DEAR DR. GOTT: My gastroenterologist has diagnosed me as having a spastic colon, or IBS. He said this condition is chronic in nature and is aggravated by stress and anxiety. He prescribed Prilosec for acid reflux.
I'm plagued with a near constant urge to have a bowel movement. However, after having a normal bowel movement, I continue to have pressure and pain in the rectal area all the time. My doctor simply told me to know where restrooms are located when I leave home. This is hardly a practical solution. Additionally, I have a constant offensive taste in my mouth that curbs my appetite, and I have to force myself to eat.
I recently began taking IBS tablets and enteric-coated peppermint capsules with thyme and rosemary. Please advise if this will help my condition, or what medication and supplements you recommend. I'm desperate for some relief that will allow me to return to normal daily functions.
DEAR READER: Although I don't have a problem with what you are using, you might consider alternatives if your program is not successful. One alternative is Digestive Advantage IBS. Many of my readers have discovered that this nonprescription medication is a great help in diminishing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Try it and let me know whether it is effective.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Irritable Bowel Syndrome."
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am trying your no-flour, no-sugar diet and have received your "Losing Weight" pamphlet in the mail. You state that "the no-flour, no-sugar diet is that and no more." The consumption of fat is not specifically addressed in your pamphlet.
Does that mean fats are unlimited? If one eats an unlimited amount of butter, oils and fattening foods like bacon and cheese, wouldn't this counteract the results of cutting out the sugar and flour?
DEAR READER: Fats are not specifically addressed by the diet because without sugar or flour foods, the intake of fat is reduced: no pasta, no cheese; no bagels, no cream cheese; no morning toast, no butter, and so on.
By not restricting fats in the diet, people find the no-flour, no-sugar diet to be much easier to follow — and more pleasurable. I should add that my patients on the diet have much lower cholesterol levels, a welcome result.
If you have further questions, you can purchase a copy of my new book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet Book" and consider getting a copy of the follow-up book, which contains suitable recipes. The cookbook will be published in summer 2007. If you wish to purchase the diet book, it is available at most chain and independent bookstores or online at Amazon.com.
I'm plagued with a near constant urge to have a bowel movement. However, after having a normal bowel movement, I continue to have pressure and pain in the rectal area all the time. My doctor simply told me to know where restrooms are located when I leave home. This is hardly a practical solution. Additionally, I have a constant offensive taste in my mouth that curbs my appetite, and I have to force myself to eat.
I recently began taking IBS tablets and enteric-coated peppermint capsules with thyme and rosemary. Please advise if this will help my condition, or what medication and supplements you recommend. I'm desperate for some relief that will allow me to return to normal daily functions.
DEAR READER: Although I don't have a problem with what you are using, you might consider alternatives if your program is not successful. One alternative is Digestive Advantage IBS. Many of my readers have discovered that this nonprescription medication is a great help in diminishing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Try it and let me know whether it is effective.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Irritable Bowel Syndrome."
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am trying your no-flour, no-sugar diet and have received your "Losing Weight" pamphlet in the mail. You state that "the no-flour, no-sugar diet is that and no more." The consumption of fat is not specifically addressed in your pamphlet.
Does that mean fats are unlimited? If one eats an unlimited amount of butter, oils and fattening foods like bacon and cheese, wouldn't this counteract the results of cutting out the sugar and flour?
DEAR READER: Fats are not specifically addressed by the diet because without sugar or flour foods, the intake of fat is reduced: no pasta, no cheese; no bagels, no cream cheese; no morning toast, no butter, and so on.
By not restricting fats in the diet, people find the no-flour, no-sugar diet to be much easier to follow — and more pleasurable. I should add that my patients on the diet have much lower cholesterol levels, a welcome result.
If you have further questions, you can purchase a copy of my new book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet Book" and consider getting a copy of the follow-up book, which contains suitable recipes. The cookbook will be published in summer 2007. If you wish to purchase the diet book, it is available at most chain and independent bookstores or online at Amazon.com.