This is a sponsored post. Salix Pharmaceuticals compensated me for this post. All opinions are my own.
A few months ago I opened up to you all about my struggle with IBS (you can read about it, here!)
First things first, what is IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disease associated with unpredictable bowel movements. People with IBS usually have stomach (abdominal) pain at least 1 day a week, for at least 3 months. And IBS-D? If more than 25% of bowel movements are loose or watery and less than 25% are hard or lumpy, you could have IBS-D.
As implied above, IBS is complex. Symptoms aren’t always crystal clear and they can be confused with symptoms for a plethora of other illnesses.
Thanks to Salix and their website, IBSDUpClose.com, information on what IBS-D is, including the symptoms and how it is diagnosed, is at your disposal and it has been a HUGE help for finding resources.
Not only does the website really go into some of the possible causes and symptoms of IBS-D, but it gives tips on how to manage life with IBS-D… this is my favorite part!
There is no cure for IBS, but there are treatments that address the symptoms and a low FODMAP diet may be suggested by your doctor. In the last few months of my low FODMAP life, I have found the diet to seriously reduce my IBS symptoms. What are my favorite low FODMAP meals, you ask? I have become the bone broth QUEEN! Bone broth soup filled with steamed squashes and zucchini is the way to go! Also my smoothies are FODMAP friendly, and we all know I live for a good smoothie!
As you begin planning out your holiday meals, keep in mind the CDC notes that clostridium perfringens (the second most common bacterial cause of food poisoning) occurs most often in November and December and has been linked to foods commonly served during the holidays, such as turkey. Since food poisoning has been linked to developing IBS-D symptoms, it is important to make sure the food you are preparing isn’t cross-contaminated, is cooked properly, and also stored properly! If you are curious as to what holiday menu items are IBS-friendly, here are a few of my favorites!
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast!
Mashed potatoes. Potatoes themselves are low-FODMAP, and to keep them low-FODMAP, mash them with butter and lactose-free milk. Use salt and pepper instead of garlic, and garnish with chives instead of onions!
Gravy- use cornstarch instead of flour!
Green Beans- grilled/sautéed. NOT as a casserole.
This year I even worked on a LOW FODMAP Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving!
My Roasted Vegetables dish! Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, but in limited quantities (2-4 sprouts), of course.
I can’t tell you enough how important IBSDUpClose.com is, and the impact it is having on the IBS-D community. Did you know that if you have IBS in your family then you are more prone to having it? By learning more about IBS and finding the alternatives that work for you, you can help someone in your family and others who are struggling, too!
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