Having issue with most carbs
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
-
brendaragland
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:21 am
Having issue with most carbs
I was diagnosed about 3 years ago and have struggled to control the WD. Three GI docs and a few bouts of steroids that had little or no effect, I just decided to "live with it". Well, that did not work so well. So I've gone GF and 90% DF. The diarrhea did not stop. Next went potatoes. Diarrhea stopped. Corn based foods do not appear to affect me. Yesterday I switched to rice as a switch up and WD and other symptoms came on with a vengeance. I'm running out of food options. Any others have issues with rice and potatoes?
Brenda Ragland
Hi Brenda,
Welcome to our Internet family. It's somewhat rare to be sensitive to rice, and sensitivity to potatoes is somewhat uncommon, but potato sensitivity is certainly more common than sensitivity to rice. Since corn does not bother you, there is a reasonable chance that you may be able to tolerate sweet potatoes.
The reason why you are sensitive to so many foods is probably because you have been reacting for so many years. There is a good chance that if you can find a good, simple and safe diet, and stick with it long enough for your digestive system to heal, you may be able to add some foods back into your diet at some point in the future.
It's good to see that you are well on your way toward developing a safe recovery diet. The main thing in a recovery diet is plenty of good, safe protein. Safe meats include lamb, turkey, venison, duck, goose, pheasant, quail, rabbit, alligator, or most other wild type meats (even if they are ranch-raised). Those meats should be safe for virtually anyone here. Most of us can tolerate carrots, squash, and broccoli. Of course broccoli can cause gas problems for some of us. Hopefully other members here will have some other diet suggestions.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to our Internet family. It's somewhat rare to be sensitive to rice, and sensitivity to potatoes is somewhat uncommon, but potato sensitivity is certainly more common than sensitivity to rice. Since corn does not bother you, there is a reasonable chance that you may be able to tolerate sweet potatoes.
The reason why you are sensitive to so many foods is probably because you have been reacting for so many years. There is a good chance that if you can find a good, simple and safe diet, and stick with it long enough for your digestive system to heal, you may be able to add some foods back into your diet at some point in the future.
It's good to see that you are well on your way toward developing a safe recovery diet. The main thing in a recovery diet is plenty of good, safe protein. Safe meats include lamb, turkey, venison, duck, goose, pheasant, quail, rabbit, alligator, or most other wild type meats (even if they are ranch-raised). Those meats should be safe for virtually anyone here. Most of us can tolerate carrots, squash, and broccoli. Of course broccoli can cause gas problems for some of us. Hopefully other members here will have some other diet suggestions.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
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, Brenda!
What a rollercoaster. I appreciate that this is really challenging to deal with. Yes, I'm one of those who is sensitive to rice and to potatoes - you're not alone! Knowing that you definitely react to white potatoes means that there's a high likelihood that you may react to all the "nightshade" plants, which includes tomatoes, peppers (not black pepper seasoning) and eggplant, but not, as Tex mentioned, sweet potatoes.
Have you considered having the EnteroLab testing done? It is a definitive way to find out what foods YOUR intestines are reacting to which is causing your symptoms. It also will rate these foods for you, and give you insights into which foods in which category (grains, meats, dairy, soy, egg, nightshades) are your triggers, rating them from most immunological sensitivity, moderate immunological reactivity, some immunological reactivity, to no significant reactivity.
When I first got my results, I was very overwhelmed as all 11 foods tested moderate or more. However, knowledge IS power, and truly I'd rather know for certain what foods I need to avoid in order to promote healing. Members here will give you great ideas, and you'll also start to research on your own as you build a food plan that will work for you. For me, it was important to "give up" the notion that if I'm not eating lots of fruits, veggies, raw greens, fiber (substitute whatever works for you here), etc., I won't get the nutrients needed.
When our MC is flaring, we're not absorbing nutrients, anyway, as so many here have said over and over. It finally sunk in, and I'm moving forward and so will you! I've found my taste buds have changed, and I've now yet to find a food that my intestines like that I dislike eating!
Do you have any itching or allergy symptoms? If you do, then you may have a histamine intolerance (I do), and this can definitely trigger symptoms. By taking an antihistamine and avoiding high histamine foods (such as asparagus, avocado, tomato, red wine, to name a few I needed to eliminate), this will really help if you have any histamine issues.
Fish (cod, swordfish, salmon), turkey (ground, slices, breast), and lamb are now my main sources of protein. When I bake my proteins I squeeze a little lemon juice on top and season with sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder and top with hempseed hearts. Very yummy! I can also eat artichoke hearts, olives, a handful of blueberries, blackberries or raspberries once a day, 1/3 of a banana once a day (does make my eyes water), nut butters and 1-2 cups of camomile tea. My recent "find" was sweet potato chips, made with just sweet potatoes, oil and a little sea salt, and very high content of Vitamin A!
