Anyone have luck with fasting??

Fasting sometimes works, depending on the person. Usually if the disease is caused by an underlying toxin overload. The body also has an incredible ability to heal when digestion is stopped for a while. A true fast involves stopping all medications though, otherwise the body will not detox as it enters ketosis. Also, inflammation is very catabolic. It might not be feasible to fast if your body needs nourishment to heal.

If I'm flaring, fasting would a death sentence because I'm already losing weight rapidly.

I’m not underweight. I’m 5’6” and 165 lbs. It’s one of the most frustrating things about my current situation because I’ve actually gained weight in the last few months. Not frustrating because I wish I could lose weight, but because my doc looks at this along with the fact that I’m not currently anemic and thinks I’m exaggerating my symptoms. I’m actually excited for my scope so he can see what’s going on in there! I’m still having blood and accidents at least once a week. Still going to the potty 8-12 times daily, usually due to gas being off the charts, but I can’t trust a fart. There’s always liquid of some sort. I guess I’m just frustrated and wondering what else to try.

TroubledTruds: TRYING to use them morning and night. I say trying because after several consecutive days of use, my symptoms increase. Bleeding, urgency, gas, diarrhea-and therefore accidents-all ramp up. I take a few days off, and symptoms lessen. Insertion of meds has also become increasingly uncomfortable, almost painful. At first I thought it was coincidence, but I’ve tested the theory several times with the same results. So I’m wondering if I’ve developed an allergy to mesalamine.

Diet could probably be better. I generally stay away from anything fried, overly rich, and raw produce- save for the occasional salad (which actually doesn’t seem to bother me). No alcohol, 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning. I’ve kept a food journal in the past, changed my diet, etc. I’ve never been able to correlate increase or decrease of symptoms to anything specific.

I should mention that even though I have blood, mucous, or other liquid every trip to the potty, I do have pretty well formed stool at least every other day. No evidence of anything undigested EVER. This leads me to believe my biggest problem is at the end of the line, so to speak. Which is where it’s always been. Thoughts?

I had a ton of luck with fasting. It didn't improve my overall health, or put my UC into remission, but less in = less out. That in itself can be helpful. I wouldn't recommend it for most people, or for long periods... You need nutrition to survive. I would fast a day or two so I could get to the office & through meetings.

I watched a documentary on called "The Science of Fasting" on Amazon, and talks about long-term fasting as a treatment for many illnesses. It piqued my curiosity as some of the people in the documentary fasted for as long as 40 days. I can't imagine fasting for that length of time! It was interesting nonetheless.