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Lack of fruit and vegetables - HELP!

Location
UK
Hello,

I was wondering if any of you have any advice as I am really struggling at the moment! I don't have a diagnosis but am being treated for indeterminate IBD with Budesonide, Sulfasalazine, Mercaptopurine and multiple others for symptomatic relief.

Since a trial run of diclofenac Sept 14 (which is when I started the steroids again) I have been unable to tolerate any fruits or vegetables. I have tried everything from redoing my FODMAP diet (which has never helped) to juices, to changing the way they are cooked and everything in between with no joy. I cannot seem to get any of my Drs (3x different gastro, 1 x rheumo and an otherwise very helpful GP) to take me seriously when I express my concerns about my nutritional intake - all I get in return is that my weight has increased (thanks to the steroids, horrific diet and battle to do any exercise) and therefore I cannot have any issues - erm you can be fat like me and still be malnourished!!! I have tried 2 or 3 different over the counter multi vitamins (not ideal but better than nothing) but they all make my still unsettled gastro symptoms worse, and as I know you guys can all relate to this - when you live on that tightrope of functioning you don't want to fall off!
I really really just don't know what to do. I went to see a gastro dietician who said that there is nothing they can do to help, which has left me a bit stuck. Fatigue, joint pain and gastro tantrums are hard enough but I am certain that if I could eat a more balanced diet I would start to feel better, even if only that I could start to lose some weight.

Any help would be much appreciated! I used to use this awesome site all the time as I know you guys just get the frustrations - I just wish I had come back sooner.

Thanks for listening to my rant! I hope you are all well :)
 

scottsma

Well-known member
Location
Tynemouth,
Hi.I know supplements are frowned upon by the healthy eating brigade,but they suit me.
I take either a high nutrition capsule or a H.Nut.powder mixed with o% fat milk.I get my supplements from Holland & barretts.The gel tablets I'm using now are ALIVE by Natures Way,on special offer now,and the powder is Bioglan.I use the berry or choc. flavour and its very tasty.Unlike you,
I can tolerate most fruit,but am aware of the sugar content and therefore limit myself to three per day.I feel quite well,and even if the supplements are not as good as real veggies,at least I feel as though I'm benefitting from them.
 
Location
UK
Hi.I know supplements are frowned upon by the healthy eating brigade,but they suit me.
I take either a high nutrition capsule or a H.Nut.powder mixed with o% fat milk.I get my supplements from Holland & barretts.The gel tablets I'm using now are ALIVE by Natures Way,on special offer now,and the powder is Bioglan.I use the berry or choc. flavour and its very tasty.Unlike you,
I can tolerate most fruit,but am aware of the sugar content and therefore limit myself to three per day.I feel quite well,and even if the supplements are not as good as real veggies,at least I feel as though I'm benefitting from them.
thanks - I would absolutely take supplements over nothing, but I guess I need to be more patient and keep trying until I find one that suits me - just need the insides to settle down again before I try another - I will definitely look into those you suggest - cheers!
 

my little penguin

Moderator
Staff member
Have you tried supplemental nutrition ?
There is modulen in the uk which when taken exclusively is as effective as steriods but without the side effects
You do get the nutrition
Not sure if you have boost or ensure ?
These are polymeric formulas so whole protiens but easier than whole foods
 
Have you tried supplemental nutrition ?
There is modulen in the uk which when taken exclusively is as effective as steriods but without the side effects
You do get the nutrition
Not sure if you have boost or ensure ?
These are polymeric formulas so whole protiens but easier than whole foods
Do you know of anything comparable to Ensure that doesn't have carregeenan in it? I have heard lately that that ingredient is not good for your stomach.
 
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