Even though grief is a normal and natural reaction to loss, we sometimes experience confusing feelings. Grieving may cause physical and behavioral changes such as sleep irregularities or changes in appetite (I, however, have never been able to say, "I'm so upset I can't eat a thing!"). We may also experience gastro-intestinal disturbances (this is the clinical term for upset tummy), "heart ache", restlessness, spontaneous crying, irritability, sighing and muscle tension. There are about 10,000 other "symptoms" of grief as well, but we'll save those for other articles.

Because so many of us experience our grief in our tummies, I would like to share my version of a popular stress diet with you. As always, check with your medical advisor (the Reader's Digest or your bridge club) before staying on this "diet" for more than several years. Some substitutions are allowed, but only if you promise not to tell.