New to UC - Need Info on Diet

Hi All,

Compared to most members, I'm new to UC (diagnosed in Jan '08 after two months of bleeding/diarrhea).  My doctor continues to tell me that diet doesn't make a difference, because my inflammation is so low (I have proctitis, so by the time the food gets to the rectum it isn't even food anymore according my doc).  I don't know what to believe, because some things I clearly cannot have (alcohol, coffee w/caffeine, etc.)  Plus, I'm not convinced that I only have proctitis - it may have moved up higher in the colon.

So I have some questions about diet for you experienced UC-sufferers, since I haven't had it long enough to detect any definite patterns of aggravation from my diet. 

1. What diet guidelines do you follow?  Do you do soft foods?  Peel your veggies?  Cook down your fruit?  Follow a low residue diet?  Low fat?  Low sugar? 
2. If you're in remission, are there any foods that you would never eat because you know they'd start a flare-up? 
3. If you're having a flare-up, what foods are especially soothing to get you back into remission or close to it?
4. Are there any proctitis sufferers who have gotten any relief from diet changes (just in case I really do only have proctitis)?

Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.  I've read too much about all this stuff, and now I'm more confused than when I started.

I too have Ulcerative Procti***. My doc told me high fiber diet even when I was flaring. He told me I could eat or drink whatever I want. I'm not so sure he knows what he is talking about sometimes, I may switch doctors soon. Overall, I feel better when I eat healthy and not too much. I still drink coffee, it helps me to not be so tired. I was told to drink a lot of water which I am getting better at.(still not good enough) One thing that I have noticed makes me go more and very soft stools, (I never have had much diareah with my UC), is cole slaw. I love cole slaw and sometimes I eat a ton of it. It probably isn't agreeing with me but I seem to be drawn to it. lol Anyhow, everyone is different, some foods affect one and not the other. You have to test yourself, keep a food/symptom journal to see. The thing that makes me flare is stress. I don't think the food has as much to do with mine. And I stress out easily and can't seem to get away from stress. So, I have to work on that. Some foods I've read that are good to eat are spinach (canned), and bananas. Also, many people with UC peel their fruit. Good luck to you, I hope this helped a little. Bellski

Kiss520- There are no easy, quick-fix answers, or "get out of jail free" cards when it comes to UC. Everyone is different with varying degrees of severity. No one person can tell you what will work for you. I do believe, however, that diet plays a significant role in treating UC symptoms. I don't believe that food directly causes UC, but I do believe that food feeds the source of the problem.

Along with you, my doctors told me changing diet would not affect my symptoms. Then I happened upon a glint of info that caused me to research further to find fungus/yeast potentially being a cause of many of our health problems, particularly IBD's (UC, Crohn's), some cancers, high cholesterol, etc. See this research link on UC particularly:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17203803

Anyway, if you google 'fungus colitis candida' you can come up with your own readings. For me, an antifungal diet and natural antifungals were the only things that took virtually my symptoms away, after 8 years of UC (which started as proctitis, by the way). I know fungus is my issue for the rest of my life, as when I eat too many grains, sugar, processed foods, it bothers me. I also believe that probiotics are instrumental in me keeping healthy, as well. Which leads me to think there are others out there who may have fungal issues if they are finding probiotics are helping them. Bacteria and yeast work together in harmony in your gut, under ideal conditions, but when you take antibiotics, all bacteria (good and bad) is killed off. The good bacteria, which was keeping your yeast in check, is now gone, allowing yeast overgrowth to occur. Replacing the good bacteria with probiotics helps restore your bowel flora. As well, foods we eat (wheat, corn, peanuts) are commonly contaminated with mycotoxins (fungal by-products) and water-damaged/mildewy homes or places of work can also contribute to fungal problems. Is there anything safe in the world anymore !! :) Take care. Hope you find your answers.

Kim

Hi...what exactly are your symptoms at this time?

What does your diet consist of...let's say for breakfast, lunch, supper, snacks..etc? in general.

q

If you like, you can read more on fungus, as well as a diet to follow (the actual one I did and had success with) at www.knowthecause.com under the FAQ section. Read some of the past newsletters there, as well. You can also watch the TV show the host does daily on the website. I followed it very strictly at the beginning. Now, I follow a version of it, only having yeast-free bread now and then ( a few times/week maybe), as well as my sweets now and then, sometimes more now than then, I'll admit. I am still human, after all. :) I still try to avoid corn/corn products and peanuts because of the fungus factor. I was an avid bread lover, and now I don't miss it.

Once I got my fungus problem under control (I starved it following the strict diet) and my symptoms disappeared, I was able to introduce foods back into my daily meals. It is not a matter of just eliminating foods that seem to bother you when it comes to fungus. Fungi love sugar, yeast, grains and moist, warm places. You must follow a very strict low-carb diet if you have a fungal/yeast condition. Fungi don't just remain in your gut. They can become systemic, poke holes in your gut, cross mucous barriers, alter cell DNA, and travel throughout your body into other organs where they can do damage.

