It can be hard enough to feel comfortable in your own skin as a teenager in this Instagram-perfect, status-updated world we’re living in. And if you have chronic digestive problems or have been diagnosed with a gut disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or another condition that forces you to become better than Google Maps when it comes to finding a toilet (and fast!), that challenge is even greater.
Maybe you’ve lost your focus during an important exam because the teacher wouldn’t let you get out to the bathroom. Or declined an invitation for a sleepover or school trip because you’re worried your stomach will make embarrassing noises when you least expect it. Perhaps you’ve wandered the cafeteria, wondering which of the limited food options won’t make your symptoms act up, or wished there were something else you could do to find relief but don’t know where to turn. And while loads of adults have the same digestive problems, they also typically have more control when it comes to using the restroom, choosing the right foods, and getting help.
That’s exactly why I wanted to write this book. Roughly 14 percent of high school students in the United States have the symptoms of IBS; even more young people are affected when you consider those with diagnoses of the inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and other less common issues. If you’re one of those millions of young people affected, you may not know where to turn.
My first goal with this book is to help you figure out what’s going on with your insides—giving you an easy-to-understand primer on gut health so you have the vocabulary you need to discuss digestion without reverting to words you learned in preschool, and so you know what to expect from doctors’ visits and any medical testing you might need. I made sure it’s packed with real-life advice and tips from teens who’ve been there, so you know you’re not alone and so you can learn from their experiences.
The second goal is to spread the word about the low-FODMAP plan, an amazing, effective diet that helps diminish or eliminate symptoms in as many as 86 percent of people with IBS—as well as those with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease—and make it not a total snooze fest for young people to read about. As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), I’ve seen clients of all ages struggle with digestive troubles, with few remedies that work. When I started recommending the low-FODMAP plan, I was simply blown away. The name is funny (I’ll explain it later), but for the majority of people with IBS and plenty of folks with other digestive disorders, it works. Follow this plan and you’ll up your chances of living a normal, healthy life. I’ve broken it down in a way that you can easily implement—at home, at school, and on the go.
I hope you enjoy the stories, the information, and the recipes. But most of all, I hope you feel well.
From the bottom of my gut,
Rachel