Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Need Help . . . Confused

Hi Lynn,
I'm a newbie too and to top it off, I never really cooked anything, just microwaved those nasty-but-easy frozen dinners.. I ate much like you, thinking I was eating SO healthy, but always wondered why I often felt sick after eating that "healthy" stuff.

The way I stocked my pantry and began cooking "ibs safe" is I picked out recipies in Heather's "Eating for ibs" book and shopped for those ingredients. I have cooked several of the chicken dinners, and I'm finding I love making the breads. What I've found is the key for me is what I eat on an Empty Stomach. I spent a week on only the safe-soluable fiber (white rice, white tortillas, oatmeal) just to get stable and pain free (it worked!). I have since slowly added wheat bread and broccoli, salad, but only AFTER eating some of the soluable fiber.. ie I had several slices of white sour-dough bread before eating that grilled salmon which came on top of fresh spinach (which I love). I always wondered why eating a salad first upset my stomach.. Heather explains that and says to eat the salad LAST.

Browsing this message board really helps too because after awhile you'll see some patterns and also learn that it's no one rule for everyone. You have to learn what your body can handle..it's a major lifestyle switch but worth every annoyance, even as far as giving up my beloved coffee! ;-). Also be aware not every posted recipie is "safe" for you. I made a spagetti casserole that someone had posted but had a bad attack that nite and was in pain for 24 hours afterwards. But reading the "IBS - The First Year" taught me how to care for myself now and I got thru it. Hang in there and don't give up. The "food rules" are just different for us IBS sufferers, but not so different that you can't adjust your life and still enjoy eating AND be healthy!

Rosey

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