I decided to start the keto diet as a way to lose some inches and make my pants fit better. I am a huge researcher, I will spend hours on the interwebs looking at all sorts of info about things I am interested in. During my research, I ran across some articles about people with inflammatory bowel diseases having excellent results with their disease while living the keto lifestyle. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about 18 months ago and have only gotten a bit better on the meds the doc gave me. The science of the diet makes sense all around, but once I read those articles about IBD and keto, it really got me thinking. Wheat products, sugar, and processed foods are infamous for causing inflammation. I guess my question is if any one else here in the forum suffers from IBD or any other autoimmune disorder that they’ve helped with their lifestyle change?
New to Keto, looking for some advice!
I don’t have that issue myself, but I know a well formulated Keto diet is low inflammation (helps reduce, near eliminate my arthritis symptoms). If you do a search for IBD in the forum generally (oddly not a specific topic under the health tab), you’ll get a whole list of threads where it’s discussed.
Yes, and it’s helped massively. When I started the diet I was in constant pain and now the opiates are gone and I hurt only rarely and not nearly as intensely. I’m still fooling around with additional changes within Keto that seem to be improving things even more.
Hello and welcome.
One person with auto-immune disorder comes to mind. @kaclp . It’s likely there are others but Kristen seems to be doing great on Keto so far. Hopefully she can add her 2 cents when she sees this mention.
Also this thread talks about Diverticulitis and IBD. @atomicspacebunny has a really good response about the subject, with links that might interest you.
https://www.ketogenicforums.com/t/diverticulitis-and-keto/49071/17
If you plug in Auto immune or IBD in the search feature, you can find other related threads too. Hope this was helpful.
I don’t have diverticulitis But I do have an autoimmune disorder. Keto has helped immensely. The inflammation has gone down and my symptoms have all reduced. In the beginning I just ate basic Whole Foods, nothing manufactured. I have since added in a few things like almond flour raspberries etc maybe once a week. I would say if Keto doesn’t help than reduce down to a few basic foods for a couple of weeks and then slowly add Keto foods back in to see which ones affect you.
So you’re doing this because of your digestive issues? If so I am a believer in making and eating fermented veggies with your diet as our ancestors all over the world have been doing for thousands of years for food presentation. But the added benefit of probiotic cultures is coming to light for more people. Here in America especially our diet lacks that element because of the processed foods industry. It’s fun and easy and a great way to repair your gut health while making your diet more interesting and healthy. Also if you spend an hour making 4 quarts of veggies they’re ready to eat or take along to go in the car. It is time well spent.
I wish you luck on this turning point in your life if that’s the way you go.
I would like to mention you use of the word “lifestyle “. An excellent starting attitude.
Hi Tiffani,
I’m not familiar with IBD but I do have several autoimmune disorders (Sjogrens, RA, Systemic Vasculitis, Bier Spots, Raynauds, Eosinophilia Gastritis). I’m only 7 weeks into the keto woe, however within the second week my inflammation was drastically decreasing. Honestly I’m surprised by how fast I’m improving considering my vasculitis is so severe and seems to rule most of my symptoms. I feel better than I’ve felt in six years, it’s incredible. I’ve tried Paleo, sugar free, whole 30 and anti-inflammatory diets and none were comparable to how I feel on keto. I’ve done a lot of research too and I have my own crazy theory about why I’m feeling better–mostly to do with vasodilation/constriction and vasculitis. I hope keto woe treats you as well as its treating me! Good luck!
I started initially to lose some weight. But in my research learned that this may be beneficial for my goofy digestive tract as well. Thanks for your tip about fermented veg, I’ll keep that in mind if I need a boost on my gut health!
Thank you for sharing! I’m 6 days in today and can already tell that my guts are happier!