Sudden Onset of IBS
My IBS began suddenly after the birth of my first child when I was 22 years old. At my six week post-natal check up, I talked with the doctor about my constant stomach upset. She told me it was my hormones regulating and that I would be fine after a few months. I didn’t worry too much because I had already noticed a connection with my menstrual cycle and my digestive system.
After a few months, my stomach issues became cyclical, alternating between IBS-D and IBS-C. I went to a different doctor because I knew it wasn’t normal and he ran some tests. The tests showed that there was nothing wrong with me and I was told that once I weaned my son, my digestive issues would likely return to normal.
Instead of weaning my son, I chose to practice child-led weaning and eventually became pregnant three more times (one miscarriage) and nursed throughout those pregnancies. The only time that I found relief from IBS was when I was pregnant.
When I was in my early thirties, I began to have other health problems that were likely made worse by the IBS. After I was prescribed several medications to deal with my other health issues, I became determined to find a natural way of becoming well again.
Real Food and IBS
Around that time I discovered the writings of Weston A. Price and began to follow a real food diet. That led me to discover the Paleo/Primal way of eating. When I eliminated grains and refined sugar from my diet, my IBS went away completely. It was an answer to prayers and a dream come true.
My health began to improve rapidly and within months I was off of all medications. I had energy and lost 50 pounds.Here are the steps I took to stop my IBS naturally:
1. Eliminate Grains and Sugar
Although I am not allergic to wheat, I found that eliminating wheat from my diet improved my IBS dramatically. When I do eat wheat, I try to only eat wheat that has been properly prepared by soaking, sprouting or souring. I find that grains in general cause me to gain weight rapidly and ultimately cause me to crave more grains and sugar.
Eliminating refined sugar from my diet was a big step toward healing my IBS. Sugar detoxing can be rough, but after a few days the cravings go away. When I overindulge in refined sugars my digestive system pays for it. Now, I prefer to stick with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey and coconut sugar.2. Take a Good Probiotic
There is only one probiotic that has helped me without producing severe die-off symptoms as well. You can find it here. When I do eat indulge in grains or sugar (while away from home) I double up on the probiotic. Otherwise I take one capsule daily.
(If the cost of a probiotic is prohibitive, try incorporating fermented foods into your diet regularly.)
3. Gelatin
Grass-fed gelatin has been an important addition to my diet. I make homemade bone broth which has gelatin in it naturally. In the winter months, I add more grass-fed gelatin to the bone broth to both continue healing my gut and to ward off stomach viruses. I make homemade fruit juice gelatin as a snack for my family.
(The Crunchy Moose has a great post about gelatin.)
4. Manage Stress
At the height of my worst IBS symptoms, I also had a lot of anxiety symptoms. It was as if my engine was running all the time, but my wheels were spinning and I couldn’t move. I learned to meditate and practice mindful living.
Overall, my health has improved drastically since implementing these 4 steps. I no longer have to stay home or take medication because of IBS. I have returned to the workforce and am able to hold down a full-time job, attend graduate school, home school my children and write.
I know if I stray from too far from the four things that stopped my IBS I will have to deal with it again. I never want to go back to that way of life. I am finally free and you can be, too!
Read the original article here
Source: oursmallhours.com
She THREW OUT all of the boxed, prefab and drive thru “food” and started eating fruits and veggies!