Tag: fodmaps

Healthy Colon, Happy Life? Squatty Potty Review

Recently as I was celebrating my birthday on a culinary/bar crawl trip to Mexico with my friends, the low-FODMAP diet came up in conversation, and it went something like this: “Hey Colleen, is this FOOD-MAP or FODMAP?  Can I eat this?  Can I drink this beer or it FODMAPped?”  And as I was discussing different low and high-FODMAP options on our summery-hot day in Tijuana, another friend started talking about unicorn poop.  Yes, unicorn poop – brightly colored, swirly, rainbow poop.  They then began to share this video with me and it changed my pooping experience forever:

If you are not laughing after this video, well, I guess we don’t share the same sense of humor.  This video is hysterical, and the close-up of him licking the unicorn poop off his lips is just…oh it makes me very uncomfortable.  You might’ve thought at first that this was just some joke, but Squatty Potty really nailed this – it’s one of the best commercials I’ve ever seen.

It’s the Squatty Potty end of the summer blowout! (Yes pun intended). Now you can get a FREE Porta-Squatty ($20 value) with minimum purchase of $39.00. Click here to get squatting!

Proof is in the Poop

I bet you might be saying: “So what gives with Squatty Potty, does it work?”

After my trip to Mexico and having re-played their video a few times, I called them up and said I had to try one out.  I am big on reviews and they were really good (read some here and here with 4.5 stars and 4,438 customer reviews).  Unicorn poop aside, this company is legit and run by the lovely Edwards family in Utah.  If you like Shark Tank as much as I do, you can check out how they faired with the sharks here.

The Edwards family has a few medical case studies for your reading pleasure.  Like this study in particular, Influence of Body Position on Defecation in Humans, concludes that the greater the hip flexion achieved by squatting, the straighter the rectoanal canal will be, and accordingly, less strain will be required for defecation.

TheScienceIsSimplePooping Personal

I was sent the ECCO model.  Did it work for me?  I’ll get very personal and say absolutely.  I am more constipation prone (IBS-C) and still have episodes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but since I found the low-FODMAP diet, bouts of IBS are very rare these days.  When IBS does hit, it’s more around the time of menstruation and women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods (it’s no secret why more ladies then men get IBS).  Also, after having a baby in 2015, some things have not been the same (hola to all the mommas –  you get it).  So a couple weeks ago when constipation was incessant around that lovely “time of the month,” I gave my Squatty Potty a try and experienced a gentler rendezvous on the throne.  It’s changed the way I poop and the way I feel.  How’s THAT for a testimonial?  Hey it’s not easy sharing such personal stuff, but I am happier now and maybe just maybe, you will be too if you give the Squatty Potty a try.

ecco squatty potty
The Squatty Potty, ECCO model

The Squatty Potty ECCO – more info:

The Ecco toilet stool works perfectly for families of any size and is incredibly durable and easy to clean. If you appreciate the simple things in life, then this is your toilet stool. Transform your toilet into an elimination station.

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Looking for help on the low-FODMAP diet?  Ask me about my nutritional coaching services by contacting me here.

Be good to yourself and your gut!BEC_6825

Colleen Francioli

Certified Nutritionist Consultant
Founder FODMAP Life & BonCalme

 

Full disclosure – I reached out to Squatty Potty and they sent me product for free.  If you click on a link like this or others in this post that lead you to their site and you make a purchase, I will get a commission.  Those commissions are great as they help pay for my blogging expenses and allow me to keep working feverishly to bring you great content about the low-FODMAP diet, IBS and…pooping.  Happy pooping!

Check Out These 4th of July Low-FODMAP Tips!

