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Fiber...To eat or Not to eat???

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 12/28/2009 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
So my question is........Should I be eating a lot of fiber or not?  I have always heard that you should eat a good amount of fiber to keep everything flowing well through the digestive system.  However, I keep reading that fiber can cause a flare.  What is the right answer?  I really feel like I might be in some sort of slight flare all of the time.  I keep getting these strange rashes, it seems I am allergic to everything now.  I have the D all of the time. (it has been years since anything was solid) yet I keep gaining weight!  I try really hard to stick to my idea of a good crohn's diet, but I am beginning to wonder exactly what that is. 

Anyone with experience, tell me your ideas!  I would really appreciate any input.

--ngwen  :)  Happy Holidays!

Posted 12/28/2009 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Some crohnies have issues with eating fibreous foods, it's trial and error since it's very individual...fibre is very important though even for IBDers...I would sometimes get some bloating/gas from eating fibreous foods but that was the worst of it, no gut pains or D from it...my GI told me to take fibre supplements daily and indefinitely, it has done wonders. Once my system adjusted to it (it gave me increased gas and bloating) then things got a bit better with my frequency issues and it aided with formed stools and cut my mucous down to nothing. I'm also able to eat fibreous foods and not get all bloated and gassy from it.

Stricturing CDers have to be a little more careful with fibre which makes fibre supplements a good alternate for them as well...your bowels need fibre for proper function. Drink plenty of water with fibre supplements. Like I said, the excess bloating/gas went away once my system adjusted to it and it was well worth it, I still take a fibre supplement daily and eat fibreous foods of all forms, fruits, veggies, nuts ect.

:)
Posted 12/29/2009 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on a low fiber diet right now, what kinds of supplements are out there?? I've never taken one and I probably should be.
Posted 12/29/2009 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Metamucil, Prodiem, benefibre, psyllium husk/seeds, or anything that contains psyllium is most beneficial...try and go with caps rather than powders, powders tend to have a bunch of junky stuff added to them that can actually exacerbate IBD symptoms, fillers and artificial sweetners so read those lables carefully.

:)
Posted 12/29/2009 7:32 AM (GMT 0)
Keep going pb4. I should probably try suplements as well, how much to start, with food? what time of day? Your experience may help me make mistakes. Ty
Posted 12/29/2009 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
Always start with the smallest amount (I use caps) I use one/day which is what I started with 5ish yrs ago and it's still sufficient for me...I take it with plenty of water at bedtime...I don't take it with food, it varies for each person as most things do. Expect increased bloating/gas, it's normal and once your system adjusts then it will go away...stick with it though, that's the hard part, the gas and bloating can be very uncomfortable, but so worth it once you've adjusted...it's likely quicker to adjust if you take it everyday. Increase slowly and only if necessary (and only after your system has adjusted to the initial amount)...drink lots of water (which with IBD you should anyways).

Good luck :)
Posted 12/29/2009 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
This may be a silly question, but it won't constipate me will it?? Fiber is a little confusing to me. I was once told to take it because it "bulks" up the flow and then I know ppl who take it to increase the flow. I have diarrhea almost always and a narrowing as well so I couldn't handle to much bulking up. I guess I'm wondering what it's going to do :)
Posted 12/29/2009 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
You should be very careful with this. Folks like myself who have the stricturing type of Crohns should not use fiber. You should run this past your doctor first before starting it to make sure it does not harm you. And PB4 is right, for some the added fiber will help, but not its not for everyone. Good luck!
Posted 12/29/2009 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
I think you have to be careful about what type of fiber you add (soluble versus insoluble fiber). I think insoluble fiber is harder on IBDers, whereas as your body gets used to it, soluble fiber can be beneficial. I think supplements like metamucil have more soluble than insoluble fiber, and adds bulk to stool without the roughage that can be very hard on the colon. Yes, and as Nanners said, since fiber adds bulk to the stool, if you have strictures, then, the bulk can end up causing blockages, so it isn't the best idea if you have strictures.

As everyone has said above, be very slow and cautious while introducing fiber, and be very sure to talk to your doc.

PV
Posted 12/29/2009 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
My GI suggested I take fibre supplements like metamucil or Prodiem for my crohn's and my IBS, he said to take it daily and indefinitely...as I said only stricturing CDers need to tread with a little more caution (but it's still necessary for some fibre for them as well)...fibre is your friend it aids with C and D.

Soluble fibre becomes sticky when it combines with water and forms a gel like substance.

Insoluble fibre acts like a sponge as it passes through the digestive tract and absorbs moisture many times it's weight in water, this is what increases the bulk of stools AND softens it as well, this helps avoid constipation...fibre helps sweep the bowels of bad bacteria which is another reason why it's necessary for bowel health.

Tread with caution of course, which is why I say start with the smallest amount and increase only if necessary, I've been taking one cap everyday for the last 5 yrs with no issues, just benefits.


:)
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