Top 10: Diet Hacks

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Physical & Sexual Health
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When learning what to eat and what not to eat, what's worked for you?

Quantity is more important than the specific food item. Almost anything is OK with small portions at this point… except corn makes me bloat like a basketball. I am nine years past having my rectum and part of my sigmoid removed. Some LARS issues continue, but portion control is my biggest key. - Heather White, Stage IIIB Survivor

I had a resection, so when I was able to process solid food, I followed more of a paleo diet. I still don't do well with raw greens or lots of dairy. I never touch anything with nitrites, and I cook most of my meals. Also, I had to learn to start and end the day with water. - Paula Chambers Raney, Stage I Survivor

CBD has helped me treat nausea, dizziness, headaches, muscle pain, and it’s helped improve my sleeping pattern. I have become a believer in the healing power of CBD and enjoy sharing information and recommendations in hopes of helping others facing similar experiences. - Maryella McKenzie, Stage IV Survivor

I'll be honest, having a colostomy was CAKE! Everything, to me, looked like it digested the same. Ileostomy? Totally different. Hash browns? No go. Tomatoes? Don't think so. Beans? Boy STOP! Talk about a learning curve. I've definitely become patient, and I focus more on what I can digest. - Phillip Alan Dawson II, Stage IV Survivor

Eat as simple and clean as possible, and listen to your body. For a while I couldn’t tolerate coffee, but after two years, I could again! I recently cut gluten and sugar from my diet and I’ve never felt better. - Johanna Poremba, Stage II Survivor

I was vegan before my LAR surgery and I have maintained it the whole time with some adjustments. I am two years post surgery and have a lot more variety now than I did after the operation. I have worked hard on my gut microbiome and I eat at regular times of the day. I eat low FODMAP fruit, veggies, grains, etc. A vegan diet can work—you may have to take it slow and be careful about how you mix your foods. - Jacqui Weston-Cole, Stage I Survivor

I had some special needs due to an ostomy, but in general I'd say I have learned how to eat more slowly and chew my food more before swallowing. I drink a ton of water, and I listen to what the doctor tells me in regards to diet. - Scott Blitstein, Stage II Survivor

A food diary was vital in helping me figure out the best diet and tracking how my body handled certain foods. Once I knew what worked, I could tailor a diet specific for me. - Allison Rosen, Stage II Survivor

Before my diagnosis, I LOVED hot/spicy food, but once I had my colon resection and ever since, I can’t handle it anymore. Also with my ostomy, I found that any fruits or veggies with the skin were more difficult to digest. - Michael Mancini, Stage IV Survivor

I ate low residue for a while and slowly added foods to see how my body tolerated them. I’ve learned to eat slowly and chew my food well. - April Schack, Stage II Survivor

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2021 Beyond Blue: The Food Issue. To get more diet and nutrition information, read the issue online.

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