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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/8/2011 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to trying the gluten free approach to help me get out of a flare.  If you are gluten free, how strict are you?  I am reading labels and trying very hard not to have ANYTHING with wheat in it.  I have been to a couple of restuarants and I did not double check ingredients.  Will trace amounts of wheat bother my system like it would for someone with celiac's?  Also, is this a long term change or do you go back to eating wheat once you are in remission?

I am starting to feel a bit better(a little less blood, less urgency, less D) with the diet changes I have made but I have also been on a 40 mg dose of pred for almost a month.  I want to taper but my system is just not cooperating.  Good thing I am controlling the side effects of the pred pretty well this go around!

Thanks!!

Posted 3/8/2011 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
im still on the fence about gluten free been there done it and still flared but i still cut down on it why i dont know,its probably the pred calming things down, not much help but thats how i feel about gluten. gd luck
Posted 3/8/2011 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Will trace amounts of wheat bother my system like it would for someone with celiac's?

Probably not, but the more strict you can be the better. Many restaurants are now aware of "gluten-free" and offer several choices, just ask.

Also, is this a long term change or do you go back to eating wheat once you are in remission?

For me it will be a long term change but you can decide if it's that way for you.
Posted 3/9/2011 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
If you have serious gluten issues, even trace ammounts can be really bad for your body.  If not, you may notice relief just consuming less gluten. 

I actually grew up gluten-free, and then as a teenager found that it didn't seem to bother me any more.  Then many more years down the road, I ended up with UC.  Don't know what, if any, is the connection, but I am now gluten-free again in hopes that it helps some!  Certainly can't hurt.  And yes, if you're looking to lose any weight in a healthy way, it's a good way to go.  Really rules out a lot of calories and junk food.

 

Posted 3/9/2011 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
I found out I had Celiac the same time I found out I had UC. I have been on a strict gluten-free diet ever since, but it didn't do a lot to make the UC go away. I felt less bloated on the the gluten-free diet, but that was about it. Still had repeated flares and constant bleeding. However, going gluten-free did help in other areas. I used to be plagued with sinus infections and asthma, and both were greatly reduced after going on the gluten-free diet. I ended up having a severe flare in the fall, and meds no longer worked out for me so I had a permanent ileostomy. I am still very strict with my gluten-free diet though, since Celiac effects the small intestine.

There does seem to be some connection between the diseases, though for some reason going gluten-free is the cure for Celiac but doesn't eliminate UC. I have often wondered if gluten helps trigger UC, but once you get it there is no turning back.
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