Microscopic colitis diet suggestions are so opposite of gluten free diet, if test positive for celiac, what will I eat

[Teresa Dean]

I just don’t understand….. I’m so confused!!!!! If I test positive for celiac and I know I have Microscopic colitis a year plus now.   The diets that are only suggested for MC are so different than gluten free….. I can’t begin to understand….what will I eat??? I eat barely anything now to keep MC from flare ups.  Am I supposed to stop eating?  This is overwhelming 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[trents]

21 minutes ago, Teresa Dean said:

I just don’t understand….. I’m so confused!!!!! If I test positive for celiac and I know I have Microscopic colitis a year plus now.   The diets that are only suggested for MC are so different than gluten free….. I can’t begin to understand….what will I eat??? I eat barely anything now to keep MC from flare ups.  Am I supposed to stop eating?  This is overwhelming 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you be more specific? I mean, what are you supposed to eat and what are you supposed to avoid with MC? Let's start there since we know what can be triggers for celiac reactions.

[plumbago]

5 hours ago, trents said:

Can you be more specific? I mean, what are you supposed to eat and what are you supposed to avoid with MC?

Generally low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), short-chain carbohydrates (sugars).

Eggs and meat
Certain cheeses such as brie, Camembert, cheddar and feta
Almond milk
Grains like rice, quinoa and oats
Vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini
Fruits such as grapes, oranges, strawberries, blueberries and pineapple

From a Johns Hopkins site.

[trents]

44 minutes ago, plumbago said:

Generally low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), short-chain carbohydrates (sugars).

Eggs and meat
Certain cheeses such as brie, Camembert, cheddar and feta
Almond milk
Grains like rice, quinoa and oats
Vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini
Fruits such as grapes, oranges, strawberries, blueberries and pineapple

From a Johns Hopkins site.

Assuming you are answering the "what are you supposed to eat with MC" part of my question, that seems to leave a lot of choices for Teresa Dean that shouldn't conflict wit the gluten free diet and that would also make for good nutrition.

Edited November 11, 2023 by trents

[plumbago]

Yes, I agree @trents

[Teresa Dean]

6 hours ago, trents said:

Can you be more specific? I mean, what are you supposed to eat and what are you supposed to avoid with MC? Let's start there since we know what can be triggers for celiac reactions.