I love the 4th of July!  And if you’re trying out the low-FODMAP diet, you can enjoy the holiday too.  Back in 2014 I wrote a post about how to navigate the low-FODMAP diet and enjoy the 4th of July, and I decided to revisit that post and update it.  Take a look here:

https://fodmaplife.com/2014/07/04/celebrations-parties-fodmap-diet/

Happy Fourth of July. Independence day of the United States 4th of July. Happy Birthday America. Hand-lettering greeting card on textured sketch of silhouette US map. Vintage typography illustration

Don’t forget to follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter! Follow/like/comment on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Looking for help on the low-FODMAP diet?  Ask me about my nutritional coaching services by contacting me here.

Be good to yourself and your gut!BEC_6825

Colleen Francioli

Certified Nutritionist Consultant
Founder FODMAP Life & BonCalme

Low-FODMAP Tuna Casserole, Mmmm!

 

Low-FODMAP Tuna Casserole with Safe Catch Tuna
Low-FODMAP Tuna Casserole with Safe Catch Tuna

When I hear the word “casserole” I immediately think “warm, satisfying, home cooked,” and there’s nothing better than a comforting meal!  I’ve been creating some recipes lately with Safe Catch and just loving the taste and consistency of their canned tuna.  My latest recipe is a Low-FODMAP Tuna Casserole that’s delicious and easy to make.  Make it tonight and enjoy the leftovers this week!

Learn why I love Safe Catch tuna over other canned tuna brands in this post!

Along with my delicious recipe today, I was able to secure a coupon for you from SafeCatch! When you shop online, get 15% off your entire order  with the promo code: FODMAPLIFE   Happy Shopping here on SafeCatch.com!

Low-FODMAP Tuna Casserole

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ tablespoons butter, divided (see *note)
  • 1 ½ medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin rounds
  • 1/8 teaspoon wheat-free asafetida powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 ½ cups frozen green beans, thawed for 10-15 minutes
  • 4 tablespoons, low-FODMAP all-purpose gluten-free flour or rice flour
  • 1 cup lactose-free milk (*can also use rice milk coconut milk)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups cooked gluten-free pasta or brown rice pasta
  • 1 can of  Safe Catch Elite Tuna
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free panko bread crumbs (such as Ian’s)

Directions

  1. Add a ½ tablespoon butter into a medium-sized skillet on medium-high heat. Add in carrots, asafetida powder, then oregano, thyme and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.  Stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes. Add in green beans and stir well to coat with butter and seasonings.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Add in 1 tablespoon butter and slowly whisk in flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Add in milk and salt; continue whisking until well combined.
  3. Add in pasta, tuna and cheddar cheese and whisk until combined or cheese is slightly melted.
  4. Add all ingredients to lightly greased 8 x 8″ glass casserole dish.
  5. In a microwave, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl with bread crumbs.  Sprinkle bread crumbs over casserole dish and add remaining freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes on 375°F.

*Notes – if you are more IBS-D prone, negate the last 2 tablespoons butter (step 5.) and just top casserole with dry bread crumbs or spray bread crumbs lightly with natural butter spray.

LOW FODMAP TUNA CASSEROLE copy

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Looking for help on the low-FODMAP diet?  Ask me about my nutritional coaching services by contacting me here.

Be good to yourself and your gut!BEC_6825

Colleen Francioli

Certified Nutritionist Consultant
Founder FODMAP Life & BonCalme

The Low-FODMAP Diet in the WSJ

It’s great to see the low-FODMAP diet getting so much press!  Just the other day Peter Loftus of the Wall Street Journal helped to promote awareness of the diet in his article – take a look: More Options to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Here are some other recent articles where the low-FODMAP diet has been mentioned:

People’s Pharmacy: Low FODMAP diet can ease digestive discomfort

IBS – Another Success Story of Low FODMAP Treatment – Huff Post, UK

Miracle diet has potential to transform lives of Scots living with irritable bowel syndrome – Daily Record UK

Woman with a ripped six pack reveals how her stomach looks ‘nine months pregnant’ after an attack of IBS – Daily Mail

Beat the Bloat 3 Ways – The Western Australian

When healthy still doesn’t feel good – Shelby Star

 

Don’t forget to follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter! Follow/like/comment on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Looking for help on the low-FODMAP diet?  Ask me about my nutritional coaching services by contacting me here.

