More than happy! Got first flare-up/colonoscopy in Feb 2014. Got put on sulfasalazine initially and then the mesalamine enemas at night for a month only. That calmed things down immediately. I went off all medication as thought “I got this” and things went well for about six-eight months… then… another flare up. I was shocked but went back on the pills and enemas, again, it went away very quickly. Since then I’ve had flare up’s every six months, but unfortunately had a flare up in April so went back on the enemas (have resigned to always taking the sulfasalazine daily now) but as I was about half way through got bitten by a dog, went to hospital for two days and got put on IV drip antibiotics then on a full course at home when discharged. So suffice to say, any gut health I had was destroyed. So I am now in the middle of another flare up so a pretty continual one since April.

I have started making my own kombucha and took a lot of probiotics to try to get my gut back to where it was since the antibiotics. Have no idea if any of it works.

About me generally – I work out 3~4 times a week, play ice hockey 4 times a week and drink moderately. (Generally only red wine these days and maybe three times a week) I love a beer, but it seems to really disagree with me these days so was only having two after a Saturday night game and that’s it. I would consider myself extremely fit (any fitter and it should be my job, alas, that ship has sailed!)

I eat pretty well, low carb, high protein most of the time. However, I do cheat and cheat BAD when in the mood. You name it, it will be consumed sometimes. No surprises that when I drink beer and eat saturated fats the next day(s) are very unhappy times at home!

I meditate daily and have for 8 years.

I take a ton of vitamins every day (have been for about 10 years), decaf green tea, garlic, fish oil (super dose), Alpha lipoic acid, B-12, vitamin c (super dose), Ginkgo, ZMA, Methyl Folate, glucosamine…

First thing when I wake up is to have a protein shake (vegan protein powder now) – http://www.bulknutrients.com.au/products/earth-protein-vegan-protein.html

I also take creatine whenever I work out or skate and sip BCAA’s in the drink bottle (Xtend).

It’s a lot, I know. How much is helping, how much is harming? Who knows. All of the above is for performance and health not for UC, maybe that’s half the problem, I keep thinking I don’t have this disease and pretending all is fine.

I’m at a crossroads, I’ve had it. it’s been going on for too many years now and the more I read about it the more concerned that I am about how serious it actually is.

If I could go to a paleo / intermitted fasted lifestyle I think it would be the easiest for me given my level of activity. I am finding Michael’s book useful and practical thus far.

Thanks for taking the time and replying, it’s most appreciated.

PS: I found this article very interesting, am considering some of it: https://medium.com/the-cure-for-colitis/supplements-for-gut-issues-ibd-and-ibs-how-and-why-they-work-90ad50ee509c

Hi JNSD – would you be happy to share some medical history? How did it start and what meds are you taking ? What is your diet like? You might want to google Prof Ailsa Hart. She is London based but whether she has any contacts in AUS I don’t know. The leading experts in this field tend to know one another..
Other than that, the recommendations in Michael’s book are sound – just take it slowly and only change one thing at a time

Agree that finding a good Gastroenterologist that is knowledgeable in the microbiome is what I am after. The one I have regardless of how many times I mention diet doesn’t budge. Just more tablets and enemas. I’ve had it, three years in now and I have to take it more seriously by getting to the root of the problem. I simply don’t believe that I can go through 38 years of health then this happens for no reason. Got to be in the gut!

Anyhow, hard to find consistent information out there, have been trawling the web, reading so many articles and FB groups. Everyone has a different opinion, unfortunately. If anyone out there reading this has been down the path with UC and is using gut biome as the basis for getting better then please let me know!

Hi All, I think UBiome provide that service in AUS -but before you spend any money ask them to provide a specimen report so you have an idea what the anaylsis will provide – getting the analysis done is one thing, but interpreting the result is another and you need both

The studies certainly seem to show dysbiosis (disruption of the microbiome) in ulcerative colitis. Maybe in future this will be treated with fecal matter transfer (currently the commonest application is for extreme food poisoning unresponsive to anti biotics but who knows what the future holds). Obviously UC is a severe and distressing condition. In your case I’d seek out a gastroenterologist who knows about the microbiome. They are out there – you just have to do a lot of googling to find them !

Hi Meganmary- when you say shortened colon can you provide a bit more detail? Are you taking ongoing medication if so what? Is the colonic irrigation something your doctors recommended? What is your diet and lifestyle generally??

https://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/blog/2015/04/got-gout-get-probiotics-says-recent-study

In honesty it looks like a load of hype. I couldn’t fine a single scientific paper that shows efficacy. Take a look at Symprove or Optibac. It also depends on WHY you are taking the probiotics in the first place. There are around 1000 different species of batcteria in the gut. The idea that just these 11 are some kind of medical revolution I find highly doubtful. Have you tried pre-biotic and pro-biotic foods? Probably a much better place to start for most people (and a lot cheaper!)

Hi
Has anybody used or heard about this product http://www.elixa-probiotic.com/ It sounds good with 11 strains.

Starting back at square one**…… just eating good stuff, veggies, no wine, absolutely no beer!!, no avocado or shellfish….. this time it took 10 days to get clear of painful gout.
** Started with Regular Komboucha (bought and DIY) – nothing. Kefir (DIY) – nothing. All the LIVE cheese of past – nothing. Goats yoghurt – nothing. Wine in small doses (1x 125ml at meals 4-5 times per week – nothing. But noted losing 1lb per day on average?? Weird….
It has to be the BEER. Since taking regular Kombucha and Kefir, the stomach ‘irregularities’ have subsided. I’ve also paid attention to the ‘Indian’ advice [no Kefir on an empty stomach, after a meal and not at night] THAT has helped (something?) a great deal. So MODERATION may be a good guide. Incidentally – the HomeMade Kefir has lasted well over a month in the fridge – oh!! and the skoby is now a monster writhing in the 7 litre jar….. anyone want to make their own – I’m in Stockport.

I am in the U.K. also and very interested in the capsules. What seaweed capsules that are currently available in the U.K. are made of the same seaweed as that in these new capsules and where can it be bought from?

I would like to join the potato starch study please

I could not find potato starch in the shop so I got cornflour the internet net says it has the same starch what do u think

Hi, I have a shortened colon due to a colostomy. At about the time of the colostomy I had to take broad spectrum antibiotics which inevitably reduced my carefully cultivated gut mocrobiome. I have been doing my best to repopulate the gut, however, I irrigate my colon daily. What I would like to know is whether there have been any studies on the gut flora of colostomates and whether irrigation is washing out the good bacteria I am trying to reintroduce. I am looking for any trials on this.
I am working on the hypothesis that a shortened colon means that the microbes move further into the colon to populate and that irrigation reduces but doesn’t remove all the good microbes. Any evidence to support this?

Hi Etta,

Though, of late ACV has become this elixir. It also comes with its share of health hazards most of them due to it being slightly acidic in nature.

As for any concerns associated with its effect on the stomach, ACV causes a delay in emptying of stomach making you feel full. This may cause problems to people afflicted with gastroparesis. Also please note that most of these side effects are to be seen when it is taken in excess.

I have read this descriptive article which very nicely articulates its side effects. You can read them here: http://www.foods4betterhealth.com/apple-cider-vinegar-side-effects-30850

Hi All,
the info I heard was the poop testing company was going to start up here in Australia….and kits would be available at certain pharmacies, can anyone confirm this please ?

Hi Nurse,
I have also been trying to do the poop test. The one you mentioned does it inform you of what foods to eat or not to eat as it suggests in the Clever Guts ?

cheers Robyn

Hi Nurse,
I have also been trying to do the poop test. The one you mentioned does it inform you of what foods to eat or not to eat as it suggests in the Clever Guts .

cheers Robyn

I have always received a good service from “Ostlers”, ordering from their website. They also explain how their product is made.

Hi Kitty cholesterol, I believe the CG book refers to Bragg organic raw unfiltered cider vinegar though I’ve not tried it yet. Aspalls Organic is one I’ve previously tried though not specifically for acid reflux. Aspalls vinegar works okay in recipes I’ve tried. Hope this helps.

Does the chlorine in tap water adversely affect the biome

Hello everyone, we have just joined the forum today and are looking for the part of the website where we log our initial measurements/ readings etc.

Many thanks for any pointers.

Alison

I am convinced that my acid reflux disease was brought on by stress and anxiety as these feelings always go to my gut so to speak! The first symptom, (after six months of panicking about my son’s health) was that I lost my voice for a few weeks then had burning in my throat and up to my ears; at least that was how it felt. I’ve been on Omeprazole 20mg od for almost three years and occasionally take weeks off if I feel OK but the symptoms always come back. I also had pain at the top of my stomach and under my lower ribs.
I try and finish eating by 7pm and keep portions under control and now only drink red wine with meals if at all though I do like half a pint of a good ale when it is on offer.
I would love to come off the meds and will start with the cider vinegar; does anyone know a good product?

My husband has been making sourdough for a couple of years and I find I can tolerate it quite happily though I’ve not used it as part of an exclusion regime. I ‘think’ I have had IBS of the non-constipation variety but never had any investigations other than a coeliac blood test which was negative so can’t be sure. The 5:2 diet helped immensely and eating less with a 12 hour break overnight also helps.
The course my husband attended on Wild yeasts and sourdough was at the Artisan School of Food and Cookery in Welbeck, Notts and he couldn’t recommend it highly enough; well worth a weekend if you can.
I did cut out almost all wheat based products along with the alliums, apples and pears (as per the FODMAP diet) etc and my symptoms did lessen dramatically. I’m back on most of them now with not too many tricky days.

I don’t understand about the live/raw cider vinegar; is it widely available, where do I start looking please?

