Healing Diet

[terre]

Could someone please remind me, how long (on average) would it take to see improvement with healing diet? It's been one month and so far I haven't noticed much difference.....but it's not any worse.

Terre

[tex]

Terre,

That's a mighty tough question to answer accurately, because it depends on so many variables such as our diet and how well it fits our actual food sensitivities, medications, supplements, etc. And each one of these has subcategories to be considered. For example any processed foods in our diet can make a huge difference. In general, the fewer processed foods, less fiber, less sugar, less supplements, less medications (other than anti-inflammatory medications that actually help), the sooner we tend to recover. Recovery time can also depend on how much intestinal damage we had before we begin the recovery treatment.

Taking budesonide or bismuth subsalicylate along with a healing diet usually brings noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks or so, but in some cases it can take up to a year to see improvement, even with budesonide.

Diet changes alone typically take from 6 to 8 months of healing to bring significant improvements (though some people improve faster, and some take longer). Taking a med that causes MC, or eating anything that's cross-contaminated with 1 or more of our food sensitivities can slow recovery way down, or postpone it indefinitely.

If you are using diet changes alone, it's best to consider your progress on a monthly basis. If you look at daily or weekly condition, it can be difficult to see any progress. But on a monthly basis it's much easier to see the progress.

FWIW, it took me a year and a half to get to remission, but that was because I didn't know what I was doing back then, so I would take certain foods out of my diet and then add them back in and take something else out. But fortunately I never added gluten back in, so my gut slowly healed. After a year and a half of experimenting, I finally bit the bullet and took out everything that was the least bit suspicious, and after that it only took about 2 more weeks to reach remission. Healing the damage caused by gluten takes the longest time. Everything else heals much faster.

I wish I could provide a better answer, but there are so many variables and we all respond so differently to diet changes. I'm sure that our vitamin D and magnesium levels enter into the healing equation somewhere, also. A severe deficiency of vitamin D or magnesium can slow recovery way down, also.

If our plan is based on diet changes only, and we happen to be a slow healer, we have to have faith that we are on the right track, and we have to be dedicated. But perseverance pays off and it will bring success, if we stick to our plan long enough. Hopefully others who had a better organized recovery plan than I did can offer a better estimate of the time involved.

Tex

[terre]

Thanks for your thorough reply.

When I was first diagnosed, I asked about the meds I take daily, which are Neurontin, Clonazepam and Estradiol / Norethindrone Acetate Tablets (1.0mg / 0.5mg)....I remember that it was okay for the first two, but can't remember about the hormones. I also use Klaron sodium sulfacetamide lotion (10%) topically for Rosacea.

The meds I take as needed and not very often are: Ultram, Alprazolam and Carisoprodol.

My dermatologist just prescribed Triamcinolone Cream (0.1%) for a slight rash.

I will work harder on tweaking my selected foods and see how things look in another month. I'm only taking the supplements that have been suggested and have stopped my Multi-vitamin for now....I probably need to get more Magnesium, but I'm working on that. My New Year's resolution was to try to get this under control in 2016!

Thanks again,
Terre

[tex]

Terre,

Hormones can be a problem with MC. It's impossible to guess how significant they might be in any particular case, but in many cases they are very significant. The others shouldn't matter, and the Triamcinolone may even help suppress MC symptoms (it's a topical corticosteroid). Ultram is one of the few painkillers that are generally safe for MC patients.

The Alprazolam and Cariosoprodol have some degree of anticholinergic properties, so hopefully you won't need to use them much (anticholinergics have been shown to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's and/or age-related dementia).

But the bottom line is that the only items you listed that are known to cause MC in some cases (unless I overlooked something) are the hormones.

If you have decided to try budesonide that should tell you reasonably quickly whether or not the hormonal treatments will be a problem, because budesonide usually works within 2–4 weeks if it is going to be effective.

Tex

[Gabes-Apg]

Terre
take the time to read Erica's journey - it is fantastic example of the healing journey;
- figuring out the healing plan
- the mental and emotional side of acceptance of life with MC
- there will be hiccups and setbacks along the way - but in the end it is about progress not perfection

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21173

also - in the success stories area there are quite few posts that will give an indicator of 'what it took' and 'how long it took' for others...
it is worth taking the time to read them.

happy healing

[terre]

Thanks Tex and Gabes!

As far as the hormones, I will remain on them until I go for my appointment in April. If I can do compound or topical hormones, would that be better for MC? Unless the condition I am using them for has resolved, I will probably need them in some form.

Also, I have read where several have questioned their toothpaste (thinking of anything I'm putting in my mouth)....I use Sensodyne ProNamel (Gentle Whitening) because I have such sensitive teeth. I can't even stand to get them cleaned unless I use this toothpaste and have been using it for years (like 40 yrs +/-). I haven't always used the ProNamel, but switched when it was brought to the market.

Active Ingredients:
Potassium Nitrate 5%
Sodium Flouride 0.15% w/v flouride ion

Inactive Ingredients:
Water
Sorbitol
Hydrated Silica
Glycerin
PEG-8
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Flavor
Titanium Dioxide
Xanthan Gum
Sodium Saccharin
Sodium Hydroxide

Man, that's alot of ingredients in a little strip of toothpaste! I glanced at Tom's sensitive, but notice it also has flouride.....I was in a hurry, so didn't look at each ingredient in Tom's. I just know I need something to help with the sensitivity.

Any further thoughts on the topical/compound hormones or the toothpaste would be greatly appreciated.