Be good to yourself and your gut!BEC_6825

Colleen Francioli

Certified Nutritionist Consultant
Founder FODMAP Life & BonCalme

 

Low-FODMAP Turkey Vegetable Pasta Recipe

If you lead a busy life like me, chances are you want recipes that are quick and easy to make but also taste delicious.  On the low-FODMAP diet you can eat well, make tasty meals and still have time to do things around the house, prepare for the next day or maybe just have time enough to pet your cat and catch an episode of Downton Abbey (if only every night I could watch my favorite series!).

 

low fodmap turkey vegetable pasta

Low-FODMAP Turkey and Vegetable Pasta

You can always change up this recipe by using different low-FODMAP herbs, vegetables, cheese or ground chicken.  This dish is also great to bring to work the next day for lunch and kids like it too.

Serves 4

  • 8 oz. gluten-free brown rice spiral pasta
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon safflower or sunflower oil
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (1/4 cup per person is low in FODMAPs)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 12 oz. package of lean ground turkey meat
  • 1 medium zucchini, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cook gluten-free pasta according to directions on box.  Drain pasta, stir in black pepper and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, use a medium sized skillet and heat 1 tablespoon oil.  Once heated, add carrots, broccoli and oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.  Then add turkey meat and brown on all sides.  Add in zucchini, and continue to stir all ingredients.  Once zucchini is tender, add in spinach and combine with ingredients until just wilted.  Add in pasta and stir well to combine.
  3. Transfer pasta to bowls and top with cheese.

 

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Looking for help on the low-FODMAP diet?  Ask me about my nutritional counseling services by contacting me here.

Be good to yourself and your gut!BEC_6825

Colleen Francioli

Certified Nutritionist Consultant
Founder FODMAP Life & BonCalme

Low-FODMAP Bolognese Sauce for Your Sweetie!

If you’re staying in this Valentine’s Day you may be wondering what you’re going to make for your sweetie!  The good news is there are plenty of low-FODMAP options to enjoy which will also make the cut for anyone not following the diet.

While checking out my friends and colleagues Dr. Barbara Bolen and Kathleen Bradley over at http://www.everythinglowfodmap.com  I looked through a couple recipes and found some that I thought you might enjoy making and eating this Valentine’s Day.  Anyone for Bolognese Sauce and gluten-free pasta?  Mmm, yes please!  You can also check out the recipe I shared with them for my Lobster Mac N’ Cheese.

On a side note, I have some very exciting news to share that will help make your low-FODMAP lives a bit easier!  Make sure you sign up for my newsletter to receive the news within the next two weeks!Bolognese-Sauce low-fodmap

This bolognese sauce recipe is easy to make and will pair well with Lambrusco (sparkling wine), which is after all the wine of the Bolognese region. Try these suggestions for Lambrusco here. Other beautiful reds that pair nicely are Barolos and Barbarescos.

Before you dive into the recipe I promised other recipes from Barbara and Kathleen’s website, so here they are!

Try this Arugula Salad with Melon and Basic Salad Dressing before the bolognese and for dessert, love up on these Ice Cream Sandwiches!

Bolognese Sauce

Serves 8Bolognese Sauce

Serve this rich, indulgent sauce over your favorite gluten-free pasta or cooked spaghetti squash. It’s perfect for a warming weekday meal or an elegant dinner party.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered
2 garlic cloves, peeled, slightly smashed *please read notes below!
1 1/2 cups finely diced carrots
1 pound ground meatball mix (beef, pork, and veal)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon LFM Tomato Paste
1 one-inch x three-inch Parmesan cheese rind
1/2 cup LFM Whipped Cream

*Onions and garlic are soluble in water but not in oil. You can saute onions and or garlic in a dish for a few moments in the oil as long as you remove and discard the pieces, leaving only the oil and/or butter!

