Community Forum

Hey Everyone!!

If anyone needs help with Diet and Nutrition, please don't hesitate to contact me directly through this posting. 
Diagnosis: Ulcerative Colitis, Fall 2008
Current Meds: Imuran, for the past 3 years
No more symptoms; Can eat what I want. 

B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics, Graduate Certificate in Integrative Health (holistic health) 

Looking to help others throught the struggle of diet and eating healthy. 

Bonnie :)

Reply posted for brubin.

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hi! I just wanted to say that maybe I too can help, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease this past year and since then have started a food blog. If you're interested in trying out delicious recipes or would like me to come up with a specific recipe taking your diet restrictions in consideration, then visit my blog and leave me a comment! Blog: sofibelskitchen.com Instagram: sofibelskitchen

 Reply posted for brubin.

Recipes would be awesome!
You could email them to me. melisa_medina@outlook.com

Thank you so much for your advise. I'll give that a whirl and see how it goes.

 Reply posted for melimedina.

Counting calories is difficult and not always accurate. If you find yourself snacking more than usual, you need to find a snack that will make you feel fuller longer. Fiber and Protein are key. I know you said low-fiber diet.  Good snacks to have: string cheese and crackers or dried fruits/raisins, high protein granola bar (try looking for Think Thin bars, LaraBar), peanut butter and crackers, hummus is a good dipping sauce paired w/ pretzels, crackers, pita chips, greek yogurt w/granola (siggi's, chobani), low fiber oatmeal and can add peanut butter. I  would also try blending fruits and veggies to make a smoothie and  add oatmeal, pb, or yogurt for added protein.

When I couldn't eat fresh fruits or veggies, I made a smoothie as a mid-morning snack. By  the time lunch came,I wasn't very hungry. Had  1/2 of a sandwich and was full. If you would like recipes, let me know..  

 Reply posted for brubin.

The meds increase my appetite so I think I am snacking more now than I was before.
I met with my Neurologist and told him my concern about gaining weight, but he does not want to alter the med since it is helping the headaches, he just said change my diet and count calories..... I may sound stupid, but I don't know how to count calories if I am cooking a meal.....

 Reply posted for melimedina.

Are you gaining weight from the meds alone or are the meds causing you to eat more?

 Reply posted for brubin.

I could use some input and help. I was diagnosed back in 1999,  had a rescection surgery in 2007. currently taking Humira. Due to scar tissue  in the intestines I am to maintain a low fiber diet and avoid the fresh veggies and fruits. On the flip side, the medication I am taking now for headaches has caused weight gain, something i never had to worry about with diarhea every day. I need to learn how to count calories, watch what I eat and safely loose weight without becoming even more sluggish.

 Reply posted for monirose19.

Being a health conscious person, I struggled with what to eat b/c the foods that I loved to eat, like salads and fruits and such I couldn't eat or I could eat but in small portion sizes. 

Everyone is different and can handle different things, but I always believe in eating smaller meals throughout the day helps. People in work tell me I eat like a rabbit or a bird. You gotta do what you gotta do. 

Tell me what food items that you can handle to get an idea of what kind of diet plan is right for you. If you would prefer to e-mail me, that's fine to: bonnierubin@ymail.com 

 Reply posted for sarahjo89.

I'm sorry I forgot to post about Remicade. When I started Remicade I was in my last year of college. I had to miss at least 1 day a month for a day-stay in the hospital. It took about 3 hours. I didn't really see much improvement. I hate that you have to wait at leas 3-6 months for something to occur. After about 3 months, my doctor increased the dosage. Nothing again. I tried Humira after that and I didn't like giving myself needles. 

 Reply posted for sarahjo89.

Hey Sarah,

I can't imagine being 3 years old and dealing with all the issues/symptoms that comes along with it. I would say if the doctor is suggesting a diet of fruit, veggies and meant. Then listen to him.

I think the best way to get veggies for a toddle is a smoothie. Try making a fruit and veggie smoothie. Spinach, banana with milk or water mixed together. It may be green in color but it tastes just like a banana. For added protein and or carbs or can try peanut butter, cocoa, yogurt. Change it up and add in different fruits daily. Spinach/Kale are the best to use. 

Everyone digest things differently. I had a hard time eating certain fruits, veggies, and I don't eat read meat often. I also was on a low-fiber diet. 