Terre

[TaiaK]

Terre-

For what it's worth-I cut gluten and dairy out 2 weeks after I was diagnosed (which was early May 2015) and I am still having issues. I also started Budesonide around the same time as the diet changes. I was on budesonide for 5 1/2 months with a slow taper. To be honest, it never really did anything for me-much to my GI's surprise. I am finally realizing that I am obviously reacting to other foods that I am most likely eating fairly frequently so I bit the bullet and am doing Enterolab testing and dropped my sample off yesterday. I need help figuring out this puzzle so am hoping those results will help me fit some pieces into place. There are glimpses though-things like the urgency has settled way down so although my BM's are still very loose, I'm not running to the bathroom as much as I used to.

I was on zero meds when diagnosed so my case was less complicated from that angle. I have taken very few meds in my life.

I cannot stress the amount of patience that is required with this disease. There are times I feel like I'm going nuts but I will continue forward and get this figured out for me.

Tex-so glad to read your story again because it helps get perspective on the time. Gabes always has great advice and Erica's journey is inspiring.

Onward to another day! Taia

[terre]

Taia, I hope getting your results from EnteroLab will help guide you to healing.

I have read over my EnteroLab results many times since my New Year's resolution....it is recommended that I follow a strict and permanent GF/DF diet, the other results are a little murky as I didn't go over the normal ranges, but with my AI issues, they still might be causing me problems.

I tell myself that I will start Budesonide, but just can't bring myself to actually do it....and I worry my doctor will begin to think that I'm not taking his suggestions, so why try to help this lady? He says I'm letting this condition dictate my life and at this point I have no quality of life because I'm always thinking of how to work activities around this condition (which is true).

Thanks for sharing with me and I truly hope for speedy remission for you once you get your EnteroLab results!

Terre

[tex]

Terre,

For some women, any form of hormone supplementation administration cause problems for their MC, even the use of transdermal patches. However, I have a hunch that the chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) used in transdermal patches and most skin-care products are the main problem. These chemical ingredients increase the absorption of the products in which they are used by causing the tight junctions between the cells of the epithelial layer of the skin to open in order to allow substances to be more easily absorbed. This allows peptides and possibly even entire molecules that the body never intended to absorb, to be easily absorbed into the skin and into the bloodstream.

There are many similarities between the epithelia of the skin and the epithelia of the gut, and it is my opinion that these CPEs may also cause the tight junctions in the gut to open, resulting in increased intestinal permeability, aka leaky gut. Leaky gut is what causes the development of food sensitivities.

Therefore, I have a hunch that if you are going to use HRT, topically-applied supplements may be safer than oral supplements, but if they contain CPEs they may be just as risky as oral supplements. In fact, I wonder if maybe the problem with the oral supplements is that they may contain CPEs. If they do, then finding a treatment that does not include CPEs might provide a solution to the problem.

Regarding all the ingredients in your toothpaste, as long as you don't swallow it you should be OK.

Tex

[tex]

Taia,

Thanks for sharing your insight. I hope that the EnteroLab test results will allow you to identify the remaining pieces of the puzzle that are preventing you from reaching remission.

Tex

[terre]

Tex, before taking oral hormones, I was getting them compounded and I rubbed a small amount on the inner part of my upper arm. I went to oral medication due to the fact that my insurance wouldn't pay for the compounded.

How would I find out about the CPE component of the compounded formulation.....or even the cream version?

I now look forward to having a discussion with my Gyno doctor in April to see what my options are.

Thanks so VERY much.

Terre

[JFR]

Here's a recipe for homemade toothpaste. I've been using it for a couple of months now and it works great. I didn't add the peppermint oil and it tastes fine to me.

4 Tbs Coconut Oil
"4 Tbs Bentonite Clay
2 – 3 Tbs filtered water
1/2 tsp Real sea salt
10 – 15 drops peppermint essential oil (Learn how to get my favorite essential oils at wholesale prices here.)
(You can add a few drops of liquid stevia if you feel so inclined.)

Directions:

1. Mix coconut oil, clay, and salt in a small bowl. Start with just one tablespoon of water. Working with the back of a spoon, “cream” the ingredients together and add more water until you like the consistency. (If you choose to add in a few drops of liquid stevia, this is the step to do it).

2. Add in the peppermint oil (or cinnamon or spearmint) and then mix until well combined. Store in air tight container.

To use: Place a pea-size amount on your toothbrush and the brush. Not too hard. Not too long. Just enough to make your mouth happy. Rinse. (Although it’s safe to consume in case your kiddies don’t rinse very well.)"

Jean

[terre]

Jean, thanks for the toothpaste recipe.

My problem is that I have very sensitive teeth....to the point I can't stand to get them cleaned without using the toothpaste for "sensitive" teeth. I would come out of the chair and have to ask them to stop. I am also sensitive to "hot and cold" drinks and since using the "sensitive" toothpaste, it is not an issue.

I will keep this recipe and try it with my granddaughter. Again, thank you!

Terre

[Gabes-Apg]

Terre
i have a multiple health issues, and dental issues is one of them.

the really hard part of our situation is that we can do everything perfectly and fix everything.
we have to review options, the risks, look at what health issues are causing us the most issue and come up with a management plan that minimises the worst issues.

of note: sensitive teeth is an outcome of Vit D deficiency and years of ingesting gluten etc.
another encouragement to following the healing diet and fix nutritional deficiencies.

[terre]

Thanks Gabes....always helpful insight from you....much appreciated.

Terre