Heat oil and butter over medium-low heat in a large stockpot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, until garlic is softened and brown at edges. Remove and discard onion and garlic, leaving oil and butter. Add carrots to oil and sauté over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add meat and cook, stirring often to break up into bits, for about 10–15 minutes or until meat is fully browned. Add wine and simmer uncovered 10 minutes.Add salt, pepper, nutmeg,  tomatoes, Tomato Paste, and rind, and simmer uncovered 11/2–2 hours more, stirring occasionally. Remove rind, fold in Whipped Cream, and serve.

Source: The Everything® Guide to the Low-FODMAP Diet

I hope you have a happy Valentine’s Day and be sure to check back for more recipes!

Don’t forget to follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter! Follow/like/comment on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Be good to yourself and your gut!

Colleen Francioli

Certified Nutritionist Consultant
Founder FODMAP Life & BonCalme

colleen frnacioli

Low-FODMAP Nuts and Servings

Oh nuts!  This guide went over very well on Facebook so I thought I’d share it here.  Here is my quick reference for nuts on the low-FODMAP diet.  If you are new to the low-FODMAP diet, know that pistachios and cashews are high in FODMAPs, containing high amounts of the Oligos-GOS and fructans, so they should be avoided.

Print

Here is the PDF if you’d like to download it and print! low fodmap servings nuts

 

Don’t forget to follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter! Follow/like/comment on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Be good to yourself and your gut!

Colleen Francioli

Certified Nutritionist Consultant
Founder FODMAP Life & BonCalme

Low-FODMAP, Nut-Free Cranberry Bars!

I like doing things on my own especially if in the long run it will save me money, make me healthier and help me avoid a headache.  That’s where the term “Make-Ahead” comes into play with the low-FODMAP diet!  “Convenience bars” can be bought at the store, but you’ll find that by standing there for minutes on end, reading the tiny little print on the wrappers, that many of them are not low in FODMAPs.  Plus some cost way too much money (if you think about how many you may have in one week, it adds up!).

So making food ahead of time is probably one of the best things you can do to have a successful run with the low-FODMAP diet, and it also means less stress (which is good for your gut).  The recipe I am sharing today is very easy to make and it’s also good for anyone with a nut allergy or for kids needing nut-free snacks for school.

Bring these bars to school, to work, out shopping, traveling, to have before a workout, or to an event – sometimes you never really know if an event/party/get-together will have low-FODMAP food options.

Enjoy!

low fodmap nut free cranberry bars

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old fashioned oats* (I like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats)
  • 1/2 cup rice krispie or organic rice cereal
  • 1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons oat flour
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
  • 1/4 cup ground and milled flaxseed
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, preferably without added sugar

Optional:

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper
  3. Use the large bowl of your mixer to combine all of the dry ingredients and then a smaller bowl to combine the wet ingredients
  4. Combine the wet ingredients into the mixer and mix well
  5. Take the mixture and slowly use a spatula to spread it out evenly in the pan.
  6. Use a separate piece of parchment paper over top of the mixture and get a heavy book or other heavy flat object to press down evenly and firmly. Remove the parchment paper and bake for 16-18 minutes (don’t throw the top layer of parchment paper away).
  7. Once done, use the parchment paper and heavy object to squish down on the bars again.
  8. Place the pan on top of a cookie sheet and find a spot in the refrigerator to let the pan cool for about 15-20 minutes.  This will allow you to easily cut the bars into any length and width you like and it will give the bars a slightly more chewy texture.  Leaving the pan to cool outside instead of the refrigerator is not recommended.

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12 Facts and Tips for the Low Fodmap Diet

If you are new to the low-FODMAP diet or you just need a refresher, take a look at these 12 Facts and Tips for the Low Fodmap Diet to help you along in your journey!

1 Tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter on a rice cake makes a great snack!
1 Tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter on a rice cake makes a great snack!

