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April 24, 2003

All-American Sloppy Joes

6-8 Servings

1 T olive oil
1 C finely diced onion
1 C finely diced celery
2 T Acacia Tummy Fiber
1 1/2 C boiling water
16 oz. can tomato sauce
2 T mild chili powder
1 t dried mustard
2 T brown sugar
1 1/2 C TVP (textured vegetable protein)*
1/2 t salt
1 T molasses
2 T cider vinegar
Hamburger buns or French rolls

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan, and saute the onions and celery until very tender. Add all remaining ingredients except the buns and stir well. Simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Serve mixture on buns or rolls.

* TVP is available in bulk at health food stores and many grocery stores. It's a terrific substitute for ground meat and is very inexpensive.

For more recipes, click here for the IBS Recipe Board!

Hello to everyone -

Here's an all-American family favorite recipe! Sloppy Joes are a hearty, tasty meal-in-a-sandwich loved by adults and children alike. This recipe comes together in just minutes and in a single saucepan, and most of the ingredients are kitchen staples you likely have on hand. When you're looking for a fast and easy supper that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this is a great recipe to turn to.

Traditionally, Sloppy Joes are made from ground beef, but our version is much healthier. Instead of using meat, a trigger for digestive distress, we're using TVP. If you've never heard of TVP, don't be afraid - it stands for Textured Vegetable Protein, and it's made from soy. TVP is available in bulk or pre-packaged at health food markets and some grocery stores. It resembles a dry cereal and comes in large or small flakes. TVP is a wonderful, healthy, IBS-safe and very inexpensive form of soy protein.

The best thing about TVP is that it absorbs the flavors of whatever liquids you cook it with, making it indispensable for replacing ground meat in a wide variety of recipes. It's absolutely delicious in these Sloppy Joes! If you've given up hamburger for the sake of your digestive health but feel you've been missing out, you're in for a real surprise - and a real treat. Enjoy!

Best Wishes,
Heather Van Vorous

NOTE: For all article links, please refresh your browser page if the article does not appear when you click on the link. For Medscape articles you may have to register in order to view articles (registration is free).

Use of Anti-Depressants in IBS
When is it recommended to start antidepressant therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome? Which is the preferred approach: tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? Dr. Amir Belson, MD, from Medscape Gastroenterology answers... Click here for more information...

Postgraduate Medical Journal Guidelines for Management of IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder, accounting for 36%-50% of gastrointestinal consultations, although the majority of patients suffering from the condition do not seek medical advice. IBS has a considerable impact on health care resources both at the level of the primary care physician and in the hospital setting, yet management of IBS is predominantly based on clinical expertise. This article aims to summarize and update the management of IBS. Click here for more information...

Organic Foods May Fight Disease
Natural farming fills foods with disease-fighting factors. That's the finding from a study comparing organic foods with foods from sustainable and conventional farms. Food scientist Alyson E. Mitchell, PhD, and colleagues at the University of California, Davis, study compounds called flavonoids. Recent evidence suggests that these micronutrients play important roles in preventing disease. Click here for more information...

Treating GERD: Medications or Surgery?
This is a general overview of issues that are important if you're deciding whether to take medications or have surgery to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Click here for more information...

Presentations of Adult Celiac Disease
Recent epidemiological studies, primarily from Europe, document that adult celiac disease often lacks the classic presentation of steatorrhea (fecal matter that is frothy, foul-smelling and floats because of a high fat content) and weight loss. To see if similar results occurred in the US, a large population of a nationwide celiac patient support group was surveyed to determine their disease presentations. Click here for more information...

Heat Therapy for IBS?
"Can heat help relieve IBS symptoms?" - Beth Giesler

Yes, it can! Heat can provide unparalleled relaxation and help prevent stress-related attacks, as well as relieve IBS cramps once they've begun. If you have access to a Jacuzzi, steam bath, or sauna, take advantage of this and try engaging in regular sessions of heat-induced bliss. A hot oil massage, especially with aromatherapy, can work wonders too. Make a particular effort to try heat therapy right before any upcoming stressful event - it's a great pre-emptive strike.

It doesn't take much effort to try heat therapy, and it has no risk of side effects. A simple hot bath will do, or even a long hot shower. You can also wrap yourself up in an electric blanket, or apply a hot water bottle or heat pack directly to your abdomen. Sleeping with a heating pad can be very soothing as well. There are also new self-adhesive hot patches that can be worn under clothes. These are particularly helpful when you're out of the house, as they retain heat for many hours and you can keep active while using them. Look for the ThermaCare or Playtex brands at drugstores, in the first aid or feminine hygiene sections.

Heat therapy is particularly beneficial for women when it's used in anticipation of menstrual cramps. Try direct, intense lower abdominal heat the day and night before you expect to be in pain, and odds are you will significantly lessen both your cramps and the likelihood of a related IBS attack.�

Heather & Company is dedicated to serving people with IBS. Our mission is to offer education, services, and products that allow people with IBS to successfully manage their symptoms through lifestyle modifications. We currently offer the books
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This email is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. Heather Van Vorous and Heather & Company are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email and/or any web site(s) linked to/from it. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this email.