I am a firm believer that the natural foods we eat every day have healing properties to help our body recover from non-critical ailments and aid in the recovery process as well. If we eat the right foods, in the right amount, the vitamins and minerals found in food will strengthen our body systems. It can improve digestion, which in itself is a prerequisite for the healing of the body. With better digestion, the body can absorb the necessary minerals and vitamins, which in turn will repair the body. This is especially true for IBS patients.
So the first food remedy for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome is pineapple.
Pineapple helps in digestion. Find a fresh, ripe pineapple and eat it fresh. Make sure only ripe pineapples are eaten. Green pineapple has poison that can cause drastic purging. If fresh ripe pineapples are not available, canned ones can be used. Cutting pineapple is an art. Be generous when cutting the pineapple skin. You need to remove the crown, bark, eyes and heart. One method of removing the eyes is to cut them crosswise. You can only eat the meat. Fresh chilled pineapple is not only refreshing but also delicious. As much as you love pineapples, don’t overeat them either, as too much pineapple can cause fiber balls in the intestinal tract. Like everything else, excessive consumption should be avoided. In adequate amounts, it is a healing food.
The acidity of fresh pineapple can cause irritation on the tip of the tongue. A trick to reduce acidity is to rub a little salt on the pineapple before eating or soak the pulp in water with a pinch of salt for a while before eating. With canned pineapples, they are typically soaked in syrup, which decreases flavor and freshness.
Pineapple is diuretic and is a natural cleanser, removing toxins from the body. It is high in vitamin C and also contains a special enzyme, called bromelain, which helps the body’s digestive system and is also capable of reducing inflammation caused by arthritis, gout, and sore throats. It also helps in the wound healing process after surgery or injury. Pineapple is believed to contain micronutrients that may protect against cancer and the micronutrients also break down blood clots and are beneficial for the heart. Pineapple juice is also a natural killer of intestinal worms.
Right after every meal, eat a slice of pineapple and it will aid digestion, thereby reducing burping, gas buildup, and stomach discomfort—all common symptoms of IBS. Having a slice or two a day is fine for most IBS patients; just don’t eat the whole fruit every day. If you’re just trying it, just take a slice and increase later.
Another way to eat pineapple is by squeezing it by blending it. If you are not milk intolerant, add some yogurt and blend them in a food processor for a lassi drink. This is a traditional Indian drink. Don’t add sugar, especially if you’re using canned pineapples. If you like you can add a little water or ice.
