Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Audio. IBS attacks are often associated with menstruation because...High progesterone levels trigger uterine cramps AND gut spasmsFor women, IBS attacks are often associated with menstruation or other hormonal fluctuations.But there is some good news - fennel can be an effective herbal remedy for menstrual cramps and pain as well as for IBS bloating and gas.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Controversy! Folks go bananas...Green? Ripe? Yellow? Fructans? FODMAPS? Fuggeddaboutit!A recent quick tip about bananas got a lot of reader feedback, questions, and confusion.Find your ripeness sweet spot for bananas that are not too green (resistant starch) and not too brown (FODMAP overload).Then use those bananas in a delicious IBS friendly Probiotic Cocoa Banana Smoothie!You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Why is bowel cancer skyrocketing in young people?Century-old tumors may solve the mystery.Bowel cancer has been rising at a terrifying rate in younger people, even children and teenagers, since the 1990s.And doctors don’t know why.But UK researchers are now analyzing bowel cancer samples from tumors stored in paraffin for the past 100 years.Many young people with bowel cancer have their symptoms dismissed as IBS, delaying diagnosis. Make sure your IBS diagnosis is accurate!You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. Eat small portions frequently, calmly, and leisurely Because your gut responds to HOW, not just WHAT, you eat...Why? Because that's your gastrocolic reflex in action...You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Hidden connection! IBS bloating and shoulder pain...Gas buildup in the gut pushes up on the diaphragm and nerves...IBS bloating and trapped gas can be so severe it causes shoulder pain.Gas buildup in the stomach or intestines can push up on the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe.Get help with IBS gas….You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Hidden connection! IBS bloating and shoulder pain...Gas buildup in the gut pushes up on the diaphragm and nerves...IBS bloating and trapped gas can be so severe it causes shoulder pain.Gas buildup in the stomach or intestines can push up on the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe.Get help with IBS gas….You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Video! IBS fast fact. Vitamin C is a huge gut irritant... Cramps, pain, bloating, gas, urgency, diarrhea, heartburn in people who don't even have IBS.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements can be a huge IBS trigger. High doses can cause abdominal cramps, pain, bloating, gas, urgency, heartburn and diarrhea in people who don't even have IBS. Imagine what it can do to you.And get more help taking vitamins with IBS. You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. In just 24 hours an animal diet can change your gutFor the worse, towards inflammation and cardiometabolic riskResearch in Nature shows that your gut can change for the worse in just 24 hours.Your gut microbiome shifts within a single day based on what you eat.And you can proactively help increase your beneficial short-chain fatty acid production with a slowly fermenting prebiotic soluble fiber supplement…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. Don't go low FODMAP foreverNot a universal diet, not blanket exclusions, not safe for long term use!The low FODMAP diet isn’t forever. If you want to try a low FODMAP diet be sure you do this with a registered dietitian who knows both IBS and FODMAPs. Not all dietitians do. This should follow a 3-phase process that takes about 12 weeks total.Beware that long term low FODMAP diets risk nutrient deficiencies, microbiome impact, and harm to your gut.The goal here isn’t lifelong avoidance of all high FODMAP foods. You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. #2. Another constipation frustration. This time it's insoluble fiber.If insoluble fiber foods are IBS triggers, why can't I just avoid them?I’ve got my top five constipation frustrations and this is number two. (Don’t miss number one!)If insoluble fiber foods are IBS triggers, I just won’t eat them at all!No. Do not do this.With IBS, taking things to any extreme can make symptoms worse, not better.Insoluble fiber foods (“roughage” - like bran, raw fibrous veggies, salad greens, unpeeled fruits, seeds, skins, kernel corn) are very powerful GI tract stimulants.For people with normal bowel function, insoluble fiber can relieve constipation and poses no problems.But for those of us with dysfunctional guts due to IBS, insoluble fiber spells big trouble.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS restaurant tip. Avoid menu items that are...Crispy, crunchy, fried, creamy, cheesy, rich, meaty, or raw.WATCH OUT!Get more help with the restaurant guide from Eating for IBS.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Fell off the IBS wagon? That's ok...Sometimes cheesecake happens. How to get back on track for the new year.If you fell off the IBS wagon over the holidays, welcome to the club! Take action quickly... to break the IBS cycle and get back on track. The longer you’re stable, the easier it is to stay that way, and the faster you’ll recover from missteps. Your goal is long-term stability, even with a few bumps in the road. Go back to basics... and work your way through the five key strategies for managing IBS. You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS fast fact. Gas and bloating are common, but...Vomiting and upper GI symptoms are NOT. Gas and bloating are common with IBS. Upper GI symptoms such as burping, belching, heartburn, and pain above the belly button are also NOT a typical part of the syndrome.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Gut bacteria imbalance may weaken memory & learning...By fueling brain inflammation. Yikes.A recent study linked disrupted gut bacteria to brain inflammation and cognitive impairments.Healthy brain connections needed for learning and memory were damaged, leading to measurable problems with memory and learning.And more about the IBS brain-gut dysfunction…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. Make sure your bananas are ripe...Resist the resistant starch!Bananas are a safe soluble fiber food for IBS. But!Make sure your bananas are fully ripe.And more about your IBS safe foods.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS affects far more than your gut...Mood swings, fatigue, brain fog? IBS influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA...Irritable Bowel Syndrome can impact your mood, sleep, focus, and energy. This is because your gut produces and regulates critical neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. Both are key to mental and emotional balance. They literally affect how you think and feel.Get help with IBS treatments for all symptoms…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Do you fit the Rome Criteria?You have to! Or you can't accept an IBS diagnosis... IBS is not a disease, but a disorder (also known as a syndrome, also known as a dysfunction).Your symptoms must match the Rome Criteria before you can accept an IBS diagnosis. You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Estrogen may turn up IBS painResearch finds gut pain “amplifier” linked to female hormones.IBS affects women far more often than men, and new research may help explain why.A recent study found that the hormone estrogen can increase pain signaling in the gut.More about IBS in women…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. Unsure about something? Don't eat it...When in doubt, leave it out. If you're worried a food or meal might be unsafe for IBS, don't take the chance...Are you on the spot and unsure about whether a food or meal is safe for IBS?DON’T EAT IT. It’s not worth the risk.Wait until you can get to your IBS safe foods.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Unpredictable alcohol effects on gut transit time It's never good...Research shows alcohol affects gut transit time unpredictably - and for IBS that’s always for the worse.And more about alcohol and IBS…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS restaurant tip. Don't be afraid to make special requestsBeing finicky does not mean you're being difficult.With any restaurant order, takeout, or delivery, don’t be afraid to make special requests.Being finicky does not mean you’re being difficult. It means you’re taking care of your health.Get more help with the restaurant guide from Eating for IBS.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Statins lower IBS risk for men...But not women!A huge UK observational study of over a decade found that men who regularly used statins (cholesterol lowering medications) were about 23% less likely to be diagnosed with IBS than men who did not use statins.But in women, statin use didn’t change the IBS risk at all.For some people, statins may be replaced with soluble fiber supplements - ask your doctor if that applies to you.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS fast fact. IBS is not a disease. It is...A functional bowel disorder with an underlying brain-gut dysfunction. This means the bowel simply does not work as it should.IBS is characterized as a brain-gut dysfunction in which the gastrocolic reflex goes awry.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. Rub your temples to stop gut painLight circular pressure on your temples, jawline and behind your ears interrupts the gut-brain pain loop Light, circular pressure to these areas stimulates different nerve pathways (specifically, the trigeminal and facial nerves).This redirects your brain’s attention from visceral gut pain to external, calming sensations.And get more help for IBS pain…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Salad smackdown! Seaweed beats raw greens for IBSLow insoluble fiber, high gut-calming benefitsIf raw leafy greens have ever betrayed you the way they’ve betrayed me (I’m still holding that grudge!) seaweed can feel like an IBS veggie miracle.Because seaweed is one of the only greens that doesn’t pick a fight with your gut.It’s naturally low in insoluble fiber (the roughage kind that causes IBS trouble) but packed with soft, soothing soluble fiber (the kind an IBS gut depends on for normal motility.)I think of seaweed as my veggie greens friend, versus those jerks raw lettuce and kale.Learn more about about insoluble fiber foods and IBS…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS restaurant tip. Go dim not bright...Dim light lowers cortisol, helping digestionEating out? Choose a restaurant with soft, flattering light. Soft light lowers cortisol, helping digestion.You’ll look good and feel better!And get more help with the restaurant guide from Eating for IBS.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. L-Glutamine for IBS?The gut support amino acid...A gold-standard research study has found that 88% of adults with IBS who took an L-glutamine supplement (15 grams/day) had a drop in symptom severity.And more about supplements for IBS…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS fast fact. Hypnotherapy for IBS has an 80% success rateOne of the most effective treatments, with no side effectsFind a therapist trained in IBS hypnotherapy at the registry here…Try an at-home version with the iphone app NervaOr learn more about IBS and hypnotherapy.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. Don't get cold feet...Literally! Keeping your feet warm while eating promotes digestion...Warm feet = a calmer gut!Get more IBS quick tips…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Miso happy! The probiotic IBS flavor bomb Add savory richness and deep umami flavor plus microbiome power!How can you heighten food flavors without adding fat or IBS triggers?Miso Miso Miso!Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning base made from fermented soybeans, rice, or barley. It’s a thick, savory paste with a rich umami flavor that adds instant depth and complexity to almost anything you cook.And miso doesn’t just lend flavor. It’s literally alive with beneficial bacteria that support gut health and a balanced gut microbiome.Try a favorite recipe of mine from the Heather Cooks! cooking show, Miso Orange Salmon, Sticky Rice & Avocado Cucumber SaladYou are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS restaurant tip. Drinks can be major IBS triggers...It's not just what you eat, watch what you drink as well.Top suspects to avoid: sodasenergy drinksfruit juicecoffeedairyartificial sweetenersalcoholagavecoconut milkcarbonationAnd get more help with the restaurant guide from Eating for IBS.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Allergies tied to gut nerve dysfunctionResearch shows the gut’s nerve network helps control immunity...A fascinating new study from the University of Bern and Charité in Berlin has found that the brain in your gut - your intestinal nervous system - does much more than digest food. Basically, your gut’s nerve network acts like a traffic controller between digestion, immunity, and microbiome balance. When that system falters, it may set the stage for allergies, IBS, or inflammatory bowel diseases.And more about about IBS vs IBD…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS fast fact. IBS can flip, and flop, and flip...Diarrhea today, constipation tomorrow? Symptoms can switch sides...IBS can switch from constipation to diarrhea, gradually or suddenly.And vice versa.Get help with IBS treatments for all symptoms…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Chronic diarrhea and going public with your struggles Can that set you free? The author Alison Carpenter Davis recently shared a very personal essay about having diarrhea while out in public.She addresses bathroom urgency, a condition millions of people experience, some for a limited time and others to varying degrees for the rest of their lives. This essay really affected me because I have found the exact same thing to be true about living with IBS. My own story about that is here.What do you think? You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. To prevent painful attacks...Never eat insoluble fiber foods on an empty stomach, in large quantities at one sitting, or without soluble fiber foods as the foundation.It’s easier to stay stable than to get stable once your gut motility has gone awry.So try to prevent painful IBS attacks in the first place.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. What causes IBS attacks? Literally see behind the symptomsShocking images of the brain-gut disorder in action. You can actually see it!IBS is a brain-gut disorder and you can literally see it! Irritable Bowel Syndrome, as defined by the Rome Criteria, is a brain-gut dysfunction. What does this mean? See a normal gut 15 minutes after a meal.See an IBS gut 15 minutes after a meal. Holy cow! You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS comfort food recipe! Dreamy lemon rice puddingDelicious, soothing, and terrific for breaking the cycle of IBS attacks. Eat without fear!It is the perfect big batch comfort food for stressful times, after you’ve cheated a little too much on your IBS diet, or for breaking the cycle of IBS attacks.Get the recipe here! Will’s Dreamy Lemon Rice PuddingYou are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so grateful for you...Because I know that I am not alone!It’s a tradition around my family’s Thanksgiving table to ask everyone what they are thankful for…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. The easy way to keep your gut quiet on ThanksgivingJust one simple thing to do in advance of the big meal...It’s our week of help to get you through turkey day and beyond! Yesterday it was all about the food, with recipes and kitchen tricks to make sure in advance that T-Day won’t turn into D-Day.Today it’s about the big day itself, and how to keep your gut calm and happy the whole day long.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Thanksgiving recipes! It's all about the food...Recipes and kitchen tricks to ensure that T-Day isn't D-DayIt’s a whole week of help to get you through turkey day and beyond! Yesterday we started the Thanksgiving Survival Guide right here - don’t miss that. Today we continue with recipes and tips for the big T-Day meal!You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Thanksgiving! An IBS survival guide#1. Don't stuff yourself like the Thanksgiving turkeyI’ve got a whole week of help to get you through turkey day and beyond!No stress, no worries - you can enjoy that bird and plenty of delicious side dishes too.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Alpha-gal syndrome. Sounds like a superheroine with issues, but really...An allergy to red meat triggered by a tick bite, and often misdiagnosed as IBS...Alpha-gal syndrome is a delayed food allergy to a carbohydrate found in red meat. It can cause “the meat sweats.”Alpha-gal develops after a tick bite, especially from the lone star tick.Reactions usually happen 3 to 6 hours after you eat meat, not right away. Many people actually wake up in the middle of the night feeling sick and sweaty after having red meat.And more about about getting a proper IBS…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Letters to Heather - a renewed sense of hopeAfter more than a decade of IBS, Celine is feeling wonderful after just a few changes...This a great letter for folks who are feeling hopeless after years of battling IBS. Please know that even after decades of struggles, things can still get much, much better.Just ask Celine! Need more encouragement and hope? Read other letters that are just as inspiring as this one!You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS restaurant tip. Put your fork or spoon down between bites...An easy way to eat more slowly and calmlyThis will make you pause and give your gut time to send “enough” signals to your brain before you overeat - and set off IBS. Get more help with the restaurant guide from Eating for IBS.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. When IBS meets CSI, your meal is the scene of the crimeA new blood test may reveal your personal IBS food triggersA new study from the Cleveland Clinic and Michigan Medicine found a blood test (the inFoods IBS test) that identifies personal food triggers for IBS patients. Researchers hope the test may help patients avoid broad restrictive diets like low-FODMAP, and instead let them target their specific triggers.And get more help for an IBS diet…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS fast fact. IBS affects far more women than men. But!IBS symptoms, diagnosis protocols, and treatment strategies are the same for women and men. In fact, 75% of people diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are women. However, IBS symptoms, Rome Criteria diagnosis protocols, and treatment strategies are the same for both women and men. Learn more about that Rome Criteria hereYou are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS news flash. Inflammatory foods = inflammatory bowelsNew study finds pro-inflammatory foods triple the risk of severe Crohn’s or colitisA new study in the journal Nutrients confirms what anyone living with IBD already knew. Diet plays a major role in IBD severity.And more about about IBS vs IBD…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS quick tip. Yes, you can eat beans with IBSHow heat, pressure, and rinsing take canned beans from bloating bombs to belly-friendly Sometimes just a little kitchen wizardry goes a long way!And put this tip into delicious practice with the Eating for IBS recipe for Bruschetta with White Bean and Almond Dip...You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. IBS triggers where you'd never look - the bathroom cabinetMany over-the-counter pain relievers, supplements, and medications have hidden IBS triggersIBS diet triggers aren’t just found in foods. They’re also hiding in your medicine cabinet.And more about about IBS…You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe

Audio. Ground coriander. The warm, citrusy, gentle spice that soothes IBSIt's a delicious carminative, meaning it helps prevent and relieve gas, bloating, and intestinal crampingIf you’re eating for IBS you need to go low fat (but not fat free), as fat is a huge IBS trigger.But fat carries flavor, and dropping the fat level means you need to heighten the taste.So try an IBS flavor bomb!Ground corianderThis spice is one of my favorite IBS kitchen heroes!Because eating for IBS should always be delicious, and never mean deprivation.You are not alone.Heather’s IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone.XOXOHeatherHeather Van VorousOver 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here Get full access to Heather's IBS Newsletter - Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at heathervanvorous.substack.com/subscribe