Tag: IBS

Potpourri for April 14, 2024

On By Malcolm R. CampbellIn Potpourri
  • Our tax app filed our income taxes with the imperial federal government and the state so that chore is off the plate for another year. I sure don’t miss the days when we had a small business and had to account for sales taxes collected, equipment depreciation, payments to temporary employees, and enough forms to choke a goat. Things are much easier now.
  • Iranian missiles near al-Aqsa

    Last night as my wife and I watched the news coverage of Iran’s missile and drone attack against Israel, my first thought was what’s the point. The attack was so dangerous because it could have (and still might) morph into a larger confrontation. I was happy to hear that 99% of the incoming drones and missiles were destroyed and that one of those that was intercepted through the U.S. Navy’s use of a relatively new Layered Laser Defense (LLD) system which ought to be much safer aboard ships than explosives-based weapons.

  • I’m enjoying re-reading Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library in which a person can choose one probable version of his/her life or another, see what it’s like, and then if s/he doesn’t, try another version.  I like the associations of the plot with the many worlds’ interpretation of quantum physics. My only quibble with the storyline is that when people drop into the middle of one of their probable selves’ lives, they don’t know what that self would know at that moment. So. they’re flying blind and that means a lot of time is lost figuring out what’s going on.
  • In my novel in progress, my characters are discussing the devil’s outhouse. Since I’m writing magical realism, I don’t have to worry about how they’d know anything about that outhouse.
  • I still have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Since this is a family values-oriented blog (hahaha), I’ll spare you the details of how that works. My long list of things I can no longer eat or drink isn’t too terrible. For example, I’ve switched from milk to Lactaid; that’s worked out fine.  I’m not supposed to have booze, including wine or moonshine. But sometimes I can’t resist even though I’ll pay for that indiscretion later in pretty much the same way I pay for putting too much Tabasco sauce in my chili or buying lunch from Popeyes Chicken (my favorite).
  • I hope the lawn mower still works. It’s past time to find out.

–Malcolm

Malcolm R. Campbell is the author of the Florida Folk Magic series about a conjure woman fighting the KKK in the 1950s Florida Panhandle

Good Plants: Yarrow

On By Malcolm R. CampbellIn herbs, writing4 Comments

“I always keep yarrow in my medicine bag, as it has many uses. It is also called nosebleed plant, squirrel’s tale, plumajillo, and soldier’s woundwort. I recognize it by its leathery leaf shape, texture, and scent. It’s in the Aster/Daisy family. It is found in temperate zones throughout the world.” – Nicole Apelian in ‘The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies.'”

According to Wikipedia, “Achillea  is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, known colloquially as yarrows. The plants typically have frilly leaves. The common name “yarrow” usually refers to A. millefolium. The genus was named after the Greek mythological character Achilles, whose soldiers were said to have used yarrow to treat their wounds; this is reflected by common names such as allheal and bloodwort. The genus is native primarily to Eurasia and North America.”

As always, consult with a doctor and/or an herbalist before using this plant for medical purposes, especially any involving internal use.

Web MD says that “Yarrow contains chemicals that might help to stop stomach cramps and fight infections. People commonly use yarrow for eczema, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.”

According to VeryWell Health, “In test tube studies, yarrow’s active ingredients have been shown to work as antibiotics, antioxidants, antiproliferatives (slowing cell growth), and more. These properties make yarrow a supplement of interest for almost everything from multiple sclerosis to cancer.”

Following that introduction, the site lists specific uses, including wounds, skin inflamation, menstrual paint, IBS (irritual bowel syndrome), and ailments for which its use has been studied. Check the site for site effects and precautions.

It can be purchased over the Internet (Caring Sunshine  and others) in addition to herbal shops.

My go-to reference is The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, however I also like to check the Mayo Clinic and Web MD sites for additional information. You can also find sites/posts by herbalists that focus on one herb or ailment.

–Malcolm

Malcolm writes novels about conjure including “Conjure Woman’s Cat”  set in the Florida Panhandle.

They can’t cure what I got

On By Malcolm R. CampbellIn writing4 Comments

I know that sounds like the opening line of a love song where the loved one is a dangerous thing. But alas, that’s not the case.

What I got, is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Everyone seems to agree that the bowels are irritated one way or another, but opinions are mixed about what causes it and what (if anything) gets rid of it.

The Mayo Clinic says, “Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you’ll need to manage long term.”

I’m trying to discover what my “trigger foods” are in case that makes any difference in this ailment I’ve been fighting since June. A lot of the foods I like are on the don’t go there list. I’m drinking a glass one red wine right now. It’s on the might be good/might be bad list.

I can’t have cow’s milk or yogurt, apples, asparagus, wheat, broccoli, soy products, or sweeteners. I can have Lactaid, blueberries, hard cheeses such as feta, cantaloupe, potatoes, and lettuce. So, win some, lose some.

I’m looking at a diet called FODMAP, i.e., “What is FODMAP? FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that the small intestine absorbs poorly.”

According to Johns Hopkins,

“Low FODMAP is a three-step elimination diet:

  1. First, you stop eating certain foods (high FODMAP foods).
  2. Next, you slowly reintroduce them to see which ones are troublesome.
  3. Once you identify the foods that cause symptoms, you can avoid or limit them while enjoying everything else worry-free.”

My first thought is, that seems really tedious. But I have no choice. I’m testing red wine today.

A lot of people have IBS. Many don’t know it. Those who do know can find information at the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins sites, among others.  FODMAP diet information can be found here.

Now I’ve got the Gordon Lightfoot song “For Loving Me” stuck inside my head. I’m sure it’s about cauliflower and snow peas. I ate them with wild abandon, unmindful of the consequences.

–Malcolm