017: Calliope Tsoukalas on Nutrition and Living with IBS
Lauren brings back a familiar guest: Calliope Tsoukalas, a nutrition and wellness coach based in Los Angeles, CA. Calliope is on the show again not only to go more in-depth about her practice, but also to share her experiences living with one of the most nebulous of invisible illness diagnoses: IBS.
Listen in as Calliope reveals…
- that she felt more connected to her body at a young age because she grew up with digestive problems and gut pain
- that diet is 75% of IBS management, but exercise and stress are also major factors – but food is the one potential trigger we can most easily control
- that, like so many of us, her doctors told her she was fine at first when she knew she wasn’t
- how the apple cider vinegar fad actually made her symptoms worse
- that changing habits quickly is unsustainable, and fast elimination can sometimes cause more harm than good – moderation and “slow and steady” are key to success
- that having a support system is an integral part of making lifestyle changes successful
- that knowing what DOESN’T work is as important a part of the process as knowing what does work
- that her current diet isn’t strictly Paleo, but rather a combination of various eating protocols – a unique individual diet she’s designed around her own health
- that supplements aren’t necessarily a Band-Aid – there is a place for them depending on individual needs, and they can be very beneficial
- that taking prescription drugs never felt right to her, and she resisted them
- what tends to work best for IBS patients: small meals frequently throughout the day, not lying down after a meal, and drinking (water) 30 minutes before or after a meal, but not during
- another key to success: meal prep and having snacks on hand at all times
- that good quality, healthy food can also be delicious food
- her endorsement of “mindful eating”, and how promoting relaxation while eating can help remove and reduce stressors, and also assist in discovering food sensitivities
- that blood tests are most accurate in order to discover food sensitivity tests – which are distinct from food allergy tests, and just as – if not more – important
- that food sensitivities can wreak more havoc on the body over a longer period of time, because they can have a cumulative effect
- that she usually sees digestive problems in conjunction with depression, anxiety, and insomnia
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