Hi again Christine- if you can tolerate almonds and almond flour, check out the Morning Glory muffins in the Dee’s Kitchen section of this forum. The recipe calls for carrots, apples, raisins and coconut but I’ve found it’s a very flexible recipe. Sometimes I add pineapple instead of apples, for example. I didn’t experience any issues eating the baked carrots and fruit in this recipe. My biggest challenge was to not eat too many. Cinnamon is the main spice. So- think carrot cake but more dense. I’ve made these as muffins but also as cake bars. Another very portable food. And another recipe that my family and friends have enjoyed.
Interestingly, I could tolerate eggs when baked into something like these but could not tolerate a fried or scrambled egg (when reacting. In remission I’ve been able to eat eggs again).
I re-read your post and thought I would mention that I also have reflux as part of my LC and I chalk it up to just inflammation since our digestive system is one long tube from the sinuses and mouth on down. If my gut is sluggish or more inflamed then I definitely have more reflux. In the past year digestive enzymes have been very helpful for me, but that appears to be an individual thing among us MCers. They are not helpful for everyone. I also tended to have a lot of nausea when reacting so upper GI issues have been a major focus in managing my LC.
Have a good day and a better weekend.
Carol
Food Testing
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I wrote the post at the following link over 9 years ago, but I believe it's still valid advice for anyone who has reflux problems (and a low vitamin D level). Definitely try this if you know that your vitamin D level is low. A magnesium deficiency can cause the same problem (a weak lower esophageal sphincter).
To Anyone Who Has Acid Reflux, Indigestion, Or GERD
Tex
To Anyone Who Has Acid Reflux, Indigestion, Or GERD
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 again Carol! The jury is still out on Almonds/ Almond flour. Sometimes I can eat it and have no issues and other times it gives me the heartburn. Maybe what you say is absolutely true about the inflammation and it wouldn't matter what food I ate at that time- it will cause a reaction. I am still going to make the muffins though, lol. I am so in need of something new!
Carol, can you tell me, does the Low FODMAP diet apply w/ MC? I read where highly fermentable foods need to be avoided- things like onion, garlic, certain fruits, vegetables and grains. Until I take the Food intolerance test from Enterolabs, I have been just experimenting, but even the test will only tell me so much. I'm terrified of the heartburn - even though I was told it's the NERD- non-erosive type, I just can't stand the burning in my stomach and the nasty taste I get and it leaves a coating in my mouth! Ugh!!
As for the digestive enzymes, I have been put on two different ones. I really can't say if they help. I have been just thinking about taking Papaya chewables after eating to see if that helps instead. I also have the upper GI issues that are predominate. I got the stomach cramping and the big 'D' under control, but the upper part still a no go as it comes and goes, but mostly comes. Right now I have a terrible head cold (thank you hubby, lol) and I am terrified to take any type of cold medicine as I am afraid to create a flair up.
I really wish I could figure out how I got this as I don't fit any of the profiles for getting this disease. I still think it's from the gluten intolerance that created leaky gut and the bacteria super invasion caused the CC. I have been told that SIBO doesn't cause CC, but I also read where certain bacteria and viruses cause it. Wouldn't that be SIBO?
Anyway, I have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks w/ my Gastro, but I just think he is not doing enough to help me. I think I have the bile acid malabsorption going on, but how do you test for that? I also read that an underlying autoimmune issue could also be to blame, but again, how do you find that? 'Frustration' is my word for the day, lol. Thank you again for all your invaluable help and support. No one understands this disease or what I'm experiencing. Even my own husband just said to me last night, "I don't believe this is something that you will have the rest of your life. I think it will run it's course and you'll never have a problem with it again." Boy, I really wish that would be the case. Unfortunately, that's not what my research is telling me.
Anywho... you have a great weekend as well. Today, I am putting it in God's hands as I can only do what I can do
Christine
Carol, can you tell me, does the Low FODMAP diet apply w/ MC? I read where highly fermentable foods need to be avoided- things like onion, garlic, certain fruits, vegetables and grains. Until I take the Food intolerance test from Enterolabs, I have been just experimenting, but even the test will only tell me so much. I'm terrified of the heartburn - even though I was told it's the NERD- non-erosive type, I just can't stand the burning in my stomach and the nasty taste I get and it leaves a coating in my mouth! Ugh!!
