Recommendations for Microcystic Colitis

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From Medical News Today

Foods to eat

There are currently no dietary guidelines for people with MC. However, despite limited research into the topic, there is some interest in using probiotics.

Probiotics

Some researchers have suggested that probiotics may benefit people with MC because these bacteria and yeasts can help relieve symptoms of other gut conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis.

However, there is only limited evidence that probiotics or other foods that increase beneficial gut bacteria may help treat MC. More research into probiotics is necessary to confirm their effectiveness for people with this condition.

Water

Drinking plenty of water or other liquids during episodes of MC is essential. The body loses fluids during episodes of diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking enough water is also essential for many bodily functions, including digestive processes.

Foods To Limit

Caffeine

Foods and drinks that contain caffeine can include:

energy drinks

coffee and tea

cola

chocolate

Lactose

Foods and drinks that contain lactose can include:

milk, buttermilk, and cream

yogurt

cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream

soft cheeses

ice-cream

Fiber

Doctors may recommend a low fiber diet to help manage diarrhea for people with MC. Fiber aids the passage of food through the digestive symptom. In some people, a low fiber diet may relieve diarrhea symptoms during an episode of MC.

Foods that are high in fiber include:

beans, pulses, and peas

nuts and seeds

potatoes

raw fruits

raw vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach

whole wheat or whole grain bread, cereals, pasta, and rice

Gluten

In people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten intolerance, eating foods containing gluten causes digestive symptoms similar to those of MC, including diarrhea and abdominal pain. People with celiac disease are more likely to have MC than people without this condition.

A person with MC should see their doctor for a blood test to rule out celiac disease. There is no cure for celiac disease, but a gluten-free diet will help minimize or prevent symptoms.

Gluten is a general name for the naturally present proteins in cereal grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. People with celiac disease should avoid foods that contain gluten.

FODMAPs

FODMAPs are certain carbohydrates (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) that the body has difficulty digesting. They can also cause digestive symptoms. People on a low-FODMAP diet avoid foods containing these carbohydrates. Foods that contain these carbohydrates include:

fruits and vegetables

dairy products

wheat and rye products

sugars and artificial sweeteners

Although there is little research on MC specifically, a low FODMAP diet can help relieve symptoms in people with other digestive disorders, such as IBS.

Other causes

Researchers believe excessive alcohol consumption might increase the riskTrusted Source of developing MC. Some people with MC may find that avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption improves their symptoms.

Smoking can increase the risk of developing or worsening symptoms of many digestive disorders, including MC. Doctors usually advise people with MC who smoke to quit.

There is not yet any scientific proof that medications can cause MC. However, there are links between MC and certain medications, including some antidepressants, several cardiovascular drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Medical treatment

Medications are generally effective in treating MC. In addition to recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, a doctor or gastroenterologist may prescribe:

medications that reduce or prevent diarrhea

corticosteroids, such as budesonide

antibiotics

immunomodulators and anti-TNF therapies

 

 

Age Related Memory Loss

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According to the Alzheimer’s Society, normal aging leads to most of the following, which people usually start to notice from their 40s or 50s:

Becoming a little more forgetful

Taking a bit longer to remember things

Getting distracted more easily

Finding it harder to do several things at once.

Although this may be frustrating, for most people, it is a natural part of aging, and it is not a sign of dementia.

However, around 40% of people aged 65 and over do have some age-associated memory impairment. But of these, only 1% will progress to develop a form of dementia.

In some people, memory cognitive impairment (MCI) is caused by a hormonal imbalance or nutrient deficiency, so once this is resolved, the MCI can be reversed.

In others, it may be the first sign of dementia. People with MCI have mild memory and thinking problems but can usually take care of themselves and carry out normal daily activities.

 

Symptoms of MCI may include:

Forgetting about appointments or social events

Misplacing household items, such as car keys, clothing, or other objects

Raving greater difficulty finding the right words than peers of the same age

Having trouble remembering events, instructions, or conversations.

Although MCI may develop into dementia, for many the condition does not progress further.

However, if the symptoms persist, or start to impact daily functioning, this may mean that the person is developing dementia. In this case, they must seek medical help and diagnosis.

 Ways to Improve Memory

A Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Keeping physically healthy can help protect against memory loss and dementia. Experts recommends regular aerobic exercise, and a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

In addition, getting the right amount of sleep, socializing, minimizing stress, and keeping health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes under control will help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

A new study has also highlighted the importance of vitamin D in preserving cognitive function. In this study of postmortem brains, the brains of people with higher cognitive function before death contained higher levels of vitamin D.

The researchers found that although the higher levels of vitamin D were associated with up to 33% lower odds of dementia symptoms, they were not associated with any decrease in post-mortem dementia neuropathology.

Exercise the Brain

Although keeping active and engaged as you age may not prevent dementia, mentally stimulating activities, such as volunteering, reading, playing games, or learning new skills could help lower the risk.

Doing word games, such as crosswords, has long been advocated in the popular press as a means of keeping yourself sharp, but recent studies confirm this type of brain exercise.

The Bottom Line

As we age, many of us will find we experience more frequent memory lapses, but unless these start to interfere with daily functioning, they are unlikely to be a sign of impending dementia.

To minimize the occurrence of memory issues, the advice is to keep active, eat well, look after your health, and stay engaged in lots of social and stimulating activities. And remember, like any part of the body, the brain will function better if it is exercised.

So keep up the daily word puzzle, and for even greater benefit tackle it with a friend. It could well be doing you more good than you realize.