Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: IBS and hypoglycemia

I have Type 1 diabetes in addition to the IBS, and although it's a little bit of a different condition, some of the treatments--particularly diet recommendations--are similar to that of hypoglycemia. Since my body doesn't produce any insulin, I have to take injections in the right amounts to treat the blood sugar highs. But if I give myself too much at a meal or snack, or if I eat certain types of high GI foods, I can get those lows, which as you know, are super un-fun.

Some of the diet guidelines do contradict eachother, so you may have to modify the EFI diet in order to suit your specific needs. It's a really complex and frustrating process, so I completely sympathize...but it can be done! It just takes some experimenting to find the right foods, and the right amounts, to manage both your blood sugar levels and your tummy problems. I know it's hard to stay away from the sugary processed things and starchy white things, and that a lot of those types of things are recommended on this site...but there are other options that are pretty satisfying and won't hurt your stomach or affect your blood sugar negatively, like sweet potatoes, brown rice, cooked veggies, and quinoa. However, you still have to eat these things with a little bit of protein and fat to keep your levels stable throughout the day. A few of my favorite meals that work for both the diabetes and the IBS are:

*baked sweet potato with Earth Balanced vegan butter spread, broiled fish or chicken, and chard, asparagus or zucchini
*tofu veggie stirfry with brown rice or quinoa
*lentil soup
*soy yogurt and fruit
*banana, soymilk and oatmeal or oat cereal
*brown rice cakes with peanut butter
*tuna fish with light mayo
*soy crisps
*baby carrots and hummus
*luna bars
*black bean or tofu tacos on stoneground corn tortillas with avocado and salsa...you can also make them with chicken, or stirfry some bell peppers and zucchini to make fajitas! Mmmmm...

Just a few ideas...I know how confusing and frustrating this whole balancing act can be. Sometimes it feels like a full-time job! Let me know if you have any more questions, or if you ever need to talk...

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Julia

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