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Why is gluten bad for UC?

Mon, August 08, 2016 1:43 AM

I was recently diagnosed with UC after giving birth to my 1st baby. Since then, I keep hearing from everyone that I need to be on a gluten free diet. However, my GI says I have no diet restrictions. The only thing he suggested is to limit dairy & caffeine during a flare up because they cause diarrhea. So I want to understand what is it about gluten that gives people with UC trouble? Thanks in advance for your input.

jamieann
Joined Aug 8, 2016

Fri, September 23, 2016 12:34 PM

Reply posted for jamieann.

Hi,

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, IBD and GI disorders are my specialty. Well, the diets pertaining to them are really my specialty because I've suffered from GI health issues for the last 10 years of my life and my mom was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2008.

The reason why gluten products are harmful to your GI tract if you have IBD (both CD and UC) is because IBD is an autoimmune disease and the gluten acts as an foreign protein in your gut and your body begins to attack it. With UC you might experience heavy bouts of diarrhea because your body is trying to eliminate the "foreign protein" as quickly as possible, especially during a period of a flare up.

You might have also heard if you have arthritis you should eat gluten free too, well that's for the same reason, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Pretty much if anyone has any autoimmune disease, it's best to have a gluten free lifestyle to minimize any symptoms.

Hope this helps! Be well.

-Annette

annetterdn
Joined Sep 23, 2016

Mon, August 15, 2016 12:21 PM

Reply posted for emkeith11.

A gluten free diet is not helpful unless you have celiac disease.

hare
Joined Mar 31, 2016

Wed, August 10, 2016 10:44 AM

From my experience, trust what your gastroenterologist says. A lot of people are self-professed nutritionists now and recommend certain diets, but your doctor knows what's best for you and your symptoms. Remember, your body is not like everyone else's, which means that "eating well" for you may look different than for other people without this disease.

emkeith11
Joined Jun 17, 2016

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