Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi Abi,

1. FLAX AND PRUNES

You mentioned that you mix 2 tablespoons of flax seeds with prunes and then eat them before breakfast. I wonder if you're grinding the seeds?

I think this may be too acidic to put onto an empty stomach first thing in the morning!

I did a course on naturapathic nutrition a few years ago, and I remember being told that if people can't use oils for EFAs, then to soak or grind flax for the oils. If you don't soak them it's better for constipation.

This may just be 1 point of view, but it's worth a thought if you're taking as much as 2 tablespoons at breakfast.

Perhaps it's worth trying to have one tablespoon soaked at night before bed, to set your gut up with something slippery for overnight, and in preparation for the morning. Then soak another overnight ready for the morning, and take it 1st thing.

It could be that you're taking too much all in one go in the morning, and this is too fatty and rich for your system. Flax is rich in oils, which we need, but as you know oils need to be handled carefully for IBS.

I've had to stop prunes for breakfast (for now) because they cause me pain and discomfort. I've replaced with millet and pear warmed in soya milk. This is very gentle and soothing on the stomach and colon, and is pain free ~ for me!

I found that when I first changed to this breakfast and eating more SF for my stomach, I was definately more constipated, as my body always reacts this way to a new system. But I had to go through with it because my stomach wouldn't take anything else! Trying to sort one end affected the other end, but now it's beginning to come right with the glasses of flax.

I have bought the Acacia powder, but will try it later. I don't want to add too many new things at once.

2. ACUPUNCTURE

It saved my life so far as I'm concerned! I was very poorly and I went through several years of regular acupuncture treatment.

It did help a lot with assisting my liver to cope with the toxic load that my body couldn't deal with on its own. If the liver can't cope then it's suggested that it throws the load onto the colon. If the colon can't cope it throws the load onto the skin. The toxicity tries to get out one way or another! Your body will always try and do its best for you!

It's easy to forget that the liver is a vital part of the digestive system, and to start treating ourselves in a piece meal way...........

Acupuncture can help with both pain relief and IBS, but there may be others who have tried it and don't like it. If you were to explore this route then I would suggest that the best way to approach it would be to see it as a therapy and a journey to take to healing oneself. It approaches the mind body and spirit, as opposed to just tackling the body.

In acupuncture the colon is related to grief, and the liver is related to anger. I find that whenever my liver is irritated I'm extremely irritable and angry!

Not everyone will see things in this way! So far as I'm concerned we are more than our bodies and what affects the body affects the mind and spirit, and vice versa. It's simply my personal experience.

Acupuncture treats the whole energy system, but it does need more than 1 session, and isn't always a quick fix.

I hope this helps ~ let me know if you have anymore questions. There will be loads of info avaliable to you about acupuncture in the USA/Canada.

The British Council for Acupuncture has a website, which is www.acupuncture.org.uk

There will be other info on the net if you do a search for acupuncture.

Hope all this helps!

Sending you lots of warm healing blessings!

Joanna

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