Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also known as Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD), and Crohn’s Disease are painful digestive tract issues. They share similar symptoms, including persistent diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and abdominal pain.
Health experts believe that faulty communication between the brain and the intestinal tract is one cause of IBS and IBD symptoms. In some people, this miscommunication causes abnormal muscle contractions or spasms, leading to cramping pain. These spasms may speed up the passage of stool—causing diarrhea—or slow it down, resulting in constipation and bloating.
Many people with IBS have unusually sensitive intestines, though it’s unclear why their digestive systems react so strongly.
Common Triggers for IBS
People who experience IBS may develop symptoms due to one or more of the following factors:
- Eating, though no specific foods have been conclusively linked to IBS.
- Stress and psychological factors, such as anxiety and depression.
- Hormonal changes, especially during the menstrual cycle.
- Certain medications, including antibiotics.
- Digestive infections, such as salmonella.
- Genetics, as IBS may run in families.
The Immune System and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Scientists have also linked immune system dysfunction to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's. Normally, immune cells protect the body from harmful microbes—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign substances—while leaving beneficial microbes alone.
When the body detects an invader, it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation. Immune cells, chemicals, and fluids rush to the site to eliminate the threat. Once the problem is resolved, inflammation subsides.
However, in people with Crohn’s disease, the immune system overreacts. It may mistakenly attack helpful microbes or fail to stop the inflammatory response. Over time, this chronic inflammation can cause ulcers and damage to the intestines.
The Hallelujah Diet: Supporting the Body’s Self-Healing
For over 20 years, people around the world have used the Hallelujah Diet to help restore their health. Rather than treating symptoms, it focuses on addressing root causes—nutritional deficiency and toxicity—by supporting the body’s natural self-healing abilities.
We call it a “Miraculous Self-Healing Body” because when you give your body the right foods, it responds with healing. Just as a cut on your finger heals when protected, your digestive system can heal when you stop injuring it with the wrong foods.
Transitioning to a Healing Diet
To begin healing from IBS or Crohn’s, a dietary change is essential. Start by gradually transitioning to a plant-based diet that strengthens your immune system, boosts energy, and supports overall health.
Step 1: Eliminate Irritating Foods
Remove all refined sugars, grains, and animal-based foods from your diet.
Step 2: Focus on Juicing and Hydration
Drink plenty of fresh, raw vegetable juices and BarleyMax® daily to supply essential nutrients for rebuilding. Learn more about juicing for healing and detoxification.
Step 3: Start with Cooked Plant Foods
For the first six to eight weeks, eat only cooked plant foods to ease digestion. Avoid raw vegetables initially.
Step 4: Slowly Reintroduce Raw Foods
After the digestive tract begins healing, add raw vegetables in the form of blended green smoothies or blended salads. You can also add fermented foods like sauerkraut juice to aid digestion.
Step 5: Maintain Balance
As healing progresses, transition to a diet that’s 85% raw and 15% cooked plant-based foods. Combine this with pure water, exercise, rest, and stress management for optimal results.
The Hallelujah Diet for IBS and Crohn’s
Whether you’re using conventional or alternative therapies, transitioning to a modified Hallelujah Diet puts your body in its best position to heal.
Here are the key dietary guidelines:
- Eliminate all animal-based foods, including meat, dairy, cheese, and eggs.
- Eliminate gluten, grains, and legumes for the first six to eight weeks; reintroduce them slowly afterward.
- Reduce stress as much as possible.
- Identify and avoid any foods that cause irritation, even if they are considered healthy. Keeping a food diary can help.
- Start with cooked foods only for 6–8 weeks, then introduce raw foods gradually as smoothies or blended salads.
- Eat six small meals a day.
- Add raw fermented foods to your diet—about ½ cup daily.
- After a couple of months, follow the Hallelujah Diet meal plan (85% raw, 15% cooked vegan meals).
- Minimize sugars, even natural ones.
- Eat two salads a day—traditional, blended, or smoothie form—once the colon is healed enough to tolerate fiber.
- Try a juice mix of 2/3 carrot and 1/3 greens. If symptoms worsen, switch to 100% green juices and consider the Hallelujah Candida Diet.
When to Modify Your Approach
If you do not notice improvement within eight weeks, it may help to incorporate certain aspects of the Hallelujah Candida Diet.
The Hallelujah Diet also includes foundational supplements and starter kits specifically formulated to accelerate healing and support the body’s recovery. These supplements, combined with the diet above, can help restore digestive health and overall vitality.
In summary: IBS, IBD, and Crohn’s disease are complex conditions, but healing is possible. By addressing the root causes—nutrition, inflammation, and immune balance—the Hallelujah Diet offers a powerful path to restoring your body’s God-designed ability to heal itself.
