
Conversion: 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
Circulation
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/05/2010
Hi John and Maureen, I am trying molasses as well. I am 52, dark hair going grey which I have dyed for years. As I don't want all the chemicals in my hair and scalp I am giving this a try. I will keep you posted...... I hope it works because I look much younger and it is a bit weird to have grey hair.
Circulation
Posted by John (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 04/01/2010
Maureen - Just to let you know, I've had success with having my gray hair turn back using blackstrap molasses, but it's how you use it that matters. When I read your email it sounded to me as though you applied it topically to wash your hair. That's not going to do it for you if you want to bring back your color. You need to be taking a tablespoon or two (it can be mixed into food or drink) a day religiously over months to get the desired effect. The hair actually will grow out of your head darker and it takes a while to notice it working because hair grows so slowly and the ends of your hair will still be gray as the BSM doesn't affect hair that's already grown out. I've been taking a spoonful in a glass of warm water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and have just started upping my consumption to two times a day. I've been doing this for about two months and have noticed a definite darkening of hair growing out and others see the difference, too. It's a work in progress, as they say, but so far so good. I've heard you need to continue for 3-6 months for optimum effect and after that I'd presume you'd need to keep up the regimen to prevent the hair going back to gray. It may be that this is only a partly successful treatment, but it's real color, not something out of a bottle. I'm also guessing that results vary from person to person. I hope this helps you get a better sense of how this works and wish you good luck should you decide to give it a try.
Hot Flashes
Posted by Annie (Warkworth, New Zealand) on 03/30/2010
★★★★★
Hi I am looking after a man with Parkinsons and he has had problems with night sweats and also hot flashes during the day. A few years ago a lady told me Blackstrap Molasses helped with hot flashes so he tried it. He was amazed as it really worked and he and his wife are getting better sleeps. I have heard that it helps with alot of other illnesses also.
Gray Hair
Posted by Jm (Keller, Tx) on 03/24/2010
★★★★★
Crazy. I had been taking a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses everyday for a month or so, then started getting a little lax. Today I plucked out a gray hair that was silver on the end but dark brown at the root. Will definitely have to start back up again and be vigilant about it.
Skin
Posted by Lulu (Roswell, Ga) on 03/23/2010
Are you using the unsulphured blackstrap? It only has 11 grams of sugar. I would say be mindful of what else you are using in conjuction with BSM. I have no side effects at all. Also remember body chemical is different for everyone. I am sure the benefits differ with individuals
Energy
Posted by Nataly (London, UK) on 01/13/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
black strap molasses and excess body hair
I have been taking bsm for a few months and found it wonderful, look great (or better!) and more energy but have noticed more hair growing on legs and arms... this is quite worrying what should I do a bout it? I could try cutting it down to a trace of a tsp a day and hope that it will still have the effects or twice a week
any comments welcome
regards
Broad Benefits
Posted by Erin (Lafayette, In) on 01/05/2010
★★★★★
Molasses Feedback
I've been taking molasses (about 1TBl/day split into 2 cups of green tea -- with a lot of milk... I don't really like the taste of this stuff LOL) for nearly 3 months now as an experiment. I originally tried it to see what would happen with the good ol' monthly (mom's peri-menopausal and occassionally bleeds longer than she should so I tested this on me) and here's what I've come up with.
I still have gray hair. In fact some of the hair near my temples is just plain ol' white. And apparently if L'Oreal can't fix it, neither can molasses. That's okay. Apparently 38 isn't considered premature graying ;-)
My periods are lighter. Kelp and molasses together seem to be an excellent combination to keep things at a dull roar. I've gone from a good 5 days of heavy flow with 2 days of annoyance added on, to about 1 1/2 days of heavier flow and 3 1/2 days of super light flow. So I've dropped about 2 days and I'm saving money on products left and right.
But the BIG one for me has been the surprising lack of joint pain. I was taking it for about 2 weeks before I realized that my left ankle, which I broke in beautiful ways about 2 1/2 years ago, was no longer stiff when I woke up, and I could now move it in the same ways that I can move my unviolated right ankle. I can even jog again without feeling every jarring impact on that ankle. For that reason alone I will continue torturing myself with the (blech) taste of this stuff on a twice daily basis.