If you want to give her snacks or other things, try it and see how it goes. 

Hope this helps or gives you some ideas. 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hello sarah here. I am a mother of a 3 year old little girl and she was recently diagnosed with Crohn's we just now got approved for remicade and are starting it on Tuesday next week. Got a couple questions. Diet? Her GI put her on a diet pretty much veggies,fruits, and meat. is that ok or does she needs some carbs in her diet. I can't get her to eat veggies so it's pretty much fruit and meat. What are your thoughts on remicade?

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hi Bonnie I was diagnosed with UC 4/5 years now and my god it's frustrating I was only 12 at the time I am now 17 and have a absolutely no idea what diet plan to do can you help please?.

 Reply posted for arhkus.

Hi!

I am so sorry that I am just seeing your post. How are things going and what did you decide to do? 

BRAT diet would be the best option. Bananas, rice, apple sauce toast. Anything bland. Crackers, graham crackers, rice cakes, pretzels and peanut butter crackers. I found that snacking on these helped stopped some symptoms. Pasta would be good with like butter and some shaved parmesan. Nothing to heavy on sauces or creams as it does aggravate the stomach. 

Keep meals small about 4-6/day. Drinks plenty of water or even flavored carbonated water. 

Try buying fresh aloe and ginger to cook with meals. Other seasonings like tumeric, garlic and cumin also have good health benefits for digestive disorders. 

 Reply posted for bgaravanian.

bonnierubin@ymail.com 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hi Bonnie what's your email so I can ask you directly would love help and advice! Crohns recently diagnosed year and a half ago

Hi Bonnie/ anyone else who can help

     My girlfriend has been suffering for about the past 3 years now, the doctors first course of action was prednisone and random medicines.  Within the past 2 years she has been on Humira, Simpoi, and most recently remicade.  None of these have helped suppress her symptoms for more than 3 days, now that we seem out of options i am looking to start a base diet and slowly move forward from there.  Are there any suggestions for a diet to start with?

    I recently purchased a juicer and hope this will help supplement nutrients without the debilitating stomach pain she experiences almost every other day.

   Any input would be greatly appreciated

 Reply posted for kayrayjoy.

That's great news! How long was she on the medication before she started to feel better? 

 Reply posted for bufaymari.

To increase my hemoglobin levels, I made fruit and veggies smoothies with the Nutribullet everyday. That was the only way I could consume veggies without immediately visiting the restroom. (Kale, Spinach, Pineapple and Blueberries with water or Kale, Spinach, Mango with orange juice and water)

Iron rich foods also include, eggs, beans, nuts, green leafy veggies, whole grains (popcorn, oatmeal, cereal) Everyone can tolerate different foods you just need to find out what works best for you. 

The only way I would eat oatmeal was if I mixed it with banana and strawberries in a smoothie. Nowadays, I mix powdered peanut butter for flavor. 

I believe that smaller meals/snacks throughout the day is best. Basically, eat like a bird or a rabbit. (Example: Cucumber salad and granola bar, or Veggie sticks and hummus with pretzels, banana with rice cakes and peanut butter or protein bar,) 

Ulcerative Colitis causes surface bleeding from tiny ulcerations, which could be why you're seeing blood in your stools. It's hard to say if the foods or meds are causing you to bleed. Do you keep a food diary and notice if you experience more symptoms? Next time I would pay close attention to what you ate, if you see more or less bleeding. What does the stool look like? Is the blood coating the stool? or is it mixed in with the stool? or looks like tiny red pebbles with a softer stool? 

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can help with anything else 

 Reply posted for bufaymari.

Forgot to say will start Immunosuppressants soon as well,bit nervous .

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hello
 would like to know more about diet.
I have Ulcerative colitis since 2013 and is hard to control.
My blood levels are usually very low so I eat meat to improve 
The steroids are working but i'm bleeding still even with normal stool or soft
Is it because of the meat you think??
Not used to red meat but helps with blood levels to go up.

 Reply posted for anc.

Apreso and Murcaptopurine has stopped my 17 yr old's symptoms. She still has some blood count issues but rarely any pain.

 Reply posted for loric7.

Yes, what would you like help with?

 Reply posted for brubin.

Bonnie......are you still available to speak with?

 Reply posted for brubin.

Thank you!  I will definitely look into the suggestions you made.  We have an appt. with another specialist Monday to get a 2nd opinion.

