Adjusting to Healthy Eating

LAnne16
LAnne16 Posts: 272 Member
in Food and Nutrition
This might sound really dumb, but I can't find another topic that illustrates it.

A bit of TMI for reference sake: I have IBS, Irritable Bowl Syndrome... The way I explain it to people is that basically, my digestive system HATES me.

I know being overweight makes it worse, so it's one of the reasons I'm trying to be healthier. I don't want to be in discomfort ALL THE TIME.

So my question is this:

Have any of you ever had the effect on your body where.... Eating healthy is making your body not agree? I've been eating a lot better (not perfect yet but you should have seen me before)... And I'm getting a lot of tummy rumblings and digestive upset.
I don't know if this is just my system trying to adjust to the new food?

Anyone have ideas?

Replies

  • SJVZEE
    SJVZEE Posts: 451 Member
    Might be a stupid question, but have you been tested for allergies? My sil was diagnosed with IBS a few years ago and has struggled with major digestive issues and also being underweight. She was diagnosed with IBS, after testing negative for celiac. However, no one suggested allergy testing, until she started seeing a chiropractor/nutritionist a couple months ago-not even the specialist she was seeing for the IBS :grumble: . Finds out she has severe allergies to dairy, tomatoes, cauliflower/broccoli, carrots etc etc. Pretty much the bulk of what was her current diet :noway: No wonder she was always miserable! Anyways, she's totally changed her diet and now has NO digestive issues at all, plus she's finally gaining some weight and is getting close to being at the low end of a healthy bmi (she's been way below it since she was a teenager).

    Just something to think about, if you haven't already been tested :)
  • notnikkisixx
    notnikkisixx Posts: 375 Member
    I don't know much about IBS, but I have had my small bouts of "issues" haha.

    From looking at your diary, it looks like you're eating a fair amount of meals with acidic red sauce (lasagna, spaghetti) and I've also noticed that you're eating "diet" processed foods (special k brand or healthy choice). Have you thought about eating more whole foods and preparing more of your meals from scratch? Pre-made meals are generally much harder on the stomach.
  • LabAgility
    LabAgility Posts: 120 Member
    My friend has IBS and has had success using slippery elm capsules.
  • LAnne16
    LAnne16 Posts: 272 Member
    Nope, i've never been tested for any allergies! I'd always been told my issues were IBS related... Interesting idea though... I'll look into it.


    And yahhh... Diet isn't perfect yet. To be completely honest, I've been reading here a lot and the intention is that when I get paid tomorrow, I'll go out and get some better food. i've just been kind of making due for the last week with what I had in the house *blush*
    It's going to take a lot of trial and error I think!
  • kat_lifts
    kat_lifts Posts: 56
    Now that I think about it, I think I'd did have some tummy issues at first. I think mainly don't change your diet TOO quick or TOO dramatically. Maybe the body needs time to adjust. I'm having good um er.. movement now, hope my personal experience with that helps
  • Miss_Meliss86
    Miss_Meliss86 Posts: 372 Member
    IBS is a term that doctor's tend to throw around when they don't know what else could be going on and aren't willing to invest the time to look into it. Okay, definitely a generalization, so no attacks please, but this has been my own experience and the experience of a number of closer friends who have faced similar issues.

    If going in for allergy/sensitivity testing is not an option for you (costs too much, etc.), I would try eliminating certain "trigger" foods for a while and see how you feel. I started off with dairy and it helped quite a bit, but I still had "attacks" (essentially crippling stomach pain/cramps that could last for a few minutes up to almost an entire day at a time). I finally made the decision 3 months ago to eliminate gluten and I have not had any issues since. Gluten free, mostly dairy free (my body now seems to be able to handle greek yogurt, so yay!), and a vegetarian diet is definitely not easy by any means, but it works for me. My stomach and overall health are much better as a result.

    I'm not saying you should do this exact thing, but it might be time to take a step back, really evaluate what you're putting into your body and seeing if there are any common triggers for you.

    Best of luck! :flowerforyou:
  • xxshad0wqueenxx
    xxshad0wqueenxx Posts: 2
    I have IBS and I have been to see a specialist when I had a really bad allergic reaction so its worth looking into, plus its a routine of food, and smaller portions as well as a healthy diet. I had eaten 3 meals a day and added more fruit and water and when I went back to my older diet my tummy really didn't like it.

    It may sound obvious but keep an eye out for your trouble foods and maybe try peppermint tea :) I hope you feel better soon!

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