Hi guys,
Well me and my k pouch are getting on in years and things change.
A few years ago I started to notice red-patchy-scratchy skin popping up regularly on my face and scalp.
I tried different creams but as soon as I stopped them it came back and worsened. (I am self-conscious enough to not feel comfortable about it)
So I decided on a diet change (elimination diet). I tested dairy-free for a while and my pouch was thrilled (I haven't had milk in 40yrs but eat a lot of Greek yogurt & ice cream as well as French cheeses (non pasteurized milk). It greatly reduced the gas & gurgling but did nothing for the patchy skin.
So I tried switching white flour with whole grain and my pouch was thrilled but the scratchy-patchy remained.
So I eventually cut out all gluten. Eureka! the patchy-scratchy disappeared.
I managed about 2 months with 0 gluten (I ate potatoes or rice whenever I was craving carbs...after about a week without any bread or pasta the cravings started to dissipate) and had great results.
My skin and complexion were clear. My joints actually felt much better too, I was able to walk further and felt less tired.
I pretty much survived from June until Christmas when confinement + holiday sweets got the best of me and I overdosed on cake. The patchy-scratchies returned as well as the joint pain and the pouch discomfort.
It has been close to a year since I started my experiment with diet...although I truly miss my bread and pasta (yes, I have tried the G-F versions but they are honestly not worthwhile) I am finding that it is so much easier to not fight against my body.
A good night's sleep is priceless. Without the gluten and dairy, I sleep better, have less gas, less joint pain, and almost not facial rashes.
I won't say that I do not cheat occasionally but I am learning to master my cravings.
It is not for everybody. If you are not allergic then I do not think that it is necessary or even recommended. Apparently, I must have some sort of allergy to gluten which is why I get the red patches.
I never thought that I could live without my favorite foods but I guess that you can live without just about anything.
If you are having problems, before going for meds, you might want to try an elimination diet.
Sharon