Special Diet

I just spoke with my GI doctor and Asked if fiber supplements would find essential nutrients, or if I would have to worry if taking 3 to 5 teaspoons a day, heaping. She said no, it’s mainly to slow things down and that that should not be a worry. I still do smoothies however so that my nutrients are absorbed easily in my system just in case. I do not use Metamucil or Citrucel, anything with flavoring for my fiber supplement. I strictly use the key Konsyl brand Or the 365 whole foods psyllium husk with no additives or flavorings which can be irritating more than helpful. 

It should say That I asked the G.I. doctor if the fiber supplements would “bind” essential nutrients.  Sorry

Hello FRH,

Thank you so much for your information, about the Psyllium Husk, I also like the one with no extra fillers, I use the NOW brand. My concern about this issue started when I talked to the lady in charge of the health food section at my grocery store,  she mentioned that I should wait at least 2 house before I eat or take any medicine because it wont be absorbed properly. Since our digestion is super quick, we can't afford to waste any nutrients.

I also found this information from WedMD :

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/...k-fibre-oral/details

"This product may decrease the absorption of other medications you may be taking. Take this product at least 2 hours from your other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions."

So the question is when is a good time/amount for us pouchers.

Also, I would like to know what do you use to make your smoothie? I was trying green vegetables juice but had to stop, it didn't agree with my pouch.

Take care!

Liset

Since psyllium works mechanically, it’s likely to work best if taken with food. I don’t think there’s any evidence of it appreciably decreasing the nutritional value of food. It’s best spaced away from medicines, though it’s not an aggressive binder of medications like, for example, cholestyramine is. J-pouchers do not have super-quick digestion, though we do have reduced transit time. Digestion is completed almost entirely in the small bowel, and J-pouchers have close-to-normal small bowels (until the last bit).

Hello Scott,

Thank you so much for your reply and for the explanation. It makes me feel much better. I would like to know how do you feel in general, do you take any medicine/supplements to control your condition? How is your diet? I am still trying to figure it out what works for me, I still have constant pain in what I believe is the cuff, can't eat raw vegetables or fruits besides bananas and avocados, tried smoothies and green juice but doesn't agree with my pouch so I had to stop. How often do you get your pouch check?

Really would like to improve my condition since the pain and chronic fatigue interfere with my productivity and quality of life in general.

Thank you so much in advance for your help and time.

Liset

Hi, Liset. I’m in good shape, but that’s because I take the medications I need for that. I have to take Cipro and Flagyl every day, and they do an excellent job of keeping my pouchitis under control. I eat anything and everything, but I don’t expect my diet to manage any digestive problems.

Do you have a good gastroenterologist? I don’t know what’s causing your chronic pain, but I’d want it diagnosed and properly treated.

I have spoken both  nutritionist, as well as those that are supposed to be knowledgeable in nutrition and giving advice to J pouches In the hospital. The latter was very unhelpful and I ended up giving her more information about my situation then she even knew so I find these people that don’t have this situation not very helpful. They just don’t get it.The recent conversation I spoke of was with my regular gastroenterologist when I spoke of the excess liquid Transit time And me needing to have some thing to help absorb that better. I do believe when it comes to medication the two hours you mentioned would be very appropriate. However, It’s like someone else mentioned above, it’s a little different when we’re discussing food and our situations. The doctor didn’t feel like the nutrition from food was being compromised at all With the psyllium fiber and that it’s main purpose was just to slow things down.and when she said to take it 10 minutes or so before a meal, it has helped me tremendously because it helps absorb any excess fats oils Or other particles when I go to eat. When I took it after I ate it doesn’t seem to be quite  as effective Because the food is going down first and there’s nothing to help bulk it Already in place. I hope that makes some sense. I say give it a go both ways. You will have to determine how many times a day you might need to take it but I’ve been told you can take it quite a few times a day. Our diet in general lacks fiber as it is so it’s a great source to make up for that.  thicker peanut butter with no nuts, applesauce, ripe bananas, things like that help as well. The smoothies, lately I’ve been doing some strawberries with oat nut milk a few blueberries don’t overdo those because of the tough skins, I throw in A little bit of honey or agave nectar for some sweetness, then I put in 1 T  of Chia seeds which also help bulk when blended and are extremely good source of protein.  With the fruit smoothies I find the ninja blender works fine but with green smoothies, I would take it easy on things like spinach that increase output or Kale that is way too fibrous to blend well for me anyway Unless you have a vita mix or similar expensive blender.and stick to easy to digest greens even if it’s just lettuces. There’s a lot of recipes out there just watch for the hard to blend things if you don’t have an exceptionally good blender like a vita mix because they won’t break down the greens enough for you and you will have particles that are not juiced. So if you look up green smoothies on Google just stay away from things with citric acid or highly acidic fruits and stick to those that seem to work well with your body. We are all different.  if nothing else, go to your local store like whole foods that sell green smoothies and order a couple, if they agree with you write down the ingredients for when you get a proper blender. I know they can be expensive But what a great way to less painfully get the foods and nutrition that you need. Break it down and it will absorb so much easier in your body than trying to break down Whole Foods.  Easily absorbable. With our fast transit time as it is, we need easily absorbed foods to keep up our nutrition levels. This is just a start and I hope it gets you on the right track

@Scott F posted:

Hi, Liset. I’m in good shape, but that’s because I take the medications I need for that. I have to take Cipro and Flagyl every day, and they do an excellent job of keeping my pouchitis under control. I eat anything and everything, but I don’t expect my diet to manage any digestive problems.

