juststud said...
"There is no conclusive evidence these and other food bother ulcerative colitis"
you are joking, right ?
Not joking at all.
I'll pick one of many reputable sources which back my statement up such as this source:
UMM.EDU ULCERATIVE COLITIS taking a portion wrt tomatoes:
"...Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Diet
Although diet cannot cure ulcerative colitis, some studies suggest that people who eat foods high in saturated fat and sugar and who eat less amounts of fruits and vegetables may be more at risk of developing the disease. Certain foods may also reduce symptoms.
Limit intake of dairy products, which may help reduce diarrhea.
Eat fruits and vegetables, and pay attention to fiber. Although fiber is crucial to a healthy diet, some people with inflammatory bowel disease find that fiber makes symptoms worse. If fiber bothers you, steam or bake your vegetables instead of eating them raw, and avoid high fiber foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, and raw apples. [eat] Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries,
and tomatoes ) and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
A bland, low fiber diet may best during acute flares.
Eat 5 - 6 small meals a day.
Certain foods may aggravate symptoms of ulcerative colitis (including chocolate, beans, spicy foods, fats, and artificial sweeteners).
Avoid refined foods such as white breads and pastas.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
People with significant malnourishment, severe symptoms, or those awaiting surgery may require parenteral (intravenous) nutrition..."
Source: Ulcerative colitis | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/ulcerative-colitis#ixzz3UGhGsik4
University of Maryland Medical Center
But, while I do well with tomatoes and spicy foods (to a degree) I have an allergy to apple skins (histamine reaction in my mouth and throat). We're all different.
I would say this university is reputable. Do you disagree?
Go to that link and learn more of their conclusions from research about
what they recommend. Bottom line is they state to listen to your doctor and when you listen to them speak they insist they are not doctors and caution drawing conclusions from their trials, small studies and research. The folks at SCD (which has all those websites and books say the same thing - they always caution not to go by what they state over your doctor. People tend to overlook those cautions but they are important.
As far as studies on mice regarding potatoes - I've read through many papers and while researchers conclude in some of those that they see some adverse issues on the digestive system of mice, they all, again, state more studies are necessary before appropriate conclusions can be reached. I avoided potatoes and other foods because of these same studies and posts in here and books I read and went with what was supposed to 'help' and it didn't help me nor the 5 other close fiends who share their UC experience with me. I tolerate tomatoes as does my sister who has UC. Another sister and my father (without IBD cannot eat tomato sauces due to issues with stomach acid reflux which my UC sister and I don't have).
Here's another reputable site: CCFA
DIET & NUTRITIAN - CCFA Do any specific foods worsen the inflammation of IBD?
No. Although certain foods may aggravate symptoms of these diseases, there is no evidence that the inflammation of the intestine is directly affected. Obviously, any contaminated food that leads to food poisoning or dysentery will aggravate IBD.And those foods which may aggravate symptoms of UC varies from person to person. Many are using certain products and diets (naturals and supplements) which I tried and found to aggravate my symptoms more. You cannot go from what someone else has problems with. Some have constipation while I always had diarrhea - each is different.
My primary GI (I've had several) reads and considers the studies; he's up on the latest research and heads his own research and he says the same thing that I reached the conclusion of - there is nothing compelling out there except testimonials and anecdotal evidence that any food worsens inflammation. My sister goes to the leading GI in the region and he says the same thing and what my sister can tolerate is different than what bothers me.
If tomatoes are tolerated by you then please eat them.
UC patients should listen to their GI and research on their own and know what foods are tolerated or not by their bodies. Some of these posts put unnecessary fear in people - "Oh, I can't those mashed potatoes or potato chips or tomatoes because it makes my flare worse".
"You have found that out?"
"No, but several users on a website said it does and some studies on mice indicate it could be an issues with people who have IDB" (those studies all conclude that more research is needed)
Many of these post haven't really changed since when I joined.