desperate for help with the diet

[linda boyer]

Hi
I am just struggling so much with the whole diet thing. I have been trying to figure it out for months now. It seems I can eat something one week but not the next but then I have no idea if it was what I thought it was or not causing the problem. If anyone has any idea's I would appreciate it so much. Is zucchini, popcorn or spinach a problem for most of you or no? I don't know what to do either about traveling and eating. We very much want to take a trip but it's terrifying to think about eating out that much. What do some of you do in order to lead a semi normal life? Thanks in advance
Linda

[Moonheart]

Hi,

Just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone and alot of us are struggling as well. Alot of the ladies here are just SOOO knowledgeable (unfortunately I'm not one of them) and will help you in no time!

Just wanted to give you a ((((((hug)))))) and hope you have a great day!

Moonheart

[MakinIT]

You know, so many people find that following the diet is excellent with managing the flares. Others still struggle despite their hard work. For me, I absolutely CANNOT touch anything spicy. I used to be the one at the table adding habenero sauce to my mexican food, or asking for hot sauce on my Thai. Now, I can't handle a thing. I am also finding my reaction to coffee finally starting to get nasty. (it didn't bother me for a long time) But I do okay with so many things that are a no no. However, I go into slumps when I can't eat anything. I almost think your body tells you what you can handle. I have consistently switched to organic food. It is expensive but so much better for me. (and my family eats more organic foods.) I always try to find organics at a reg. grocery store as it seems to be cheaper than at a strictly organic...but I do love the strictly organic stores.

Tracey

[linda boyer]

thanks for the hug

Just wanted to let you know I appreciate your words of encouragement. I also try very hard to remember there is always someone out there worse than me so I should remain thankful for any good day. Thanks for the input.
Linda

[ICNDonna]

I moved your post to the diet board, where you should get more helpful responses.

You mentioned that you enjoy going places, which requires a lot of restaurant dining. When we eat in a restaurant, I pretty much stick with the things I know are IC safe. I don't hesitate to ask about contents of a food item if I can't tell. If I order a hamburger, I request that the lettuce, etc., be on a side dish and that no sauce of any kind be added. I can then put the lettuce on myself --- I always open my sandwich to be certain nothing has been added and send it back if it has. French fries and baked potatoes are usually okay.

Donna

[linda boyer]

Thanks!

Thank you Donna for the help. I am still trying to navigate this site. I appreciate the suggestions so much. Linda

[Want2BPainFree]

Hi, there. I'm new as well, and so far I've found that strictly adhering to the right hand column of the food list is working for me very well. I've still had bad days here and there and some flares, but overall, the diet is helping.

Keep up the good work, it will pay off in the end.

To share, my main goal is to eliminate any and all ingredients that I don't know what they are. Period. Also, I've been trying to research the hidden MSG in food labels. That stuff is all over the place!

That pretty much eliminates a lot of what is in the right hand column on the list. It also pretty much eliminated ALL processed foods.

It is tough, it is expensive, and you've come to the right place to get a sympathetic ear. I am sure you feel nobody else quite understands your situation. And that has to be true because you've yet to have time enough to figure it out for yourself.

So, with that said, I wish you luck. Try to make everything from scratch, and try to avoid processed foods.


I have not had a problem with zucchini. Could be how it was prepared. I have not tried spinach yet as I think it is in the maybe or usually a problem category. I do not eat popcorn as I have to be on a low sodium diet, and unless I pop it myself, I won't eat it. And I don't see me having time to pop popcorn that doesn't come in a bag with all its lovely little preservatives and additives.

[MakinIT]

MSG is bad. I had problems with that b-4 I had IC. I avoid that like hot sauce, tequila (ooooh how I would love a shot of tequila....I am so naughty...sigh) But although some things are prettty consistent across all of us there are, like I said, some individual issues that will not bother one or the other person. Really avoid preservatives...and it is spendy. At first, I was like, "this is mom's food...!" then I got to thinking...this other stuff is bad for you, so I wound up spending more money on groceries, but I feel better about what everyone eats. (my 2 kids LOVE fruits and veggies, they are better than I with their servings)

Anyway, alot is trial and error....

[linda boyer]

thanks so much for everyones input

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to give advice. I have been making everything from scratch and avoiding all processed foods but boy is that a challenge. From want2bepainfree - you mention the right hand side of the food column. Can you just let me know what food list you are referring to?
Thanks again. Linda

[Kathy in Canada]

right hand side of list

Linda,

Here is the link to the list of foods from the patient handbook on this site that has the items on the right that more commonly bother people with IC. Additives and preservatives are among them.

http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/diet.html

I printed out the list and keep a copy on the fridge. I tick off foods that I'm OK with. I have only tried foods from the left and middle sides so far.

Kathy

[linda boyer]

diet list

Thank you Kathy! Linda