As for the digestive enzymes, I have been put on two different ones. I really can't say if they help. I have been just thinking about taking Papaya chewables after eating to see if that helps instead. I also have the upper GI issues that are predominate. I got the stomach cramping and the big 'D' under control, but the upper part still a no go as it comes and goes, but mostly comes. Right now I have a terrible head cold (thank you hubby, lol) and I am terrified to take any type of cold medicine as I am afraid to create a flair up.
I really wish I could figure out how I got this as I don't fit any of the profiles for getting this disease. I still think it's from the gluten intolerance that created leaky gut and the bacteria super invasion caused the CC. I have been told that SIBO doesn't cause CC, but I also read where certain bacteria and viruses cause it. Wouldn't that be SIBO?
Anyway, I have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks w/ my Gastro, but I just think he is not doing enough to help me. I think I have the bile acid malabsorption going on, but how do you test for that? I also read that an underlying autoimmune issue could also be to blame, but again, how do you find that? 'Frustration' is my word for the day, lol. Thank you again for all your invaluable help and support. No one understands this disease or what I'm experiencing. Even my own husband just said to me last night, "I don't believe this is something that you will have the rest of your life. I think it will run it's course and you'll never have a problem with it again." Boy, I really wish that would be the case. Unfortunately, that's not what my research is telling me.
Anywho... you have a great weekend as well. Today, I am putting it in God's hands as I can only do what I can do
Christine
Christine
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
You're right, the problem certainly shouldn't be vitamin D deficiency. Magnesium deficiency might be the problem, because adequate magnesium is required to convert dietary vitamin D into the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol aka 1,25(OH)2D) so that the body can actually use it. The level measured by the normal blood test is the inactive form of vitamin D (cholecalciferol or 25(OH)D). And it would naturally be at a relatively high level if the body were unable to use vitamin D because it couldn't convert the vitamin D into the active form.
But if that's not it, are you by any chance taking a PPI? That could not only cause the very symptoms that they're prescribed to prevent, but they're well known for causing MC (and magnesium deficiency).
Tex
But if that's not it, are you by any chance taking a PPI? That could not only cause the very symptoms that they're prescribed to prevent, but they're well known for causing MC (and magnesium deficiency).
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.
Tex, I do think raising my magnesium and vitamin D3 levels also helped my upper GI issues to improve. As you know I dealt with significant nausea for the first 2-3 years of my LC. Raising both of those was a good place to start. I’ve gone from 300 mg ranitidine daily down to 75 mg every other day and hope to be completely free of any H2 blocker soon, although I’m finding it a challenge (and since ranitidine is now off the market, I need to move on to an alternative). After my magnesium and vit D levels were up where they needed to be, I added the digestive enzymes and that has improved my tendency to be C prominent.
I also felt more energetic after starting magnesium- that was a big boost.
Christine- I think there are some good features to a low FODMAP diet, like low sugar and eliminating grains that can be helpful, but keep in mind that this is an autoimmune disease. You are dealing with a systemic issue, not just digestive problems. For example, when I was in my first big flare and trying different foods, I ate peanut butter and the next day I hurt all over. Every joint hurt. The next week I ate it again and the same thing happened- I hurt all over. I was dealing with a whole new body. Peanuts are legumes like soy so I don’t eat them. I guess my point is that this disease makes us individualize. The Big 4 (gluten, soy, dairy, and eggs) are the foods that most people (with intolerances) react to, so they are a good place to start. Initially I also had to eat no sugar, low fat, no caffeine, low to no fiber.
It is so much trial and error and it’s easy to overthink it and to feel exhausted. Honestly I ate turkey, chicken and lean ground beef, well cooked carrots and green beans, and white rice and red potatoes for a solid year. I knew they were safe for me. I added other foods- almonds, sweet potatoes, squash- one at a time. If you haven’t looked at the diet section for newbies you will find some good suggestions there, but in the end your diet will be individualized to your needs.
I hope this helps.
Carol
I also felt more energetic after starting magnesium- that was a big boost.
Christine- I think there are some good features to a low FODMAP diet, like low sugar and eliminating grains that can be helpful, but keep in mind that this is an autoimmune disease. You are dealing with a systemic issue, not just digestive problems. For example, when I was in my first big flare and trying different foods, I ate peanut butter and the next day I hurt all over. Every joint hurt. The next week I ate it again and the same thing happened- I hurt all over. I was dealing with a whole new body. Peanuts are legumes like soy so I don’t eat them. I guess my point is that this disease makes us individualize. The Big 4 (gluten, soy, dairy, and eggs) are the foods that most people (with intolerances) react to, so they are a good place to start. Initially I also had to eat no sugar, low fat, no caffeine, low to no fiber.
