Still having stomach issues

Chillycatmum

I am still lurking here, not actively doing anything but am managing to maintain and not put on - my doctors have finally listened to my problems and I am having an ultrasound next week to see if anything can be found to tell me what is causing my stomach issues.

My doctor thinks IBS but I am not convinced as haven't had any issues until the last year or 2 and IBS generally starts in your early 20's and I am my mid 40's - the issues only got out of hand when I fell off the LCHF wagon middle of last year, I am still struggling to keep on track.

Am so annoyed with myself as I know LC makes me feel better but recently even that hasn't stopped the issues so I am eating stupid stuff again.

My doctor is not a LC fan and keeps trying to get me to follow a low fat regime which I know just makes me feel like I am on a diet and I end up bingeing.

Please give me a kick up the bum and stop me feeling sorry for myself

AlexandraCarlyle

You're your own worst enemy, because you have little will-power and probably no strategy.
There. Consider yourself kicked.

The problem with following a regime, becomes a hindrance when all we can think about is food.
If you can find a local buddy who will join you and encourage you, so much the better. Family is sometimes the pits for support and encouragement, so seeking out a companion who can keep pace with you and keep you going, is I think, extremely helpful.
Even if they're not aiming to lose weight or alter any regime themselves, it's worth having an angel alongside us to nag when needed.
Give yourself small milestones.
Vow to complete a specific routine in 5 days, and give yourself a treat to look forward to - and I'm not talking about an edible treat.
Make a shopping list - and stick to it.
Also, consider asking for a fat analysis. My Doctor tels me that fat cells are made up of smaller particles and if your fat is white fat, it's easier to shift weight, but if it's yellow fat, it's going to stick around a lot longer.
My eldest daughter is overweight. Or 'Fat' as she calls it.
But she's healthy, energetic, active and 'comfortable' in her own skin.
The way to be the way you want to be, is to love yourself as you already are.

KnitOrMiss

(HUGS) all around... Digestive drama is the absolute worst, IMO. I hope you get some answers.

cstehansen

Digestive issues are frequently caused by inflammation (like many other health problems) which are exacerbated by omega 6 fatty acids. So if your LCHF diet is high in the wrong fats, that could be adding to your problem.

The two ways to combat this is to cut back as much Omega 6 fat as possible (vegetable oils, lots of nuts are high in these) and increase Omega 3 which reduces inflammation (fatty fish is generally the best source).

Both types of Omega fats are polyunsaturated. Since most polyunsaturated fats in foods you would buy in the grocery store are Omega 6, your best bet is to try to stay away from anything outside of those with polyunsaturated fats unless they specifically state how much of it is Omega 3 and it is the majority.

Stick to saturated fat and monounsaturated fat as much as possible. Do this ONLY if you are going to stay LC. HC with high saturated fat is not healthy. These two should not be eaten together.

kimberwolf71

The body needs to time to adjust and heal. Eating crap will only prolong your pain. If eating LC helped previously, you need to be consistent long enough to give your body a fighting chance.

Don't necessarily rule out IBS or form thereof. Between my family and ex's family... I know many that have been diagnosed with IBS, Crohns, Colitis etc.... the majority received their diagnosis in their late 30's or following a major life change (2 of them after stopping smoking - apparently a good stress reliever). "Generally starts" is a very basic statistic.

Listen to your body and help it be successful by working to reduce inflammation.

Kick

Kitnthecat

Low carb eating can be very helpful for digestive issues, but I also wonder if you have ever tried introducing some naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchee, kefir, or my favourite, Kombucha into your regime?

nvmomketo

Gentle kicks...

I would look into autoimmune issues too. They can cause stomach issues. IMO, the term IBS is a description of symptoms and does not actually tell you what is wrong. There is the obvious like celiac disease, crohn's and colitis, but other AI disorders like hashimoto's, lups, RA, etc. can cause issues too.

Those AI symptoms can wax and wane too so don't write it off if symptoms change. I have celiac disease, and was not diagnosed until my late 30's. I first had symptoms in my childhood and was told I am just one of those people who get stomach aches after they eat. It became better in my late teens and early twenties with a few up and down periods in there. Even in my early 30's when I ate "clean" and lost about 20lbs, I felt great. Still had CD though.

If you do test for celiac disease, don't change your diet yet. You need to be eating gluten to be tested. Ask for tissue transglutaminase IgA and IgG, deaminated gliadin peptides IgA and IgG, endomysial antibodies IgA and the total serum IgA (control test). Get as many done as possible since these tests aren't reliable and can easily miss 1 in 4 celiacs.

And then there is just too much sugar. That does a number on my stomach too.

Chillycatmum

Thank you so much everyone - I will definitely look into the other issues too - I am never going to stop trying to get my health back on the right track

AlexandraCarlyle

Kitnthecat wrote: »

Low carb eating can be very helpful for digestive issues, but I also wonder if you have ever tried introducing some naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchee, kefir, or my favourite, Kombucha into your regime?

Cannot begin to describe how much better I have felt by making these at home. And I wasn't anything 'bad' before!
I have just brewed some fresh Kombucha, making my own SCOBYs, and I'm also using the resulting vinegar... sauerkraut - I always have some of that on the go, and Kimchi - well, i just LIVE on the stuff!
Also currently brewing my own ACV, and literally JUST finished making some plain yoghurt.