Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi Sally - There have been other posts about the Atkins diet - here's a link web page with really good information. You're right to be concerned about switching from a vegetarian diet to something like Atkins. It is definitely not a healthy way to go.

I'm really puzzled as to why your cholesterol levels have risen. Soluble fiber is famed for its ability to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels - that's why the FDA permits the little "heart healthy" symbol on high soluble fiber foods like oatmeal. There was actually a very recent study that looked at a high soluble fiber, soy and vegetarian diet that had astonishing success rates for helping high cholesterol levels - that info is at web page

For the triglycerides, I'd makes sure that you haven't really increased your refined sugar consumption. That can affect triglyceride levels. Sugar doesn't tend to be an IBS trigger at all, but it's also not a health food so you can certainly limit or eliminate it altogether. Artificial sweeteners can be problematic, too. And alcohol can really raise triglycerides as well, so avoid that.

For your fats, even though the IBS diet is low fat, you need to include healthy fats, and for triglyceride concerns you need to have plenty of omega 3 fatty acids. These are easiest to get from fish, but if you're vegetarian make sure you use flax oil and finely ground flax seeds instead (use both with soluble fiber foods like oatmeal, rice, etc.).

For the candida question, there's detailed info at an earlier post web page

I think some other posters have had problems with gastritis and peppermint tea. If you're drinking that you may want to switch to fennel, ginger, or chamomile.

Have you eliminated dairy for soy? Are there any other dietary specifics you can give me so I can brainstorm about this?

Best,
Heather

--------------------
Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator