IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME and the 14 FOOD COMMANDMENTS

Hello Ladies

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder, meaning the bowel doesn't function properly. The nerves and muscles in the bowel may be extra sensitive in people with irritable bowel syndrome, may contract too much when they eat food.

The most common symptoms of IBS are cramping, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain etc.

The nature of the diet, eating habits and lifestyle greatly influence the way the bowel functions. Too much fat, too much or too little of dietary fiber, rich spicy food, anxiety, depression and stress trigger the symptoms of IBS.

The 12 food commandments of IBS :

1. As a rule drink about 2 liter of water per day, the rest of the water comes from the food consumed in the day.

2. Eat small 5 - 6 meals in a day never eat large meals.

3. Minimize the oil intake, go for heart-healthy monounsaturated oils.

4. Avoid deep fried food, as they absorb too much oil which irritates the intestines.

5. Avoid spicy food, red meat, egg yolks, soda, dairy products etc.

6. Chew the food properly, make eating pleasurable, which makes the digestion easy.

7. Avoid eating insoluble fiber the is metabolically inert, like whole grains,nuts, flax seeds, green beans, cauliflower, bananas, avocado etc. on empty stomach, in large quantities at one sitting.

8. Try to eat soluble fiber which is readily fermented in the colon and physiologically active byproducts like peas, soyabeans, beans, oats, barley, plums, berries, bananas, apple, pears, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions etc whenever stomach is empty.

9. Ginger tea or raw ginger is commonly taken for the treatment of IBS.

10. A cup of tea prepared by boiling one teaspoonful flax seeds is believed to treat IBS.

11. Pomegranate seeds with black salt is believed to be a good natural cure for IBS.

12. Limit foods that may make diarrhea worse, including caffeine, milk and milk products, foods high in sugar and artificial sweeteners.

13, A pinch of asafoetida and salt to a glass of warm water believed to cure IBS.

14. Powder of dry ginger and green cardamom seeds in a glass of water believed to cure IBS.