It's not something that is suggested for UC as would be for CD. It's true, what we eat is digested and comes out. The more we eat, the more is digested, the more comes out.
The fasting will only give us a break, not necessarily our colons....for inflammation takes time to heal on its own, medications are supposed to help the process...so, I'll ask now...what meds are you on?
Diarrhea is much easier going through an inflamed rectum compared to formed or semi formed stool. So, ultimately, you can change your eating habits to change the stool somewhat. Or, on the same note, change your eating to slow down your transit time, but it could be a bit more painful going through an inflamed rectum.
I'm flaring as of a few days ago....suspected a bit before hand but was so busy I guess that kept it a bit at bay. My bms have been absolutely horrific...multiple with urgency and butt wretching writhing pain. Squealing helps as well as whimpering..lol!
I've eaten regularly, but coffee consumption has been lowered as to not trigger a bm just to give ME a break. My rectum is obviously inflamed and it will respond to the coffee if there's anything "in the vicinity" to be downloaded and evacuated.
I use Bentylol (dicyclomine) an antispasmodic plus Gravol (antinausea) to help with the discomfort...both help immensely between bms.
I started the rectal meds nightly as of Tuesday....and I'm greatly improved as of this morning. Only once in the bathroom.
Might I add that I've eaten ice cream, cookies, popcorn, two watered down soft drinks, mince tarts, and whatever else I can't remember. I did, however, neglect to use the Metamucil...I find softer/looser bms more easy to have.
I'll also throw in that bowel rest will only confuse your colon and become lazier...using an antispasmodic will help level the spasming and adding a fibre supplement will help even out the peristalsis....that's what you need for the colon to keep exercised.
I've noticed that retaining looser stool is more difficult with an inflamed rectum...doing kegel exercises is something I'm hoping will help retention until I can get to a bathroom.
I'm also 20 years older since diagnosis....so, that's quite a few flares under my belt. I have humbly recognised the possibility of not holding in bms, and accidents aren't someting I've experienced a lot...so hoping that I can help that somewhat.
Well, probably too much information....but the bottom line is that you can adjust your diet somewhat to change the formation of the stool and the peristalsis to aid in your comfort while your meds kick in.
My doctor definitely doesn't support the not eating/bowel rest for UC. We have to eat to keep up our weight and strength.
If you want to eat lightly for a day or two...do so, but it won't heal the inflammation any quicker....as will eating not make the inflammation any worse.
I have to add that anal discomfort/inflammation can get worse from multiple bms and wiping..etc....but that's not related to the UC. CD, of course, is different.
quincy