IBS eating guidlines? Worth a try.

Denise found some really good articles about cancer prevention and items to include in our diets, at http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100233884&imageindex=1. The good news is I have incorporated some of these items into our routine, some cause me a bit of distress, but the end is worth the means, right?

I've spent a few weeks learning a lot about IBS and other colonic maladies that I thought might make sense to incorporate into my diet the guidelines that others have developed work well for them. Since no one seems to be making progress on dietary info for colon cancer survivors.

Here's what I found out. Since my system is now shorter/compacted, it is trying to do the same amount of work - get all the nutrients out of my food in less time. As soon as I begin eating anything, I get abdominal cramping signaling the digestive system to begin working, how most of us would describe "bowel urgency". The cramping gets worse when I eat a "trigger food" (which can be almost anything, usually high in fat and low in nutrients) or when there is a slack space in the digestive system so the muscles contract more in an empty section than in a full section. I've been combating this by eating more often and filler foods (not always nutritionally dense foods) - hence my weight gain. Apparently, that is not the way to go, as my pants have been telling me for months.

The new plan is to follow IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) guidelines and extremely limit my exposure to red meat, dairy, eggs, and fried foods. Yea, looks like fun if you've ever seen my dinner plate. Green salad is now a last course part of my meal and white, sourdough, or french bread begins every meal. On the plus side, my fondness for peppermint or chamomile tea is a natural digestive calming tonic, so I'll be carrying those with me more often. Fiber supplements help keep the "slack" out of the system and minimize cramping. Overall, I'm looking at more soluble fiber foundations for my dietary needs. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and absorbs the excess water in the digestive tract making things move more smoothly overall.

My staples are
Grains: limited WHOLE WHEAT - rice, pasta/noodles, Oatmeal, barley, Fresh white breads (French or sourdough), rice cereals, flour tortillas, Quinoa, Corn meal, Potatoes,
Veggies: Carrots, Yams, Sweet potatoes, Turnips, Rutabagas, Parsnips, Beets, Squash and pumpkins, Chestnuts
Fruit: Avocados, Bananas, Applesauce Mangoes Papayas (natural digestive enzymes)
Meat: Soy, White poultry meat,
Milk: soy, rice or oat milk. Cheeses, soy, rice or almond substitutes.
Be on the lookout for recipes utilizing these components.

Fish and Poultry in limited amounts, very little red meat as well as much smaller, more frequent meals to stay full and not let a lag in the process develop (that's also where the fiber supplements come in).

I don't expect changes as far as your cooking or when we have meals together. I just may bring more of my staples to add to the meal and may take less and don't want to offend anyone. The recipes I bring are bound to have at least one "Surprise ingredient" from now on; more than likely soy. I need to be more aware and diligent in staying away from foods that will not feel good later. Apparently, my system is a trial and error system and I think I've hit all the errors so it's time to start making some good choices and see where that takes me.

Hopefully, when I start putting better things in again, the urge to exercise will be easier to encourage. I'll let you know how the road is going.

Peace and Blessings,
Michelle ;-P