Had a wedding to attend…… when the GI  finally diagnosed MLC last year and prescribed the  Budesonide and at the next follow up appointment at my request and my own research after the diagnosis…..my daughter had suspected BAM (bile acids malabsorption) …. I asked my GI if he thought that could be part of my problem too.  He said yes and I can prescribe you a powder that you stir into water to help with that….. it gay med is cholestyramine.  I started the Budesonide mid December 2022 after was called in to my pharmacy and a follow up appointment was scheduled for January 3.  So it was the next appointment (I guess 2 weeks or maybe 3 for the next appointment and the cholestyramine was prescribed.  Many testimonials I have read from persons with MC rake the budesonide and 3 days or a week they are in remission.  I was not one of those. I have no idea (as is common) where, what or how I got MC . It hit out of the blue mid August 2022. I suspected stress and anxiety but by last week in August the symptoms were unreal….. I called the GI that I have always been to and no appointment was available until October 26.  Scheduled and I was worse by the day……I managed to wait for the appointment for October 26….. initial appt…. Q&A …sent home with test sample bottles to return and colonoscopy scheduled for December 14, 2022.  Long story short. After 2 weeks no results from the samples , I called the staff could not give me the results because the GI had not signed off… I asked to be put on a cancellation list, they don’t have a cancellation list for colonoscopy …. I called every day before Monday before Thanksgiving for the test results same Dr had not signed off….. I said they are My Results I want them. (Too bad for me, I didn’t get them). I hung up and called back and asked to speak to the office manager. No questions asked I was transferred….. she answered….. pulled my records up….. gave me the rest results (a non issue) result’s all negative ….. I told her I didn’t see how I could wait until December for the colonoscopy….. she said I have a cancellation Wednesday (day before Thanksgiving) .  Wow was I THANKFUL!!!!  No appointment was scheduled until the Budesonide showed up mid December….I called Tammy (office manager) ……what was the med for and it says take 3 a day (internet says all 3 in the morning before breakfast…..she confirmed that my research was correct the medication is for colitis. Plus the GI wanted a follow up scheduled. January 3rd. I was slightly improved….. but no where near remission….. by May 8, 2023  after 3 follow up appointments….. he had me to wean off Budesonide. He was done….. that’s the way it seemed and has been. I was better by far but not the n remission…. He gave no food instructions or anything….. I was on my own!  (Except he said if you have a flare up take the Budesonide again).  No appointment scheduled and he said when I left and saw him in the hall…. (I asked him when do I need to schedule an appointment?) He said 10 years would be my next colonoscopy. My husband said to me “he’s through with you”…..  so that’s how it is with MC ….. it’s rare and even GIs know little about it and apparently the rest is up to the patient to figure out. I’m VERY thankful that now at least my GI took biopsies and checked for MC (many don’t as it seems). I turned to the internet and MC Foundation to learn what I have. My remission was at some point in July 2023.  Back to before my initial appointment October 26, 2022…..by then and until the meds in mid December….. eating was a no clue what to eat….. no idea what was wrong for way too long….. food was not good anyway, to see, smell, taste and think of food made me feel sick. Broth & rice & applesauce and 45 pounds I lost.  24/7 bathroom unreal and I had no idea.  After the appointment May 8 and before no food suggestions were given aside, “there’s no one size fits all diet…. it’s like trial & error, until you figure what works for you or not”.  The internet has been my guide…..plus what I can now stand….. I’m not a vegetarian but meat of any kind I had stopped liking a few years ago (I just got to a point meat I just didn’t like at all and I still dont). I eat what I can that seems reasonable of the things I’ve found on the internet (different articles).  I drink a good deal of water and try to eat the best I can.  Here’s one article from webmd …. Plenty more but what I’ve seen like this article…. none are gluten free…… so if I take away what I can tolerate of this and other recommended foods and go gluten free IF I test positive for celiac…… what will I eat???? 

one internet article…….

Foods to limit

Certain foods and drinks may irritate the bowel and worsen or trigger symptomsTrusted Source in people with MC. In particular, some people may find it beneficial to avoid caffeine, lactose, and high fat foods.

A doctor or dietitian can also recommend a diet plan to suit an individual’s needs based on their symptoms. For example, if a person has fatty or oily stools, a doctor may recommend a low fat diet.

Keeping a food diary can help people identify foods that trigger or worsen their symptoms.

People may need to stick to an elimination diet for several weeks before they notice any improvement in their symptoms. The following foods may exacerbate MC symptoms, such as diarrhea.

Caffeine

Foods and drinks that contain caffeine can include:

energy drinks

coffee and tea

cola

chocolate

Learn more about the effects of caffeine on the body here.

Lactose

Foods and drinks that contain lactose can include:

milk, buttermilk, and cream

yogurt

cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream

soft cheeses

ice-cream

Learn about lactose intolerance here.

Fiber

Doctors may recommend a low fiber diet to help manage diarrhea for people with MC. Fiber aids the passage of food through the digestive symptom. In some people, a low fiber diet may relieveTrusted Source diarrhea symptoms during an episode of MC.

Foods that are high in fiber include:

beans, pulses, and peas

nuts and seeds

potatoes

raw fruits

raw vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach

whole wheat or whole grain bread, cereals, pasta, and rice

Probiotics

Some researchersTrusted Source have suggested that probiotics may benefit people with MC because these bacteria and yeasts can help relieve symptoms of other gut conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis.

There is only limited evidence that probiotics or other foods that increase beneficial gut bacteria may help treat MC. More research into probiotics is necessary to confirm their effectiveness for people with this condition.