It is so much trial and error and it’s easy to overthink it and to feel exhausted. Honestly I ate turkey, chicken and lean ground beef, well cooked carrots and green beans, and white rice and red potatoes for a solid year. I knew they were safe for me. I added other foods- almonds, sweet potatoes, squash- one at a time. If you haven’t looked at the diet section for newbies you will find some good suggestions there, but in the end your diet will be individualized to your needs.
I hope this helps.
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Carol,
Like you, I had major nausea issues with my symptoms when I was initially reacting. Fortunately I was self employed, so whenever it became too severe, I would go out and sit in my vehicle to let my stomach settle down for a while. Occasionally, when I didn't stop to rest soon enough, I would end up vomiting, but then I would usually be able to go back to work. Some days would begin with a migraine, and progress to severe nausea. I had to stop the migraine before it really got going or I was doomed, and I would have to spend at least half a day in bed. That happened 20 years ago.
The sad part is that back then, it never occurred to me to try to research the problem, so dumb me, I didn't know anything about vitamin D and Magnesium. So because I had to just live with it, it made a very strong impression on me. That's one of the reasons why I bring up vitamin D and especially magnesium so often when someone mentions the symptoms.
Tex
Like you, I had major nausea issues with my symptoms when I was initially reacting. Fortunately I was self employed, so whenever it became too severe, I would go out and sit in my vehicle to let my stomach settle down for a while. Occasionally, when I didn't stop to rest soon enough, I would end up vomiting, but then I would usually be able to go back to work. Some days would begin with a migraine, and progress to severe nausea. I had to stop the migraine before it really got going or I was doomed, and I would have to spend at least half a day in bed. That happened 20 years ago.
The sad part is that back then, it never occurred to me to try to research the problem, so dumb me, I didn't know anything about vitamin D and Magnesium. So because I had to just live with it, it made a very strong impression on me. That's one of the reasons why I bring up vitamin D and especially magnesium so often when someone mentions the symptoms.
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.
Yes, I didn’t research mine either at the time. It came on so quickly and with such severity that I ended up on PPIs and prescription anti-nausea meds, because that’s what my GP offered and I needed to function. It wasn’t until I got acupuncture that I was able to stop the PPIs and started getting some traction on starting Vit D and magnesium, plus food became interesting again. But yes- nausea can stop a person in their tracks and most definitely impacts the quality of life.
Magnesium really had a noticeably positive effect on my energy levels. Glad I started with that. And I am thankful for your research too. It’s just so important that we have reliable info available to us, to make an informed decision.
Best wishes,
Carol
Magnesium really had a noticeably positive effect on my energy levels. Glad I started with that. And I am thankful for your research too. It’s just so important that we have reliable info available to us, to make an informed decision.
Best wishes,
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Hi everyone!
I just had my 1st follow up w/ the Gastro doctor. Honestly, I feel like I will never get better. I should be grateful as my big "D" is under control and not presently an issue. I know for most of us that's the really difficult symptom to get under control. My problem is the constant burning and acid that seems to never cease, but occasionally changes in intensity throughout the day. This acid/ burning comes out both ends and some days my eyes and sinuses actually burn from it and did I mention that it tastes like something that comes from the bottom of a garbage can? Please tell me someone else has had this and got better!
Anyway, I discussed this particular issue w/ the gastro and he put me on the Budesonide- 9mg per day and claims this should help. Day 2 and nada yet! I went armed with questions out the waazoo and all I got was maintain a normal diet and take the medication. I'm to let him know in 4 weeks how I'm doing. Hmm...
So, I sent in on Monday my Enterolab test for food intolerance's and hopefully I will get a better handle on my diet when the results come in. Carol, I just re-read something that you said," I think there are some good features to a low FODMAP diet, like low sugar and eliminating grains that can be helpful, but keep in mind that this is an autoimmune disease. You are dealing with a systemic issue, not just digestive problems." What exactly does that mean? Systemic? I'm trying really hard to get a handle on this through diet. Is there more?
