Too much of a good thing

I don't know about you but when I started on the FODMAP diet I tended to overindulge in the things I could eat...Chocolate and biscuits!

When my fructose intolerance became pre eminent I indulged even more in chocolate. The sugar it provided helped me with the loss of the natural sugars in fruit.

Unfortunately for me I pushed my body a little too far and now I cannot indulge in too much chocolate without consequences... stomach cramps. Now this could have been due to the development of Gastritis that appears to have slowly developed in my body. It may also be one of the reasons I have gastritis...who is to know!

But it is something to be mindful of. When your diet becomes restricted and you eat too much of one thing your body may start to have a reaction.... everything in moderation.. not that I have ever been capable of that.

Gastritis - Biohawk relief

Well about a month ago I ended up in a pretty bad way. I was diagnosed with gastritis. Though I still feel pretty nauseated most of the time, there is no pain so I am pretty happy.

However I have a terrible feeling that this was a reaction to the Biohawk powder I was taking at the time. There were no other changes in my diet at that time, and I must confess I took more than a knife point amount (my recommended dose), so it is in the end my own fault. But I could never have imagined that it would end like this! So now I am on tablets for the next few months to stop my stomach creating too much acid. Its been very difficult to get everything right, and caffeine has gone out the window! Its not been easy so if you do have an intense reaction from the Biohawk, don't push it. Its really isn't worth it!

Nuts

I convinced myself that I could eat a certain museli. I am not sure why I made this decision but I did.

I had been having symptoms for months and things were getting progressively worse. Then one day I decided to strip everything back including my cereal. Imagine my surprise when around 11am I was symptom free.. unusual for me! I had been making myself ill everyday just because I was having the wrong museli..one with nuts in it... cashews and almonds. Now when I first went on the FODMAP diet cashews were not a problem, but new research has indicated that cashews are no good for those with FODMAP intolerance.

I bring this up because you have to be so careful. I really thought this museli was in my Sue Shepperd Food Shopping guide... but when I checked this morning it wasn't there. The research is developing and new foods are being added or taken off the list. Its important to stay with current research!

FYI for breakfast now I just have Freedom Foods Puffed Rice... mostly because I am trying to lose some weight .. too much chocolate : )

AND I generally find that I have symptoms around 4 hours after I eat something that reacts... this really helps narrow down what is causing the problems.

Biohawk Relief

My kinesiologist suggested i try Biohawk Relief: natural digestion aid as it has been successful for some of her other patients with similar issues.

I had a try of the liquid whilst at her office and my whole body rebelled against it. My stomach also didn't fare well and I found myself in agony an hour after taking a tiny sip of the liquid.

However, determined to do anything to progress my current state, I did get the powder and got my kinesiologist to test me with it. I can have it every second day but just the tiniest amount sprinkled on my vegies at night. I use the tip of my knife to measure and though i can still have a few bumps with it i am persevering. I havent really noticed any changes but with such low stomach acid I am willing to give anything a go.

If you are thinking of trying I would suggest ignoring the recommendations if you have a sensitive system and start with a small amount, with food, and go from there.


p.s. Please note that I had a bit to much of Biohawk and I ended up with an Ulcer. It was the only change to my diet and it was just too strong for my stomach, which started producing way to much acid. Please be careful if you use this item.

Monash University FODMAP Android App

Finally those of us on Android can enjoy the accessibility of having our list on our phone! Its basic and holds a copy of many of the booklet pages and has a very easy list of what we cannot eat.

Having been in the unenviable situation of trusting friends to follow through on my list and not having a copy on me ... to by deep regret, I think this one will come in very handy.

Follow this link to find out more about accessing this application:

http://www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/fodmap/iphone-app.html

Intestaclear - Orthoplex

After being on the FODMAP diet for 2 years and removing more and more from my diet I found myself constantly fatigued. It didn't matter what I did I just couldn't get over that hump. Taking more and more from the diet didn't help.

So I saw my wonderful kinesiologist and she recommended that I try Intestaclear (Orthoplex) as supplements and probiotics just make things worse.

After a week and a half of taking just one tablet after dinner (I take it at least 30 minutes after dinner) I have can honestly say I am no where near as tired. At first what came out of my body was slightly alarming... but I actually feel like its cleaning out the bacteria that has been living in my system for years. I am not saying I am a bouncing bean, but I don't spend all day fighting to keep my eyes open or eating rubbish to get me through the days.

I feel better!

Not great but as usual its a start.

So if you like me have just a few too many body issues to get over that hump with the FODMAP diet you may wish to give it ago.

It probably won't work for everyone so please look into it yourself and go in with very low expectations!

www.bioconcepts.com.au

Heaven is a spelt and walnut brownie

Yesterday when I went to pick my favourite spelt loaf from the Brisbane city Jan Powers Farmers Markets I spied with my little eye a Spelt and walnut brownie for just $3.50. I couldn't resist!!!

It was big... bigger that one person should admit to enjoying with oneself....but I did... all day long!! It was so scrumptious and today I feel really great. See we don't have to go without!!

On a side note. Not eating Wheat and Rye for so long has made me more sensitive to Gluten. Please be aware of this as you go on this journey. When something is excluded for so long your body may react to it differently when you return.

But there is always a Spelt Brownie to make me smile on Wednesdays : )