Food intolerances

[fudge13]

Does having PBC cause you to develop food intolerances ? Over the past few years I have developed some food intolerances and I’m not sure if it’s due to my PBC or something else .

[LucyRainbow]

I can't answer as I'm still early in my diagnosis and finding things out but would be interested to find out as I seem to have developed food intolerances as well!! Looking forward to reading some replies

[ENuk]

This could be interesting. Looking back I think I developed food intolerance possibly around the time of PBC. I have never previously linked the two.

I am not seeing a Dr, just trying to work it out by himself.

[Candy12]

I don’t think it’s PBC related, but I have developed intolerance to lactose and wheat. It was found to be the trigger for my IBS symptoms.

Celiac can be more common in those with other autoimmune issues, so any noticeable intolerances are always worth a discussion with your doctors.

[butterflyEi]

I find I cannot tolerate fatty foods and I no longer eat hot curries but still like well spiced foods.

[dollydaydreams]

I am now Ceoliac and i wasnt before PBC, I now only have to look a a piece of bread and i am ill for about 3 hrs

[liver-bird in reply to dollydaydreams]

Me too

[GrittyReads]

It depends quite what sorts of gut/food/digestion, etc problems, pains and responses you are suffering. It might help to spend a period charting your exact response to specific foods, and amounts.

As PBC alters the bile and other substances that are released into the small intestine, from the liver, then the digestion of certain foodstuffs is often upset, in some cases of PBC (this depends on the severity of the PBC, how soon PBC is diagnosed, and what treatments you can get/tolerate). It is mainly the digestion and absorption of fat, and also the absorption of some important vitamins and minerals, that becomes problematic with PBC. So this particular = lack of digestion may be responsible for some of the problems you have experienced - it depends what they are.

Really this is something your GP or PBC specialist could/should help you with. Try to chart exactly what seems to be happening and go back to them.

However, other food related problems could also be being cause by other conditions. It is difficult, but it does seem that people who have one sort of autoimmune condition - like PBC - often have other sorts of autoimmune illnesses.

Again, chart what is happening and go back to your GP or specialist.

I hope this helps,

Gritty

PS At the moment, I don't have PBC (just AMAs) but I have tests every year to see if PBC is developing. However, I also have minor cases of a few other autoimmune conditions, but none of them have had a major effect on me, except endometriosis.

[fudge13]

Thank you all for your responses. I have had PBC for about 15 years and as the years go on I seem to becoming intolerant of more and more foods. I did see my Gp earlier this year, but he just said avoid what is upsetting you 😕 but sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly what Is causing the stomach and bowel pain. I know fish, mushrooms and pasta are definite triggers. I am due to see my liver specialist later this year, so will speak to him. I just wondered if it is related to PBC or not. Thanks again everyone

[Candy12 in reply to fudge13]

When I had IBS type issues, I mentioned it to my consultant it was her that sent me to a dietitian to help eliminate what was causing it. That was after she’d tested me for other stomach pain possibilities including celiac. So do mention it to your consultant and ask if you could be referred. Its really worth it to feel you can at least eat without discomfort.

[fudge13 in reply to Candy12]

Thank you, I will do that

[mrspeffer2]

Oh boy...a resounding YES! I camnemember having a gut of steal as a kid. That was before "Frankenfoods" hit the market. Food was different in the 1950's than today for commercial products. Now, not knowing if it is PBC related or Monsanto related, I have developed "sensitivities" to many foods I used to be able to ingest and digest with no gastric issues what so ever. I've been dealing with PBC over 20 years that have been spent experimenting with what works in my body. I know for sure if I eat even small portions of animal products, I have to take a full spectrum digestive enzyme. Sometimes, that doesn't even ensure no gastric distress. Many foods cause unexpected bowel voids, others cause constipation. The only "diet" that I have had no gastric distress on was when I was Raw Vegan. Well, that movement has dwindled and there are very few if any Raw restaurants around anymore. Preparing raw meals is tedious and my energy levels are not always stellar. So, some food have been re-introduced in my life and my digestive system rapidly and frequently lets me know it is not happy. I strive to eat organic foods and only eat commercial items when absolutely no other choice is available. Be well

[fudge13 in reply to mrspeffer2]

So sorry to hear that you have these problems too. 😕 PBC seems to affect so many other organs and systems in our body

[lilygrower]

I've had food intolerances for over 10 yrs and was just diagnosed with PBC 1 yr ago. I'm highly gluten intolerant and somewhat lactose intolerant. I'm allergic to fish and shrimp with gastro symptoms. These issues have gotten worse in recent years. I have to carry some food with me when I travel in case no options, and seem to be more sensitive than a few years ago. I do belive it is all related somehow.

It's important to find what you can eat and stick with it.

Lilygrower

[Sona_akb]

I didn’t experienced food intolerance yet but my taste preference have changed a lot. I can’t stand sour food and makes me feel very very unpleasant. But in love with sweet things😋😋😋

Maybe it could be related to dry mouth

[Odieweb]

I have found that an AIP (auto immune protocol) diet that avoids wheat, dairy, sugar, alcohol has been doing well for me. At first for 30 days I didn't eat nuts either, or any additives, but have loosened up a bit. It is a challenge at times. For example I've been invited to dinner at a friend's this evening and may not be able to eat what is on the menu. Generally I feel well in my new way of eating. Before that I was having some food intolerances.