I too would like to enter this study but can’t find a link. I need help in getting off to sleep.

I couldn’t find anything in the book that explained the use of coconut oil yet it appears in all the recipes, is there an alternative for those with already high cholesterol?

I’m just re-reading your last message. I’ve not tried coconut milk, just coconut cream (Made by Ayam).

Nindy

I think without the pectin your yoghurt may remain thin. I’m not sure about alternatives to pectin.

Nindy

Hi Tracy,

I use 4 cans of coconut cream (270ml each). Put the coconut cream in a saucepan and heat to about 37 degrees (you’ll need a cooking thermometer). You then mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 3 teaspoons of pectin and add this mixture to the coconut cream. Once this is stirred in, you add your culture, which is really only a tiny bit, less than 1/8 of a teaspoon. The culture will feed on the honey, so it ends up being just about sugar free. Then pour into yoghurt maker. I leave mine in the yoghurt maker overnight, generally around 12 hours. An electric yoghurt maker just takes all the guesswork out. It will look thin when you first remove it from the yoghurt maker, but it thickens up once its refrigerated. I usually add frozen berries and it’s yummy!!! I really hopes this helps.

Nindy 🙂

Hi Shuggieg
That interesting. By coincidence I made this last week, plenty of tumeric in it too: http://www.tracebridgesourdough.co.uk/recipes/2017/6/13/lacto-fermented-piccallili-or-indian-pickle
I had a sneaky taste today and it tastes pretty good already.

Sorry about the typos!

I am no uso g pectin and do prefer not to. Bi will but it in the yoghurt maker with hot water to keep the temp stable. Thanks

Has anyone got any thoughts on the efficacy of this recipe http://theheartysoul.com/turmeric-sauerkraut-health-boost/?utm_source=FM&utm_content=33612-2YEM

Fascinating video link. Thanks GrahamSPhillips.

Thanks for this. I find Tim Spector’s description in the Diet Myth very limited, no idea of quantities or proportions. Surprised there is no mention of kefir or breakfast sort of ideas. My symptoms are recent. I have been following a pretty high fibre diet for years. Tweaked it with adding in ferments a year ago.

Have you got Tim Spector’s book? There’s a page where he describes what he ate post colonoscopy to regrow a healthy biome. If you are getting bloating and wind then maybe you are adding too much fibre too quickly. But the only real way to know is to have your microbiome analysed together with your diet and lifestyle

I would really appreciate some good advice on what prebiotics and probiotics to eat/take post colonoscopy next week. Am already following principles of clever guts andTim Spector’s advice for a year now – but am getting a lot of bloating and gurgling noises in bowel. Would really like to use this as good opportunity to seed microbiome in best possible way.

Another vote for consulting your family doctor. Please don’t try to self treat a self diagnosis.

In the mean time it’s well worth starting the detailed daily food and symptom diary recommended by Dr. Mosley (page 187).

Define “lots of” and “too much” in weight or volume, type of cheeses, how the onions are prepared (pickled/ raw/ fried in oil), and what these foods are eaten with.

HTH!

Supplements are excellent ways of accelerating natural body functions. If you want to boost your sport and sexual performance…I will introduce you to “Testx Core”. Check http://supplement-help.com for details

I disagree the soil has its own micro biome which interacts (mainly positively) with our own. The hygiene hypothesis isn’t just about our own microbiota for example children brought up on a farm have much less autoimmune disease

Could be something serious. Best to get that checked.

I would be surprised if anything beneficial from the soil would make it to you. You need to wash your produce because it is harvested by people who work long days far from the loo, hot water and soap.

Many thanks Shuggieg, for the tip about the Blood Sugar Diet. I will certainly read that, and start there.

Thanks Graham for the useful feedback, yes I am trying one thing at a time. I started off my first batch of Purple Sauerkraut yesterday and look forward to the result in 3 weeks as per the recipe in the book. Very interesting Tedx video backing up the stuff reported by Michael in his book.
Best regards

I cannot see any reason not to go straight to phase 2. But don’t rush it! Change 1-2 things only at a time and see how your body reacts. Huge, sudden, changes are disruptive and very hard to sustain. Its a journey- one step at a time. All of that said, every one is an individual and the only real way to know what a good diet FOR YOU is, is to have your micro biome analysed:

Count me in on potato starch/sleep study

Hi Fliptop

I was tested as pre-diabetic, went on the Blood Sugar Diet, lost 3 stone in weight over 3 months and blood sugar now under control. Continuing with the diet as recipes are wonderful. Similar to your query, I don’t have any gut problems (that I am aware of) so do I have to do phase1 or can I go straight into phase 2.

Note for Administrator I would like to volunteer for the potato starch/sleep trial.

Bulk cooking and freezing is fine..

Doesn’t actually say on the package which is why I’m wondering if the real product can be made into capsule form. The capsules can be found on Amazon.