 Reply posted for anc.

Most of the medications take about a good 3-6 months to kick in. I know it sounds a really long time. It was just as hard for me as it is for her and I understand her struggles. I was 21 when I was diagnosed and in college. There were days where I was too embarrassed to socialize or hang out with friends for fear of what might happen. Especially, being 21 and legal to drink with your friends, I felt I was missing out on all the fun. 

It's all mental. Maybe try a hobby or something to take her mind off the symptoms that are going on. (Pilates, yoga, meditation, nothing too vigorous)  Tea is very calming for the stomach. You could try chamomile with honey. Also, I saw in CVS about a capsule that is for IBS. It helps abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and urgency. Maybe talk to your or her doctor about it before trying it out. It's called IBgard. The capsule is consisted of peppermint oil. Peppermint is helpful for digestion and promotes bacterial balance in the lower gut. You could also try peppermint tea leaves and brew it yourself. 

Also, whenever I had urgency or stomach cramps, I would eat ginger chews. Try the organic isle or some health food store. I usually buy The Ginger People, Gin Gin chews. 

I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can give you more suggestions :) 

 Reply posted for brubin.

My daughter is 16yrs old and has UC and Celiac disease.  She has had a flare up this past year..The medications aren't working(prednisone, Remicade, enemas..etc)  The remicade worked the first 2 times but the last 2 hasn't.  She's still taking Azathioprene as well.  I'm not sure what to do at this point. Shes Miserable...stomach cramps, blood/mucus in stool, diahrrea, and gassy.  She doesn't enjoy life at all...constantly stressed due to her symptoms.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's and UC and had a resection of my bowels. None of the usual medications worked. However, 4 years ago, I stumbled upon something that  arrested my symptoms.  I  ate 7 bananas one  fateful day, and for the next 2 days, with my normal diet, I had no symptoms.,  On the 3rd day, my symptoms returned.  I  tried another bunch & became  symptom free.   I found that 1 or 2 bananas did nothing because I had to overload my  system with at least 4 bananas  at once . The regime occasionally fails, but the symptoms are short lived.  I have been off  medicine for 4 years,and can eat whatever else I want (except deep fried foods, gluten and lettuce).

There are scientific reasons  why a 4+ banana regime works. Bananas are a  source of vitamin B6 and manganese, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, potassium, biotin, and copper. Eating 4 or more, bananas quells anxiety due to the extra  magnesium, which is depleted by stress.  Bananas have  fructooligosaccharides  which are unique fructose-containing carbohydrates that are not broken down by enzymes in our digestive tract. Instead, they move along through to the  lower intestine to  get metabolized and produce  "friendly" bacteria such as  Bifidobacteria in our lower intestine, which also helps regulate bowel function.  They also are a source of fiber, a nutrient that helps regulate the speed of digestion, and keeping digestion well-regulated.Further, bananas also contain pectins,. a complicated type of fiber. Some of the components in pectins are water-soluble, and others are not. As bananas ripen, their water-soluble pectins increase, which helps normalize the rate of carbohydrate digestion and moderates the impact of banana consumption on our blood sugar. 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Thank you so much for these tips! I will definitely have her try these!! Will let you know how we do!
Aimee

 Reply posted for abogna.

Hey Aimee!

Thanks for reaching out. I usually try different breathing exercises whenever I start to feel sick. Also, I like ginger chews by The Ginger People. You can find them at any natural food store or Trader Joe's. 

Breathing Exercises:

 Reply posted for lindad.

Hey Lindad:

I'm currently taking Azathiaoprine aka Imuran. A month ago, my doctor said I had inflammation and wanted to change my meds. I feel fine and I don't have any symptoms. I haven't heard from her, so maybe I won't have to change it. I've been on the same meds since June 2012 and I've been feeling normal. 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hi Bonnie!
My 9-year-old daughter was just diagnosed with Crohn's in April. We are working with an amazing doctor at Cedars-Sinai. She is on Remicade (every 8 weeks), and that has eased a lot of her symptoms. She has more energy now and is GROWING!!! THe one symptom that she is still experiencing is nausea. She is a very healthy eater, and intuitively seems to know what to stay away from (greasy, rich, or processed foods, dairy). Any thoughts on what might be contributing to her nausea, or how to eliminate it? We've tried various antacids to no avail. Interested in more holistic options, if you have any in mind. 