1) The acronym FODMAPs stands for:

Fermentable, Oligosaccharides (Fructans and Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), Disaccharides (Lactose), Monosaccharides (excess Fructose) and Polyols (Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Xylitol and Isomalt)

2) The low-FODMAP diet is not meant to be a forever thing – it’s meant to be an investigative tool:

  • 1st phase – follow this elimination period by strictly negating all FODMAPs for up to two months.
  • 2nd phase or re-introduction/challenge phase – detect personal triggers by reintroducing one FODMAP category at a time, one food at a time.

After the 2nd phase, FODMAPs that do not trigger symptoms can be a part of a regular diet, and some may still be limited but far better tolerated.  It is important for all to enjoy a varied diet in order to reap the benefits of various nutrients and minerals.

3) The low-FODMAP diet has been proven to help ease IBS symptoms by way of food as

Low-FODMAP fruits: kiwi, strawberries and ripe bananas
Low-FODMAP fruits: kiwi, strawberries and ripe bananas

medicine.  If a patient decides to take medications, they run the risk of side effects and might only cure some symptoms.  The low-FODMAP diet does not work for everyone, however, taking the natural route with food first may be the healthiest option for most IBS sufferers.

4) Fructans are seen as the most common FODMAP to cause symptoms of IBS and they are found in several different types of foods, both natural and processed.

5) The low-FODMAP diet is not a gluten-free diet but it does list gluten-free foods, as most are wheat-free.  And, just because something is free of gluten and wheat, does not mean it is free of FODMAPs!  Wheat is only a problem when consumed as a wheat-based carbohydrate food (like breads, cereals, pastas, crackers, cakes, cookies, pastries etc.).

6) Fructose malabsorption is defined as the incomplete absorption of fructose in the small intestine, followed by the delivery of fructose to the distal small bowel and colon, where it contributes to rapid fermentation and resultant abdominal bloating.  A hydrogen breath test can detect fructose malabsorption.

7) Firm, less-ripe fruit tends to contain more fructose.  In order to not overload the GI tract with

Rice noodles are a tasty alternative to wheat noodles
Rice noodles are a tasty alternative to wheat noodles

sugar, it is suggested to have one serving of fruit per meal.  Some fruits like avocados and cherries are OK on the low-FODMAP diet but also come with limitations.

8)  Properly reading food labels will help to ensure success with the low-FODMAP diet.  Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight with the highest amounts listed first.  FODMAPs can be an issue only when consumed regularly and in significant amounts.  If a high FODMAP food is listed on an ingredient list but present in small amounts (such as less than 5%) then there probably shouldn’t be an issue and would be “suitable” to consume.

9) If you love garlic or onions eating out can be hard but at home, you don’t have to suffer without the taste.  You can sauté onions or garlic for about two minutes -be sure to remove either or before you eat your dish.  Garlic-infused oil is a very easy way to add some garlic flavor and Asafoetida powder can be used as a replacement for onions or garlic.  Use it sparingly as it is very strong in smell and taste.

10) Adding too much fiber can aggravate IBS symptoms and sometimes a person may need to increase or decrease fiber intake for the best symptom management.  The low-FODMAP diet does exclude many high-fiber foods, however the following are low-FODMAP and can be a great daily natural boost of fiber: oat bran, rice bran, oatmeal, quinoa, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, 1/4 cup canned lentils or chickpeas (rinsed), baked potatoes, quinoa flakes or brown rice cereals (check labels).  Consider not having too much fiber at any one time and slowly increase as you aim to improve your digestive health.  A fiber intake of 25-30g per day is recommended for people with IBS.

Grilled Chicken Breasts
Choose lean meats when ever possible and stick to about 3 oz. servings (about the size of a deck of cards)

11) It is strongly advised to keep a food and drink journal while on the low-FODMAP diet.  This will help you to better understand your food triggers and work through the re-introduction phase with a Certified Nutritional Consultant or Registered Dietitian.

