I've been following the EFI diet for just over a month now. I've periodically suffered with D for several years, but after a short bout with the flu in late February, I had D and excruciating pain. I suffered with the pain and D for a week and then put myself on the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, (dry)Toast) diet. That cleared things up after a day or two and I started to add my normal foods back into my diet - but the pain and D started in again.
I went to the computer to research what foods could be causing it. At first, I suspected reduced lactose tolerance since all of my immediate family suffer from it (brother, sister, and mom). However, when I switched to Lactaid milk, I still had the D and pain, but not when I drank rice milk. Hmmmm, what else could it be?
I further read about IBS and the symptoms associated with it. Ding, ding, ding - I think we have a winner. Next step was to research diets to help alleviate the symptoms and that is how I found this website and Heather's book. I promptly cut out dairy, red meat and all the other trigger foods and followed the diet religiously. Ahh, sweet relief! The only setbacks that I have had were with foods that my body seems to be sensitive to - mostly acidic foods. I've learned to avoid or moderate these foods to avoid the discomfort.
No, I haven't been offically diagnosed and I probably won't push for an official diagnosis. I am stable and continue to eat a healthy diet within the guidelines. I do have a physical this month and will discuss my current diet with my doctor.
I have not had a terribly difficult time adapting to the guidelines of the EFI diet. I have been cooking mostly from scratch for some time since I have hypertension (controlled by medication) and avoid packaged foods because of the high sodium content.
My one contributing difficulty is that I have braces and can't really chew right now. Because of the stage of my orthodontic treatment, only my front teeth come together. I can only "gnaw" softer foods (chicken breast, bread, etc.), otherwise, I have to eat soft food or foods that are easily swallowed without chewing (applesauce, rice, quinoa, cous cous, etc.). I do feel that the inability to properly chew my food since last July (that's how long I've had the braces) has also contributed to my IBS symptoms. Proper chewing is essential to good digestion. Believe me, I can't wait until I'll be able to to chew and REALLY enjoy my food. There are times when I'm just sick of soft food. So much of the enjoyment of food is in savoring the texture and flavor in your mouth. I can't do that right now! SIGH!
I do have to say that after only one week of pain and D I was willing to give up anything to "make it go away". At first, I thought that I couldn't have any more CHOCOLATE! I was so relieved to find that I'm able to have baked goods with cocoa! I can still get my chocolate fix without risking the D and pain. I think I miss the "convenience" of eating the things I did before. Right now, I have to put more thought into what I cook and what I eat, but I think that will probably get easier over time.
I just want to thank you all for your encouragement and help. I haven't posted or asked questions, but I've learned a great deal from the posts and questions from the others here on this board.
I wish all of you good health and enjoyable eating!
Blessings,
HeatherAB
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