HOW THE PALEO DIET CAN HELP IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

How the Paleo Diet Can Help Irritable Bowel Syndrome (ibs)

by Daniella Miniero (Guest Author - FIT Fashion Business Management) & Dr. Shamil 
Source: https://www.northwestpharmacy.com

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is a common condition and the number one digestive disorder diagnosed in North America. The symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, and abdominal pain; which cause significant distress and are a major upset to daily life. However, IBS is a functional disorder and since scientists have yet to discover an exact origin for its cause, it is difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. People who suffer from IBS all have higher than normal levels of gastro intestinal inflammation, food intolerances to both gluten and diary, and an imbalance of gut flora which is the healthy bacteria in our stomachs (IBS patients have more bad bacteria than good).

The Paleo Diet & IBS

People who suffer from IBS have found that the Paleo diet helped relieve their symptoms. The Paleo diet eliminates all processed and refined foods ad well as aims to maximize both nutrient density and absorption. The Paleo diet is perfect for people with IBS because it removes most of the food groups that trigger IBS symptoms. It also helps reduce overall inflammation in the body by optimizing fatty acid balance and eliminating refined or processed foods.

The Paleo Diet: What to Avoid

● Grains and legumes: All grains contain gluten and/or lectins which both can be harmful to our stomachs and cause digestive distress. Lectins are a sticky protein found on plants, grains, legumes, and seeds. These proteins help to fend off attack from invaders, which basically helps the seeds survive. When we consume lectins, their stickiness causes them to bind to our gastrointestinal lining, which can cause irritation and inflammation. For IBS sufferers, it may be best to stick to the Paleo diet and cut all gluten products out of your diet entirely.

● Dairy products: Dairy products are extremely problematic, especially if you are gluten intolerant. Many people with a gluten sensitivity are unable to tolerate any dairy product. As well, the sugars in milk most often include lactose and galactose. These sugars tend to aggressively ferment in the intestines of people who suffer from IBS, causing severe gas, bloating, and discomfort.

● Seed oils and nuts: Vegetable oils, including canola, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, soybean, and cottonseed oil, are very high in polyunsaturated omega-6. Food high in polyunsaturated omega-6 can promote systemic inflammation and overall gastro-intestinal inflammation. While nuts may technically be part of a typical Paleo diet, those with IBS should avoid most nuts and seeds since they’re hard to digest and high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats.

The Paleo Diet: What you Should Eat

● Steamed or broiled veggies: It will make them easier to digest and gentler on your sensitive digestion.

● Bone broth: Bone broth is rich in natural amino acids that aid in gastro-intestinal healing.

● Fermented foods: Adding food like fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, veggies like carrots, kombucha, and kefir into your diet can help optimize your gut flora.

● Starchy paleo-friendly carbohydrates: Starchy carbohydrates like yams, squash, and green plantain contain soluble fiber. This type of fiber helps to feed your healthy gut bacteria, and healthy bacteria equals a happy belly.

● Grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised poultry and eggs: These products have exceptional nutritional composition and higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which will aid in healing and help balance inflammation from the omega-6s in your diet.

● Filtered water and nourishing teas: Drinks like ginger and peppermint can help soothe the gastrointestinal system.


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