Another strange, yet welcome, side-effect has been my fingernails. Normally, I only have fingernails this strong and happy in the middle of summer with high amounts of sunshine and a Biotin supplement -- even when I supplement with Vit. D in the winter months it's just not the same. I haven't taken my biotin supplement since I started the molasses, though I do keep up with the Vit. D and I have to actively work to break these things.
And for the joint thing, I've turned others onto this miracle syrup in a bottle and they've reported back with the same thing -- when they take it daily, they can tell a significant difference and when they forget they feel it. So for that alone, I'd say it's worth a shot.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Ravi S (Dallas, Texas) on 12/19/2009
★★★★★
Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses.
I happened to read the feedbacks on Blackstrap Molasses. I have a self diagnosed Celiac's and went on Gluten free for a year. I had to switch to a low fiber food option because of this. Even though my stomach feels good, I have been experiencing constipation off and on with rare IBS. I have started BSM for a week or so, 2 tablespoons, one in AM coffee and one the night warm milk. Here are the immediate changes experienced by me. Constipation is gone totally. My eyesight is better and I have lots of energy. Hope to continue on this for a while.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Shar (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) on 12/06/2009
★★★★★
hello all!
I am a 30 yr. old female who is overweight and recently had gall stones. I also have iron defienciency anemia. My family has started eating organic and all natural 3 yrs. ago. I recently started researching all natural cures as i don't believe in going to doctors unless its absolutly neccessary. I read about apple cider vinegar and blackstrap molasses. i started the blackstrap molasses first (2 tbs daily) and the numbness i was feeling in my fingertips and legs has went away. I am still waiting for my menstrual cycle to come to see if it will ease the heavy bleeding. but it has eliminated my stomach cramping (that felt like labor contractions) that I usually have monthly.
But this is about the apple cider vinegar. let me tell you it really works! started by taking 2 tsp. once a day in 8 oz. of water. 3 days later i had extreme pain in my ear and my jaw that has yet to go away. I also have extreme itching everywhere. That doesn't sound good does it? but it is good cause i know that it is my body getting rid of toxins. I have been peeing like crazy and having regular bowel movements without straining( which is the opposite of the consipation i was having from taking iron pills).
I think for all of you who are all sufferring from itching or jaw pain etc. should up your water intake. I started drinking a gallon of water a day and the itching is going away. I now take 2 tbs of acv chased by a 16 oz. glass of water in the morning,then proceed to drink water throughout the day and i feel great! I have more energy(no more sluggishness)and i know my 5 kids are happy to see that!
I plan to keep taking ACV despite the side effects(unless it brings more harm than good) to see if it will aid in my weightloss.
Also i have been using the ACV on my hair and it has smoothed the cuticle and made my hair less frizzy!
Anemia
Posted by Jeanette (Ripley, Ms, USA) on 11/18/2009
★★★★★
For the past several months, my mother has had to have 1 to 2 units of blood every week. She started eating blackstrap molasses and has not had to have any blood in the last 18 days. She has her blood count checked every Monday and Thursday. Since she has started eating the molasses, her blood count has gone up each time she has been tested.
My question is "Does the molasses thicken her blood?" Because if it does, her chance of having a stroke is going up. By the way, there is nothing wrong with her blood. She is just losing blood through her bowels.
Anemia
Posted by Lisa (Gt Cacapon, Wv) on 10/18/2009
To one of the readers that had a miscarraige and rhuematoid arthritus and osteoporosis and severe anemia; and in fact, to all of you on this website that have unexplained anemia. Please look up and research thoroughly Celiac Disease. Celiac is a autoimmune response to gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. Just for pure knowledge (because few drs ever mention it), it is fascinating. I stumbled upon it myself and have 2/3rds of the symptoms. The major symptom is unexplained anemia. The number of diseases it's associated with is astonishing. Also google things like: 'testimonials of people who stopped eating wheat' and versions of testimonials. It's enlightening. Wishing you all good health. Note: This site is great. I'm going to frequent it! -L
Side Effects
Posted by Avis (Indianapolis, In) on 10/10/2009
Don't take black strap molasses on an empty stomach it will make your stomach hurt, rather use it after you have eaten or when you are eating.
Anemia
Posted by Arn (Kenmore, Wa.) on 09/23/2009 20 posts
★★★★★
Molasses and iron.
