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Bok Choy! Looking For an IBS Friendly Recipe?

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the common ailments of the bowel and affects millions of people in the United States. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, frequent constipation and/or frequent diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. “Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications,” according to the National Digestive Diseases Clearing House.

Using the FODMAP diet theory, we will focus this post on a dish that is IBS friendly and very healthy.

Soba Noodles with Bok Choy and Cucumber

Soba noodles are traditionally served cold and are made from buckwheat flour which is one of the safest whole grains for IBS. Bok choy, cucumber and lime are foods that that are low on the FODMAP list.

What You Will Need:

  • 1 pack soba noodles
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 4 baby bok choy
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 bunch of cilantro
  • 1 lime

To Prepare: In a medium pot, boil soba noodles until al dente. Drain and shock under cold water and drain again. In a bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, ginger, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lime, then toss with the noodles. In a sauté pan, add a little vegetable oil on medium heat and wilt the bok choy, then set aside. Peel the carrots into thin ribbons and cut the cucumber into half moons. Combine noodles, bok choy, carrots, and cucumber. Garnish with a slice of lime and fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

There are certain trigger foods to avoid when adjusting your diet for IBS. Foods that are high in fat, insoluble fiber, caffeine, coffee or alcohol can be GI irritants. Keep in mind that there is no single diet that can cure IBS and you have to find the foods that work for you. Use this as an opportunity to explore foods that are low on the FODMAP list. Remember – eating healthy, colon-friendly foods can help reduce your chances of developing colon cancer.

Preparation Process an Essential Part Of Colonoscopies

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Once you’ve made the choice to get a colonoscopy, you may think you’ve done your part to prevent colon cancer and leave the rest up to the physician performing the procedure. But patients must do more than make a decision to ensure a successful colonoscopy; closely following the preparation process to cleanse the colon is just as important.

A new Canadian study, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that doctors may miss close to eight percent of colon cancers during a colonoscopy, or one in 13 cancers. One explanation for this may be impaired visibility during the procedure because the patient’s colon was not thoroughly cleansed. To improve colon cancer detection rates, lead researcher Dr. Harminder Singh said it is imperative for colonoscopy patients to “strictly follow the instructions for bowel preparation for colonoscopy…It may be a nuisance but it will help maximize the view during (colonoscopy).”

During a colonoscopy, a flexible, lighted tube, called a colonoscope, with a camera attached to it is inserted in the patient’s rectum and guided around the bends of the colon. Physicians look for any abnormalities during the procedure, including growths called polyps that can turn into cancer. This procedure requires a completely clean colon for maximum visibility, achieved through a combination of liquid laxatives, a liquid-only diet and lots of time near a commode. The colon-cleansing process usually begins the day before your procedure and may be inconvenient, but failing to follow the instructions for colonoscopy prep could result in missed polyps and the development of colon cancer.

Colon cancer is 90 percent treatable, but only when diagnosed in its early stages. People are advised to get regular screenings beginning at age 50; patients with a family history of colon cancer or polyps may need to begin the screening process at an earlier age. To find a colon cancer screening center near you, click here.