Q: When washing our vegetables, is it "safe" to do this using water from the tap? Or do we need to wash our veggies with the same spring water we drink? Concerned that washing from the tap will hinder treatment, as we're ingesting any remaining tap water on the produce?

 

A: I have always had my patients wash with tap. It would be incredibly expensive to wash with spring water. I have not found this to be an issue and this would be a very minute residue on uncooked veggies that would potentially transalte into a reaction. Perhaps I am not focused on this enough, but, this has been my experience.

 

Q: My baby daughter is transitioning to solids, and so I've had to handle veggies and fruits that I am not "cleared" to eat yet in treatment (i.e. sweet potatoes, bananas, carrots). Will the accidental encounter of these foods on my fingertips (as I prepare them and feed my messy baby!) create issues for my treatment? Should I be wearing gloves for this, too?

 

A: This is a great question! Bananas could, because they are very wet and mushy and could penetrate into the skin more than the others, so I would minimize any skin contact with them. Perhaps trying to use utensils as much as possible would be safest.

 

Q: While in treatment, is it problematic to sit out in the sun for a half hour or so at a time? Will this time/length of exposure exacerbate IC symptoms, create skin issues, interact negatively with any of the herbs you prescribe?

 

A: Some people feel better with sun exposure and som much worse. This is typically something you can tell fairly immediately. So, go with how you feel and be sure to let me know.

 

Q: Before I got sick with IC, I used to use a light body bronzer on my legs and arms and face to give me a little color instead of sunbathing (hoping to protect my skin). However, since being in treatment, I've stopped wearing makeup or anything altogether (except occassionally wearing Gabriel products for special occassions), and have only been using BomaSense products. I've noticed most bronzers have Vitamin E and some have coconut oil--all bad for us with IC! However, I was wondering if you knew of ANY "safe" body bronzer to use while in treatment? Also, in recovery, will we be able to use bronzers ever again, so long as they don't have coconut oil and other harmful chemicals?

 

A: I dont think that there are any healthy bronzers out there and I think that it isnt really possible to create this effect in a healthful way. You could get a little color by sitting out in the sun if it makes you feel well. And I would close with, all skin colors are beautiful, try to focus on the beauty you have! Light skin can also be stunning as much as darker skin can:) They are just...different.

 

Dr.M