IBS
hdatres
Posts: 635 Member
Does anyone else have irritable bowel syndrome? How is dieting working for you?
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Replies
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I thought I did. Though I was never diagnosed. It just used to seem like I had the symptoms. Nevertheless, after starting to eat more sensibly and cutting out high fat foods that I used to shovel in daily (fast food, tartar sauce, etc) the symptoms have disappeared completely. So most likely it was just my body rebelling against my old diet.0
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Yes. I haven't had much change since eating less, but I don't cut out any foods either. Exercise has helped, I think because my IBS is stress- and anxiety-triggered rather than diet-triggered.0
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I've cut out dairy, red meat, oil/ grease those seem to be the biggest trigger foods for me, it's not 100% but it's definitely helped. Also I don't eat out ( although sometimes it's unavoidable) even heathy options at restaurants seem to set it off0
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Same here. Honestly, I think learning what my triggers were and avoiding them when possible helps immensely. Fried, rich/creamy and fast foods are something I only like to eat sparingly anymore so that I can function at my best (and even then, only after medication!). Eating too quickly also seems to cause an increase in symptoms for me. Since I'm avoiding foods that tend to be higher in calories and am eating slowly, I find sticking to my calorie goal to be pretty manageable.0
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Stress is usually a big factor in my IBS. For the past three days I've been having a terrible time with this dieting, I'm supposed to be eating more produce to be healthier but it's really taking a toll on my system. This is so frustrating0
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My diet is back and forth. Cause of my IBS. It doesn't matter what I eat I still get sick. Sometimes it affects my exercise. I just try to drink a ton of water and peppermint tea during an "attack" and if feels better.0
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mallyboo3533 wrote: »My diet is back and forth. Cause of my IBS. It doesn't matter what I eat I still get sick. Sometimes it affects my exercise. I just try to drink a ton of water and peppermint tea during an "attack" and if feels better.
I have to sip my water or it makes me sick, but I'll definitely try the peppermint tea, looks like that's what I'll be having for Easter0 -
There are many books on how to deal with IBS through diet. (Lots of them).
Research on the internet or visit your local library.
A whole foods, plant based diet will go a long way in helping you.
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I've had go to gluten-free (actually most grain-free) in order to have a difference. And now if I gluten myself I have a horrible attack of it. It took a few days to even itself out.0
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I used to get IBS very badly. This is when we switched to whole wheat versions of all things grain - whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, whole wheat crackers, etc. That's when the attacks started. As it turns out, I am sensitive to gluten (though not a Celiac patient). It used to be so bad that I'd simultaneously need to run to the bathroom, want to vomit, and want to pass out all at once. Then, I just cut out all the "healthy" whole grain products, in addition to going gluten free, lo and behold the IBS went away. So, I'd give grains a rest and see if either eliminating them or switching to a gluten free version helps. It made a huge difference for me.0
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Keep carbs below 100 grams/day. Take an Enzymedica Digest Gold capsule with each meal. All good!
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Sadly, for me nothing has changed. My IBS is not stress related although my stress level rises when I get sick/have an attack. I am on two different medications that are supposed to help...and while they do mildly help...they certainly have not helped to the point that I am symptom free. I don't think I ever will be. I don't work anymore due to how bad it has been, I have had surgeries to remove scar tissue from being wrapped around my intestines. I have been on my new healthy way of life for the past 70 days, lost 11 pounds so far, not as much as I would have liked, but happy none the less with the progress no matter how small, but nothing really seems to work for my IBS. I have trigger foods such as onions, fresh garlic, whole milk or any milk base products and some gluten foods. There are only a couple of greens I can eat or else I have an attack. My life has taken a complete turn for the worst in terms of having this disease. Who ever said it is a "functional disease" does not suffer from it. This disease is NOT FUNCTIONAL. I have a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling that I worked SO hard for, and I cannot hold a job or help my family financially because of IBS. It is NOT all in my head, the pain is real, the symptoms are real and the only thing I can do is just live and bare it. There is no cure. I do find that starting to eat better, and excising has only put the attacks at bay from maybe twice a week to once a week and the occasional every couple of week attack. I sympathize with anyone who struggles from this terrible disease.0
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I've had IBS since I was a teenager. There are definitely other factors besides food that affect my symptoms, like stress and hormones. But there are also a couple of foods that I avoid because they generally make me feel yucky, like onions, garlic, and oats. Since I've been using MFP and tracking my calories, I've also cut out gluten and I'm finding that's helping as well. I'm not 100% better, but it is a noticeable improvement. Exercise is helping, too, because it's good for reducing my stress levels.0
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My ibs is usually triggered by my stress and anxiety but there are some foods like greasy fast food doesn't agree with me. I went to a specialist and they put me on cholestyramine packets I put one packet in a 16 oz water bottle with water flavoring too. 2 x a day and I haven't had any problems since. Need to get it prescribed by Dr.0
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Avoiding trigger foods has been a huge help for me. What I thought was pure IBS is largely lactose intolerance (or something similar, cheese is actually the worst for me even though it's supposed to be low in lactose). Also if I eat too many large meals in succession that will cause it. I still eat a lot of fast food, but if I follow those rules I maybe only have an issue once a month, and I can almost always chase it to a questionable dipping sauce that probably had dairy or to eating too much over the course of 1 or 2 days.0
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Sadly, for me nothing has changed. My IBS is not stress related although my stress level rises when I get sick/have an attack. I am on two different medications that are supposed to help...and while they do mildly help...they certainly have not helped to the point that I am symptom free. I don't think I ever will be. I don't work anymore due to how bad it has been, I have had surgeries to remove scar tissue from being wrapped around my intestines. I have been on my new healthy way of life for the past 70 days, lost 11 pounds so far, not as much as I would have liked, but happy none the less with the progress no matter how small, but nothing really seems to work for my IBS. I have trigger foods such as onions, fresh garlic, whole milk or any milk base products and some gluten foods. There are only a couple of greens I can eat or else I have an attack. My life has taken a complete turn for the worst in terms of having this disease. Who ever said it is a "functional disease" does not suffer from it. This disease is NOT FUNCTIONAL. I have a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling that I worked SO hard for, and I cannot hold a job or help my family financially because of IBS. It is NOT all in my head, the pain is real, the symptoms are real and the only thing I can do is just live and bare it. There is no cure. I do find that starting to eat better, and excising has only put the attacks at bay from maybe twice a week to once a week and the occasional every couple of week attack. I sympathize with anyone who struggles from this terrible disease.
