IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) sufferers

BinaryPulsar

Raptor2763 wrote: »

Please - what's a fodmap or GAPS diet? I've had IBS for a while and have tried any number of remedies. None worked

I don't completely understand what GAPS diet is. I think it might be a variation on the low fodmap diet. I think GAPS is also sometimes called The Special Carbohydrate Diet. I just stick with understanding fodmaps, which is backed by scientists and GI specialists. Monash University has the best and most up-to-date information about fodmaps. They also have an app which makes it much easier because you can consult that when trying to figure things out (even at a restaurant, grocery store, social activity). Fodmaps is an acronym for short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that are naturally occurring in food (many healthy foods). They are malabsorbed and ferment in the gut. For most people this is fine and even healthy for them by feeding probiotic bacteria. But, for others it can become problematic. Fodmaps stands for: fructose (when in excess of glucose), fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), lactose and polyols (eg. sorbitol and mannitol). The diet is supposed to be temporary. That by limiting fodmaps you begin to get better and you can slowly re-add small portions. Going low fodmap too long isn't considered healthy. But, it really depends on the person. Some people need to be careful longer because they have a condition that isn't getting better or is taking longer to improve. Foods are labeled green light, yellow light, red light. So, you can eat the safe serving sizes of green light and yellow light foods in moderation. Probably eliminate red light foods until able to start adding them in moderation. I also have to avoid grains for the same reason. And starch, especially resistant starch like rice and potatoes (a lot of grains are resistant for some people). Resistant means not digested in the small intestines, so they ferment in the colon. Which is healthy for some people and very problematic for others.

jenfitnessmama

I've had IBS-D since high school (I'm now 29) and try to eat as clean as possible and it seems to help. Would love to be friends!

snerggly

After suffering with IBS for 20 years, mine is gone since quit eating, nuts ( very rarely ), all dairy, all meat and minimal oils. I do eat a lot of plant fiber, beans and whole grains. NO issues since.

Blazertrek60

I was first diagnosed with IBS in 2001 and when my Doctor could not help me with the pain my mom who was heavy into holistic healing (she is end stage dementia now) she advised me to try the Blood-Type diet. It worked and 6 months later my symptoms and pain were gone and I had lost allot of weight and felt great. Over that past 15 years I have gone up and down on the scale (mostly up) and dealt with flare ups of IBS but it has never been as bad as it was initially. In April I discovered the My Fitness App and have been on it at 1500 calories per day for 135 days now, working out every day as well. So far I have lost 38.4 lbs. However a little over 3 weeks ago I started having some rather severe (for me) IBS symptoms that I had not had in a long time. I had allowed myself to eat skinny popcorn and granola frequently since starting on this regimen and that has always been difficult for me to digest. So I got off that and have started to feel much better. I did speak with a dietician who owns a local health food store and he says that the blood type diet is a myth. I was asking him about it because I was thinking that I needed to get back on it to heal my bowels. However I am feeling better and I have to wonder how much a part "stress" plays in this as I am going through a stressful period at work (budget) and have recently come off of anxiety drug usage (Xanax and Lexapro). Has anyone else tried the Blood type diet? Is stress a big factor in IBS?
Thanks!

figureitout87

Stress plays a huge part into it for me. I can literally stress myself into a flare up, and I'm working hard to try and not get worked up (which sometimes stresses me out more). I've contemplated trying out anxiety medication, but I want to see if I can manage without as I haven't previously considered myself a very anxious person.

FredKing1

I have Crohn's in large and small intestines and have had some intestines removed after an obstruction. I take pricey meds to control symptoms and to prevent further ulceration. I've not given diet serious study. Thanks for the info. I'm disappointed my gastroenterologist hasn't initiated this conversation.

BinaryPulsar

Oh yeah. I forgot to say in my info about the low fodmap diet that you need to make sure you are getting enough soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is much easier on our GI tract and feeds good bacteria. Insoluble fiber is harder on our GI tracts. So, try to choose fruits and veggies that have a higher soluble to insoluble fiber ratio. And cooking the veggies helps a ton to make them more digestible and bioavailable! Also eating fermented foods if you can tolerate them. Such as good quality kefir and raw sauerkraut. Fermented veggies like sauerkraut are also easier to digest than just raw cabbage.

melissavallieres660

Hello.
Been diagnosed a year back after suffering for 2 years. It was either that or gluten intolerance. Still struggling to know what I can or cannot eat. Sor far, I'm lactose intolerance and I'm sensible (although not intolerant according to my doc) to gluten. Any advice? I'm having more bad days than good days too.
thanks and add me if you want to.