Frequently Asked Questions

Plain and simple: No.

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Mass global suffering has become a very lucrative business for many organizations, and we oppose this on ethical grounds.

The BREAK Protocol is a comprehensive, science-based approach to achieving lasting remission from ulcerative colitis without dependency on pharmaceutical medications. BREAK stands for Barrier Repair & Epithelial Activation Kit.

This protocol works by simultaneously targeting all four pathological cascades that maintain UC:

• Barrier dysfunction - Restoring the protective gut lining
• Cytokine storm - Calming excessive inflammation
• Epithelial energy crisis - Providing fuel for gut cell repair
• Immune dysregulation - Rebalancing the immune response

Unlike conventional treatments that suppress symptoms, the BREAK Protocol addresses root causes through evidence-based natural compounds. Each component has been selected based on clinical trials and mechanistic studies showing effectiveness in UC patients.

The goal is simple: Break free from being a lifelong pharmaceutical patient by correcting the underlying dysfunction rather than masking symptoms.

The protocol recommends a phased introduction over 6-8 weeks:

• Weeks 0-2: Start with andrographis, DIM, and EGCG
• Weeks 2-4: Add tributyrin
• Weeks 4-6: Introduce curcumin BCM-95
• Weeks 6-8: Add the probiotic

This gradual approach allows you to:

• Monitor for any adverse reactions to individual compounds
• Let your body adjust to each intervention
• Build up the multi-target approach systematically

However, if you're in a severe flare and working with a knowledgeable practitioner, they may recommend starting multiple compounds sooner.

Simply taking random probiotics and turmeric might help symptoms temporarily but won't break the pathological cascades maintaining UC. This protocol uses specific strains (B. longum) and formulations (BCM-95) proven to work in UC, combined with other targeted compounds most people haven't heard of (like tributyrin and andrographis).

The BREAK Protocol uses evidence-based natural compounds that have been studied in clinical trials and have established safety profiles. Each compound is:

• Clinically tested: All primary compounds have been used in human UC trials with safety monitoring
• Generally recognized as safe: These are not experimental drugs but established supplements
• Used at evidence-based doses: Dosing matches or is below levels used in published studies
• Available without prescription: Regulatory agencies have deemed them safe for general use

Safety considerations:

• The protocol has been designed to minimize interactions and side effects
• Compounds are introduced gradually to monitor individual tolerance
• Most people experience no significant side effects
• Common mild effects (like initial digestive changes) often resolve quickly

Important precautions:

• Always consult your gastroenterologist before starting, especially if on medications
• Start with lower doses if you have known sensitivities
• Monitor your response carefully during the first 2-4 weeks
• Stop any compound that causes concerning symptoms

Thousands of people have safely used these compounds individually, and the protocol combines them in a way that maximizes benefits while minimizing risks. The gradual introduction schedule specifically helps ensure safety and tolerance.

Always consult your gastroenterologist before combining supplements with prescription medications.

In most cases, this protocol can be used as adjunctive therapy alongside prescribed pharmaceuticals and may enhance the effectiveness of your existing treatment. The natural compounds work through different mechanisms than most UC medications, and can provide complementary benefits.

General considerations:

• Mesalamine (5-ASA): Generally safe to combine with this protocol
• Biologics (anti-TNF): May work synergistically, but immune effects need monitoring
• Immunosuppressants: Requires extra caution and careful medical supervision due to potential immune interactions
• Steroids: Can typically be combined, may help with steroid tapering (under medical guidance)

No, pharmaceutical medications are not required for this protocol to be effective. This protocol is designed as a complete, standalone approach that can achieve remission without conventional drugs.

Key points to understand:

• Complete system: The protocol addresses all four pathological cascades simultaneously, which pharmaceuticals cannot do
• Natural remission: Many people achieve and maintain remission using only these evidence-based natural compounds
• Mechanism-based: Unlike drugs that suppress symptoms, this approach corrects the underlying dysfunction
• No dependency: You don't need to be on mesalamine, biologics, or other drugs for this to work

However, important considerations:

• If you're currently on medications, work with your doctor to potentially taper them as you improve
• In severe flares, temporary pharmaceutical support may be needed while the protocol takes effect
• Some people may choose to combine approaches initially, then transition to the protocol alone
• Success depends on following the complete protocol, not just taking one or two supplements

The goal is pharmaceutical-free remission through addressing root causes rather than symptom suppression.

While these compounds are generally well-tolerated, monitor for:

• Andrographis: Rare allergic reactions (rash, itching). Stop immediately if these occur.
• EGCG: May cause mild nausea on empty stomach. Watch liver enzymes (ALT) if taking high doses.
• Tributyrin: Can cause temporary digestive changes or mild fishy taste.
• Curcumin: May cause loose stools initially (often actually helps UC symptoms).
• DIM: Rarely causes headaches in sensitive individuals.