12) Fats and oils are generally low in FODMAPs, however, fatty foods can actually slow down and inhibit digestion and gut motility.  Choose leaner proteins like fish, chicken or turkey, stay away from heavy sauces, and limit oils or fats like butter and olive oil to one tablespoon.

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Sources:

Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach Peter R Gibson, Susan J Shepherd/ J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010;25(2):252-258; The FODMAPs Approach — Minimize Consumption of Fermentable Carbs to Manage Functional Gut Disorder Symptoms  By Kate Scarlata, RD, LDN, Today’s Dietitian, Vol. 12 No. 8 P. 30

 

 

 

Are You Stressed When You Eat?

STRESS EATING

 

It’s no longer just the high calorie foods that could be contributing to people’s weight gain, it could be stress itself that is throwing off our metabolism and causing those unnecessary pounds. In new study from The Ohio State University (OSU), researchers found that women who experienced stress in the previous 24 hours burned 104 fewer calories than non-stressed women in the time after eating a high-fat meal— which adds up to the equivalent of 11 pounds gained annually.

According to Dr. Perlman:

  • Everyone knows that we tend to reach for junk food to comfort ourselves when we feel stressed. Here’s another reason not to do that.
  • Not only is the food not healthy for you, but the stress affects your body in such a away that you burn less calories when you are stressed.
  • In essence, eating unhealthfully when stressed is a double whammy when it comes to weight gain.
  • As an alternative to eating, try relieving your stress by going to the gym or taking a walk to help ease your mind.

Dr. Perlman is a doctor for the stress reducing app meQuilibrium, he completed a residency in Preventive Medicine and is a recognized leader in the field of Integrative Medicine and respected researcher and educator in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and wellness.

According to Me and the rest of the Digestive Disorder Community

Studies have shown that stress and anxiety tend to co-exist with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  In a WebMD article, Edward Blanchard, PhD, professor of psychology at the State University of New York at Albany said the “most common mental ailment suffered by people with IBS is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).”  I know that when I am stressed my IBS gets worse – and I am sure if you get IBS and are reading this you can relate.  So if you do not want to gain extra pounds or experience additional pain and suffering from IBS, what can you do?  MEDITATE. According to a study published inThe American Journal of Gastroenterology, practicing mindfulness meditation over an 8-week period reduces the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in women.

Here are some of my tips for peaceful MEDITATION:

Colleen’s Meditation for Belly Peace

  1. Sit yourself in a quiet place where you will be free of interruption.
  2. Inhale a nice long deep breath, and then exhale nice and slow.  Do this three times.
  3. Next, keep this slow and controlled breathing going and start to relax from the top of your head all the way down to your toes.  Relax every single muscle.  Be aware if the muscles in your face, neck, and chest are tense -release the tenseness.
  4. Be aware of any pain you feel in your gut – send peace to the areas of your body that are giving you pain.  Peace could be visualizing sending flowers or a soft yellow light to your gut, or imagining no distention, bloating or inflammation. Surround your gut with lightness and softness.
  5. Now imagine how you want the rest of your day to unfold, pain-free, symptom-free and positively charged.
  6. Imagine taking care of yourself, drinking enough water, getting in exercise, taking your supplements, getting to bed early.
  7. Imagine taking care of your mind – no negative talk, only positive affirmations, and a positive outlook on your body, your feelings, and your life.
  8. Think about five things or people you are grateful for – think about the feelings these people or things bring into your life.  Ask the universe (or your god – whatever or whomever you believe in) to bring you these wonderful experiences and feelings over and over again.  Say why you are grateful for each of the five things.
  9. Once you are done practicing gratefulness, think about three things you will do today to feel good.
  10. Now count slowly to the number thirty and gently open your eyes and smile.
* Try and meditate for at least 20 minutes per day.  You can set an alarm on your phone (choose a soft ring) to alert you once twenty minutes is up.  Stay tuned for the video version of this meditation.

