Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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31. Foods to Avoid- Foods such as beans, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, which produce gas, should be avoided by IBS patients. Citrus fruits, caffeinated and fizzy drinks, non-vegetarian food and yeast are best avoided. Fresh suitable fruit/vegetable juice and chamomile tea are beneficial.
32. Three White Poisons- It is said that salt, sugar and flour (maida) are three white poisons. These should only be used sparingly if at all necessary and that too in very small quantities.
33. Cooking Vegetables- Always steam the vegetables or slightly saute them to preserve the nutrients/antioxidants intact. Never boil or fry them as it destroys most of what is good in them.
IBS AND EATING TIPS
34. Chewing- Digestion starts in the mouth. Eat very slowly and chew your food thoroughly to increase the amount of digestive saliva. That way your stomach will have to work less to process the food. There is a saying that “one should drink the food and eat the water.”
35. Food Servings- Large meals can result in abdominal discomfort in case of IBS. Eat small frequent meals to avoid overloading your stomach, which can lead to cramping and diarrhoea.
36. Eating and Drinking Together- Never drink water with meals. Water or other liquids should be taken half an hour before or one hour after a meal so as not to dilute digestive juices in the stomach. Milk, buttermilk, whey and vegetable soups are, however, foods and can be taken with meals.
37. Mixing Foods- Do not mix too many foods at the same meal. Never eat raw vegetables and raw fruits together as they require a different set of enzymes. Take protein and carbohydrate/starchy foods separate as far as possible but vegetables can be eaten with either of them. Fruits must always be eaten on its own at least 30 minutes away from protein and carbohydrate food groups.
38. Full Stomach- Never eat to a full stomach. How much food you take at one time is very important. One third of the stomach should be filled with food, one third with water (1/2 hour before and 1 hour after meals) and one-third with air. Always leave the table with a feeling that you could eat more.
39. Appetite- Do not eat if appetite is lacking. Miss a meal or two, if necessary, until real appetite returns.
40. Eating – a Celebration- Never sit down to a meal feeling tired, worried, excited or in a bad temper as such feelings temporarily paralyse the secretion of digestive juices including hydrochloride in the stomach. Eating natural foods should be a type of meditation and enjoyment, as it can nourish a person’s body, mind and consciousness, and enhance longevity.
41. Regularity of Eating- One should eat and drink with discipline and regularity. Eating at irregular timings and in a hurried manner hampers proper digestion.