Do you have a good gastroenterologist? I don’t know what’s causing your chronic pain, but I’d want it diagnosed and properly treated.

Hello Scott, I'm very happy to hear you are doing good and are able to eat everything, that gives me so much hope.

I totally agree with you,  I think is time to find a good gastroenterologist. until now I have only been seen by my colorectal surgeon. Any recommendations in LA area?

It is so nice to talk to somebody who understands what we are going through, thank you so much for your advice and your time.

Liset A.

@FRH posted:

I have spoken both  nutritionist, as well as those that are supposed to be knowledgeable in nutrition and giving advice to J pouches In the hospital. The latter was very unhelpful and I ended up giving her more information about my situation then she even knew so I find these people that don’t have this situation not very helpful. They just don’t get it.The recent conversation I spoke of was with my regular gastroenterologist when I spoke of the excess liquid Transit time And me needing to have some thing to help absorb that better. I do believe when it comes to medication the two hours you mentioned would be very appropriate. However, It’s like someone else mentioned above, it’s a little different when we’re discussing food and our situations. The doctor didn’t feel like the nutrition from food was being compromised at all With the psyllium fiber and that it’s main purpose was just to slow things down.and when she said to take it 10 minutes or so before a meal, it has helped me tremendously because it helps absorb any excess fats oils Or other particles when I go to eat. When I took it after I ate it doesn’t seem to be quite  as effective Because the food is going down first and there’s nothing to help bulk it Already in place. I hope that makes some sense. I say give it a go both ways. You will have to determine how many times a day you might need to take it but I’ve been told you can take it quite a few times a day. Our diet in general lacks fiber as it is so it’s a great source to make up for that.  thicker peanut butter with no nuts, applesauce, ripe bananas, things like that help as well. The smoothies, lately I’ve been doing some strawberries with oat nut milk a few blueberries don’t overdo those because of the tough skins, I throw in A little bit of honey or agave nectar for some sweetness, then I put in 1 T  of Chia seeds which also help bulk when blended and are extremely good source of protein.  With the fruit smoothies I find the ninja blender works fine but with green smoothies, I would take it easy on things like spinach that increase output or Kale that is way too fibrous to blend well for me anyway Unless you have a vita mix or similar expensive blender.and stick to easy to digest greens even if it’s just lettuces. There’s a lot of recipes out there just watch for the hard to blend things if you don’t have an exceptionally good blender like a vita mix because they won’t break down the greens enough for you and you will have particles that are not juiced. So if you look up green smoothies on Google just stay away from things with citric acid or highly acidic fruits and stick to those that seem to work well with your body. We are all different.  if nothing else, go to your local store like whole foods that sell green smoothies and order a couple, if they agree with you write down the ingredients for when you get a proper blender. I know they can be expensive But what a great way to less painfully get the foods and nutrition that you need. Break it down and it will absorb so much easier in your body than trying to break down Whole Foods.  Easily absorbable. With our fast transit time as it is, we need easily absorbed foods to keep up our nutrition levels. This is just a start and I hope it gets you on the right track

Hello FRH,

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all of this in detail, I really, really appreciate it. I totally agree with you about people giving us advice about our condition, sometimes they don't really know.

I think I'll start to take psyllium again and also supplement with smoothies, maybe investing in a good blender is a great idea for people with our needs.

Thank you so much for your help, I hope you stay healthy, strong and safe!

Liset

Your welcome. And Remember when trying things for the first time you can introduce slowly. Maybe sip on smoothie throughout morning with oatmeal instead of a large one all at once etc.  take care. 

@Liset A posted:

Hello FRH,

Thank you so much for your information, about the Psyllium Husk, I also like the one with no extra fillers, I use the NOW brand. My concern about this issue started when I talked to the lady in charge of the health food section at my grocery store,  she mentioned that I should wait at least 2 house before I eat or take any medicine because it wont be absorbed properly. Since our digestion is super quick, we can't afford to waste any nutrients.

I also found this information from WedMD :

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/...k-fibre-oral/details

"This product may decrease the absorption of other medications you may be taking. Take this product at least 2 hours from your other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions."

So the question is when is a good time/amount for us pouchers.

Also, I would like to know what do you use to make your smoothie? I was trying green vegetables juice but had to stop, it didn't agree with my pouch.

 

Take care!

Liset

 

@Liset A - I have never had luck with raw fruits and vegetables but green smoothies work great for me. 

Every morning I take a recommended dose of plain psyllium husk powder with orange juice and some greens powder. Then after that I make a green smoothie with orange juice, banana, spinach, frozen strawberries, frozen raspberries, frozen blueberries, frozen mango and protein powder. Probably the meal that I tolerate best each day and it keeps me full at least until lunch if not longer. 
Just in case I also take Forvia chewable multivitamins everyday to make sure I’m getting enough nutrients. 

That is so interesting to me. If I ever tried drinking orange juice, or anything with citric acid, I would definitely have burning pain irritation in folds of rectal area. Also vinegars, egg or soft drinks do same because of citric acid do the same thing. I’m glad they work for you though. Are usually have to check with things like half a banana and maybe strawberries or peaches.  My latest saving grace is my Combination cooker steamer. That way I don’t have to use oils to cook my food in and I can get the carrots and tougher vegetables really nice and soft. Then I eat them with some thing like potatoes to help slow things down. It’s always interesting to see how somethings really work for some people but not others.