Anyone on here with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis use gh?

[Femme40]

I appreciate your follow-up question. Just to let you know, I am one of two medical professional in my town with Crohn's Disease. I have extensive knowledge on IBD and anything I write on this blog I have researched extensively and/or experienced myself. That being said, I have tried many, many diets...as I am resistant to several medical therapies, including Remicade and 6-MP.

I currently take Asacol 3x daily, Bentyl 3x daily, Canasa suppositories (as needed) and Colocort enemas (as needed). This regimen works for me, but I truly believe diet is key to avoiding exacerbations of your disease.

I have tried a gluten free diet, but that in and of itself did not work for me. Many physicians and nutritionist will give you varying opinions regarding dietary recommendations. What worked for me (and truly saved me) by helping me gain weight in the form of lean muscle (as I weight train extensively 6x weekly) is a high protein/low carbohydrate diet. And I mean HIGH protein. I am 5'4" and weigh 125lbs...low body fat...lean muscle. This is a significant change from weighing 105lbs and having muscle atrophy after a disease flare.

Low carbs meaning NO pasta or potatoes. Brown rice 2, maybe 3 times weekly. Bread in the form of whole wheat/multi-grain 2, maybe 3 times weekly. Certain vegetables are a good form of carbs, depending upon what works for you. Cauliflower, broccoli tend to irritate the GI tract. No corn (starch, anyway).

High protein depends on height/weight. Go back to my stats. I consume at least 150grams of protein daily. With PLENTY of water (no Propel, etc....too much sodium). Protein shakes (with low carbs and low sodium) with 50g of protein per shake, protein bars, in addition to your meals will easily meet this criteria. Again, I have researched this and there is plenty of data in medical journals supporting high protein diets in conjuction with medical therapy for those with IBD. I have never felt better. This amount of protein might also make your stools more formed, or possible decrease the number of bowel movements you have daily.

Give it a try for several weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised. Don't be swayed by others telling you your kidney function is going to suffer. As long as you are not a diabetic or have high blood pressure, you will be fine. As long as you consume PLENTY OF WATER!!! Be well and I hope you give this a go

[MuscleScience]

I appreciate your follow-up question. Just to let you know, I am one of two medical professional in my town with Crohn's Disease. I have extensive knowledge on IBD and anything I write on this blog I have researched extensively and/or experienced myself. That being said, I have tried many, many diets...as I am resistant to several medical therapies, including Remicade and 6-MP.

I currently take Asacol 3x daily, Bentyl 3x daily, Canasa suppositories (as needed) and Colocort enemas (as needed). This regimen works for me, but I truly believe diet is key to avoiding exacerbations of your disease.

I have tried a gluten free diet, but that in and of itself did not work for me. Many physicians and nutritionist will give you varying opinions regarding dietary recommendations. What worked for me (and truly saved me) by helping me gain weight in the form of lean muscle (as I weight train extensively 6x weekly) is a high protein/low carbohydrate diet. And I mean HIGH protein. I am 5'4" and weigh 125lbs...low body fat...lean muscle. This is a significant change from weighing 105lbs and having muscle atrophy after a disease flare.

Low carbs meaning NO pasta or potatoes. Brown rice 2, maybe 3 times weekly. Bread in the form of whole wheat/multi-grain 2, maybe 3 times weekly. Certain vegetables are a good form of carbs, depending upon what works for you. Cauliflower, broccoli tend to irritate the GI tract. No corn (starch, anyway).

High protein depends on height/weight. Go back to my stats. I consume at least 150grams of protein daily. With PLENTY of water (no Propel, etc....too much sodium). Protein shakes (with low carbs and low sodium) with 50g of protein per shake, protein bars, in addition to your meals will easily meet this criteria. Again, I have researched this and there is plenty of data in medical journals supporting high protein diets in conjuction with medical therapy for those with IBD. I have never felt better. This amount of protein might also make your stools more formed, or possible decrease the number of bowel movements you have daily.

Give it a try for several weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised. Don't be swayed by others telling you your kidney function is going to suffer. As long as you are not a diabetic or have high blood pressure, you will be fine. As long as you consume PLENTY OF WATER!!! Be well and I hope you give this a go

Thanks for the reply,

I am asking as I have a few patients/clients that either have IBD, Celiacs or Crohns depending on the specialist they see. One reacted very favorable to a gluten free diet. The others where in the low carb or even the Ketogenic type diets. I think that Crohns has a lot of varied presentations clinically and the medical literature is really kind of all over the place for treatments really.