Remember to listen to your body - by now you're likely accustomed to gauging your UC symptoms. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and consult a professional. Immediately stop the protocol and consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Worsening UC symptoms after 4 weeks
• Severe abdominal pain or sustained bleeding
• Signs of liver stress (jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

The phased introduction is carefully designed based on pharmacologic principles and clinical best practices. Starting everything at once would be counterproductive:

1. Signal-to-Noise in Self-Tracking

• Problem with starting all at once: Three strong NF-κB inhibitors (andrographis + EGCG + curcumin) would make it impossible to tell which compound is driving benefits or side effects
• Why gradual helps: You can watch CRP/calprotectin drop with andrographis + EGCG first. Any additional improvement after week 4 can be attributed to curcumin's added value

2. Tolerance & Safety Ramp

• Problem with starting all at once: BCM-95 at 1.5-3g can occasionally cause reflux or liver enzyme elevation. If this occurs in week 1 alongside other compounds, you can't identify the culprit
• Why gradual helps: By week 4, you've already screened for andrographis/EGCG intolerance. If liver enzymes spike after adding BCM-95, you know exactly what to pause

3. Pharmacologic Sequencing

• Problem with starting all at once: Curcumin works slower (gene expression, barrier proteins) than andrographis' rapid cytokine suppression. Adding it immediately increases pill burden without speeding initial relief
• Why gradual helps: Weeks 0-2 focus on "putting out the fire" with fast-acting cytokine blockers. Once barrier permeability improves (tributyrin phase), curcumin can reinforce barrier gene expression and tissue repair

4. Absorption Logic

• Problem with starting all at once: Severe inflammation causes rapid transit time, reducing curcumin absorption and increasing loss through diarrhea
• Why gradual helps: After 2-4 weeks of tributyrin/andrographis, stool consistency typically improves, giving BCM-95 better contact time with the mucosa and enhanced absorption

Timeline varies by individual, but typical progression:

• Week 1-2: Possible reduction in urgency and cramping
• Week 2-4: Improved stool consistency, less blood
• Week 4-8: Significant symptom improvement, increased energy
• Week 8-12: Potential for clinical remission markers

Important markers to track:

• Fecal calprotectin levels (objective inflammation marker)
• Bowel movement frequency and consistency
• Presence of blood or mucus
• Energy levels and general wellbeing

If you don't see any improvement by week 4, consult with your healthcare provider about adjusting the approach.

While the protocol doesn't require a specific diet, certain dietary approaches can enhance its effectiveness:

• Avoid known triggers: Emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, excessive alcohol
• Support butyrate production: Include fermentable fibers (when tolerated)
• Anti-inflammatory foods: Omega-3 rich fish, colorful vegetables, bone broth
• During flares: May need low-residue diet temporarily

You may find success combining this protocol with:

• Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
• Modified elimination diets
• Intermittent fasting (once stable)

The key is finding what works for your body while ensuring adequate nutrition for healing.

If you experience a flare while on the protocol:

1. Don't panic - healing isn't always linear
2. Assess potential triggers: Stress, dietary indiscretion, infection, NSAID use
3. Consider increasing support:
   • Increase curcumin to 2-3g daily (if tolerated)
   • Ensure strict anti-inflammatory diet
4. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or persist beyond 5-7 days

Remember: This protocol works best for maintaining remission and mild-moderate flares. Severe flares may require conventional medical intervention while continuing the protocol as adjunct support.

Missing doses occasionally won't derail your progress, but consistency is key for breaking the pathological cascades. Here's how to handle missed doses:

If you miss a single dose:

• Same day: Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to your next scheduled dose
• Next day: Skip the missed dose and resume normal schedule - don't double up
• Exception: B. longum probiotic can be taken anytime you remember, even if late

If you miss a few days:

Resume normal dosing immediately. The compounds will quickly restore therapeutic levels.

If you miss many days (a week or more):

The pathological cascades may have reactivated. You'll need to restart from Phase 1 to properly re-establish control over inflammation and barrier function. This ensures the compounds work in the correct sequence to break the disease cycles.

The specific formulations in this protocol are chosen based on clinical evidence and bioavailability data. Generic alternatives often fail to achieve therapeutic effects:

Key Differences:

• Curcumin BCM-95® vs regular turmeric/curcumin:
  • BCM-95® has 700% better bioavailability than standard curcumin¹¹
  • Contains essential oils that enhance absorption across gut barrier
  • Regular curcumin has <1% absorption, making it ineffective for UC
  • The UC clinical trials used this specific formulation³
• High-potency Andrographis (30%+ andrographolides) vs generic andrographis:
  • Standardized to 30%+ andrographolides ensures therapeutic potency
  • HMPL-004 (used in UC trials) contained only 8-10% andrographolides^1,2
  • Higher potency extracts like AP-Bio® may provide stronger effects at lower doses
  • Generic products often contain 10% or less active compounds, requiring impractically high doses
• Tributyrin vs sodium butyrate:
  • Tributyrin survives stomach acid to reach the colon
  • Sodium butyrate is absorbed in small intestine, never reaching UC site
  • Enteric coating is essential for colonic delivery¹²
• B. longum 35624 vs random probiotics:
  • Specific strain proven to increase IL-10 in UC patients⁹
  • Most probiotics lack strain-specific evidence for UC
  • Wrong strains can potentially worsen dysbiosis

Quality matters significantly for these compounds. Look for:

• Curcumin: Specifically BCM-95 formulation
• Andrographis: Standardized to 30%+ andrographolides
• Tributyrin: Enteric-coated or delayed-release formulations
• B. longum: Strain-specific products

Sources often include:

• iHerb (international shipping)
• Professional supplement companies (through practitioners)
• Specialized digestive health suppliers

Warning: Generic versions may not have the same bioavailability or clinical evidence. The specific formulations matter for effectiveness.

Baseline tests (before starting):

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Liver function tests (ALT, AST)
• Fecal calprotectin
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Vitamin D levels

Follow-up tests (week 8 and 12):

• Fecal calprotectin (best marker of intestinal inflammation)
• CRP
• Liver enzymes if taking high-dose EGCG
• CBC to monitor for improvements

Why these tests matter:

• Calprotectin: Directly measures gut inflammation - should drop 50%+ by week 8
• CRP: Systemic inflammation marker - normalizes as protocol works
• Liver enzymes: Safety monitoring for EGCG and curcumin