Food during a flare up

Its been about 4 years since I've had a flare up and just visited my doctor last week to go over my colonoscopy results which he said were fantastic with almost no signs of inflammation. The last few days I've started having symptoms again and its been so long I'm not quite sure what to do.

From reading online it looks like just about every type of food in the world is a problem and a lot of places say things not to eat, but what I'd like to know is what exactly should I eat? I've had flares before that lasted only a few says so I'm hoping to beat this one. I know that water and things like grilled chicken, rice, and salmon are ok, but what else besides them? Is there a list somewhere of foods to eat while in a flare up rather than just lists of foods to avoid?

Thank you for the nice welcome.

This is not exactly what I was expecting to worry about during easter time. Its just a little surprising to get this flare up almost immediately after getting a clean bill of health. The colonoscopy was a few months ago though so I guess a lot can change.

Symptoms:

My stool started becoming more liquid and I started going more frequently. Then I found some blood and the frequency has increased to numerous times every day as well as some mucus.

Meds:

6MP, and coumadin (due to a clot). I also started taking chloroquine a few weeks ago because I traveled to a country where the CDC warned about malaria. That's the biggest change I've made in years. I'm thinking that maybe this is what's caused the flare up.

When I first got my UC about 10 years ago I was on a number of different meds but have only been on 6MP for the past 8 years. I was on Asacol (sp?), and also used an enemy about 8 years ago during a flare up.

I am also taking fish and flaxseed oil as supplements.

As far as food, what's a good source of protein? I've been lifting weights and eating a lot of natural peanut butter for protein but I read online that its a problem during a flare up. I had eggs, chicken and salmon today and will have lamb tomorrow. I've been drinking a lot of water and eating yogurt and bananas.

Hi...it seems you might then be in line for a stool sample testing process...have it done just in case you've picked up something else in your travels.

If so, at least you'll know what you're dealing with.....and besides, having an invader in the gut could very well trigger your UC , so best to deal with everything rather than assuming it's only UC. At least you will be treated.

6MP isn't enough if you're flaring, and I would still suggest other support meds such as 5ASA oral (asacol) and rectal enema since you used them in the past.

How long do you have to be on the chloroquinine? It can cause diarrhea, cramping, etc......but.....you have had increasing symptoms such as would follow a UC flare.

I would also suggest you lighten your weight lifting as to not push your body beyond its ability to heal.

I think for protein...meat sources and eggs....the rest such as peanut butter...depends on if it's too much oil for your system or not. Very subjective. But I wouldn't "rely" on it as a major food source...a snack, yes.

You don't mention carbs at all....I don't suggest cutting them out, but others do. Whatever healthy carbs one would consider to eat...again subjective...is necessary fuel for any exercise and for one's brain function....

You definitely need probiotics...

The fibre supplements vary from what each person can use. I use both the Metamucil smooth (not the sugar-free kind) and the capsules.

Don't use artificial sweeteners......

Oh, forgot to add that sometimes a c-scope clean-out and the scope itself can exacerbate inflammation, and since you had "some"....you may have been on the way to a flare at that point.

Hope you feel better soon,
quincy

It's best to fast during a flare. The last thing an inflamed colon needs is food irritants. Someone I work with who also has UC told me to do a 'muslim fast' i.e absention of food from sunrise to sunset and the results were fantastic

I'd suggest tender lean meats, eggs (not fried), nut butters, soft cooked veggies and fruits that have been peeled. Natural applesauces and well-ripened bananas. Veggie soups with lean chicken breast added are good. You can even puree veggies and soups to make digestion easier.

I usually find a low residue diet helps. Lean meats (chicken, fish), poached and hardboiled eggs, rice, pasta, applesauce, bananas, toast, very well cooked veggies, cooked fruits, and canned fruits are all okay. Don't eat any veggie skins, though. Also, it's recommended to reduce or eliminate dairy. Also, try to stay away from fried foods. Liquid nutrient supplements (boost, ensure) and juice smoothies are good too, especially if solids really bother you. If you do try juice smoothies, though check the label for fiber-some of them have it.

Also, Brinda-for breakfast try toast with jelly (make sure it does not have seeds, grape is pretty safe) and smart balance, or cream of rice cereal. English muffins are probably okay if they're made from refined flour. Have a banana on the side. Alternatively, you could have a nutrient shake. Oatmeal would be too hard on the gut, and most cereals are made from whole grains nowadays. It almost makes the healthy food craze irritating, I can no longer get some nice refined cold cereal to eat when I'm flaring, and I miss my cinnamon toast crunch so much!

Yeah, I eat the Earth's Best Organic (Stage 3) when my gut acts really tricky. That's one way to be sure of avoiding excess salt/pepper in prepared food! Their "spring vegetables with pasta" makes a nice spread on toast or mini-pitas. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])

Keep a food diary to see whether or not food has an affect on your bowel movements. Pay particular attention to yeast, wheat, gluten, lactose, and fructose. For most people, white rice is usually safe to eat, and it helps provide bulk. Supplement with anti-inflammatory foods/ingredients such as turmeric--one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature. Turmeric can easily be added to rice. Read all ingredients. Many foods contain high fructose corn syrup.

Anti-inflammatory: turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, cinnamon, green/herb teas, oily fish, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, lean poultry, green leafy vegetables, berries, fresh pineapple, soybeans, tofu, soy milk.

Pro-inflammatory: fatty meats, processed meats, dairy, eggs, sugars, artificial sweeteners, nightshades (tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, peppers).

You might find the book The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut helpful. It gives alot of general guidelines for foods the majority of IBDers consider safe and those they find problematic. There's also excellent info on reducing inflammation with omega-3s.