I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation years ago. I used to be miserable. If I was under any stress, I would get bowel pain. I would be constipated for a whole week, bloated to the point that my clothing would no longer fit. After taking laxatives, one day I would just seem to relieve the whole weeks worth of pain in 5 minutes. Then the cycle would start all over again. I dealt with this cycle for decades.
At first, medical knowledge of IBS was lacking and the internet wasn't much of a help either. I would cancel plans last minute. I felt like after a while, I didn't get invited to as many events or people didn't count on me to show up. Then I would get into relationships where we would be watching a movie at my apartment and I would make up some excuse for my partner to leave and retrieve some inconsequential item so I could relieve myself and make as much noise as I needed without worrying about the sound.
For some, this sound utterly disgusting. For a lot of American's it's a daily concern. Of course maybe not my exact problem but a few people followed my methods and have improved their own gut health.
DISCLOSURE: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. I AM IN NO WAY TELLING YOU THAT THIS METHOD WILL WORK FOR YOU. I AM SIMPLY STATING WHAT I DO TO THAT HAS HELPED ME.
Collagen. When I say collagen most people think of skin or skin care. However collagen powder or liquid added to your morning brew can help improve gut health. I have also noticed an improvement of my nail and hair growth. Collagen powder is best in warm liquids. I buy flavorless but have seen it flavored if you prefer. This is the one I buy: Collagen Peptides Powder* I have purchased cheaper kinds but found them to be clumpy and hard to mix.
Gluten Free, mostly. When I say I gave up gluten, people think I'm crazy. Since it's 2020, it's super easy to replace a lot of food with gluten free options. Especially now that the Keto & Paleo Diets exist, those with Celiac disease have a lot more options than ever before. Stores now have pastas, cakes, breads made out of rice flour, almond flour or even cassava flour. Now, though I do not have Celiac disease, I choose to eat mostly gluten free because it has alleviated a lot of gas in my bowels. Which makes for more quiet nights with my partner. I went from passing gas 5-6 times an hour to 1-2 times a week. (Pro Tip: Mod Pizza and Papa Murphys has the best tasting gluten free pizza crusts). I went from having a gluten heavy meal for every meal, such as burgers, pizza, sandwiches, cereal to have lettuce wrapped burgers, gluten free pizza and a bowl of cereal. I exchange 75% of my gluten intake for gluten free options. I still happily eat gluten cake, bread etc but not as often.
Yeast. Oh yeast is not my friend. This was a large cause of a lot of my painful bloating. I would drink a beer and not 30 minutes later I would be in a lot of pain. Yeast can be found in many products. I am not allergic to yeast. So this means no bread, right? I still eat bread but I focus on sourdough bread. I have a favorite brand that isn't that sour, so I can still have an occasional piece of toast or a sandwich.
Fermented foods. This will be a love or hate thing for most people. However fermented foods are great for your gut. Sourdough, pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, cheese, yogurt are all great examples of fermented food. Here is a great article about a few fermented foods from Healthline.
Coffee. Have I lost you yet? I didn't give up coffee, I just reduced my coffee intake a lot. I went from 32 fluid ounces a day to just 10 fluid ounces. Now I drink more organic green tea, which gives me a lot of energy. I like this brand the best: Organic Green Tea.*
Sugar. I haven't used real sugar in ages. I only use Stevia, I even carry packets of it around in my purse so that way I'm never caught without some in case I grab a cup of coffee with brunch. I buy Nature Mate Stevia* from my local store.
Supplements. These supplements I cannot live without. I restock them and have shared them with my friends.
Now Super Enzymes* This helps break down fats, carbs & proteins. I take it after every meals when I first started my journey, now I only take it when I know a meal will upset me and it helps to prevent that.
Nature's Bounty Probiotic*Everyday without fail, I make sure to take one.
Superior Labs Boswellia*This helps with inflammation.
Collagen Peptide Powder* Duplicate of above but I wanted to stress I cannot live without it.
Other than gut health, here are some other benefits I have noticed:
Less joint pain. I have an old running injury that I used to nurse most days.
Less general illness. I don't get colds or the seasonal flu.
Less headaches. I suffered for years with weekly and sometimes daily headaches.
Better sleep.
More energy.
Did I mention less farting, cause if someone told me I'd be easier to be around, I would have done this years ago.
Regular bowel movements.
Manage stress better.
No bloating or random stomach aches. I used to get this daily. Now it's once a year if at all.
I know that there are a lot of changes I made to feel better, I took them slowly step by step. Some may work for you, some may not. I recommend trying whatever you do out slowly and individually, so you can see if there are results for you.
I hope you find better gut health.
-V
Disclosure: I purchased all these items with my own money and the company had no prior knowledge to this promotion. All opinions are my own.
*I make a commission through any items you purchase through my Amazon Link(s).