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As I've mentioned before, I not only have LC, but a raging case of anxiety and diagnosed OCD. I'm coming to the conclusion that basically my gut health is a mess. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good probiotic to help. Are probiotics even helpful in the case of MC? I recall reading something stating that they can actually be harmful.
Also, any recommendations on how I can improve my gut health are appreciated. Currently, I am gluten free. I am working towards becoming dairy free as well, as I am certain I cannot tolerate it very well.
Thank you all in advance. You've all proven to be very helpful and informative.
Probiotics are rarely helpful for MC patients. So rarely that even the American Gastroenterological Association Institute advises against using them to treat MC.
Are you taking a magnesium supplement or using any topical magnesium oil? Anxiety is almost always a symptom of severe magnesium deficiency. You might also be vitamin D deficient (both problems are caused by MC).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
While I believe probiotics can help some individuals with their GI health, the GI microbiome is so individualized and there are so many different strains of probiotics on the market, there is no accurate way of determining what strain of probiotics you might need or might help you. You could actually upset the apple cart with the wrong strain of probiotics. My personal opinion is to not use them.
Along with magnesium and vitamin D as Tex mentioned (I was tested very low on D and supplements helped bring my levels up) I'd recommend you concentrate on your diet and determine food sensitivities to help control your MC. It is the tried and true way.....gluten is the enemy for most all of us and dairy, soy and many other foods can also contribute. Enterolab offers testing for individual sensitivities and while not inexpensive, many of us used Enterolab have found them to be quite accurate and the testing data very useful.
Probiotics are rarely helpful for MC patients. So rarely that even the American Gastroenterological Association Institute advises against using them to treat MC.
Are you taking a magnesium supplement or using any topical magnesium oil? Anxiety is almost always a symptom of severe magnesium deficiency. You might also be vitamin D deficient (both problems are caused by MC).
Tex
Thanks for the input, Tex. I am taking a Magnesium supplement, but perhaps not in the right amount. I am also Vitamin D deficient (slightly, 25), and have been taking a supplement for his also. I live in Michigan so practically all of us are Vit D deficient here :).
While I believe probiotics can help some individuals with their GI health, the GI microbiome is so individualized and there are so many different strains of probiotics on the market, there is no accurate way of determining what strain of probiotics you might need or might help you. You could actually upset the apple cart with the wrong strain of probiotics. My personal opinion is to not use them.
Along with magnesium and vitamin D as Tex mentioned (I was tested very low on D and supplements helped bring my levels up) I'd recommend you concentrate on your diet and determine food sensitivities to help control your MC. It is the tried and true way.....gluten is the enemy for most all of us and dairy, soy and many other foods can also contribute. Enterolab offers testing for individual sensitivities and while not inexpensive, many of us used Enterolab have found them to be quite accurate and the testing data very useful.
All the best to you and keep us updated!
Thanks for the input. I'll steer clear of the probiotics. Would you recommend perhaps just focusing on foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha?
I have an Enterolab kit that I have to complete and send in. I've known for years that I cannot tolerate dairy very well, and have been gluten free now for a year. I really do need to find out about soy, since many with dairy sensitivity are also soy sensitive, as I'm sure you're aware.
Probiotics are rarely helpful for MC patients. So rarely that even the American Gastroenterological Association Institute advises against using them to treat MC.
Are you taking a magnesium supplement or using any topical magnesium oil? Anxiety is almost always a symptom of severe magnesium deficiency. You might also be vitamin D deficient (both problems are caused by MC).
Tex
Thanks for the input, Tex. I am taking a Magnesium supplement, but perhaps not in the right amount. I am also Vitamin D deficient (slightly, 25), and have been taking a supplement for his also. I live in Michigan so practically all of us are Vit D deficient here :).
I was taking 200 mg of magnesium per day (for years) when I slowly developed the severe magnesium deficiency. We're all different in our abilities to absorb various vitamins and minerals. Some people are born with a defective gene that prevents them from effectively absorbing magnesium (specifically), while some people absorb it easily.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi,
I agree with the rest that probiotic use is delicate and different for all based on individualized gut flora, etc., especially early on in the healing phase. Personally, I've found an every-other day regime that works well thus far but dabbled in many doses and kinds that were probably unnecessary and unhelpful for years.
As others continue to focus on, gut healing through determining food sensitivities is the primary and most important first step and restoring your Magnesium levels is crucial for the anxiety.
This site is so thorough with resources and there are first stage healing food guides and recipes, etc. which are easy to find.
For me, the overall nutritional depletion due to mal-absorprtion (along with chronically very low Vitamin D) was probably responsible for my mood disorders, anxiety and depression. I feel completely different now mentally and emotionally after a year of very intentional gut healing.
Getting the D under control initially is priority and in the meantime, because until the gut heals anything will be difficult to absorb. I would focus on taming the flare with very bland foods and limited diet if you are still experiencing the daily D.
Homemade bone broth was extremely helpful for me in long-term gut healing.
Hope you continue to find answers on the journey!
