Two of my (well-informed, really sharp, time-stretched) friends this month have called me to ask for advice about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease. Specifically, what to eat and what to avoid.
In looking thru the latest research, it’s surprising how much info and misinformation there is. No wonder people are confused! Two books help.
It’s very clear that for some conditions, food works as well as prescription medicine, and in some cases, better. For many people with IBS (and for everyone with Celiac disease…do you have it?) it’s the difference between feeling well and feeling sick.
The Specific Low Carb Diet, is also known as the low-FODMAPS diet (described below), for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In IBS – Free at Last, dietitian Patsy Catsos describes the diet and its treatment.
FODMAPs are:
- Fermentable
- Oligosaccharides (eg. Fructans and Galactans)
- Disaccharides (eg. Lactose), Monosaccharides (eg. excess Fructose) and
- Polyols (eg. Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Xylitol and Isomalt)
Some people who make the change find that their IBS diarrhea stops within 7-days…for the first time in years.
These carbs (1-4 above) provide a substrate for pro-inflammatory bacteria, and cause problems. Symptoms can improve dramatically. And in Recipes for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Raman Prasad makes it delicious.
Trying this, one step at a time, is a way to regain control over your gut and your body.