Fibre supplement, yes or no?

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start with one/day for 3-4 days
increase if all is well - discontinue if not

Should I take fiber when flaring? Not in the early phase of a flare when you're still experiencing a lot of blood, pain, and the worst of your flare symptoms. That's because fiber bulks up stool and is abrasive and our really bad uc inflammation both narrows the intestinal track and makes it raw (not something you want a bulky, rough stool to pass through).

However, as you continue to heal then fiber can be beneficial. Fiber supplements (metamucil, Citrucel, or psyllium) can slightly improve the firmness of our bms, which has the benefit of slightly decreasing both our urgency and total bms. It cannot turn water into solids but can make a noticeable difference when taken at the right time. Fluffy stools can become more solid. It can help in the quest for perfect poops.

I have been taking 2 spoons of psyllium per day for a long time. I started out with Metamucil and now take a Metamucil and Starwest seed powder mix (2 parts seed powder to 1 part Metamucil). I do it not only for bulking but also because I don't get enough fiber in my diet.

I had some difficulties with gas for the first 4-6 weeks I started taking it but that settled down. Mary

Take it WITH MEALs so it acts like food. Take one with one meal of choice for a few days. If all is good, take nother with another meal. I eat twice daily and take 7 with each meal now.

Flaring is in increments, so when at the worst isnt a good idea with friable tissue that causes bleeding...especially when just starting the regimen.

Trial is all you can do. There are many options to try. I prefer capsules because I can tke them with me when eating out.

You will have some gut discomfort when starting out. Not like flaring tho.

Keep us updated and with any questions or concerns.

q

triple fiber with flax and oat bran works for me and helps colon healing when it ferments

I have an excellent recipe that's high in fiber (of course, if you are flaring badly then fiber might be too rough on the system).

You can customize the recipe by using more of the greens you like and less of the ones you don't like as much. I make it in a huge wok because it makes a lot. It takes about two to four days for me to eat it all. It's very filling. Best of all, it makes my stools go from 4-6" to 18" long.

Blended Veggie Cheese Soup:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 (3-inch) piece of ginger, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
3 tablespoons filtered water
1 package of zucchini, thinly sliced (about two large zucchinis, four medium-sized zucchinis, or six small zucchinis)
2 large heads or 3 small heads of broccoli, break or cut into florets
1 bunch kale, chop into 2-3” x 2-3” pieces (approx. 1/2 package of already cut kale)
1 bunch arugula (approx. 1/2 package)
1 small handful parsley leaves, slice every 3” (about 1/2 bunch)
2 cups filtered water
2 cup aged, hard cheese, slice into 1” x <1/4” pieces (I use Asiago. Aged, hard cheeses do not contain lactose.)
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Heat olive oil in a large pot and saute ginger on medium heat until tender. (about 1 minute)
Stir in ground coriander and turmeric and toast 30 seconds.
Add 3 tablespoons water and sliced zucchini and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
Add salt, broccoli, kale, and 2 cups water.
Cook until tender (about 7-8 minutes).

Remove from heat, then stir in arugula, parsley, and lime juice.
Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to blend in bunches. If you have trouble blending the veggies, then add a bit of water)
Mix in cheese and ground pepper
Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth (again in bunches).

thanks for that DB -

Subduedjoy- that soup sounds delicious, I've been trying to avoid cheese and veggies lately though so maybe not for me at the minute. I'll be sure to try it when I'm fully healed though.

Quincy- I think the inflammation must be getting worse in that case. Over the last 3 days the blood has been increasing each day. Not sure if it's because the pred is now being tapered (dropped again today to 30mg) or because the strict bland diet I was initially on has been slipping for a few days. Either way it's disheartening and I'm feeling awful today after feeling great for the past week. Back on the chicken and fish diet today so I'll see what tomorrow brings.

UC55...what other meds are you on...and what supplements? It's not the food making you flare.

q

I suggest you nix the fishoil for a bit. 1 or 2 times a day with more formed stool? From how many before pred?

Id suggest you ask your doc for steroid suppositories....or do you have mesalamine?
q

UC555 said...
For what reason would you stop the fish oil? .

my question would be, why are you taking fish oil in the first place - what is it doing for you ?

and one answer is, in many folks it causes unpleasant symptoms -

It's a suggestion to stop the fish oil for a while. Call the nurse and say it's for my ass and not yours....you cannot quantify my pain or suffering and you are witholding treatment from me needlessly.

I'm seriously livid hearing that crap.....

q