Fasting and Crohn's

[Mountaingem]

I've been reading a few theories about fasting and Crohn's and would love everyone's thoughts and opinions.

The idea in a nutshell is that by allowing your bowel to rest for a few days a month ( or by replacing one meal a day with liquid) that over time it will save it from strictures, scarring and further damage.

Obviously the disease process itself causes chronic inflammation that leads to complications. But I find it an interesting concept, especially since resting the bowel is something that doctors will use to stop a flare, heal fistulas, etc.

Does anyone do this? Has anyone tried it? What do you guys think?Thanks :thumleft:

 

[Boltmannz]

I have been eating very small meals it has helped me no end. A good side effect is I have lost 4kg

 

[Manzyb]

I know when I have spurts where my stomach is really bad and I'm vomiting and having D a lot, I switch to what I call "liquid diets". I just drink stuff for a few days and not eat anything. After a couple of days my stomach does feel better. I don't really know if it actually helps anything, but it helps me feel better.

 

[Zalanicht]

I went on the ice cube diet in the hospital for a week with a high dose of Pred and antibiotics. It was good but as soon as I went back on food everything went bad again.

 

[Jennifer]

I don't think its meant as a preventative measure and I highly doubt it will do anything to help other than screw up your metabolism. As for long periods of fasting, its best to do it under doctors orders so they can monitor your progress if any.

 

[Nica]

I like the idea of giving my guts a break every so often, and not just when I can not eat anymore. I may try this couple days a month fasting.

 

[DustyKat]

I know a doctor that every Wednesday only drinks water. He doesn't have IBD or any other diseases and I don't know if it really does anything but he swears by it as a way of detoxifying his body.

Dusty.

 

[Mountaingem]

Maybe I should clarify when I say fasting, I mean just liquids, maybe whatever juices are tolerated. Or if not then maybe just Ensure.

I know fasting for long peroids is bad. I used to have a friend that did the lemon juice, cayenne and molasses fast for two weeks at a time. Do you think it messes up your metabolism to fast one day a week? Or to have a liquid meal once a day?

 

[Jennifer]

If you're substituting that meal with something like Ensure or other supplements you should be ok where your metabolism is concerned. Yet it may make you slightly irritable (so says my boyfriend who's done it).

Personally I don't see the point of it since the food you eat does not have a direct connection with causing flares (symptoms yes, flares no). Gut rest is usually meant for cases where the gut is in need of rest. Need meaning large amounts of inflammation, sores and other not so fun things. If its not needed, then more than likely its not going to do anything. I'll gladly concede to a scientific study.

 

[lynx]

Well this last time i was in the hospital they put me on TPN just for this reason..to give the gut a chance to rest and let the meds that they were pumping in through the IVs a chance to work. So, obviously in the medical world they think its a good idea. I was telling my gf the other day that I might try a liquide diet for a week to see if that may help me go to remission faster than what I am doing now...I don't know though. I know you would have to watch the nutrients that you take rather closely though. And I kind of agree with Crabby because food really does not cause the inflammation...at least that is what they say ..but obviously certain foods cause some nasty symptoms.

 

[Jessica]

My doc ordereds me to a clear liquid diet for a few days when my Crohn's acts up. I've gotten in the habbit lately (since I'm on the edge of a flare) to have Ensure (or something like it) for breakfast, a regular lunch, and a light or soup w/crackers dinner. It's been helping me fend it off for two weeks now. I still drink plenty of tea, juice and water inbetween. And if my stomach is upset at dinner, I'll have another Ensure.

Just listen to your body. It will tell you if it wants food or if it's okay with an equivalent.

<3

 

[girlygirl]

Hello Everyone..

Fasting.. well i've been doing a liquid fast off and on the past few months. It seems to help with my stomach swelling. For me i will go through periods of being really hungry all the time.. to not at all. When i do eat my stomach swells.. and i found that by fasting for a few days i feel better. Currently i've been on a liquid fast for 6days. For eating again Campbells tomato soup seems to be decent on the stomach when re-introducing food.