Diet Suggestions

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in October of 2009. I've been through various rounds of prescript ions over the past two years, but, I never stayed with my meds for long. I don't think that I was quite ready to accept the fact that I had UC, and I had to deal with it. I continuously thought that it would simply go away, and I let symptoms go untreated for many months.   I am currently experiencing my worst flare yet, and I decided to finally start taking care of myself. I went back to my GI today, told him the truth, and got back on a round of meds. I am now taking 4 Lialda per day and back on my nightly Rowasa Enema.   I was never really able to pin point what foods triggered me more than others, but I am currently finding that EVERYTHING is an issue. I have been on digestive rest before with a random pancreatitis flare years before my UC. (I've read information on the forum about Lialda inducing Pancreatitis. My Dr. is well aware of my history and my fear of triggering it but still prescribed me Lialda. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have a reaction as well.) I am wondering if there are any recommended diets during bad flares. I would take any guidance that might help with the pain and bathroom time that I experience after each meal.

I've been in that place where all food causes problems. Exhausting and upsetting. You'll have to try and find something that your colon doesn't hate. For me homemade chicken broth and chicken and eggs kept me going although there is no weight gain with these foods (for me). And lots of water to make up for the D.

At the time I thought bread wasn't a problem because there was no immediate reaction but as it turned out much later bread was a problem after all, it just didn't cause D so I couldn't tell right then and there.

When your colon is horribly inflamed it's really almost impossible to figure food out so just keep trying. Eliminate the common offenders which are dairy and gluten (wheat products), eat as much protein as possible to support muscles and small amounts of good oil (for weight). Too much oil causes D so it's a fine line. Salmon has oil and protein so thumbs up for that. Nuts also have that but are more difficult for a wounded colon to digest.

Good luck. You might also take Bentyl (an Rx med) for pain/cramps and Immodium to slow gut transit time.

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions.

Freddyj - I'm certainly going to cut out wheat, dairy, and alcohol for awhile.

Imagardener2 - I am going to ask my GI about the Bentyl imy pain doesn't subside quickly.


InSoFla - I kept a fod journal at the beginning of this year after it was suggested by a UC book. It seemed nearly impossible to tell what was flaring. One day a food would be fine, and the next day it would be irritating. I'm sure it was just a combination of the flare and not cutting our enough food at the time. I am absolutely open to a digestive rest type of diet for a few days. Do you have any protein recommendations?

Unfortuately I won't be able to grab anything like that until this evening. I was planning on eating 2 hard boiled egg whites for breakfast. They seem to do pretty well with me. I was then thinking of having plain steamed brown rice for lunch -gluten free and realitivly bland. I am hoping that cutting out everything and only trying a few things at a time will help the food journal be more effectice.

C_Mac23,

It could also be a problem with food combining, which if done improperly can really wreck havoc. I know because now that I follow it strictly I see the huge difference. Here's a good link for info:  http://cureforulcerativecolitis.com/step-1-methodology-to-eating

As far as a good protein drink: actually the safest one IMO because you're not sure if you might be intolerant of lactose, casein, etc... would be Pea Protein or even Hemp Protein - I know Dr. Mercola makes a very good quality Pea Protein liquid, but you can probably go to your local health store and pick some up.

Make sure you read the labels carefully to make sure it does NOT contain any dairy, gluten, wheat, high fructose corn syrup. I would mix it with Almond Milk.

It's good that eggs agree with you. I found that I could tolerate egg yolks, but not egg whites.

 I am hoping that cutting out everything and only trying a few things at a time will help the food journal be more effectice.

 

Yes, that will make it easier to make the connections in your food journal. But don't forget about the food combining as well.

Let me know how you make out.

I know this sounds absolutely crazy, but try some marshmallows. I have an ileostomy so it is probably a little different than your situation, but usually it slows down diarrhea. It's worth a shot since all foods are giving you problems.

I would try to eat something like chicken breast sautéed or baked with very simple spices nothing with chili. salmon always used to quiet down the pain and BMs for me. try to go gluten free for like 3 weeks and see how u feel. definitely get off of dairy though. for me I have developed lactose intolerance since the disease started so only goat cheese was ok for me. include some turmeric in your food it is found in the Asian stores or even in the regular supermarket spice aisle. though the Asian food stores have the actual turmeric root that looks just like ginger you have to peel it and grate it finely and sprinkle that bright yellow veg on top . I use it with everything with my salmon chicken and veggies it does make the food yellow orange in color though.

C_Mac23,

You're welcome. What did you decide to do about trying liquid protein?

Also, don't forget that gluten free and wheat free are different. You'll have to do some research on the detailed differences.

http://consumerist.com/2010/09/kroger-where-gluten-free-means-may-contain-wheat.html

http://www.glutenfreeliving.com/basic-diet.php

http://www.namastefoods.com/

 

C_Mac23,

I'm sorry you had such a terrible time last night.

I'm sure you'll find the research you need to move ahead one way or another.

Egg protein is a great source, but the reason I didn't suggest it is because some folks are intolerant of eggs altogether and don't even know it.