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Posted 8/26/2008 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Everyone,

I am a newbie - both to the site and to UC. In the coming days, I plan to search the archives and familiarize myself with the ins-and-outs of UC.

I am wondering if anyone could address this theory that I have - my UC symptoms began less than 2 months after relocating to Beijing from Tokyo and I was wondering if any of you have any info about UC being caused by environmental factors? I am so sure it is somehow related to the move, despite my diet not changing significantly. I am also more prone to flares when I am in Beijing than when I am traveling (touch wood!).

Looking forward to getting to know you. Thanks in advance.

Belle
Posted 8/26/2008 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
Stess can be a trigger maybe the move was making you stressed? Western Europe, the US and Canada have the most cases of UC but they are not sure why i.e. diet/environment or genetics?
Posted 8/26/2008 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
hello and welcome!
you just never know about environment. it could be so many factors. how many things are different about your new location? humidity? mildew? air quality? drinking water? temperature?
were you taking any prescription meds that you now get in a different brand?

it is possible, but you could wear yourself out trying to pinpoint exactly what caused it. if you truly believe it, would it be worth moving?

all things to consider and really only something you can decide for yourself. when we travelled to the mainland US for a couple of weeks, i felt much better in a dryer location than i normally live. but i wouldn't move away from where i am now unless i spent a lot more time in the dryer location and find out if it was just a fluke. also i'd try to spend time there throughout the year.

anyway, hope you are not feeling too poorly no matter where you are located at the moment!
Posted 8/27/2008 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Hekela,

Thanks for the note. Yes, there are 2 obvious differences in Beijing - obviously the much publicized air-pollution - and also it is very, very dry here. I can't imagine the humidity (or lack of) could contribute to UC, so pollution is a possibility. I have wracked my brain, but cannot think of anything different here outside those 2 factors - I know there is controversy about whether stress is actually a factor, but my money is on stress. Although I have lived in Asia for some time, Beijing is culturally very different than any other location we have lived.

I have ordered some aloe vera gel and some probiotics - hopefully they will get through Chinese customs so I can give them a try!

Best Wishes,
Belle
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