Hope this gives you a few ideas, and I know more will be coming from other members. As Tex mentioned, staying with the safe proteins is the best way to heal, and ultimately, you'll want to add in good quality "fat" for optimum health when your body can tolerate them (hence for me the hempseed hearts, fish oil, olives, nut butters).
The supplement l-Glutamine has been very helpful to me with calming my intestines, and it is supposed to help heal the intestinal wall. For some of us, probiotics seem to help; for others, not so. It does take time to find what your body responds to; the results are well worth the journey! Wishing you all the best,
~ Holly
What a rollercoaster. I appreciate that this is really challenging to deal with. Yes, I'm one of those who is sensitive to rice and to potatoes - you're not alone! Knowing that you definitely react to white potatoes means that there's a high likelihood that you may react to all the "nightshade" plants, which includes tomatoes, peppers (not black pepper seasoning) and eggplant, but not, as Tex mentioned, sweet potatoes.
Have you considered having the EnteroLab testing done? It is a definitive way to find out what foods YOUR intestines are reacting to which is causing your symptoms. It also will rate these foods for you, and give you insights into which foods in which category (grains, meats, dairy, soy, egg, nightshades) are your triggers, rating them from most immunological sensitivity, moderate immunological reactivity, some immunological reactivity, to no significant reactivity.
When I first got my results, I was very overwhelmed as all 11 foods tested moderate or more. However, knowledge IS power, and truly I'd rather know for certain what foods I need to avoid in order to promote healing. Members here will give you great ideas, and you'll also start to research on your own as you build a food plan that will work for you. For me, it was important to "give up" the notion that if I'm not eating lots of fruits, veggies, raw greens, fiber (substitute whatever works for you here), etc., I won't get the nutrients needed.
When our MC is flaring, we're not absorbing nutrients, anyway, as so many here have said over and over. It finally sunk in, and I'm moving forward and so will you! I've found my taste buds have changed, and I've now yet to find a food that my intestines like that I dislike eating!
Do you have any itching or allergy symptoms? If you do, then you may have a histamine intolerance (I do), and this can definitely trigger symptoms. By taking an antihistamine and avoiding high histamine foods (such as asparagus, avocado, tomato, red wine, to name a few I needed to eliminate), this will really help if you have any histamine issues.
Fish (cod, swordfish, salmon), turkey (ground, slices, breast), and lamb are now my main sources of protein. When I bake my proteins I squeeze a little lemon juice on top and season with sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder and top with hempseed hearts. Very yummy! I can also eat artichoke hearts, olives, a handful of blueberries, blackberries or raspberries once a day, 1/3 of a banana once a day (does make my eyes water), nut butters and 1-2 cups of camomile tea. My recent "find" was sweet potato chips, made with just sweet potatoes, oil and a little sea salt, and very high content of Vitamin A!
Hope this gives you a few ideas, and I know more will be coming from other members. As Tex mentioned, staying with the safe proteins is the best way to heal, and ultimately, you'll want to add in good quality "fat" for optimum health when your body can tolerate them (hence for me the hempseed hearts, fish oil, olives, nut butters).
The supplement l-Glutamine has been very helpful to me with calming my intestines, and it is supposed to help heal the intestinal wall. For some of us, probiotics seem to help; for others, not so. It does take time to find what your body responds to; the results are well worth the journey! Wishing you all the best,
~ Holly
2015 Hashimoto's, MTHFR
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
Hi Janie,
I use the Thorne l-Glutamine. Thorne is a company that I trust with their supplements, but there are others out there. It is not inexpensive; however, it has been super helpful to me. I started out taking 5 mg. in water 2x day, now I take it once a day. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TAKE IT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH TO RECEIVE THE HEALING BENEFIT! In the beginning, I took it a few hours before breakfast and then mid-way between lunch and dinner. Now, I just take the early morning dose.
Whenever my stomach starts getting all churned up (it's a little iffy right now; I've just started the Re-Mag and understand the reason for it), I take more l-Glutamine as needed. On rare occasions when I feel my bowels starting to "loosen", I've taken it up to 5x a day. So far, it's saved me every time!
~ Holly
I use the Thorne l-Glutamine. Thorne is a company that I trust with their supplements, but there are others out there. It is not inexpensive; however, it has been super helpful to me. I started out taking 5 mg. in water 2x day, now I take it once a day. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TAKE IT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH TO RECEIVE THE HEALING BENEFIT! In the beginning, I took it a few hours before breakfast and then mid-way between lunch and dinner. Now, I just take the early morning dose.
Whenever my stomach starts getting all churned up (it's a little iffy right now; I've just started the Re-Mag and understand the reason for it), I take more l-Glutamine as needed. On rare occasions when I feel my bowels starting to "loosen", I've taken it up to 5x a day. So far, it's saved me every time!
