Expert: Ryan Hale - 10/24/2009

Question
Hi,I have ulcerative colitis and often don't feel like eating properly.  I also exercise a lot (running/spin classes, generally going to the gym about 3 times a week)  wondered if I have an eating disorder.  I really try and eat when I can but it's really difficult trying to eat food that won't make colitis worse and yet keep intake of calories up to keep going.  Any information and help would be greatly appreciated because I have become quite thin and think this is making it harder to exercise.  Thanks from Gillian

Answer
Gill- I recently worked with a female basketball player who was in a similar situation.  It's not easy to go through what you have, especially as an athlete.  Your food is your fuel and that's where you have to be careful.  Many athletes with ulcerative colitis put exercise first and eating second, but you have to pay even more attention to your diet than the average athlete because of your condition.  I'm sure it's a drag to have to think about what will bother your GI tract and what won't... to the point that it's sometimes just easier to not eat at all.  You have to "feed the machine" though.  My recommendation would be to work with a nutritionist to find more food choices that will work or make adjustments to your current diet.  You may have already talked to one after your diagnosis, but you should be working with someone on an ongoing basis and with someone who has some training in nutrition and performance.  Also, look into seeing a counselor a couple times a month.  Talking to someone about the frustrations that come with living with your condition can help tremendously.  They'll be happy to discuss how it is effecting every aspect of your life: relationships, diet, and even your exercise activity.   Please think about seeing someone.  If you can find someone with a background in sport or performance psychology even better!