Did you know that keeping your heartburn in check could also reduce the risk of colon cancer? Heartburn is a burning discomfort from the chest up to the throat and leading cause of heartburn is the food we eat. Foods that are highly acidic, spicy, high in fat, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine can all contribute to heartburn. No fun …  huh?  Not necessarily. Give the Taco Bell Doritos tacos and the bacon milk shakes the day off and let’s take a look at a recipe that can ease heartburn and is good for your colon as well. (more…)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the common ailments of the bowel and affects millions of people in the United States. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, frequent constipation and/or frequent diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. “Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications,” according to the National Digestive Diseases Clearing House. Using the FODMAP diet theory, we will focus this post on a dish that is IBS friendly and very healthy. (more…)

What is in your kitchen?  Unfortunately, the standard American diet has all of the factors that contribute to the increased risk of colon cancer.  If you look in a typical American kitchen, you will probably find foods that are high in “unhealthy fat, low in fiber, high in processed foods, low in complex carbohydrates and low in plant based foods.”

If you are concerned about your colon, it’s time to make a change in your lifestyle and in your kitchen.  So let’s put down the deep fried Twinkies wrapped in bacon and covered in chocolate and take a look at some foods that you should and shouldn’t have in your kitchen for a healthier, happier colon.

Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables
Eating a variety of fruits, nuts and veggies provides antioxidants, fiber and vitamins.  Try broccoli, cauliflower, beets, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, arugula and watercress.  Seek these out at a local farmers market if possible. (more…)

When someone says St. Patrick’s Day, I immediately think of some knucklehead wearing an oversized green leprechaun hat, a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirt, drinking cheap green beer, puking their guts out and passing out into a half-eaten bowl of Lucky Charms at the end of the night. Butt Seriously, St. Patrick’s Day is actually a cultural and religious feast day where restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted in order to celebrate none other than – you guessed it – St. Patrick. So let us feast on a dish that is colon healthy and will leave your body thanking you for in the morning, no hangover necessary. Sláinte! (more…)

In Honor of President’s Day!

Okay, so say the president is coming over for dinner, and by the way he is concerned about his colon health. What do you serve? Do you do a 12-course tasting menu with appropriately paired wines that lasts well into the early morning hours? No, he’s the president of the United States. He’s already been around the world sampling the finest cuisine of toadstools and unicorn horns sprinkled with pixie dust, and he does have other stuff to do – like run the country. So, you do some research and find out that the president likes salmon, broccoli and nuts, which makes your job as a chef easier, because all of these foods make for a colon friendly meal. Mr. President, your colon will be in “good hands” with this recipe. (more…)