Organic iron - good. Metallic iron - bad. Iron in its elemental state is what is used in most drugstore vitamins, and in most iron fortified cereals, flour etc. Read the label and it will say iron or reduced iron. Reduced means the iron filings are ground up very small. It is still like chewing on a nail, and elemental iron CAUSES pernicious anemia and a lot of other probs. It is toxic. Avoid iron fortified 'anything' like the plague.
But molasses is the right stuff. All the minerals therein have been filtered and processed through the plant and are in organic form. Just think. They get rid of the fiber, most of the water and sugar, and what is left is concentrated organic minerals. You would pay a premium price for it if it were in capsules and a fancy bottle at the health food store. But guess what! It is delicious and cheap and available most everywhere. This is the best health bargain there is.
Fibroids
Posted by Earth (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada) on 09/18/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I was diagnosed with a uterine polyp since I was spotting for about 4 months. My Gyn. did a D&C and said that might help. It didnt. The spotting continued. I recently started unsulphured blackstrap molasses. After taking 2 tablespoons for 2 days, the spotting completely stopped to my amazement and relief. But now I am feeling totally fatigued. I am not sure why. Has this something to do with my taking the BSM or is it something else. I have stopped the BSM for now. I am now so tired that I am desperate. Not sure what is happening. Please advise.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Fll, Florida) on 09/03/2009
Some of you on here may have benefited from this, but my condition was in August re-diagnosed as crohn's disease due to the ileitis, and I found that the bile from my gangrenous gall bladder had something to do with the irritation. Bromelain is a great substance to get rid of inflammation, but it also may have masked my symptoms. When I was told in January that they could do laproscopic surgery to the gall bladder to remove it and have no more attacks, I should have listened. The last hospital visit on August 18 when I was admitted revealed that I needed immediate removal of my gall bladder, and thus I had a 50% chance of having the surgery laproscopically. During the operation, they had to go hot, and remove it in 4 sections. After this I had staples and J-pouches attached. I just got them removed yesterday. I have been using cinnamon,black strap molasses to get rid of the bile run off which can be quite embarrassing, and it works. I also resumed with the bromelain, because it does eat the proteins from the bad tissue left behind. I am in hopes of a complete recovery, and it looks like I will eventually be able to eat what I want in the future with no further attacks. I was told by the surgeon himself that I was lucky to be alive. The whole reason in the first place I went in to the hospital was from a low grade fever that lasted more than 4 days after a flare up from eating watermelon. Had I waited more than 2 more days I would have been septic, and saving me would have been a gamble.
If you have pains between your shoulder blades, pains up your right arm, yellowed eyes or skin, and you do not have to necessarily have the upper right quadrant pains from the gall bladder as is the hallmark symptom. Get yourself some immediate medical attention.
Also if the hospital I had been admitted to in June had done a CT scan after I vomited a quart and a half of bile, they would have seen the gall bladder was abscessed. I am an advocate of getting at least an (what medical professionals say) annual work up done every 2 years or as soon as you are able to. Chances are, there are affordability issues. You cannot have or enjoy wealth without health.
Gray Hair
Posted by Sochie (Boston, Ma) on 08/12/2009
★★★★★
I have consistently taken 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses daily for three months. I was skeptical about the claims that blackstrap molasses could restore your gray hairs to their natural color although I was encouraged by the overwhelming response suggesting that it does, in fact, help.
I am 31 years old and have noticed over the past few years that the grays have permeated through my brown hairs and have become prononced around my hairline. I have been spending an unnecessary amount of money to color & highlight my hair to temporarily cover up the grays.
I'm pleased to report that my hairs are gradually returning to their original brown color after regularly using the blackstrap molasses. I have been raving about the natural remedy to family and friends and hope that they will also experience the same benefits.
Anemia
Posted by Red7587 (Brooklyn, Ny) on 08/05/2009
the address for the house of herbs is Passaic, NJ 07055
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) on 07/28/2009
I have found the only thing that really irritates the ulcerative colitis now is MSG when I went out for dinner at Chili's. It was in the mashed potatoes, the grill seasoning on the chicken, and in the garlic butter vegetable butter sauce. It is actually okay to go out and have a couple bourbon and cokes now, just not overdoing things too much. I can also have wine again as long as there are not an incredible amount of sulphites in it. The bromelain is acting much like prednisone would, but without the harmful side effects such as bone density deterioration. It also takes care of the mild arthritis in my elbow that only acts up once in a great while. I can finally do a full set of push ups without the joints cracking, and it is good. I still take the tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses in the morning, and of course the bromelain, and make sure cinnamon gets in my food somehow.