[Sona_akb in reply to Odieweb]

AIP seems a wise choice but if I don’t eat any wheat or dairy then I will die next day😂😂😂. But seriously I think it’s a hard diet for those who work and don’t have enough time or for those who loose weight immediately.

[Odieweb in reply to Sona_akb]

I agree it is challenging and may be impossible for some, particularly the challenge can be keeping weight on. However for me it seems to be helping so far. And wheat and dairy are my favourites so yes like your humour about it.

[littysgirl]

Yes I do have food intolerances and I'm trying now to remember when it started in relation to being diagnosed with PBC. It's very possible that they came the same year. I also started with asthma and seasonal allergies around then. It's not just fatty foods - I had my gall bladder taken out 20 years ago and I dealt with the fatty food issues then and seem to have resolved those. My first surprise was eggs - not eggs in a recipe for pasta or bread or a minor ingredient but dishes that are primarily eggs, like quiche or omelets. Omelets used to be my special treat on Sundays and now I haven't had one in years. Also I used to make them for dinner. No more. I miss eggs! Fruit - most fruit I can get away with a half of an apple but not a whole one. That kind of stuff. Everything sends me running to the bathroom. I had a whole series of tests through a gastroenterologist to look for another reason for the sudden change with no answers. I went to two different allergists who told me I wasn't allergic to anything. One of them told me there was a difference between an allergy and an intolerance but didn't explain it well or tell me what I could do about it.

Bottom line - I have no answers but I will be curious to see if anyone else does.

[fudge13 in reply to littysgirl]

I also have asthma and an under active thyroid too. I can no longer eat fish, mushrooms and eggs. Sometimes pasta and bread cause problems too. It seems that once you have one auto immune conditions, other things get added to the list 😕

[kizzywizzy99]

I was diagnosed back in 2000 with stage 1,-had been suffering from fatigue, itchy scalp and nausea. Put on 1000 mg urso daily, but no advice about diet. I started researching how to stay healthy and reduce fatigue. I looked at all the ways I could reduce pressure on my liver. I have tried to reduce all the toxins in my environment, diet, cosmetics, household products. I became vegetarian around this time, for animal welfare reasons, and found that not eating meat has been helpful. My diet is made up of as much organic food as possible, organic porridge with organic dried fruit, golden linseed, fresh fruit chopped in, with either oat milk or soya custard or yogurt. Main meal organic vegetables with potatoes, rice, pasta. I try to avoid processed foods as much as possible, cook from scratch or use organic prepared sauces. Organic coconut or olive oil. I dont buy bread, cakes or biscuits, but do eat them when out or in a friend's house, but not large amounts. I've reduced sugar in (decaff) tea and coffee to about 3/4 flat spoon, trying to cut it out together! My cholesterol has always been high, so I've avoided eggs, and not too much cheese over the years. My bloods are good so far, I don't have much fatigue, slight itch at times but not enough to take meds for..my GP knows I am almost vegan-and she tests my B12 regularly, no problems there. I try to take a good walk daily, the fitter I am, the less fatigue I have. I've started Yin Yoga recently and been very pleased that I am not as stiff in my joints as some others 20 years younger. (I am now 65 )

This might seem an extreme diet because we have become very used to fast food and processed products. Its as close as I can get to what hunans would have been eating before the industrial revolution brought us to cities, away from home grown foods of our neighbourhoods, which I think has caused many 'new' diseases. I only use organic shampoo, moisturiser, no make up. For cleaning the house, organic washing up and washing liquid, no laundry additives, I use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar around the house, nothing toxic under the sink. And I haven't drank alcohol since diagnosis

[fudge13]

Wow, that takes a lot of commitment, but well done you. I do make most of my meals from scratch but don’t buy organic because of the cost. Maybe I should look at the household things too. Thanks for your response

[kizzywizzy99]

Hi fudge13, Not eating meat, drinking alcohol or smoking has allowed me that extra bit of income to manage organic foods. I am on state oension, so its not much. Its a commitment I made, because, coming from a farming background, I am so aware of all the chemicals used in modern commercial farming, I know they cannot be good for anyone's body. Do you have a local Farmer's Market? An organic box scheme? Or a Community Supported Agriculture scheme? For a fixed amount a week, you would get a selection of available organic produce, well worth checking out. If you must have bread etc, bake your own with organic flour, thus avoiding the Roundup (glyphosate) found in most commercially produced flours.

[fudge13 in reply to kizzywizzy99]

Thank you for the information and advice. I plan to look into your suggestions

[kizzywizzy99 in reply to fudge13]

Let me know how you get on! Nothing I have done is harmful, but has been a great help. Best of luck!

[Yukiko]

I suspect I have had PBC for 8 years now, when I began having severe dry eyes. I also became lactose-intolerant about the same time. The past few years, I have developed an intolerance to wheat, oats, corn, pasta, pizza, sweets (cake, cookies) and fried foods. It really is miserable, especially when you have a family. It is hard to eat only protein and veggies and fruit all day. I get so hungry for a piece of bread or pizza, then suffer terrible for a day or 2. 😔 Pizza is the worse, as it has dairy, wheat and oil, but life is miserable without pizza every now and then 😭