Other than that, I really don't have any questions. I just wanted to communicate with someone else that understands what I'm going through. Thanks for listening
I just had my 1st follow up w/ the Gastro doctor. Honestly, I feel like I will never get better. I should be grateful as my big "D" is under control and not presently an issue. I know for most of us that's the really difficult symptom to get under control. My problem is the constant burning and acid that seems to never cease, but occasionally changes in intensity throughout the day. This acid/ burning comes out both ends and some days my eyes and sinuses actually burn from it and did I mention that it tastes like something that comes from the bottom of a garbage can? Please tell me someone else has had this and got better!
Anyway, I discussed this particular issue w/ the gastro and he put me on the Budesonide- 9mg per day and claims this should help. Day 2 and nada yet! I went armed with questions out the waazoo and all I got was maintain a normal diet and take the medication. I'm to let him know in 4 weeks how I'm doing. Hmm...
So, I sent in on Monday my Enterolab test for food intolerance's and hopefully I will get a better handle on my diet when the results come in. Carol, I just re-read something that you said," I think there are some good features to a low FODMAP diet, like low sugar and eliminating grains that can be helpful, but keep in mind that this is an autoimmune disease. You are dealing with a systemic issue, not just digestive problems." What exactly does that mean? Systemic? I'm trying really hard to get a handle on this through diet. Is there more?
Other than that, I really don't have any questions. I just wanted to communicate with someone else that understands what I'm going through. Thanks for listening
Christine
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
Christine,
If you don't have diarrhea, be very careful with the budesonide. Your doctor clearly doesn't understand how it works. If you don't develop constipation, I'm going to be very surprised, to say the least.
Tex
If you don't have diarrhea, be very careful with the budesonide. Your doctor clearly doesn't understand how it works. If you don't develop constipation, I'm going to be very surprised, to say the least.
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 Christine- by systemic I meant that you are likely experiencing inflammation all over. This is no revelation to you, I’m sure, because you are already noticing that in your sinuses and your upper GI tract. My upper GI issues frankly have been more problematic for me than my lower GI issues over the years. My flares and gut inflammation make me constipation prominent and my reflux gets worse. For me, seasonal allergies would set off a mini-flare of upper and lower GI issues, aching, itchy skin and fatigue. That’s a systemic problem- it’s histamine related and all over, not only a stomach issue or gut issue. It didn’t help me to address the symptoms with PPIs when the underlying cause was histamine related. Now that I’ve addressed my diet and my histamine issues, I’m better all over and this year seasonal allergies didn’t set off a flare. It took me a good year to see my ‘big picture’. It’s a process.
You are already seeing the ‘big picture’ of your health issues. You are on the right track with tweaking your diet and getting Enterolab guidance. As you get rid of the foods that you can’t tolerate and you move to remission, then you might see other areas where you can fine tune and improve your health beyond remission. But the biggest step is to learn the foods to which you are intolerant and that will help you reduce the inflammation you are experiencing throughout your upper and lower GI tract. Then you can see what, if anything, is needed after that.
I hope this helps.
Carol
You are already seeing the ‘big picture’ of your health issues. You are on the right track with tweaking your diet and getting Enterolab guidance. As you get rid of the foods that you can’t tolerate and you move to remission, then you might see other areas where you can fine tune and improve your health beyond remission. But the biggest step is to learn the foods to which you are intolerant and that will help you reduce the inflammation you are experiencing throughout your upper and lower GI tract. Then you can see what, if anything, is needed after that.
I hope this helps.
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Tex,
CONSTIPATION?!?!
Nooooo.... I already have that with my C.C. Why would he put me on that??? Oh boy! I better call the pharmacist today and see if there's any risk in stopping this medication after just 3 days. 3 days and no BM... ? I'd say it's constipation... Thanks for letting me know Tex!
Carol,
That make so much sense having the all over inflammation!I never put the 2 together! I am also constipation prominent and have the acid reflux! Histamines? This is a first I'm also hearing about this. I knew that certain people had issues w/ histamines, but didn't realize that it may be associated w/ C.C. You mentioned that your seasonal allergies would set off a flair. I just had a cold and it set off a flair! WOW! I am learning here! I anxiously await my lab test results so I can fine tune down what I can and can't eat. Right now it's difficult to know as I can get a reaction an hour later and sometimes not until the next day! How can you really know for sure? The only thing I'm relatively certain of is meat protein doesn't seem to bother me (Yay!) I honestly thought about going on the carnivore diet to try and heal me, but is that really practical? Probably not.
