This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. VSL#3 is a high-potency probiotic medical food for the dietary management of IBS, UC and ileal pouch and must be used under medical supervision. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Chances are, you know someone who has IBS. IBS is a serious GI issue that affects the large intestine (colon) and commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. There is no known cure or cause for IBS. It is so common that it affects up to 1 in 5 Americans, including 15% of children*. IBS can be managed by making healthy diet choices, by using IBS Friendly recipes, but that is not always an easy thing to do, especially this time of year when so many celebrations center around food. Using the right probiotic can help, along with knowing and avoiding ingredients that trigger IBS symptoms.
While many people are familiar with the general term “probiotics”, most do not understand the importance of knowing which specific strain of organism should be used for which specific disease or condition. #VSL3KnowtheDifference Probiotics work on three areas of the gut: the microbial barrier; the chemical barrier; and the physical barrier. It is suggested that adults should take at least one billion cells (also called colony-forming units or CFU’s) daily. VSL#3 has at least 112.5 billion CFU’s. VSL#3 is a high potency probiotic medical food that must be used under a doctor’s supervision. Their products are gluten free, Kosher, and Halal certified, and must be refrigerated. VSL#3 can colonize the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria, reduce gas and bloating from IBS,and maintain remission in UC (Ulcerative Colitis) an ileal pouch.
In addition to using VSL#3 Probiotics, you can also learn to make food choices that are Low FODMAP. Patsy Catsos, a medical nutrition therapist and registered dietician, has a new book called Flavor without FODMAPs Cookbook: Love the Food that Loves You Back. The book explains what FODMAPs are, and provides over a hundred recipes and meal plans to help you choose the right foods if you have IBS, UC, or an Ileal pouch.
I tried the Cream of Tomato Soup recipe from the recipe cards I received, and I have to say, it was surprisingly easy to make, and tasted very good. I garnished mine with crumbled gluten free pretzels.
Cream of Tomato Soup
1 ¾ lbs fresh tomatoes or 28 oz can of fire roasted diced tomatoes, not drained
1 tablespoon garlic-infused oil
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup water
¼ teaspoon thyme, crushed
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
6 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons marsala wine or sherry (optional)
Combine tomatoes, water, sugar, and spices in the bowl of a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and optional sherry or marsala wine. To serve warm, transfer the soup to a medium saucepan and heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until very warm but not boiling. Makes 4 servings.
For more information on VSL#3 please visit www.vsl3.com and use the code “DOCTOR” at checkout for $5 off your next purchase. You can enter the IBS-Friendly Feast Giveaway today for a chance to be the Grand Prize winner to receive a cooking class for two at your local William Sonoma or Sur La Table stores and custom IBS-friendly recipes from VSL#3. Five Runners-up will also receive a one month supply of VSL3# product. Enter before 11/25 at 12 p.m. ET.
Join VSL#3 on Facebook for giveaways and exclusive offers.
Check out their series of videos packed with helpful info about IBS & UC.
You can find more delicious IBS-Friendly recipes at VSL#3 Recipes.
Do you live with IBS, UC, or an ileal pouch? If you do, I hope you find some recipes and other information that can help you feel better.
*Harris Poll conducted the GI Issues Survey on behalf of VSL#3. The survey was administered online within the United States between April 1 – 7, 2015 among 607 adult’s ages 18+ who have been diagnosed with a digestive or gastrointestinal condition, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis, ileal pouch (“sufferers”). VSL#3® is a high-potency probiotic medical food that’s clinically proven in the dietary management of IBS, ulcerative colitis, and ileal pouch. To learn more visit www.vsl3.com and LIKE the brand on Facebook.
VSL#3® is a high-potency probiotic medical food that’s clinically proven in the dietary management of IBS, ulcerative colitis, and ileal pouch. To learn more visit www.vsl3.com and LIKE the brand on Facebook.
This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. VSL#3® is a high-potency probiotic medical food for the dietary management of IBS, UC and ileal pouch and must be used under medical supervision. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
