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Hello.  I hope all is well!

I thought I might post a few creative ideas regarding nutrition.  In most cases IBD life becomes about managing flairs and keeping your digestive system moving at an acceptable pace (typically slower than faster).  The following are some recommendations for slowing the system down.  Granted they will not work for everyone and are not medically proven.  But they have worked well for many of the people I have come in contact with.

Oatmeal:  Make your oatmeal with half the amount of water.  It should barely come off the spoon if you tip it over (paste consistency).  This tends to act as a binding agent.

Fiber supplements:  Things like Metamucil can be a good source of fiber but can also speed things up. Like the oatmeal principle mix the powder with just a small amount of water.  The liquid mixture should take some time to pour out of a glass if you tip it.  Again, the consistency should be just slightly looser than a paste.  This will also help with binding.

Rice Crispy treats, bananas, peanut butter:  All very good for slowing down the system.  A note on peanut butter…Buy the all natural kind.  There is a type of oil in processed peanut butter that the body cannot digest well.  Therefore, it tries to expel it causing your system to move faster. 

Yogart and other probiotic foods (as long as you are not allergic to yogart cultures). 

Fluid intake:  The body can only absorb a certain amount of liquid at one time.  Try taking in small amounts of liquid more frequently then large amounts all at once.  I typically take a 4 ounce glass every one to two hours versus a large bottle or other container.  The key is to stay hydrated without getting your system moving rapidly. 

Cheers! 

 Reply posted for opusone.

Hello Everyone,

 Reply posted for opusone.

Hi Gang,

Not all oatmeal is created equal! I have a real hard time with rolled oats (instant). My sister has ulcerative colitis and she has been eating Scottish Oatmeal, this is a very soft oatmeal without the husk. I have found over the past three weeks on Scottish Oatmeal I have experienced a drastic decrease in bloating and urgent trips to the bathroom.

Since this revelation I have also removed wheat from my diet, and any grains with the husks attached. I do enjoy brown rice and barley which are softer on my system. I have also started to use my preasure cooker, so I can eat more veggies. I love the pressure cooker, as long as the veggies are really soft I can tolorate them.

Good luck, and take it slow, not all things work for all people with Crohn's!

Summy

 Reply posted for opusone.

This post is very beneficial to me.  Thanks!  It's answered some of my questions about why some things put me on the verge of a flare and why I usually stay pretty regular.

My doctor says drink lots of water, but  I noticed that, if I drink too fast or too much, I feel on the verge of a flare.  I've asked about this, but my doctor just repeats "...just keep drinking lots of water".  He's not much help.  I'm going to find a new GI doctor.  What you've written explains what may be happening and what I need to do, especially in hot weather when lots of fluids are neccessary.  I need to constantly sip and not gulp.

Thakfully, I've been eathing oatmeal, all-natual peanut butter, and bananas.  I eat all three of these almost every day.  This was just by chance.  I've had only one flare in the last sixteen years and that followed a virus that may have triggered it.  I eat peanut butter and bananas, because I tend towards being skinny and not holding on to much absolute strength, especially with respect to my leg strength.  These two foods help me keep weight on without upsetting my stomach.  The oatmeal was a heart-healthy choice for me as my triglycerides and LDL were near the border.  Once I started oatmeal and fish oil, my triglycerides dropped to near nothing and my LDL had a slight drop.  Seems I guessed right.  I'll just make sure my oatmeal is always good and thick. 

 Reply posted for opusone.

I found alcohol to have a dramatic effect on my flares.  If I feel like I'm getting sick, I stop drinking any alcohol immediately. 

One time, I didn't obey this rule.  I had a wedding and a minor flare.  I had more drinks than normal and it resulted in a dramatic worsening of my flare...very quickly. 

Other times, I've notice a flare starting, cut out the alcohol (along with reducing stress) and the flare stayed in control. 

Drinking is never good for folks with UC but living is important.  I've found I need to be very aware of my body when I decide to drink.