Thank you so much for the information. Daily, I scour the topics on here and try and learn what I can. One thing I have learned is I need to stay away from Facebook self help groups. They have no idea what it is to live with this disease. Yesterday, I got gang slammed on one of the SIBO groups. They all insist that SIBO is the cause of all my problems and if I just cure it, my C.C. will be cured! Ummm... Nope! Well, time to move on from there!
Have a great, flair free day today everyone!
Christine
CONSTIPATION?!?!
Nooooo.... I already have that with my C.C. Why would he put me on that??? Oh boy! I better call the pharmacist today and see if there's any risk in stopping this medication after just 3 days. 3 days and no BM... ? I'd say it's constipation... Thanks for letting me know Tex!
Carol,
That make so much sense having the all over inflammation!I never put the 2 together! I am also constipation prominent and have the acid reflux! Histamines? This is a first I'm also hearing about this. I knew that certain people had issues w/ histamines, but didn't realize that it may be associated w/ C.C. You mentioned that your seasonal allergies would set off a flair. I just had a cold and it set off a flair! WOW! I am learning here! I anxiously await my lab test results so I can fine tune down what I can and can't eat. Right now it's difficult to know as I can get a reaction an hour later and sometimes not until the next day! How can you really know for sure? The only thing I'm relatively certain of is meat protein doesn't seem to bother me (Yay!) I honestly thought about going on the carnivore diet to try and heal me, but is that really practical? Probably not.
Thank you so much for the information. Daily, I scour the topics on here and try and learn what I can. One thing I have learned is I need to stay away from Facebook self help groups. They have no idea what it is to live with this disease. Yesterday, I got gang slammed on one of the SIBO groups. They all insist that SIBO is the cause of all my problems and if I just cure it, my C.C. will be cured! Ummm... Nope! Well, time to move on from there!
Have a great, flair free day today everyone!
Christine
Christine
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
There's no risk in stopping immediately after only 3 days. You would have to have taken it for at least several months to require tapering.
Incidentally, an all-meat diet is safe and works well, as long as it includes fatty meat. Humans require protein and fat for good health, but carbohydrates and fiber are totally unnecessary for good health. We have members here who have used an all-meat diet for recovery. Meat contains all the essential amino acids needed for good health.
Tex
Incidentally, an all-meat diet is safe and works well, as long as it includes fatty meat. Humans require protein and fat for good health, but carbohydrates and fiber are totally unnecessary for good health. We have members here who have used an all-meat diet for recovery. Meat contains all the essential amino acids needed for good health.
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.
Tex,
I didn't really know how an all meat, or mostly meat diet would work, but I'm going to eat more of it. I have a farm and we raise our own beef. I also have farmer friends that I get lamb, chicken and pork from. My husband is also a hunter, so we eat venison, elk and bison. This might be a go to for me right now.
Thanks again!
Christine
I didn't really know how an all meat, or mostly meat diet would work, but I'm going to eat more of it. I have a farm and we raise our own beef. I also have farmer friends that I get lamb, chicken and pork from. My husband is also a hunter, so we eat venison, elk and bison. This might be a go to for me right now.
Thanks again!
Christine
Christine
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne
Christine- yes, not everyone has issues with histamines, but I did. I just didnt know to what degree until I was in remission. Then I could see it. I just found out 18 months ago (thanks to my functional med doc) that I have the MTHFR a1298c gene mutation, so I wasn’t clearing toxins. Addressing those methylation issues has been huge for me. And the best advice I’ve gotten on these additional issues has been right here on our forum, along with my doc.
Re: the Facebook groups- last year I decided to look at those groups mostly out of curiosity. I was mortified with what I was reading. There are people there who are very sick and seeking help and the advice they were receiving was not valid at all. No one was referencing research, there was no moderator to screen comments, there was nothing structured about it. I recommended our Microscopic Colitis Support Group here but I bailed after a few months. It honestly was stressful to read their posts and I thought most of the advice was harmful. You are smart to avoid them.
Have a good weekend-
Carol
Re: the Facebook groups- last year I decided to look at those groups mostly out of curiosity. I was mortified with what I was reading. There are people there who are very sick and seeking help and the advice they were receiving was not valid at all. No one was referencing research, there was no moderator to screen comments, there was nothing structured about it. I recommended our Microscopic Colitis Support Group here but I bailed after a few months. It honestly was stressful to read their posts and I thought most of the advice was harmful. You are smart to avoid them.
Have a good weekend-
Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou