Fasting
Hi, my question related to fasting. I am a chronic sufferer underweight relative to my weight before developing the disease (approx 63kg for 1m87, fluctuating, before stable was 68-70).
I have been able to work out a fairly detailed programme of possible foods according to recent gut stability, but when it's kicking off it seems really hard to get back on the even keel we all crave. That's part of the problem, the craving. And the weight. So it seems very counter intuitive, but have people had any success fasting a meal (or 3 or whatever) to achieve the reset at the expense of a some short-term calories?
Yours,
John
, Hi John. While I have done short-term fasts to help me reach equilibrium, everyone is different. I also don't have the weight issue to consider, as I actually lean towards overweight or 'good' weight for my height. I think this may be something to speak with your doctor about, if you haven't already. I know there are folks on the site that may have situations and questions like yours, so perhaps they will chime in with their thoughts. Thank you for your question. -Todd, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team
Thank you Todd
Hi
, Like Todd mentioned, everyone is so different when it comes to fasting. As from my personal experience, sometimes it helps me tremendously, while other times it actually makes me more sick.
For the most part, if my symptoms are really acting up, mornings I have something extremely light. Maybe even just a cup of bone broth. I tend not to eat during the day and have something light again in the evening.
I have read that fasting can be incredibly beneficial for the gut. I guess it just depends on the person. Perhaps start with fasting half a day and see how it goes?
Best,
Elizabeth (team member)That is super helpful Elizabeth, thank you so much I will try. And find out what bone broth is in French... 😀 Is that basically beef stock?
, Yes! When I make it at home, I use grass-fed beef bones with some celery, and carrots. I put it in a pot with water and let it simmer for a couple of hours. It is incredibly nourishing and healing for the gut.
Elizabeth (team member)
Oh ok literally homemade, very impressive!
, Yes, but you can buy store bought, of course.
Elizabeth (team member)
Hi
- Thank you for your question about fasting. It looks like you received some great feedback so far! As much as I wish I could drink bone broth (stock) like Elizabeth does...I have a really difficult time with the taste. Haha! It is SO beneficial though for healing the gut, so if you can tolerate drinking it...it's worthwhile. If you do not like the taste, you may want to take a look at a collagen peptides powders that you can add to beverages (such as teas and smoothies). I use an unflavored collagen peptides powder that I blend in my morning smoothie. It provides protein I need, as well as, collagen to help heal my gut lining (although collagen is also known to benefit bones, joints, skin, hair, nails, and hydration). As for your question about fasting creating a reset...I have found this to true personally. However, there is one caveat...as you add back in food, it is important to go slow. Focus on low FODMAP foods that you tolerate well, and have smaller portions the first few days (ideally even starting with broths and no meats). If you are considering anything over a 24 hour fast, please make sure you have clearance from your doctor first (especially if you are underweight). If you are thinking of a more longterm fast, you may wish to consider one of the newer options of a fasting mimicking diet. It provides nutrients needed but calories remain very low so the body believes it is fasting. This definitely would require your doctor's supervision, and I would not recommend this as a first fast for you. I had great success with a 24-36 hour fast (drinking water and not doing any strenuous activities). I'm including this article on low FODMAP foods that were tolerated well by the writer. Perhaps some of these foods will be well tolerated by yourself? As always, it's trial and error. Hang in there! https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/food/abcs-low-fodmap-foods/
~Marci (IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team)