Broad Benefits
Posted by George (Nairobi, Kenya) on 07/26/2009
★★★★★
been taking bsm now for slightly over two weeks now and it has surely worked graet. I started taking it for my hair which had started turning grey around ten years back when i was about 29yrs old. While searching for remedies Ilanded on this site and decided to give it a trial. I have not seen results on my grey hair since it is only about two weeks now but alot of other benefits already. My chronic fatigue is now completely gone. Iwas ever tired morning or evening with my lower back feeling like cut in two with alot of tension. My chest also had occasional sharp pains. I had seen doctors about it and after several analgisic trial i gave up. All these are fully gone. My wife that had acne is also taking it and says is working well for her.I also give my children one tsp twice daily daily my though with no health issues and they love it. I and my wife take one tbs morning and before going to bed. no mixture but take it whole from the spoon. not very sweet but we are comfortable.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/22/2009
Today I am still in remission, have taken my bromelain down to 500mg per day (break it in half, 250mg before breakfast, and 250mg before supper). Still doing the black strap molasses, cooking things with oregano, cinnamon, and tumeric. I have been passing normal functions so far, and will hopefully only have to keep a few things in my diet just to reinforce intestinal health. I am still erring on the side of caution, and going with the low residue diet for the entire month, and then after that... I will gradually get my old foods back in there.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by KStannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/20/2009
Well, at least they didn't have to amputate his colon, or he'd be wearing what ulcerative colitis sufferers affectionately refer to as a j-pouch. Your buddy could use some neosporin, and some oil of oregano, and by the sounds of things after all said and done, maybe stitches?
Today I am back to normal, and will be taking 500mg of Bromelain a day, and continuing molasses, add cinnamon, oregano, and tumeric to the dishes that I prepare for consumption. I will also try to keep going on the low sodium __vegetable juice (as it has a ton of potassium in it). In approximately 2 weeks I will up the fiber content of my diet, and gradually add more milk products. I found that kosher salt actually can be detrimental to your digestive system, and if you are under a lot of stress, this may worsen the situation, (maybe why Jewish people are more prone to the affliction?) if you need a larger granule of salt, and less sodium the better way to go is sea salt. Cabbage juice is also another very good healer, but has to be separate from the cabbage itself (man does that stuff taste like crap), I have not incorporated this into my regimen but suppose if it were worse that I might. During all of this it is a good idea not to react to stress or pretend for at least 3 hours or more a day that it does not exist. Once you heal, cool it for a while so that you do not talk your body back into it again.
I have also managed to bring back 16 oz of black coffee with sugar a day back into the picture without (knock on wood) problems.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Dennis (Tagum, Philippines) on 07/19/2009
I eat green (unripe) bananas 2 to 3 times a day for the resistant starch that it has. Have friends that also eat it. One has diabetes one, in May of 2008 had a big ulcer on his foot his Doctor said he had to have it amputated if he didn't he would die in 6 months . He still has some little ulcers. He also takes hydrogen peroxide in water to soak his feet and then he takes that water puts it on his legs and arms to oxygenate them. Also uses baking soda in water and soaks his feet to clean them. He is still a live. I believe that most diseases come from the stomach .(autoimmune diseases). Promotes ((good)) bacteria, and suppresses ((bad)) bacteria and their toxic products. resistant starch seems to improve insulin sensitivity
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/19/2009
Another fact of note, if you have UC you should not be taking aspirin, ibuprofin or other NSAIDS or if you have anemia. If you start the bromelain treatment, do not use coumaden ( warfarin), or other blood thinners, as bromelain does thin your blood to an extent, and your blood pressure will improve as well with use, and has been noted to inhibit cholesterol from forming as well. I am not a doctor, but simply going along with my personal experience, and that of others.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/19/2009
Well Vandu,
