Has any one tried the LOFFLEX diet?

[MaryRose]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with trying their kids on the LOFFLEX diet as recommended by Dr John Hunter? My sons finishes 6 weeks of modulen only diet tomorrow and we are commencing the LOFFLEX diet. It would be good to hear from anyone who has tried this approach.

Thanks

 

[Tesscorm]

Hi MaryRose,

I can't think of any parents just now that have done the LOFFLEX diet specifically, however, there is a subforum here for diets, fitness, etc. - you might find more info there. Also, the parents section has a subforum for diets. I've added both links for you below.

http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=17
http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=268

 

[helena101]

I have been on the lofflex diet, and I have consulted with Prof Hunter and a dietician from his team.
I was reasonably successful, in that I was able to avoid the stronger meds initially recommended for me by doctors, but I have needed to stay on asacol to remain well, in spite of dietary changes.
As I REALLY pestered my dietician throughout the whole process, I think I have asked her every question there is about the LOFFLEX diet and subsequent food introductions.
One thing that springs to mind that is not clearly stated in his book is:
1) transition slowly from the liquids to solid foods, take a few days to do that. It is a shock to the system to try to go fully onto solids after 6 weeks of liquids.
2) rice and potatoes should be eaten freshly cooked (not cold, and not reheated). The nature of the starch changes when it cools and it becomes "resistant starch" which acts like fiber.
Please ask any questions that come up along the way...

 

[ChampsMom]

Hey MaryRose,

I haven't heard of this diet before, thanks for sharing your question. May I ask how old is your son? Is he on any meds? Was this diet recommended by your GI or are you trying an alternative only and not meds?

I hope I'm not too intrusive...

I hope he's feeling better!

 

[MaryRose]

Hey MaryRose,

I haven't heard of this diet before, thanks for sharing your question. May I ask how old is your son? Is he on any meds? Was this diet recommended by your GI or are you trying an alternative only and not meds?

I hope I'm not too intrusive...

I hope he's feeling better!

Hi ChampsMom,

My son is 12 years old, he was diagnosed with CD 2 years ago. Since then he has been on Azathioprine 75 mg. Following a scope 2 months ago we were told by our GI that our son would need to either commence Methotrexate or consider surgery as his inflammation was now localised in his terminal ileum. Both of these options caused us some concern so we asked could he try taking modulen for a few weeks as this has worked for him when he was initially diagnosed. The GI agreed to this. The 6 weeks of modulen is now at an end and we are commencing the LOFFLEX, low fibre, low fat, limited exclusion diet. Our GI doesn't have any interest in discussing diet, he dismisses any link with control of CD. We discussed it with his dietician last week and she is happy for us to proceed with it. Don't know how it will go but we have to give it a try.

MaryRose

 

[ChampsMom]

Good luck! I pray it works for him! My son is 16 (dx'd 3 years ago). He's been on Pentasa and without knowing it I guess he has been on the LOFFLEX diet. It is what was recommended by his GI and the nutritionist at the hospital he was in (for just shy of 6 weeks when dx'd).

I have heard many times over that foods do not cause flares but can irritate an underlying flare. I just haven't been willing (and gratefully my son is on board with it) to test it. So he's a very careful about what he eats (most of the time - he is 16, laughs...)..

Again good luck!

 

[happy]

Hello MaryRose, Sorry I am late to this request for info. Dusty's tag for me didn't work as I have that preference turned off because people are so 'happy' on the forum that I get too many tags in a day to sort through.

If you read post #43 in this thread: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=15451&page=2 you will find detailed info about the LOFFLEX diet.

Also my success thread has lots of detailed info about the elimination diet: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=31028

The LOFFLEX didn't work for me to get to remission but a variation of it is mostly what I follow in remission. I don't have any specific info for children/youth.

Good luck.