I still cannot tolerate yeast and too much sugar bothers me. Processed foods (come in a box, wrapper or can) generally don't have too much good in them for me and I find I need to read all labels to see what hidden ingredients may bother me. You will get used to it after awhile...knowing what to avoid once you realize what bothers you. I know the path I must take to stay well. The junk food I once loved doesn't entice me anymore, especially once I realized it was making me sick. Keep researching. If you decide to try a antifungal diet, know that you may feel worse for a few days before you start feeling better as the toxins are dying off and leaving your body. That would, however, be an indication you were on the right path. Good luck. I will be on vacation for a few weeks (heading to Newfoundland), but if you want to email me personally for more info, I'll check my email from time to time. Take care.

Kim

Kiss...curious why you're doing the enemas twice daily...plus the cortisone enemas...could be a bit too much 5ASA...kind of a fine line sometimes...unless you're on the 2g dosage.

Were you in the hospital for UC? Did you happen to have any inflammation around the cecum?

What is exactly the liquid diet you're on?

It's good you're feeling a tad better today than yesterday.

How many times a day are you going to the bathroom?

q

Kim - The fructose thing is a possibility. Last week I started eating a small plate of strawberries and was running to the toilet before I even finished them. Did your doctors specifically test for Candida and not find it? I've read that there are tests for it... ?

Quincy - Just following doctor's orders with the enemas. What can too much do to me? Will there be adverse effects?

I was in the hospital for UC - lots of diarrhea (10-12 times a day) with lots of blood and horrible cramping (we're talking labor pains). In addition to a saline/glucose IV, I was put on a "full liquid" diet in the hospital, which means broths, strained cream soups and cereals, juices, sherbet, etc. None of this stuff seemed very healthy for me, but the cramping and bleeding decreased significantly. Then I left the hospital, starting eating regular food again, and was having all the same symptoms about 36 hours after starting the regular food. So I put myself back on a liquid diet at home in addition to all these new meds. Today I added in a couple soft foods, like a piece of bread, a couple ravioli, and a couple pierogies. God knows what's going to happen in a couple hours... (fingers crossed)...

The only thing i have found that i seriously cannot have even a little bit of EVER is fried food. I keep a food journal and im sure that these wonderful little deep fried samosas they sell at the farmers market has started 2 flares for me. So now i dont ever eat anything fried. I also stay away from sugars, soy, oats, processed foods, caffeine, breads etc. I mostly eat brown rice farina, well cooked veggies and fish. I eat agave nectar and flax oil in my farina and its pretty good. I do eat small bits of dark chocolate now and again, and seem to be fine if i just have a little bit, its when i go overboard of any one thing that i notice problems the next day...

yes, i have found if i don't get too stuffed i feel waaay better.

Hello Kiss520
Nice to meet you.
I'm one of those "believers" that diet has a huge part of healing and also your mind set..Everyone is different though.
Depending on "where you are" in pain/etc ..depends.
I was diagnosed with severe UC 9yrs ago - last flare was 2002 (due to stress).
And now I dont suffer any problems.
My theory is : if it burns going in - it will burn going out....if its bubbly going in - it will be bubbly coming out. you getting my drift here?????
I always looked at what I was eating and broke it down in my head - how would that break down in my system.
Fruit - always took the skin off - and stayed away from the real acid types like oranges etc.
Bananas are great - small finger ones have the most potassium.
But look into your foods - for example - alot of people do not know there is fibre in LETTUCE.
Not saying you have to be a rocket scientist here - but like I said - everyone is different - I preferred to find out how I could control it - instead of just "upping meds"
I didn't eat HEAVY food - and pizza. HUGE no no - when I found out that the doh alone takes up to 6weeks to digest in your system - I felt sick - that was like purposely putting a brick in my bowel. (lol)
Even at your lowest point - always put a smile on your face and believe in yourself 100% that you WILL get there ..Keep a diary and write it all down - that is how I figured alot out.
If you want to drink alcohol - distilled ones are the best - not wine etc......
Keep smiling and keep strong - you will get there mate....without a doubt.

Food choices are really individual, and a food journal is a really good idea.  Fitday.com offers a free one and it's pretty useful.

I'm of the opinion that food may make some symptoms worse but it will not provoke a flare.

For example, an orange will cause me the worst butt burn I have ever had.  If I eat oranges in any form, I know that's what will happen.  Fried foods will have me rush to the john with exacerbated diarrhea.  But I can eat the spiciest food around (and often do) without any problem at all.  I had Thai Saturday that made my eyes water, and I broke out in a sweat eating it.  No change.

 

I'm so surprised that alot of doctors say food doesnt really make a difference. When im flaring i eat alot of chicken, rice, pasta, and steamed veggies. I really like the V8 fusion juice that has veggie and fruit juice, because I feel like I'm lacking alot of vitamins. I also try to limit my wheat intake while flaring and do rice pasta. I try to stay away from foods that are too acidic, but when i have fruit i leave off the skin. I don't know if this has really helped me, but i figure the softer food, the better. Have you had any food allergy testing? Fried foods are my enemy. Salad is terrible for me too. When I'm not flaring I may treat myself to one piece of pizza, or a small french fry every once and a while but it usually comes right back out if its not just a tiny portion.

I have a always wondered how is it that you actually monitor what foods effect your colon and the UC? Maybe someone can shed some light on this for me because I was under the impression that it took hours (like over 8 hours) before anything reaches the colon to irritate it. I have been in that situation in which you feel like something you are currently eating makes you run to the bathroom, but how if it hasn't even been digested in your stomach? Maybe liquids can get there quick enough but not solids, so are you monitoring 12 our 24 hours from the meal?