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Vegetarian?


Thu, September 06, 2012 6:16 PM

I am would like to stop eating meat and dairy, both because I don't really care for them but they also seem to act as a trigger.  I just would like to get some feed back from other vegetarians and see how you have handled both the lifestyle and UC or if you have any tips.

FPO choy1280
Joined Feb 15, 2012

Sat, September 08, 2012 11:12 PM

 Reply posted for choy1280.

Wow, that is a tough one, especially since it's the raw fruits and veggies that are not "allowed" when in a flare.  The big issue with raw fruits and veggies is the fiber aspect.  The skins have what is called insoluble fiber.  It physically will scratch up an already inflamed tissue.  Seeds and nuts also have that same physically harmful effect.  I've even found that even some well-cooked vegetables still give me trouble (i.e. carrots, sweet potatoes, and occasionally canned green beans are found in stool so I know they're not being digested). 
A nutritionist suggested V8 fusion juice.  It has one serving of veggies and one serving of fruit in each glass but 0g fiber.  This is the fruit stuff not the tomato based drink.  Also, really fatty, grisly pieces of meat can be hard on your stomach.  It's suggested to eat lean meats like chicken, turkey, pork, and fish.  Eggs are a good protein source.  Have you tried taking a lactase pill?  Perhaps you have some lactose intolerance?  However most hard cheeses (i.e. block cheeses) have little to no lactose.  Lactose free milk could be an option.
It's just really important to make sure you get your protein in and that will be more challenging if you cut out meats and dairy.  When you are in a flare, you are losing protein through mucus, damaged tissue, etc.  So that's the part that needs to be especially "rebuilt".  Would suggest talking with your GI doctor and seeing a nutritionist so you can achieve the lifestyle you want but also get the right nutrition in you.

FPO eyb31
Joined Jun 28, 2012

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