~ Holly
2015 Hashimoto's, MTHFR
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
-
brendaragland
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:21 am
Brenda,
Those test results will eliminate any doubts about whether or not the foods in the test are a problem for you.
They definitely make decisions about developing a safe recovery diet much easier.
Tex
Those test results will eliminate any doubts about whether or not the foods in the test are a problem for you.
They definitely make decisions about developing a safe recovery diet much easier.
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.
Good for you, Brenda! When your results come in, you might want to consider posting them here. When I did this, many members commented and made excellent suggestions to help me navigate (yet another - the most important one by far) my new eating plan. This helped bring me from feeling totally exhausted and overwhelmed to a position of feeling hopeful, more positive, and even empowered!
MC is not something most people can manage by themselves. Thankfully, with the support from this board, we don't have to!
~ Holly
MC is not something most people can manage by themselves. Thankfully, with the support from this board, we don't have to!
~ Holly
2015 Hashimoto's, MTHFR
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
-
brendaragland
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:21 am
Wow the tests are costly. I have a high deductible HSA plan and I have to pay out a lot. I'd love to have them done but I need to save up. I am calling my GI doc Monday I'm in a full flare up and its uncontrollable. I didn't make it to the bathroom today fast enough, at work, and had to cleanup as well as I could, make my way out of work inconspicuously, came home cried, showered and sat for an hour and felt sorry for myself. Have no idea what brought it on. I just read something about heat, humidity and stress and MC. Going to research that next.
Brenda Ragland
Oh, Brenda, I appreciate how difficult this is and I'm so sorry you've had all this worry and stress on top of everything else MC brings. Hugs to you! Many of us here (I am one) have had to pay completely out of pocket for this test (as well as other non-traditional medicine tests, plus non-covered vitamins, supplements, and all the different foods we go through as we fine-tune our diets).
For myself, I have very little savings left after going through this last year trying to get a handle on my health through doctors, naturopaths, testing, supplements, etc. The good news is that, with the RIGHT information, you'll be able to begin to truly start healing your MC symptoms and focus on the RIGHT foods, RIGHT supplements, etc.! There are many people here who did NOT order the EnteroLab testing (Gabes comes to mind as one) - they had the determination and discipline to do a very careful elimination-style diet, in order to figure out for themselves what foods were triggering their MC symptoms.
I've been in your shoes; we all have here. For me, it is still new to put myself and my health FIRST ... to spend money on myself and not my 38 year old son; to believe that I'm worthy of having my health BE my number one priority right now, above all else.
It is amazing that when we focus, set a firm goal or intention (such as, to get our health/life back), and we commit to this goal/intention ... everything else slowly shifts to make room for this to happen and we SUCCEED.
I have been having these crying jags for the past several years, just cry and cry at the drop of a pin; developed panic attacks, complete brain fog, social anxiety, and I could go on and on. My point is that everything you've mentioned in your post, IMO, is related to the MC. Our physical symptoms and the stress/embarrassment they cause often completely overshadow, or we're not aware of, the fact that MC (and the conditions surrounding it, including magnesium and Vit D deficiencies, for example) causes very real mental symptoms too. Plus physical and mental exhaustion.
We are family here. We are here for you. We care!
Hugs to you,
~ Holly
For myself, I have very little savings left after going through this last year trying to get a handle on my health through doctors, naturopaths, testing, supplements, etc. The good news is that, with the RIGHT information, you'll be able to begin to truly start healing your MC symptoms and focus on the RIGHT foods, RIGHT supplements, etc.! There are many people here who did NOT order the EnteroLab testing (Gabes comes to mind as one) - they had the determination and discipline to do a very careful elimination-style diet, in order to figure out for themselves what foods were triggering their MC symptoms.
I've been in your shoes; we all have here. For me, it is still new to put myself and my health FIRST ... to spend money on myself and not my 38 year old son; to believe that I'm worthy of having my health BE my number one priority right now, above all else.
It is amazing that when we focus, set a firm goal or intention (such as, to get our health/life back), and we commit to this goal/intention ... everything else slowly shifts to make room for this to happen and we SUCCEED.
I have been having these crying jags for the past several years, just cry and cry at the drop of a pin; developed panic attacks, complete brain fog, social anxiety, and I could go on and on. My point is that everything you've mentioned in your post, IMO, is related to the MC. Our physical symptoms and the stress/embarrassment they cause often completely overshadow, or we're not aware of, the fact that MC (and the conditions surrounding it, including magnesium and Vit D deficiencies, for example) causes very real mental symptoms too. Plus physical and mental exhaustion.
We are family here. We are here for you. We care!
Hugs to you,
~ Holly
2015 Hashimoto's, MTHFR
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
2016 LMC, Malabsorption
2017 Lymphocytic Dermatologic Vasculitis
"I strive to live in my heart, not in my head!"
