PCOS low glycemic with IBS

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eris1981
eris1981 Posts: 58 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have both PCOS and IBS. I've found that when I eat low glycemic, my PCOS symptoms are better. However, a lot of raw fruits and veggies (as well as a few cooked) and some whole grains trigger my IBS symptoms. Because fruits and veggies and whole grains are low glycemic, this makes for interesting eating challenges. Does anybody have any suggestions with this? :smile:

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  • grawkgrawk
    grawkgrawk Posts: 3 Member
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    What are your PCOS symptoms?
    I'm on the pill for PCOS and I've never noticed that my diet makes a difference. I'm on one that makes my skin nicer (with no increase in appetite).
    A friend said her PCOS improves when she eats a lot of soy. (But this is purely anecdotal evidence, you should read up on it yourself.)

    Of course there are other things that are low GI. I'm guessing you really like your fruit though...?

    This list below says that bananas are medium GI. I find that they are a pretty safe food in terms of IBS. I have slightly more problems with IBS when I eat a lot of oats. It's annoying because I really like oatmeal :(
    http://www.the-gi-diet.org/lowgifoods/
  • eris1981
    eris1981 Posts: 58 Member
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    With my PCOS, I have miserable cramps and off the wall menstrual cycles . . . even with the pill. I've tried different pills in the past and it seems like the ones that alleviate the cramps the most (by I guess keeping cysts at bay) give me ridiculously heavy periods. When I've tried not being on the pill in the past, I grew facial hair and had awful acne. I seldomly had periods then, but when I did, I was pretty sure I was going to die. My doctor also believes my PCOS is related to having developed endometrial hyperplasia.

    I also have IBS issues if I eat a lot of oats. Carbonated beverages sometimes trigger IBS attacks as well, particularly diet soda.

    There are other low-GI foods that are IBS friendly, just not a plethora of them. And I eat TONS of bananas. :)
  • grawkgrawk
    grawkgrawk Posts: 3 Member
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    Oh dear. You're really having a rough time. I assume you're talked all of this through with your general practitioner?

    Have you tried seeing either a nutritionist, a gastroenterologist or some other specialist? My doctor has been so helpful but she's run out of ideas so she also referred me to a gastroenterologist, in the hopes that the gastroenterologist might provide *better* help.

    I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for you :(
  • eris1981
    eris1981 Posts: 58 Member
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    I've had IBS for as long as I can remember, but when I had my gallbladder removed three years ago, it got much more severe since my diet was even more limited . . . After I was forced to essentially live off of white rice, baked chicken, and bananas for a few months, my general practitioner sent me to a gastroenterologist who prescribed me a cholesterol medication (Welchol) that is often used off label for people with no gallbladder. It helps with some of the symptoms but I still experience a lot of stomach cramping (which is an improvement, at least). I've been considering seeing a nutritionist but unfortunately insurance won't pay for that and most I've talked to would require multiple visits, and my budget just isn't up for that right now. The gastroenterologist has recommended just going heavy on the lean proteins and vegetables that I am able to tolerate. I've thought perhaps an endocrinologist could help with the PCOS more than my gynecologist has, but I'm also just tired of doctors . . . you know?

    For now, I just eat for my IBS as most of the time those attacks interfere with life much more than PCOS attacks, and the worst symptoms of my PCOS are at least somewhat cyclical so I can plan accordingly and respond with mega doses of Mefenamic Acid and Therma Care wraps. The IBS, on the other hand, is all month long. Hopefully once I finish grad school I'll be in a position to do whatever it takes to get more long term relief.

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