I've done the Elemental diet twice now, first time I'd say it was really effective - I stuck with it for almost 2 months and did feel the benefits. I believe I was told hospitals in the UK especially are now leaning towards the Elemental diet as first line treatment for a flare instead of steroids. Second time on the diet for me the willpower aspect for me was very difficult and unfortunately I didn't have the same outcome. I did it for the minumum of only 2 weeks so that's maybe why! I still however supplements my diet with the E028 cartons when I'm having a particularly off day and don't feel like eating.
Elemental is designed to rest the bowels as it takes little digesting, has little residue and effectively less matter is passing through you, so you use the bathroom less. Which is a definite advantage! I also found when on it I generally had more energy, looked and felt brighter and was in less pain.
You do only have the cartons making up your diet, no food is allowed, which is hard. My dietician always said she commended anyone who said they'd atleast try the diet because it's not always easy completely giving up food. Although what spurred me on was the thought of eventually feeling a lot better and I think if you really commit it's easier too. The first few days were always hard for me but after that it was plain sailing.
The taste I thought was fine, there are 3 flavours generally available Summer Fruits, Grapefruit and Orange/Pineapple. The consistency is hard to describe sort of like a thick white juice.
If it sounds like something you'd like to try I'd definitely ask your doctor to refer you to a dietician or give you more information. I think the diet has to be 'dietician supervised' as they calculate the volume of cartons you need to take daily and follow your progress etc.
