What disease did the guy from fat sick and nearly dead have?
Introduction
The documentary film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead follows the journey of Joe Cross, an Australian man who was suffering from an autoimmune disease and chronic urticaria (hives). In 2010, Joe decided to go on a 60-day juice fast to regain his health, documenting his experience in the film. Joe’s dramatic weight loss and recovery from his autoimmune illness has inspired many people to try juicing and adopt healthier lifestyles. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Joe’s disease and how juicing helped him overcome it.
Joe’s Autoimmune Disease and Symptoms
Joe Cross suffered from chronic idiopathic urticaria, an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic hives and angioedema (swelling in the deeper layers of the skin). Urticaria occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat and releases histamine, causing hives, itching and swelling. In Joe’s case, the cause was unknown (idiopathic).
The symptoms of chronic urticaria can include:
– Hives – red, raised, itchy welts on the skin
– Angioedema – swelling under the skin, often of the lips, face, hands and feet
– Severe itching, especially of the hands and feet
– Recurring episodes of hives and swelling lasting more than 6 weeks
For Joe, the hives and itching were severe, often keeping him up at night and significantly impacting his quality of life. Antihistamines provided only mild relief. Doctors were unable to pinpoint the cause of Joe’s condition. His urticaria was likely triggered by autoimmunity, with his immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells.
How Juice Fasting Helped Joe’s Condition
Out of desperation and determination to heal, Joe embarked on an extreme juice fast under medical supervision. He consumed only fresh fruit and vegetable juices for 60 days, resulting in dramatic weight loss and, remarkably, complete resolution of his urticaria symptoms.
There are a few key reasons why juicing may have helped Joe overcome his chronic autoimmune urticaria:
Removal of Food Triggers
Although the exact cause was unknown, foods were likely triggering Joe’s immune system reactions. By removing solid foods from his diet, he eliminated potential triggers. This calmed his overactive immune responses.
Flood of Micronutrients
Fresh juices are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that can help heal the gut and modulate the immune system. Flooding his body with micronutrients provided the resources needed to calm inflammation and support healthy immune function.
Detoxification
Juice fasting allows the body’s detoxification systems to rest and reset. Toxins may have accumulated in Joe’s body and triggered immune reactions. With juicing, his liver, kidneys and digestive system had space to deeply cleanse and renew.
Gut Microbiome Changes
Research shows that autoimmune diseases are linked to imbalances in gut bacteria. Fasting likely reset Joe’s gut microbiome in a way that benefited his immune health.
| Food Triggers Removed | Micronutrient Flood | Detoxification | Gut Microbiome Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliminated trigger foods that may have been causing immune reactions | Phytonutrients and vitamins in juices supported healthy immune function | Body’s detox systems reset | Fasting changed gut bacteria in ways that calmed inflammation |
Other Cases of Juice Fasting for Autoimmunity
Joe’s inspiring story is one of many cases where juicing has helped people overcome chronic autoimmune illnesses including urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and more.
For example, Mindy Collette suffered from idiopathic angioedema and debilitating daily swelling episodes. After a 58-day juice fast, her symptoms completely resolved. She was able to discontinue immunosuppressant medications under doctor supervision.
Jason Vale, author of the book “7lbs In 7 Days: The Juice Master Diet,” had psoriasis covering 70% of his body. After a 7-day juice fast the psoriasis completely disappeared, never to return.
While extreme juice fasts must be done with care, these cases shed light on the power of flooding the body with antioxidant-rich produce to heal autoimmunity.
Joe Cross’ Inspiring Journey
At age 40, Joe Cross weighed 310 pounds and was heavily dependent on steroids and medications to cope with severe hives and swelling. Inspired by his father’s death from cancer, Joe was determined to reclaim his health.
Under medical supervision, Joe adopted a 60-day juice fast consuming only fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in juice form. His symptoms dramatically decreased in the first five days. Over two months he lost over 80 pounds, and his chronic urticaria completely resolved.
Joe transitioned back to solid foods, adopted a whole foods, plant-based diet and committed to an active lifestyle. Over time he was able to wean off all medications. Years later, Joe remains free of urticaria symptoms.
Joe’s courageous story of determination has inspired millions to take control of their health through juicing, diet and lifestyle changes. His juice fast experience sheds light on the power of whole food micronutrients to heal the body from chronic illness when given the opportunity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joe Cross suffered from a severe case of chronic idiopathic urticaria, an autoimmune condition involving severe hives and swelling. Although the cause was unknown, through an intensive 60-day fresh juice fast and resulting dramatic weight loss, Joe was able to fully resolve his debilitating symptoms.
Joe’s journey gives hope and inspiration to many who struggle with autoimmunity. While extreme juice fasts like Joe’s require medical support, his case sheds light on the potential for flooding the body with antioxidant-rich produce to help calm inflammation, support detoxification, and promote a healthy gut and immune response. Juicing as part of a healthy lifestyle can be a powerful tool for overcoming chronic illness.