I consider "diets" as starting points, and we need to tailor them to our own needs. I dislike the notion of a "rule book" to follow of good and bad foods. Since we are individuals, we will have individual tolerances. Best to relax restrictions to your own tolerance levels (in order to maximize your variety and nutrition), and restrict foods that specifically are troublesome to you. I think the most difficult (and frustrating) thing, is the fact that tolerances can change in the same person. Plus, I imagine food combinations may play a role in tolerances...
So, I shoot for an overall feeling of health and wellbeing, rather than a specific bowel function. It has worked pretty well for me. Too well, since I have a hard time keeping weight off! However, I have not struggled with chronic pouchitis or SIBO, just occasional symptoms. Just shows that we are all different.
As for the Imodium; you can safely take much more than 8 per day, but studies failed to show any further benefit after that amount. The more you take, the more you risk side effects (like drowsiness or obstruction).
Jan