Actually bananas are very therapeutic, and may be used as a part of remedy. Fish oil although good for you in other aspects does not always do the job. I found out about bromelain by another problem that I had that has gone away in conjunction with gotu kola. I also had a side effect of bromelain at the time clean up a case of diverticulitis whereby all of the pockets cleared themselves up, and things were normal after a month I was able to eat corn and nuts again. Bromelain actually has almost the same effect as prednisone, but will actually promote healing quicker and without the same side effects. It will heal hot spots in your colon, clean up mucous associated with the problem, and things usually take about a month to get back on track again. Always have 1 500mg tablet before a meal ie. breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do not take the molasses before the bromelain. I have another couple of good helpers as well. Start integrating cinnamon (about 2 grams (.25 tsp)) into your diet, I just simply put the molasses and cinnamon in my oatmeal or cream of wheat, and it has very helpful properties that assist bromelain in working quicker. Another thing that I have been implementing is lots of oregano in my diet along with the tumeric, and chicken fried rice (no soy sauce). I did the other day have a subway sub (chicken teriyaki) where the teriyaki sauce in the sub although did not give me runs, it made it look like a strawberry exploded somewhere. So there are still irritants, but I am looking to avoid them. The oregano is a very powerful cleaner and anti oxidant that will rid you of any unknown parasites in case you may have them. Flagyl is supposed to do this, but does not work as well even though it is typically prescribed as an antibiotic. Always get a multivitamin as your system is recovering because even though you may be healing, you may still get dehydrated and may not realize it. Another thing I have been able to tolerate lately is ___ vegetable juice (I have been drinking the low sodium), if it irritates you too much try watering down. It has 820 mg potassium in it, and 120 percent vitamin c which is very difficult to get on a low residue diet. Your case is a little more severe, so I would maybe try 4 oz of it to start and make sure it does not irritate you badly. It does have citric acid in it, and I found problems with citric acid before when I tried Italian ice, but there was quite a bit more citric acid in that than the vegetable juice. So far my mucous has been clearing up, and there is a lot less blood in my morning deal. I have also found as of recent that I can have coffee every 3 or 4 days or so, to which I am delighted. I also keep my dairy intake to less than 3/4 cup every day, and when I want cheese, I use provolone, parmesan, mozzarella, and very aged cheddar. If I want milk in my coffee, I use a tbsp of 1 percent milk, and it works. I have stayed away from desserts even though I have a real sweet tooth for chocolate, and I will snack on half a square of semisweet baking chocolate if I really feel I need it with little or no consequence.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Vandu (Silver Spring, MD) on 07/17/2009
Kstannard, I got a bout of UC several weeks back and working to heal my lining. I sea buckthorn oil in the morning, 500 mg L-glutamine before every meal, ashwagandha and cod liver oil after lunch, and turmeric with my molassas-banana treat.
I do love the way the molassas makes me feel. I always have it with banana as i find this fruit to be very soothing (dont' eat any other fruit).
I'm still getting mucous and small amt of blood in stool..not always even getting a stool..lot's of gas. And i do castor oil packs..esp on nights where i messed up on the food part.
I've never heard of Bromelain though.. So it repairs your gut lining? That's why i take the L-Glutamine. where did you learn about bromelain..i didn't see much on it on EC in regards to repairing gut lining. Does it work better with molassas? I wonder which one is hleping you more, the molassas, or the bromelain.
I'm wondering if i should try it. I'm going to try urine enema..i've read it is often even more effective than drinking.
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/17/2009
Finally! Today I am experiencing a semi normal stool again, and I say semi normal, because there was a stringy mucous thing that had a little blood in it, but everything else is solid. I am still using the Bromelain, and molasses therapy, but have started to season food with cinnamon, sage, oregano, tumeric, nutmeg, (all of these that I mentioned are therapeutic to the GI system), salt is okay, and so is basil. For some reason I can use garlic cloves, but not the powder, and I cannot use black pepper (except 1 or 2 grinds). I also have not consumed a lot of red meat, and I found that activia breaks stool down, (yes it will make you regular if you are constipated) but you will find it makes you very watery. Fish, eggs, chicken, and lamb are very good meats if you don't want to go vegan yet. I also have noticed my eyesight seems to be getting a little better (who knew?).