FODMAPs

FODMAPs are certain carbohydrates (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) that the body has difficulty digesting. They can also cause digestive symptoms. People on a low-FODMAP diet avoid foods containing these carbohydrates. Foods that contain these carbohydrates include:Trusted Source

fruits and vegetables

dairy products

wheat and rye products

sugars and artificial sweeteners

Although there is little research on MC specifically, a low FODMAP diet can help relieve symptoms in people with other digestive disorders, such as IBS.

Speak to a doctor or dietitian before trying a low FODMAP diet.

Here’s another internet diet

What to Eat and Drink

For easier digestion, soft foods that are low in fat and fiber are best, including:

Applesauce

Bananas

White rice

Soup

Well-cooked, low-fiber vegetables (carrots, beets, string beans, pureed spinach)

Be sure you’re also drinking plenty of water and replenishing any electrolytes you have lost through diarrhea. Stay hydrated with drinks like:

Diluted fruit juices

Water with lemon and sea salt

Strained vegetable juices

Broths

Foods to Avoid 

Certain foods and drinks will only make diarrhea and dehydration worse, such as:

High-fiber foods like beans, nuts and raw vegetables

Fried and fatty foods

Spicy foods

Sugary foods and beverages (including artificial sweeteners)

Caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas)

Alcohol

As mentioned above, you may also want to try avoiding gluten, and possibly lactose (found in dairy).

Another *********************************

Which foods should I add to my diet?

Eating foods that can help relieve diarrhea may be helpful if you have microscopic colitis. These include:

low fat dairy, such as yogurt 

plain rice, noodles, or white bread

lean meats

cream of wheat

peanut butter (only smooth and a little at a time)

You should also stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids, such as broth or sports drinks containing sodium and potassium. Avoid drinks with added sugar.

Which foods should I remove from my diet?

You may want to avoid or limit the following:

alcohol

coffee

artificial sweeteners

gluten if you have Celiac disease

dairy if you are lactose intolerant

*************************************

Mayo Clinic….

Diet and discontinuation of medication

Treatment usually begins with changes to your diet and medications that may help relieve persistent diarrhea. Your doctor may recommend that you:

Eat a low-fat, low-fiber diet. Foods that contain less fat and are low in fiber may help relieve diarrhea.

Discontinue dairy products, gluten or both. These foods may make your symptoms worse.

Avoid caffeine and sugar.

Discontinue any medication that might be a cause of your symptoms.Your doctor may recommend a different medication to treat an underlying condition.

Medications

If signs and symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend:

Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Steroids such as budesonide (Entocort EC)

Medications that block bile acids(which can contribute to diarrhea) such as cholestyramine/aspartame or cholestyramine (Prevalite), or colestipol (Colestid)

Anti-inflammatory medications such as mesalamine (Delzicol, Apriso, others) to help control colon inflammation

Medications that suppress the immune system to help reduce inflammation in the colon, such as mercaptopurine (Purinethol) and azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran)

TNF inhibitors, such as infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira), which can reduce inflammation by neutralizing an immune system protein known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

Surgery

When the symptoms of microscopic colitis are severe, and medications aren't effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove all or part of your colon. Surgery is rarely needed to treat microscopic colitis.

***************************************
last one but there’s more (the reason I have learned to eat what I feel is safe for me…. most of the time it’s ok….. I occasionally add something I just feel like I want.  Sometimes those ‘wants’ are fine and sometimes (I wish I hadn’t, I just never know).  I do know I pray I don’t loose any more weight and I also think that MC is VERY UNDERRATED!!!!!!! It must not be real bad for most????? But for me it has been terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Each person may even make diet choices depending on what may be going on with their disease, whether they may be in the midst of a flare, or in remission.

For some patients, there can be certain trigger foods. There are also foods associated with increasing risk for active disease. Some patients may choose to minimize certain foods in their diet, but it is always helpful to consult with your doctor, and a dietitian about your needs. 

