2015 Update
Just to let you all know that I'm still doing great, and have not had any major flare ups this past year. I have changed by probiotic from the Jarrow 5 million to Jarrow 10 million organisms per capsule, but otherwise my supplements are pretty much the same.
The four key supplements that I think manage the condition are:
Slippery elm (Solaray brand, 2 capsules twice a day) – lines the gut with a mucilaginous substance that helps ease passage
Curcumin (Thorne brand called Meriva SR – 1 capsule twice a day) – anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Probiotics (Jarrow brand, 10 million microorganisms per capsule, 1 capsule twice a day) – balance gut flora
Ginger-crystallized ginger root (Reed brand – I buy it at Wegmans, eat 1-2 chunks after breakfast and dinner, sometimes after lunch if home) – soothes the gut lining and balances flora
I also take my usual 2000 mg. of vitamin C, B complex, B12, magnesium, fiber, and glucosamine although I don't think they affect the condition.
In some of my previous entries, I mentioned drinking 1/2 glass of water first thing on arising. I've changed that a few years ago to about 12 ounces of water. The water rehydrates me from the 8 hours of sleep, and gets things moving well even before breakfast. I also occasionally add 1/4 cup of oatmeal to my breakfast, although I get tired of it after a few weeks and take a break.
I mentioned adding nuts back into my diet back in 2009. I now eat nuts quite regularly - particularly pecans and macadamia nuts, but also add marcona almonds occasionally. I've had no trouble at all, and am happy for the extra fiber they provide.
Hope anyone suffering from this condition is finding ways to manage it without drugs or surgery.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
-- Pam
The four key supplements that I think manage the condition are:
Slippery elm (Solaray brand, 2 capsules twice a day) – lines the gut with a mucilaginous substance that helps ease passage
Curcumin (Thorne brand called Meriva SR – 1 capsule twice a day) – anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Probiotics (Jarrow brand, 10 million microorganisms per capsule, 1 capsule twice a day) – balance gut flora
Ginger-crystallized ginger root (Reed brand – I buy it at Wegmans, eat 1-2 chunks after breakfast and dinner, sometimes after lunch if home) – soothes the gut lining and balances flora
I also take my usual 2000 mg. of vitamin C, B complex, B12, magnesium, fiber, and glucosamine although I don't think they affect the condition.
In some of my previous entries, I mentioned drinking 1/2 glass of water first thing on arising. I've changed that a few years ago to about 12 ounces of water. The water rehydrates me from the 8 hours of sleep, and gets things moving well even before breakfast. I also occasionally add 1/4 cup of oatmeal to my breakfast, although I get tired of it after a few weeks and take a break.
I mentioned adding nuts back into my diet back in 2009. I now eat nuts quite regularly - particularly pecans and macadamia nuts, but also add marcona almonds occasionally. I've had no trouble at all, and am happy for the extra fiber they provide.
Hope anyone suffering from this condition is finding ways to manage it without drugs or surgery.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
-- Pam
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