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by Kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/13/2009
I have achieved a degree of remission so far with the black strap molasses, and bromelain. I am taking the 500mg of brmoelain an hour before ANYTHING goes on my stomach. It is also important to follow a low residue diet during this period. I found out yesterday that chopped lettuce is okay (romaine has the best magnesium), specifically baby lettuce is going to be easier on your system. If you are worried about vitamin c, parsley, and potatoes (not instant or boxed) are good for you. If you have had some lactose intolerance during all of this it is sometimes okay to have parmesan, or mozarella cheeses (not a pizza). I love my tomato sauces, so sometimes I go to subway and get a meatball sub, but my case is mild to moderate, and I would not recommend this too much. If you also like tomatoes, skin and seed them and you should be fine. Cooked cherries, and grapes are okay, but if you eat them raw, you may get the runs (the skins are not your friend). My results so far are from personal experience, and again I take 1 500 mg of bromelain in the morning followed an hour later by the black strap molasses, and breakfast (I have been using activia, and 365 degree organic oatmeal, or cream of wheat, but avoid at all costs normal oatmeal until you can introduce fiber again). I have 500 mg of bromelain 1 hour before lunch, and 1 hour before dinner. 2 hours after dinner I have a multivitamin, just in case some facets of my diet are not adequate. After your strength starts returning, I highly recommend physical activity even if it is walking around the block, house cleaning... etc. I have to keep reminding myself no chocolate, no burger king or wendy's, and no coffee for a while after my remission (haha).
Ulcerative Colitis
Posted by kstannard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 07/11/2009
Well, I was introduced to ulcerative colitis at the top of may. I am 40, and noticed after having things with milk, milk products would make me jump up and go to the bathroom after about 10-15 minutes. At first it wasn't so bad, as I realize people my age may develop lactose intolerance, and I was very stressed on other issues, so I figured I would cool it a while on the milk. I am a coffee fanatic (another issue)... Someone messes with my coffee, watch out! Towards the middle of may, I was still having some issues, so decided to give the ER a shot, and came out with a dx of gastroenteritis which as you may well know is very vague and general. I walked out with a rx for flagyl, and amoxicillan, and told to drink plenty of liquids, and get lots of rest. Well this did not cut it. I went back about a week later, and was dx with food poisoning, no tests were run. I walked out with a schedule 4 containing atropine, and told to take it once a day. I did this about a week, and still had the runs, and was having the classic abdominal cramping. I then went a week later to another hospital via ambulance so I would get right in, and was admitted that night at about 3 am. I smoke, but funny, I didn't really feel the urge the entire time I was there from June 5, 2009 to June 18, 2009, and I had detoxed my coffee addiction with motrin ib, and time it so that I would sleep through the caffeine headaches. Later I found out Ibuprofin is not good, nor is aspirin. The hospital had me on a clear liquid diet for a few days until my colonoscopy, when the next day I could start eating "normal foods" again. They had me taking flagyl, and told me I had to take Levaquin, which I am not fond of, and has been proven to weaken muscles. I will not go into what I went through with the nurses there or for that matter the not so loving doctor. After I was released, they had 6 prescriptions. Levaquin, flagyl, metoprolol, pentasa, prednnisone, and protonix. There were more that I disregarded, and never filled. The pentasa, I had to disregard, as this was nonformulary as per their pharmacy, and they wanted about 200 to fill it. I am currently using the last portion of the prednisone until it's gone, and don't use any of the other ones. I started activia, and it definitely will make you regular(definitely avoid the peach one if you had any milk sensitivities, as you will feel the burning runs). I did extensive searches on line since I have been out of the hospital with many options to chose from including urine therapy which I have only seen one testament to and nothing else. Frankly drinking my pee just does not appeal to me. The fecal transplant option (well who knows, and makes me a little squeamish). I decided that I am going to try this black strap molasses treatment (1 tbsp) a day in the morning on an empty stomach (even though there is only one testament I can find for it on line at all, there is potassium and magnesium abound in it, and magnesium prevents headaches, and cancer). I combined this also with bromelain 500 mg 3 per day (1 hour before eating). I just started this today, and am hoping for the best. I am a little concerned also about the burn at first, but who knows? I did not get the Gramma Moses at the local publix, as this is not true black strap. I went to whole foods, and spent about 7 for the 24 oz bottle. I went to GNC and got the bromelain, which is about 10. It may be cheaper if you get the powder meat tenderizer version, or try another store. I will be running out of the prednisone soon, and am hoping the bromelain will kick in in time to help heal the lining if that indeed is what it is. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate ulceritis, the only thing that contradicts this is the irritation they picked up at the first hospital in the ileum. There were no other hot spots that they could see.
Side Effects
Posted by K. S. (Houston, TX, USA) on 06/19/2009
Adverse side effects: I've been taking 1 T BSM every morning for one week and, unfortunately, have suffered bad headaches and stomachaches since. It also happens that I was on my period and the clots were heavier than ever! I suppose BSM just doesn't work for everyone. Such a shame.