Trigger foods:

Trigger foods are any food that causes unpleasant symptoms. Although they can lead to symptoms, trigger foods don’t necessarily cause harm (or inflammation) to your body. Everyone may have different trigger foods, although here are some common trigger foods and beverages:

Foods high in insoluble fiber (does not dissolve in water) can be hard to digest: raw kale, skin of an apple, sunflower seeds

High-fiber foods: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus

High lactose-containing foods: cow’s milk, cream, ice cream, custard

Sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners: sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, sucralose, aspartame, saccharin

Added sugars and sugary foods: cookies, pastries, coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup

High-fat foods: butter, cheesy dishes, fried foods

Spicy foods: sriracha, chili powder

Alcohol

Caffeinated coffee/tea, energy drinks, other caffeinated beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, coffee/espresso drinks with sugar/syrup, juices

Foods associated with increased risk for inflammation:

Eating certain foods frequently over time has been found to increase the risk for inflammation1. It’s okay to have these foods occasionally when you desire them, just have them in moderation. Instead of actively trying to restrict these foods, try to focus on adding more variety into your diet. For example, if you usually eat red meat every day, focus on adding a greater variety of protein into your diet so that you have chicken, turkey, tofu, eggs, tilapia, salmon, and tuna throughout the week. 

Foods associated with increased inflammation include:

Red meat: beef, lamb, pork, veal, bison

Processed meat: lunch/deli meat, bacon, hot dogs, sausages

Coconut oil, dairy fat, palm oil

Emerging evidence suggests the following foods may play a role in inflammation (although more research is needed):

Processed foods containing certain additives: carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate-80, carrageenan, maltodextrin, titanium dioxide, sulfates, guar gum

Artificial sweeteners: aspartame, sucralose, saccharin

Important points to keep in mind:

-   Be kind to yourself. It’s what your diet looks like as a whole, rather than a single day or meal, that makes the biggest difference. You can eat foods that may play a role in inflammation occasionally.

sincerely to all…..

[trents]

Certain medical disorders like celiac disease and MC may require us to make significant changes to our dietary habits and preferences but that is not the same as eliminating all foods. It seems to me that you still have plenty of choices, though they may not match up well with what you are used to consuming.

[knitty kitty]

 The Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP diet) is very helpful in healing the intestines.  

The AIP diet is a very basic meat, fish, veggies, fruit diet. 

No dairy, no grains, no legumes, no nightshades, no seeds, no nuts, no processed foods.  These foods have components that are very irritating to the digestive system.  

Three weeks on the AIP diet and one's system calms down.  Then additional foods are added back one at a time to check for reactions.  

Here's further information...

An Autoimmune Protocol Diet Improves Patient-Reported Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6892563/

And...

Can the paleo diet help people with ulcerative colitis?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-paleo-diet-good-for-ulcerative-colitis

 

The AIP diet really helped me.  Dr. Sarah Ballantyne's book The Paleo Approach is most helpful.

Best wishes

[Teresa Dean]

7 hours ago, knitty kitty said:

 The Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP diet) is very helpful in healing the intestines.  

The AIP diet is a very basic meat, fish, veggies, fruit diet. 

No dairy, no grains, no legumes, no nightshades, no seeds, no nuts, no processed foods.  These foods have components that are very irritating to the digestive system.  

Three weeks on the AIP diet and one's system calms down.  Then additional foods are added back one at a time to check for reactions.  

Here's further information...

An Autoimmune Protocol Diet Improves Patient-Reported Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6892563/

And...

Can the paleo diet help people with ulcerative colitis?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-paleo-diet-good-for-ulcerative-colitis

 

The AIP diet really helped me.  Dr. Sarah Ballantyne's book The Paleo Approach is most helpful.

Best wishes

Wow thanks Kitty Kitty…..  I’ll be looking into the AIP…… sounds doable and even nutritious!