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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/3/2007 8:15 AM (GMT -7)
Good morning everyone!   I apologize in advance if this topic has been covered.  I am looking for insight on what everyone has done in regards to having colitis and wanting to lose weight.   In April 2005, I was dx with MS and in September 2006 was dx with colitis and probable Crohn's.  In the last two years, (between both autoimmune diseases) I have been on oral and IV prednisone close to 10 times.  Needless to say, I have gained weight .  In my mission to start losing weight and overall eating healthier, I have started to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my diet.  I am finding I can tolerate fruits pretty well (bananas, apples, etc.)  The bad news is that I am not tolerating vegetables.   My question is - has anyone seen a nutritionist?  I’m thinking if I see a nutritionist they can help me with an eating plan now that everything has changed (colitis, MS, prednisone, etc.)   Thanks for your help! Karen    
Posted 11/3/2007 10:18 AM (GMT -7)
Hi...I haven't but I think it would be a good idea for you to do so. Another option would be a naturopath if you're open to those ideas. Some of them do kinesiology food testing....although the information or suggestions can be overwhelming and restricting.

The other suggestion I have is Dr. Oz's book "You On a Diet"......a good plan/strategy for a lifestyle change...I'll definitely be purchasing it for some changes I should be incorporating in preparation for my "old" age..lol.
He says..never too late to make changes. I like how he presents his info.

Whatever you do...find something that you feel comfortable with or you won't want to make any changes.

quincy
Posted 11/3/2007 10:28 AM (GMT -7)
I think a nutritionist is a great idea. There is a good chance your insurance would cover the visit as well.

Also can you please limit your signature to 10 lines or less per forum rules? Thanks!
Posted 11/3/2007 10:47 AM (GMT -7)
Just to throw my two cents in- I'd go find a good alternative doc (whether they be MD or naturopath) to supplement your regular MD for dietary and other non-pharma advice, because mainstream docs generally dismiss non-pharma therapies altogether (or simply say 'avoid what doesn't agree with you' and leave it at that), but nutritionists tend to not think outside the box at all, because their training tends to be "canned", following official alphabet association guidelines etc. that can sometimes be years behind the cutting edge thinking. If you want the 'canned' advice of the alphabet agencies and nutritionists, that is easy enough to get on your own via online research - eg the CCFA etc.

The big advantage of an alternative doc to operate side by side with your regular doc is that you can get a bigger picture in terms of options. Alternative MD's have the added advantage of being able to prescribe pharma drugs as well.

But don't take either your regular doc or alternative pract as gospel, try and be a pro-active, informed patient and you then have a three-pronged support base.
Posted 11/3/2007 12:35 PM (GMT -7)
Thanks for your words of wisdom.  I agree with the thoughts on finding an alternative doc and is something I have been considering.  I have seen mainstream nutritionists in the past for other issues, but wonder if they would have the "big picture" thinking I am looking for taking into consideration my situation and ultimate goal, which is to lose weight and be as healthy as possible (which is possible with 2 autoimmune diseases, right?   )    Thanks again!  Have a good weekend! Karen
Posted 11/3/2007 1:37 PM (GMT -7)
The other nice thing about the alternative docs is that they will talk to you at length.... first visits are usually a full hour with them talking to you (vs 2-5 minutes for a typical GI in my experience, lol), if you are lucky . The downside is that they normally don't bill insurance, and you have to apply for reimbursement yourself (and many are not covered). Best wishes and best of luck.
Posted 11/3/2007 2:13 PM (GMT -7)

I recently went on a low carb/high fat method of eating and have lost apprx. 20 lbs. in 2 months.  I had done this many years ago and knew what do and what to expect as far as weight goes.  My reason this time was to see if I could just generally feel better and if improvement in the UC occurred.  I'm 5'7" and 172 now so I have some more to go.  I fix a banana-strawberry smoothie  with two eggs in the blender in the morning and a few slices of bacon (pre-cooked).  I keep freezer bags full of sliced bananas and whole strawberries in the freezer.  I also use whole organic milk.  Lunch and/or supper are hamburgers, steak, pork chops,and frozen vegetables mostly leftovers because one preparation goes a long way. In the evening I replace the eggs with a good dolop of peanut butter.  Yummie. My target is 72 grams of carbs a day. I haven't had my cholesterol checked since starting but, to be honest, I don't care.  I personally think we've all been "fed" a line of hooey on the food pyramid and blood level cholesterol-heart disease link.  The bottom line is I do feel much better.  I don't expect miracles with the UC, only a better quality of life and it seems to be working.

I do highly recommend a book with the awful title of "Life Without Bread" by Allan and Lutz.  It is not a recipe book but the best researched information on a low carbohydrate nutrition I have ever read. 


Posted 11/5/2007 7:47 PM (GMT -7)
Nutrition is important and hard to maintain with UC. So a nutritionist may be a good idea.

I find have to limit vegies when I am having a flare, but as soon as possible afterward I ramp up slowly. I find that well cooked vegies work better . But I have to avoid beans (except string beans) almost completely. Irish potatoes are no problem for me but sweet potatoes (yams) are dangerous.
Posted 11/6/2007 7:38 AM (GMT -7)
I saw a nutritionist when I was first diagnosed with UC. I don't have trouble tolerating any foods, aside from being lactose intolerant, but I was investigating several theories behind the disease at that point and wanted some nutritional help. My GI referred me to her, and I only saw her once.

She was helpful, but in a big picture sort of way. She asked me to keep a food log for 7 days before I saw her, and she evaluated that as a starting point. She basically told me that I was already eating pretty healthy and had only a few suggestions. I asked her what to eat when I was in a flare. She had several recommendations, but they were already things I knew from reading (i.e. bland, broth, protein, etc.). So, all in all, I didn't feel that I learned anything new from her.
Posted 11/6/2007 8:00 AM (GMT -7)
I'd second probiotic's post. I haven't found mainstream nutritionists to be very helpful. The ones I've seen spout the usual stuff about low-residue diets and just avoiding what bothers you personally.

I think you'd be better off doing your own research specific to your conditions. There are alot of excellent books out there. I'd suggest the following:

The MS Recovery Diet
http://www.amazon.com/MS-Recovery-Diet-Ann-Sawyer/dp/158333288X/ref=sr_1_1/105-1230798-0579644?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194361047&sr=1-1

The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut
http://www.amazon.com/New-Eating-Right-Bad-Gut/dp/0452279763/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-1230798-0579644?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194361198&sr=1-1
Posted 11/6/2007 8:08 AM (GMT -7)
When I was in the hospital I had a visit from a nutritonist who said that while on Prednisone chuck all your junk food at home and replace it with fruits and veggies. This way when you get a craving to eat all that you have is healthy food. . Also, foods that are low in sodium is a plus.
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