Self-management of the Ileocecal Valve Syndrome

AVOID ROUGHAGE AND RAW FOOD FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO WEEKS

Raw food can constitute an irritant to the bowels. Raw food is supposed to equal health, but this is not the case with an irritated bowel. Media has told people to eat bran and roughage, much to your discomfort if you have an ICV problem.

STIMULANTS AND IRRITANTS TO BE AVOIDED FOR ONE MONTH

Tea, Coffee, Alcohol, carbonated drinks, black pepper, curries and other highly spiced foods. Other foods that can irritate are coarse cereals, popcorn, peanuts, potato crisps, pepper, Alcohol should be avoided for two weeks while the bowel normalises.  

WATER

The only substance that does not require digesting, several glasses should be drunk daily, in between meals. Drink up to a quarter of an hour before, and not until an hour after meals.

EATING AND PROPER MASTICATION

Only eat when in a peaceful condition, avoid eating on the run, and not when emotionally or otherwise stressed. Chewing slowly is vitally important to ensure proper digestion.

AVOID SUGAR AND REFINED CARBOHYDRATES

Sugar upsets the acid/alkali balance, and refined carbohydrates in the case of long term ICV problems can prolong absorption problems in the small intestine.

EAT LIVE UNSWEETENED YOGURT

Sufficient quantities of Lactobacillus Acidophilus and other beneficial flora organisms both in tablet form and in yogurt, preferably goat's, will greatly assist in the re-establishment of the proper intestinal flora.

CHLOROPHYLL

Lightly steamed green leafy vegetables which contain rich supplies of chlorophyll should be consumed, aloe vera can also help.

EXERCISE

Moderate regular exercise helps restore tone to the bowel.

ALLERGENS

Avoid any foods to which you are sensitive as eating these will only hasten the return of the improper operation of the valve. As the valve corrects, bowel flora and pH correct, the symptoms disappear and the person is usually much less sensitive to things which previously caused problems.

COLONICS

Colonics and enemas are not recommended while ICV is being treated.

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