Menstrual Cycle and Ulcerative Colitis — Be Prepared
Hey Folks,
It’s been a long time since my last post. I’ve been pretty busy with training and getting ready for the half marathon as well as fundraising for it! It’s been fun times.
HOWEVER. I’ve been dealing with some horrible days this week. Firstly, I got a shin splint that really hurt but thankfully, our CCFA team trainer gave some great tips on how to roll them out with a foam roller (and I found some tips online about how to use a golf/tennis ball).
Secondly, and what this post will be mostly focusing on, I got my period. TMI. It’s been about two months long, and just two months after my last flare up. I figured, there must be a pattern? I still haven’t seen a GYN about this, and I am in need for a good, new Gastro so if anyone knows anyone in NYC.. let me know!
- Fatigue is how it began. I just felt low energy about 6 days before my period. I thought it was just my increase in activity but something definitely didn’t feel right. I could not get out of bed. If you have not changed much in your diet, and you are only slowly increasing your exercise regimen, and your period is right around the corner.. beware!
- Nausea began only 2 days before my period. The urge to vomit. I know. It’s kind of gross.
- Hot Flashes and Chills no fun
- Fever low-grade and lasted about 24 hours (lower than 100 degrees)
- Heart Palpitations or Tachychardia
- Arthritis/joint pain and inflammation
- Diarrhea started just a day before my period and is still going on during the period… You can expect flare up-like diarrhea. Sadly..
- Abdominal Pain, Colon “pulsing”, bloated-ness, gurgling
So what should you eat at this time? Well.. I barely have an appetite because I just want to vomit mostly. But if you are pretty sure you’re not flaring, the important thing is to keep hydrated and make sure you are eating pretty easy to digest stuff. Your colon will thank you later!
I like to stick with homemade chicken soup, boiled eggs (if they don’t make you feel more bloated), and steamed carrots. I avoid the SCD yogurt because of my previous experience with lactose (I’m asian! we’re all intolerant! haha) but you might do well with it. Eat it if you can!
Specific Carbohydrates Diet Beats Ulcerative Colitis 
For the nausea, if you can tolerate lemon and ginger, try Ginger People ginger soother juice. I know how tough things can be, I have actually woken up in the middle of the night to throw up. I know TMI but just saying. If your nausea is really bad and your really upset don’t eat food unless you puree it. Also make sure to drink lots of broth to soothe the stomach and give you vital nutrients it’s a super easy to digest food when you can’t eat. Apple or pear sauce is another great food.