Digestion

I mentioned in the previous post about my issues with IBS. I did go to see a GI doctor. This was several months after going gluten free, trying several supplements, and starting a more vigorous exercise program. The appointment was made in January and I got see the doctor on June 2nd!! (Healthcare in this country is horrible!!!). The doctor did little for me, and mentioned that I seemed to have "solved" my issue already since I felt better. I still wanted a blood test (which I hate since I have a vagal response to blood draws), but that only showed that I had no issues with my thyroid gland (which was a limited test that told me little), and that my cholesterol was alright. I wanted a check for testosterone levels but obviously that was not conveyed. Online searches told me to look for a functional medicine doctor, but that also could lead to costly testing and pseudo-scientific conclusions. I continued to exercise and modify my diet, add and remove supplements, and I have continued this operation up until today.

I have little trust in the healthcare industry in this area. No one has the time to explore issues with the patient. No one thinks outside of the box. No one understands prevention or early detection. Professionals do not communicate to each other, and no one is willing to admit that they do not have the final say on a subject-- they will not pass the torch for you-- you must discover the next care provider. They need an organizational intervention. 

I titled this blog "Digestion" because it deserves utmost importance when talking about food for fuel and recovery. If you can't digest something, then why eat it?
The problem is that we are always playing this trial and error game with our food. We are attracted to new things and wonderful smells. We end up paying for the "experiment" of trying these things later with gas, bloating, and lack of energy. The biggest problem is that we don't know our body's capacity for digestion. We don't know our microbiome (our gut environment), and we don't understand the chemicals in our food (all food is made up of chemicals-- I am not talking about synthetic processed foods) and what they do to us personally.

Do we have the time to test ourselves and make a chart? Will that chart change?

Yes to both!

We need to make time to make a list of foods we can digest properly. We can't rely on medicines to fix our mistakes (like a person I knew who took prilosec daily just to feed a coffee addiction that hurt his stomach). We need to know what fuel we can take...for this moment...because things will change. When they do change, you can update that list.

You can also make a list of foods you want to try. Foods that you think might improve your life, or at least provide variety to your program.

While you are at it, make a schedule of meals. When you eat something is important, because your activity can influence digestion. Who wakes up to a steak dinner? Breakfast should break your fasting, and be easily digested. What is that for you? Experiment with what you eat for breakfast and before bed first. Then work back from both ends. Be consistent and notice how you feel. Use myfitnesspal.com for accountability.

Once you understand what you can digest (food that doesn't give you GI issues), you can get creative with those foods.

For myself, I still stick to the tried and true chicken and rice (white rice), but sometimes the chicken comes as GF meatballs, sausage, and various cuts of meat. I use various sauces (and soon will explore more) to bring more flavor to my meals. I vary the vegetables in these dishes, and add more or less as I see fit.

I generally eat the most carbs around my workouts, and the rest of the day I rely on protein and fats. I bring carbs back at night because I tend to sleep better that way. On the few days when I don't workout, I eat a bit less, and my carbs are at a minimum.

My general rule for sugar is to limit it. Also, sweet can follow salty and vice versa, but never two sweets in a row! I can't have a meal that tastes sweet (as in sauces), and follow it with something sweet. I don't eat sweet sauces, but if I happen to "experiment" with a sauce that I find out is sweet, I will neutralize my palate after with something salty (or think of it as savory). I feel that I need to be balanced with my sweet and salty foods, and this makes a difference in what I eat throughout the day. I do have a regiment, but those small tweaks I make daily will reflect my sweet/salty intake.

For instance, peas have more sugars in them than broccoli. I would always choose broccoli unless I have had it twice already that day, but if I had something else that was sweet between, then I would feel it is necessary to have broccoli. Yes, it is neurotic, but I feel it balances me out. I can rely on numbers and planning, but I also have some instinct. Our bodies do not lie if we listen.

I have eaten eggs for breakfast on and off for years. I am going on almost a year now. Cereal or oatmeal has been another staple. Whey protein in the morning is becoming a staple (an expensive one). I will do this all until my body doesn't like it, or I get sick of the taste (my eggs require ketchup). I have eaten eggs before bedtime, but it doesn't always agree with my in the bloating department.

I once hated peanut butter over almond butter, but since I found natural Jif, I have enjoyed eating it daily. A bag of mixed nuts has nothing on a large tablespoon of this!

I try to be more precise about what I eat and when, but there is not always time to plan. In general, I have 4 meals and a host of snacks each day. I know things will change as I get stronger and my regiment is better.

I will explore my meal prep in the next installment from the Highlands.