Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Some tips that helped me

An article I read recently related to snacking and ibs. It said that snacking is contrary to what humans are meant to do and that the cleansing action of the gut works properly only when the stomach is empty. The article specified no more than three meals a day and nothing but water in between.

I have mostly eliminated snacking for a few months and it has REALLY helped with gas and bloating. When I cheat the symptom returns immediately. Yesterday, for instance, I had some soy yogurt a couple hours after lunch. That gave me gas for the entire evening.

Another tip: a naturopath told me once that taking liquids with meals dilutes digestive enzymes and promotes poor digestion. He tells ALL his patients to take no liquids for ten minutes before or two hours after a meal. This is a difficult one to follow. I don't apply it strictly, but I do avoid large quantities of liquid before, during or in the hour immediately following a meal. It seems to help also. (Ideally I take Heather's fiber in water ten minutes before each meal. Teas and water I take upon rising or between meals, meaning two hours after a meal.)

It's imperative to eliminate ALL trigger foods. For me that means eliminating dairy, wheat and corn and limiting soy. Soy I can eat in small quantities with a meal with no problem.

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Celia

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