Thank you for your consideration! If anyone else out there has any thoughts or strategies, would love to hear them as well!
Aimee

 Reply posted for wizerone.

Hi Brubin........Just wondering if you are on any medication. I also have mild crohn's but Drs. Insist I should be on medication.

 Reply posted for pet lover.

Pet lover: 


I was good with eating almonds until recently, I had some minor symptoms. I'll only eat almonds in granola bars or face the consequences. Depends on how hungry I am. Almond are good for curbing your appetite. 


Also, I was researching on carrageenan. Its an ingredient that's found in most non-dairy/organic foods/drinks. The research isn't conclusive, but there is some link to gastrointestinal issues. I stopped drinking almond milk because of it. Mostly, I only used it for making smoothies. I think if it consumed in small portions every so often it will be fine. Keep a close eye out for that ingredient and see if  you notice any reactions to it. 

Vanilla Almond Milk by So Delicious is a good brand. I don't like any of the other non-dairy brands. 

 Reply posted for brubin.

reply posted for Brubin,

Thank you for your suggestions. I did a lot of research yesterday about different types of eating non of which I can conform to completely. I have found that tomatoes are a no no, bananas and any other fruit. Eggs are on the list now and of course anything greasy. I will keep that journal and my reactions.

I am really surprised and disappointed that more research has not been done on the topic of IBD. Surprising since there is no real understanding of the disease. Not much public awareness either really.

I will keep the group posted as I learn what works for me. I have found that smooth nut butters are good so far. I don't react to a crumpet with raw smooth almond butter (can't eat almonds or drink almond milk) so I am going to experiment with some others.

 Reply posted for pet lover.

HI Pet Lover,

I love eating fruits and vegetables, especially eating salads. When it came down to me not being able to digest everything in the salad, I thought it was the end of the world. Alternative salad that I ate on random occasions was: Cucumber, onion, tomato salad with a light dressing (balsamic) 

Fruit and Veggies were trial and error for me. I couldn't eat berries, carrots, spinach, broccoli.. 
Try boiling veggies: Potatoes are good to eat. 
Smoothies are a good option and helped increase my iron level. 

Fruit without the skin. Skin has the most fiber. 

Breakfast: Dry cereal, Rice cakes with peanut butter, banana, peanut butter crackers. Toast with peanut butter and honey. Try eating simple things. Crackers and rice cakes I knew were a good on-the-go meal. Waffles with peanut butter or your choice reserve. Bagels. 

Caffeine is the worst. Stay away. Especially, alcohol. 

White Rice over Brown; although brown is better, but the fiber will kill ya. 

I couldn't drink cold water. My water had to be room temp or hot to drink. Not sure if that's a concern. Bubbles, carbonation also gave me some problems. 

Dinner/Lunch: Chicken or Poultry; Red meat is hard to digest. Sweet potatoe fries. Stir fry. Plain Jane is the way to go. Sounds boring, but different seasonings, creams, sauces, condiments irritate. Trial and error. 

Keep a food diary of foods that irritate or cause other symptoms. I use to track all my meals that I ate in a day and beside it wrote GOOD or BAD. 

Hope this helps. Let me know if you want some ideas on meal plans or help with anything else :) 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Reply posted for Brubin.

hi Bonnie,

I was diagnosed about a year ago with mild Crohn's colitis. i have flare ups. Also I have other health issues with food that are causing some difficulty with what to eat. I can't eat fruit at all, even as a juice. Raw veggies have become a problem. No yeast, dairy, caffine, eggs, be careful around vinegar such as in ketchup or dressings. I was told to obstain from gluten including spelt, kamut, oats, rye and barley.

Wondering where to get a good balanced diet with all of these things missing. Can't think of a breakfast I can have and the rest is getting more difficult so I am still not eating well. I just don't know what to buy.

 Reply posted for brubin.

My son has Crohn's Disease and he has had success feeling better by taking Juice Plus+. Which is dried fruits and veggies in capsule or gummy form. You can email me at Leannoblander@gmail.com for more information. 

 Reply posted for wizerone.

To lower inflammation take Fish Oil supplements. I would take 3. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. I'm not familiar with JUVO, but whenever it came to powdered supplements or taking a Raw vitamin, it bothered my stomach. You could try. Everyone responds to things differently. 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hi there
I have Crohns and my symptoms are minimal, however my GI makes me get routine
blood work and my inflammation levels are higher than the safe range.
I am wondering if you have any diet/nutrition suggestions for lowering this.
Also thinking of trying a liquid diet supplement called JUVO which is a raw food
powdered product.  I don't eat many vegetables/salad and no fruits because of
warnings not to eat any skins, and cooking vegetables till mushy is not appealing.
Just wondered what you might recommend..........  my drs say alternative products
are not known to offer results (herbs/supplements/etc)  thank you

 Reply posted for brubin.

How can I contact you??

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hello,  In 2013 I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease.  My current treatment is Remicade and it seems to be doing fine.  My problem is my diet.  I can't figure out what is making my stomach upset.  I know my diet is not the greatest but I need to figure something out because I'm miserable.  I am kind of a picky eater which does not help.  Can someone help me out with some advice.

Thanks
Jordan

 Reply posted for phdragonfly.

Have you tried any starches? (Potatoes, noodles, rice, or oatmeal) 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Post for brubinI cant absorbed much of anything. They tell me I have crohns then uc, now they say I might still carry C-diff from 5 months ago. Even though I am only having a bm 1 every 6-7 days. And I have to take stool softeners to get that out. Most food that comes out,is the same as it went in. I have drank ensure to survive. I dont know whats really going on. I need help. The meds I have been put on, has now destroyed 5%of my kidney. And they want me to try a stronger antibiotic bcz they think my C-diff result even though positive, could be a false negative. I have no symptoms like before. Are they doing to kill me before they find out whats wrong. 2nd opinion Dr. as well.

I need help with diet and nutrition.  I have just been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and am lost as to what I can eat.  I am diabetic and have kidney disease.       kyoungblood56@outlook.com

 Reply posted for mandista.

Couldn't eat wheat products, but could have wheat thins. I chose challah bread, potato bread or pumpernickle bread if i wanted to eat a sandwich. I would react to jelly. So I would eat peanut butter and honey or just peanut butter sandwiches. 

Surprisingly, vodka and club sodas occasionally with friends would stop all symptoms. Until the next morning, when you suffer the consequences. Vodka and cranberry, went right through me. I would wake up with an accident and it was only when i combined the two together. 


No red meat; only would eat chicken, salmon and other fishes. Occasionally, I would splurge and eat a cheesesteak (I live in philly! I have to haha)

Most of the stuff I ate was bland. I think that's the best route to take. I know it sounds boring, but if you want to be symptom-free it helps. 

Condiments: Nothing spicy or mayo

I hope this helps. I know each person is different and react to different things. I'm beyond ecstatic that I'm feeling much better and able to eat whatever I want. No longer dairy sensitive. Although, I still keep it to a minimum anyway. 

 Reply posted for mandista.

I always kept a food diary of all my symptoms to find out what I could and could not have. I believed I was lactose intolerant because whenever I would have dairy products my stomach would hurt and it was an instant trip to the restroom. I limited my dairy to 1 serving a day or not at all. Be sure that you're taking a multi-vitamin and/or consuming Calcium and Vitamin D rich foods. Yogurt was the best option for me. 

I had a hard time digesting a lot of fruits and veggies; especially ones with seeds. I couldn't eat leafy green salads. I would make a cucumber salad with onions, tomatoes with a light dressing. Lettuce and carrots would be mixed in with my stool. To increase my fruit and veggie intake, I started to juice. Always made Spinach/kale smoothies mixed with a variety of different fruits. Doing this increased my hemoglobin. Which is good because I got the ok to stop taking iron supplements. 

100% fruit juice would give me acid reflux and i diluted with water. 

Low fiber diet; I constantly would read nutrition labels to make sure that I wasn't having too much. 

i was sensitive to caffeine as well.

I love sweets and desserts; couldn't eat anything too sugary. Especially things with heavy cream. 

Eating smaller portions throughout the day instead of 3 big meals. 

People would say that I ate like a rabbit and didn't quite understand why I ate the way I did. I didn't like to share with them what was going on. 

Snacks: some type of cracker or dry cereal; Cheez itz, Sour Cream and Onion chips, nuts would not sit well with me. 

 Reply posted for brubin.

Hi Bonnie, 

What specifics did you find out for yourself re: diet?  I went on a rampage to get better for me and my family and went to see a dietician.  After 6 months, I found out that I am lactose intolerant and have a sensitivity to caffeine.