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That's me getting blessed by a holy man in Thailand in June.
That’s me getting blessed by a holy man in Thailand in June.

Aaron’s Story – Coping with Crohn’s Disease

Here is a Aaron Blocker in the hospital on Fe. 9th: "At the hospital. Crohn's flaring and possible appendicitis. Just living the #IBD life that we all know so well."
Here is a Aaron Blocker in the hospital on Feb. 9th: “At the hospital. Crohn’s flaring and possible appendicitis. Just living the #IBD life that we all know so well.”

FODMAP Life is about bringing people together, supporting one another and educating all about the FODMAP Diet, what it’s like for anyone to have digestive disorders and how they cope through various means.  If you would like to submit your story, please submit at least 200 words, plus a short bio and a photo of yourself to: itsafodmaplife {at} gmail {dot} com.

Coping with Crohn’s Disease

In September 2009 I had just started college and I was in between classes when I received a call from my grandmother telling me the doctor had called and had the results from some tests I had run on me to see why I was so sick, I had been waiting almost 3 weeks for any kind of news on what was going on. My grandma told me that the doctor had confirmed what she expected; I had Crohn’s Disease. I really did not know much about it and only months before had I ever even heard of the word Crohn’s Disease, so when I was diagnosed it was kind of a shock but it was also a relief to know why I was so sick. It has been almost 5 years since my diagnosis and I have been hospitalized 12 times, developed osteoporosis and broke multiple bones, Developed OsteoNecrosis of the hips and had both of my hips totally replaced almost 2 years ago when I was 20 years old and live in the doctor’s office. Going through all of that at such a young age has had a huge impact on my life, and on my friends and families lives.

I have had to learn how to cope with all of it and not let it get me down and depressed so that I can still lead a very normal life. Right after I was diagnosed I was desperate to meet people who had the same illness as me, so of course I started looking online and for any resources that might connect me with similar people. I found very few resources at the time and only came across a few little message boards and things. So I decided to start a facebook page where people could like the page and discuss what was going on and it would give me an opportunity to meet people as well. So I started the page named Support Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. This page has been the biggest coping mechanism for me! I get to meet people and discuss our diseases and the similarities, get tips on how to handle things and also give tips. It has opened many doors for me to go speak at conferences and do posts for websites such as this one and even driven me to continue my college education to pursue a degree in immunology to research Crohn’s Disease. My page now has over 15,000 likes and I am looking to turn it into a non-profit foundation to help people who have this disease.

I also have a really good support system that helps me deal with this illness. I have an amazing wife who is the most supportive person I could have in my life and looks past my disease to be with me and take care of me.

I also have some really great friends and family members that come stay with me every time I am hospitalized and keep up with how I am doing and help me in any way possible. I am very grateful for everyone in my life and the support I get, because I know some people are not so lucky when it comes to this.

I currently do not utilize the Low Fodmap Diet but I actually made a food diary of what foods I can and cannot eat and I use that as my reference for eating and managing my symptoms. I do not eat anything that has a lot of sugar in it such as candy or sweets, I have cut all of that out of my diet. I do not eat any fried foods, I bake or grill all of my  meats such as chicken or steak etc. I stay away from dairy, I use almond milk or lactose free milk when I need to use any milk products, I also do not eat eggs. Keeping to a pretty basic set of rules like this helps me maintain a good balance and helps with my disease symptoms. I am currently looking into transitioning into the Low Fodmap Diet to see how that will help me better my dieting and issues that come along with eating the wrong foods.

If I was never diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease I would not be where I am today, it turned my life upside down and has beaten me down sometimes, but I have always and will continue to get back up and continue pursuing my dreams and trying to raise awareness for this disease and to try and make a difference for people who also suffer from this condition. it takes guts facebookIf you would like to check out my page or blog you can find me at: www.facebook.com/ItTakesGuts mylifewithcrohns.blogspot.com Aaron Blocker   Please leave comments or questions below for Aaron!

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