Q: Since you won't be able to break up fruits that are firm and full of fiber, purchase soft fruits that you'll be able to mash by hand. Keep in mind that fruits are softest when they're completely ripe. Consider basing your smoothie on 1 or a combination of these fruits: Kiwi Mango Banana Pears Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries You probably won't need very much liquid in your smoothie, but it's good to have nutritious liquids on hand just in case. For a creamy smoothie, get out milk or your favorite alternative milk, such as almond or soy milk. To make your smoothie sweeter, use fruit juice. For example, use apple, grape, orange, or pineapple juice. Customize your smoothie by stirring in extra flavors or protein powders. If you're adding protein powder, use the amount recommended by the manufacturer. To add flavors, consider using: Cocoa powder Matcha powder Maca powder Spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or turmeric
A: Look for very ripe fruits. Choose a liquid to thin the smoothie. Include powders for protein or flavor.

Q: One of the best ways to show your parents that you're responsible is to do as well as possible in school. That means studying for tests, getting all of your homework done, and turning in reports and projects on time. If they know that you take your school work seriously without them having to push you, they can start to see that you're ready for extra responsibilities, such as staying home alone. If you're having trouble with a certain subject in school, show you're responsible by asking for help. See if your teacher can meet with you after school, or ask about how you might get a tutor. You can also ask your parents or siblings for help if it's a subject that they know something about. If you get a poor grade on a test or report, be honest with your parents about it. Try to explain why you didn't do as well on it as you hoped. If you don't try to hide a bad grade from them, your parents will know that they can trust you. Doing household tasks without having to be reminded is another way to show your parents how responsible you are. They will definitely notice if you make your bed or take out the garbage without them having to nag you. If you have trouble remembering your chores, make a chart of all the things you have to do and when you have to do them, so you can hang it in your room as a reminder. If your parents ask you and your siblings to do a certain task, such as help bring the groceries in from the car, you can score points by volunteering. You can also make a big impression by doings chores that you haven't been asked to do. For example, if you notice that the yard is covered with leaves, rake the lawn so your parents don't have to do it. When you're parents are busy with housework or other tasks, you might offer to watch your younger sibling(s) or help them with their homework to remind them how responsible you are. If you have family pets, it's a good idea to help care for them too. Take the dog for a walk when he needs to go, refill the cat's water dish when it's empty, or clean the bird's cage when you notice that it's dirty. Your parents will see you as responsible if they know that you follow the rules that they've set. Make sure to follow all of them without complaining too much. For example, If your parents tell you that you're only allowed a certain amount of time on the internet each day, don't try to sneak extra time or whine about how your friends can go online whenever they want. Be respectful of the rules, so your parents know that you respect them. If there are certain rules that you need to bend on occasion, talk to your parents about them. For example, if you're supposed to go to bed at a certain time but the movie or sporting event that you wanted to watch won't be over yet, ask your parents if they can make an exception that one night. Your parents may not want to leave you alone because they want to spend quality time with you. Maybe they're heading to the movies, and they'd like you to come along. Their feelings might be hurt if you tell them you'd rather stay home by yourself. Making time for your parents could increase the chance they let you stay home in the future. When your parents ask you to come with them to an event or activity that you find interesting, say yes! Maybe they'll let you stay behind when they go to a more boring event later on.
A: Do well in school. Complete your chores. Obey the rules. Spend quality time with your parents.

Q: Fiber is important for regulating your bowels and dealing with IBS symptoms. If you are having trouble getting enough fiber from your diet alone, then taking a fiber supplement may help to improve your IBS symptoms. Choose bulk forming laxatives because they are the least likely to irritate your bowels. The recommended daily amount of fiber is between 25 to 35 grams. If you are not getting this amount of fiber from food sources, then you can supplement with fiber. Fiber supplements are available as powders, capsules, and biscuits. Make sure that you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Always take fiber supplements with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Probiotics may also be helpful for treating your IBS symptoms. Probiotic supplements contain good bacteria that can help to regulate your digestion. Try taking a probiotic for about a month to see if it helps you. A typical dose is between one to two billion colony forming units (also known as CFUs) per day. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions. Some doctors will recommend a higher dosage for their patients. Check with your doctor for a specific dose recommendation. When choosing a probiotic, make sure that the package provides the name and contact information of the manufacturer, the scientific names of the bacteria strains included in the probiotic, a "best by" date that states how many of the bacteria will be alive when the product expires, information about how to store the product, and dosage instructions. Avoid any products that make claims that the product will cure or treat a disease or condition. Peppermint oil capsules have been found to be effective for children with IBS. Peppermint capsules seem to reduce the abdominal pain that is common with IBS sufferers. Try taking peppermint oil capsules for a couple of weeks to see if it helps to soothe pain associated with your IBS. A suggested dosage is to take one to two coated 0.2 mL peppermint oil capsules. You can take up to three doses per day. Keep in mind that some people experience heartburn from taking peppermint capsules.
A:
Take fiber supplements. Incorporate a probiotic supplement. Try coated peppermint oil capsules.