SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a common disease that affects millions of people around the world. It irritates the intestines, and it can be severe if not taken care of immediately.
SIBO symptoms mainly affect the gut. They may include:
- pain in the stomach, especially after eating
- bloating
- cramps
- diarrhea
- constipation
- indigestion
- regular feeling of fullness
- gas
One method of eliminating or controlling this symptom is by adopting a meal plan that focuses more on a particular group of foods, and sometimes one may be required to do away with some diets. One group of food included in the SIBO diet are the carbs that are hard to digest since the slow digestion process causes the food to be fermented in the colon hence reducing the number of harmful bacteria from reaching the intestines. Sometimes it can be hard to adapt to a particular food or even do away with your favorite foods as advised on the SIBO diets.
The following tips can help and guide you on how to simplify the SIBO diets.
Change Cooking Methods
Although it can be a bit difficult to adapt to the food in the first days or maybe for some weeks, it is crucial that you come up with ways that you can utilize to spice up your meals. For example, if you don’t like your kales fried, there are other methods of cooking such as baking.
Understand Your SIBO Meals
Before anything, you need to figure out the different foods and how they will impact your body once you start taking them. Once you are diagnosed with this digestive issue, the doctor will provide you with a meal plan that you are supposed to follow strictly. Therefore, if you do not understand any food that is listed there, or you have allergic reactions to some foods that may be included on the list, make sure to discuss this with your doctor.
The last thing you want is to add more issues to your body. If there are foods that require unique preparation methods you are not familiar with, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about other plans that can work for you.
Foods To Avoid
Although everybody is different, these foods most commonly cause problems and are best avoided:
- high-fructose corn syrup
- agave nectar
- honey
- soda and soft drinks
- garlic
- onions
- asparagus
- butternut squash
- cauliflower
- artichokes
- beans
- apples
- dried fruits
- sausage
- flavored yogurt
- ice cream
- sweetened cereals
- barley
- rye
- grains
- peas
Foods That Ease SIBO Symptoms
These foods are generally considered safe if you have SIBO problems:
- meat
- fish
- eggs
- crackers, gluten-free
- oatmeal
- unsweetened cereal (made from low FODMAP grains)
- spaghetti squash and summer squashes
- broccoli (heads only, less than 3/4 cup)
- leafy greens
- carrots
- rice or gluten-free noodles
- olives
- peanuts
- potatoes
- pumpkin
- quinoa
- seeds
- some fruits (blueberries, grapes, oranges, and strawberries)
Add Natural Herbs and Spices
Do you love your meals when they are a little bit spiced? Well, this does not have to change just because you have added a new diet plan. Various natural spices are recommended for the SIBO diet. For instance, you can add rosemary to your fried salmon or baked kales. This helps you keep your usual tastes to the new meals, and it enables one to adapt quickly.
Take Your Time
Don’t be too hard on yourself as bodies respond differently when introduced to new foods. So, add the foods slowly until you are comfortable eating a whole meal on the diet plan without feeling like throwing up.
Know Where To Get Your SIBO Food Supplies
You can never benefit from a particular meal plan if you don’t know where and how to get your supplies. It even gets harder when you don’t know for sure what to get from the grocery stores. One of the best ways to avoid confusion when out there shopping is to prepare a list of the items you need in advance. In addition to helping you to keep tabs of the types of food to eat, a good SIBO diet food list will also remind you of when, and how much to eat, and what not to eat for better nutrition and the treatment of this health condition.
SIBO can be completely cured and controlled by the use of the right foods that have been approved by the doctors. If you find the diet is too new or there are foods that you do not like from the list, use the above tips to help you simplify it and get used to it. Make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding the preparation methods for good results and your safety.