I love collards and I love my mamas and I loaded up on them for Xmas dinner this year and I paid for it for the first time ever. Bloating, gas and diarrhea for 3 days straight. Is this normal for anyone else and why do greens bother me now when they never did before?

This is funny. Had some yesterday. You can't be too careful but they were all good. Love the post.

yes.

Aside from eating those collards,(which sometimes have that effect on people) have you changed your diet recently? Are you eating more healthy foods? "Greens" are considered, roughage and can clean you out. As we get older our bodies do change, so maybe your bodies doing the same.

Yup..it's normal. Some people I know sprinkle a little baking soda on greens so it won't affect them later. shorttrini is correct about the roughage..apples and grapes will do the same also.

That's what they are supposed to do.

SPYZFAN1 said:

Yup..it's normal. Some people I know sprinkle a little baking soda on greens so it won't affect them later. shorttrini is correct about the roughage..apples and grapes will do the same also.

Some, even sprinkle some sugar to lessen the effect. But, getting the toxins out your system, is always a good thing...

lol, my diet is as crappy as ever, maybe that's why those greens hit me so hard!

scriptgirl said:

lol, my diet is as crappy as ever, maybe that's why those greens hit me so hard!

Yep. Anytime you are used to eating crap like fast food and junk food and you suddenly start eating healthy stuff like green veggies and fiber, your insides are going to react. Greens like spinach, broccoli, and collard greens not only have fiber but they contain chlorophyll, which is a natual detox agent. You have to gradually work your way into eating a lot of green foods, especially if your diet has been bad, which is usually true over the Christmas holidays.

Then again, collard greens need to be cleaned before you cook them, and if they are not properly cleaned prior to cooking, you could set yourself up for e coli posioning.

missfee said:

That's what they are supposed to do.

Yeah, they do (clean you out) but I'm not aware that bloating, gas, and diarrhea or a "natural" consequence of eating collards. Reading Huey's comments above, I agree.

You need to go over to M&M on Crenshaw (Martin Luther King, Jackson, Washington, I can't remember side street) and get you some collards. Or better yet, when they cook collards and cabbage together, make you wanna smack your momma.

I noticed in Cali, our folks leave a lot more steam on their greens; I've started doing the same and it keeps you regular and really "cleaned out."

The first thing that came to mind was Jill Scott saying, "Loose, like bowels after collard greens..." in "Love Rain".

chocolate1 said:

The first thing that came to mind was Jill Scott saying, "Loose, like bowels after collard greens..." in "Love Rain".

thank you for reminding use of those poetic lyrics my Ms. Scott.

Now Ms Trina, what do you mean by leaving steam on the greens?

scriptgirl said:

Now Ms Trina, what do you mean by leaving stem on the greens?

You know my ass can't type, script.

As you know ....

If you pick greens -depending on the cook- some leave more steam than others. My mother leaves little because she believes the bottom of the stem is tuff and has no flavor. She swears up in down folks are trying to stretch the pot of greens. But a lot of folks from the deep south and from New Orleans leave a lot of stem or cut them up in their greens. To get at the point, if you aren't "regular" eating those type of collards with a lot of stems will put you right quickly. Everyone should have a daily intake of fiber, diverticulitis is no joke.

Oh, I see, Ms Trina. My mom leaves the stems in

But I wonder why the stem causes so much funny business like that

scriptgirl said:

But I wonder why the stem causes so much funny business like that

Have you checked out a stem on a green? I swear you could use them in construction, thick and sturdy. Talk about roughage ,as Ms. Scott's lyrics say.

morningsong said:

Not for days on end and general without a lot gasiness or bloating but yeah they cleanse. I've noted that eating a whole lot of leafy greens including spinach can make my stomach uncomfortable. I've know people who have some kind of allergy to high k food and can't eat any types of leafy greens without ill effects.

You are so right.

scriptgirl said:

Oh, I see, Ms Trina. My mom leaves the stems in

My Mom does, too.

Funny you mention collard greens. My mother is the greens pro but yesterday i finally cooked some on my own. I must admit they came out pretty darn good.

As far as cleaning out. Sometimes they do make me go to the bathroom. It usually depends on how late in the day Ive eaten them or if Ive just eaten too much food period. Also some people have sensitive stomachs to begin with or develop them as they get older. It could also depend on the type of seasoning in the greens as well.

zsa, zsa, what is that a pic of and what does it do?

scriptgirl said:

why does the banana have to be frozen?

I don't know much about collards since I've only had them very few times, but I eat the hell out of some mustard greens and turnip greens and yes, they clean you out. I would assume collards would have the same affect. Not only do greens taste good, but I want them to clean me out. Nothing like some greens to clear up constipation.

.

.

.

[Edited 1/7/13 6:26am]

The only time I've ever had that happen was the time I made kale chips in my oven. Once the kale is dehydrated, it's so light and crispy and delicious, you feel like you could eat it forever. Therein lies the problem.