[FireGuy]

I appreciate your follow-up question. Just to let you know, I am one of two medical professional in my town with Crohn's Disease. I have extensive knowledge on IBD and anything I write on this blog I have researched extensively and/or experienced myself. That being said, I have tried many, many diets...as I am resistant to several medical therapies, including Remicade and 6-MP.

I currently take Asacol 3x daily, Bentyl 3x daily, Canasa suppositories (as needed) and Colocort enemas (as needed). This regimen works for me, but I truly believe diet is key to avoiding exacerbations of your disease.

I have tried a gluten free diet, but that in and of itself did not work for me. Many physicians and nutritionist will give you varying opinions regarding dietary recommendations. What worked for me (and truly saved me) by helping me gain weight in the form of lean muscle (as I weight train extensively 6x weekly) is a high protein/low carbohydrate diet. And I mean HIGH protein. I am 5'4" and weigh 125lbs...low body fat...lean muscle. This is a significant change from weighing 105lbs and having muscle atrophy after a disease flare.

Low carbs meaning NO pasta or potatoes. Brown rice 2, maybe 3 times weekly. Bread in the form of whole wheat/multi-grain 2, maybe 3 times weekly. Certain vegetables are a good form of carbs, depending upon what works for you. Cauliflower, broccoli tend to irritate the GI tract. No corn (starch, anyway).

High protein depends on height/weight. Go back to my stats. I consume at least 150grams of protein daily. With PLENTY of water (no Propel, etc....too much sodium). Protein shakes (with low carbs and low sodium) with 50g of protein per shake, protein bars, in addition to your meals will easily meet this criteria. Again, I have researched this and there is plenty of data in medical journals supporting high protein diets in conjuction with medical therapy for those with IBD. I have never felt better. This amount of protein might also make your stools more formed, or possible decrease the number of bowel movements you have daily.

Give it a try for several weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised. Don't be swayed by others telling you your kidney function is going to suffer. As long as you are not a diabetic or have high blood pressure, you will be fine. As long as you consume PLENTY OF WATER!!! Be well and I hope you give this a go

Do you have issues with all fibrous carbs or just the cauliflower and broccoli? If not what do you attribute the problems to from those two?

[Femme40]

In response to Post #6, you are absolutely right that GH is an excellent treatment for IBD. However, it is reserved for moderate to severe disease as in your friend who had Stage III. The dose is significantly lower for those who use GH strictly for bodybuilding. I considered using GH as an adjunct in my weight training routine, also taking into consideration that I have Crohn's Disease. But the fact that my disease is so well controlled, my colonoscopy has been clean and I have been without flares for an extended period of time at this point did not make me a candidate for a prescription from my physician (unfortunately, as it is quite expensive!) I would have to obtain it through other means.

GH for IBD works through repairing the ulcerations of the small/large intestines...which is a godsend for those who are bordering on surgery. A resection of the intestines followed by a colostomy bag is THE worst nightmare for those with this disease. So, anyone with moderate to severe disease, please ask your physician about treatment with GH. It is covered by health insurance...and is the most current form of therapy. Again, can be found in many journals. Great articles found in the New England Journal of Medicine, if interested. In addition to healing the intestinal wall....many wonderful benefits, as well!!!

[Femme40]

In response to Post #6, you are absolutely right that GH is an excellent treatment for IBD. However, it is reserved for moderate to severe disease as in your friend who had Stage III. The dose is significantly lower for those who use GH strictly for bodybuilding. I considered using GH as an adjunct in my weight training routine, also taking into consideration that I have Crohn's Disease. But the fact that my disease is so well controlled, my colonoscopy has been clean and I have been without flares for an extended period of time at this point did not make me a candidate for a prescription from my physician (unfortunately, as it is quite expensive!) I would have to obtain it through other means.

GH for IBD works through repairing the ulcerations of the small/large intestines...which is a godsend for those who are bordering on surgery. A resection of the intestines followed by a colostomy bag is THE worst nightmare for those with this disease. So, anyone with moderate to severe disease, please ask your physician about treatment with GH. It is covered by health insurance...and is the most current form of therapy. Again, can be found in many journals. Great articles found in the New England Journal of Medicine, if interested. In addition to healing the intestinal wall....many wonderful benefits, as well!!!