Holly you couldn't be more on target...
It really is progress and not perfection...ebb and flow...nurture thy self because it really is important.
Brenda,
Yes the Enterolab is a bit spendy....something I did do (and I know blood tests aren't fool proof) but I had an ELISA test the E95 and A95 some of the foods were iffy but the ones that Enterolab tested were spot on with the blood testing when I paired them up. I needed to be Gluten, Dairy, Soy and Egg free forever....not just 99% of the time both Enterolab and blood test told me so. So that blood test may be covered under insurance - mine was. The other foods I poke around and test on my self once in a while. I have my basic set of safe foods they are only 5-6 and when I get into a pickle I head straight back to the safe foods until I calm down. Something else I have done for a year now is make a Cornish Hen Bone Broth soup that has been my staple lunch for over a year now (I add gluten free noodles and carrots and celery with sea salt). I consider it my super healing food because of all the amino acids in it and I make enough to freeze portions and I have them when I need or want them. I am actually cooking a batch tonight
Hang in there,
Erica
I know when I'm low when any one of those things you mentioned hit me....even to this day with over a year of healing under my belt.I have been having these crying jags for the past several years, just cry and cry at the drop of a pin; developed panic attacks, complete brain fog, social anxiety, and I could go on and on. My point is that everything you've mentioned in your post, IMO, is related to the MC. Our physical symptoms and the stress/embarrassment they cause often completely overshadow, or we're not aware of, the fact that MC (and the conditions surrounding it, including magnesium and Vit D deficiencies, for example) causes very real mental symptoms too. Plus physical and mental exhaustion.
It really is progress and not perfection...ebb and flow...nurture thy self because it really is important.
Brenda,
Yes the Enterolab is a bit spendy....something I did do (and I know blood tests aren't fool proof) but I had an ELISA test the E95 and A95 some of the foods were iffy but the ones that Enterolab tested were spot on with the blood testing when I paired them up. I needed to be Gluten, Dairy, Soy and Egg free forever....not just 99% of the time both Enterolab and blood test told me so. So that blood test may be covered under insurance - mine was. The other foods I poke around and test on my self once in a while. I have my basic set of safe foods they are only 5-6 and when I get into a pickle I head straight back to the safe foods until I calm down. Something else I have done for a year now is make a Cornish Hen Bone Broth soup that has been my staple lunch for over a year now (I add gluten free noodles and carrots and celery with sea salt). I consider it my super healing food because of all the amino acids in it and I make enough to freeze portions and I have them when I need or want them. I am actually cooking a batch tonight
Hang in there,
Erica
To Succeed you have to Believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a Reality - Anita Roddick
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007
Hi Brenda,
Some folks are ok with the red or small white potatoes. Russetts (baked potatoes) are the worst for us. Also you might try beets, turnips, rutabagas and a lot of protein.
Sorry about the work incident. Consider drop down to the few foods regimen for awhile. example, right now I'm eating just chicken broth, a lot of chicken, rice a little olive oil, and nominal overcooked carrots. 5 x per day. I'm eating mostly chicken. I'm in a mini flare but have a wedding to go to next week on the west coast that I'm not missing. I told the boyfriend this is all that I'm eating for the next 10 days.....kind of like ground hog day the movie.
Protein is VERY KEY to healing.
Some folks are ok with the red or small white potatoes. Russetts (baked potatoes) are the worst for us. Also you might try beets, turnips, rutabagas and a lot of protein.
Sorry about the work incident. Consider drop down to the few foods regimen for awhile. example, right now I'm eating just chicken broth, a lot of chicken, rice a little olive oil, and nominal overcooked carrots. 5 x per day. I'm eating mostly chicken. I'm in a mini flare but have a wedding to go to next week on the west coast that I'm not missing. I told the boyfriend this is all that I'm eating for the next 10 days.....kind of like ground hog day the movie.
Protein is VERY KEY to healing.
-
brendaragland
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:21 am
Holly - you are right and I will start saving and research what my insurance will cover. I appreciate all of the input and advise.
Erica - I'll be making that Cornish hen bone broth and attempt the minimal veggies.
Brandy-I'm tightening up my food regime and finally accepting the limitations of my disease. I have a family event in October that I can't miss so I will be working diligently getting this flare up under control.
Any other tips and inspiration are appreciated and welcomed.
I'm glad I'm not fighting alone anymore.
Erica - I'll be making that Cornish hen bone broth and attempt the minimal veggies.
Brandy-I'm tightening up my food regime and finally accepting the limitations of my disease. I have a family event in October that I can't miss so I will be working diligently getting this flare up under control.
Any other tips and inspiration are appreciated and welcomed.
I'm glad I'm not fighting alone anymore.
Brenda Ragland
-
brendaragland
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:21 am