@Day_knee IBS doesn't usually cause scar tissue or physical damage. Are you sure you don't have another disorder? I have tons of scar tissue but I have Crohn's so that isn't unusual.
I think it is called a functional disorder (not disease) because it effects the function/motility but it doesn't cause or is caused by physical damage or disease process like IBD and other GI diseases.0 -
singingflutelady wrote: »Sadly, for me nothing has changed. My IBS is not stress related although my stress level rises when I get sick/have an attack. I am on two different medications that are supposed to help...and while they do mildly help...they certainly have not helped to the point that I am symptom free. I don't think I ever will be. I don't work anymore due to how bad it has been, I have had surgeries to remove scar tissue from being wrapped around my intestines. I have been on my new healthy way of life for the past 70 days, lost 11 pounds so far, not as much as I would have liked, but happy none the less with the progress no matter how small, but nothing really seems to work for my IBS. I have trigger foods such as onions, fresh garlic, whole milk or any milk base products and some gluten foods. There are only a couple of greens I can eat or else I have an attack. My life has taken a complete turn for the worst in terms of having this disease. Who ever said it is a "functional disease" does not suffer from it. This disease is NOT FUNCTIONAL. I have a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling that I worked SO hard for, and I cannot hold a job or help my family financially because of IBS. It is NOT all in my head, the pain is real, the symptoms are real and the only thing I can do is just live and bare it. There is no cure. I do find that starting to eat better, and excising has only put the attacks at bay from maybe twice a week to once a week and the occasional every couple of week attack. I sympathize with anyone who struggles from this terrible disease.
@Day_knee IBS doesn't usually cause scar tissue or physical damage. Are you sure you don't have another disorder? I have tons of scar tissue but I have Crohn's so that isn't unusual.
I think it is called a functional disorder (not disease) because it effects the function/motility but it doesn't cause or is caused by physical damage or disease process like IBD and other GI diseases.
You are right IBS doesn't cause scar tissue I should have been more clear. The scar tissue I have is from multiple surgeries..hysto but only having my uterus removed, then later having ovaries and cervix removed (about 3 years ago). I had endometriosis pretty bad and had so much scar tissue. The last two surgeries were specifically for having scar tissue removed. I had a florascopy ( I believe that's what it's called) so that they could see how fast food past through my intestines..but it also helps detect some adhesions. I had surgery once again to remove the adhesions from around my intestines, which was the most recent surgery back at the end of October of 2015.
IBS is not a disease in the strictest sense, you are right..but it sure should be. I don't know if they call it a functional disorder because it affects the functions or mobility of my normal intestinal movements..My doctor says it's a functional disorder because for the most part people are still able to maintain some form of employment and life and that it's not a disease that is continually causing issues. But for some of us...it's a daily struggle and not just a "sometimes" struggle. It happens for some of us, a flare up, often enough that it is wrecking our lives or our ability to even have a normal life, such as working, traveling, or even sex. This is why I say it is not a functional disorder at all. For those of us who suffer the extreme version of it..it is very depressing.
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I was told I did after many tests. It was more of a defacto diagnosis than anything. If I limit heavily refined carbs, most of my digestive woes abate. So I do. 0
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I have IBS-C, and it has gotten better by eating more fiber and less greasy foods.0
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singingflutelady wrote: »Sadly, for me nothing has changed. My IBS is not stress related although my stress level rises when I get sick/have an attack. I am on two different medications that are supposed to help...and while they do mildly help...they certainly have not helped to the point that I am symptom free. I don't think I ever will be. I don't work anymore due to how bad it has been, I have had surgeries to remove scar tissue from being wrapped around my intestines. I have been on my new healthy way of life for the past 70 days, lost 11 pounds so far, not as much as I would have liked, but happy none the less with the progress no matter how small, but nothing really seems to work for my IBS. I have trigger foods such as onions, fresh garlic, whole milk or any milk base products and some gluten foods. There are only a couple of greens I can eat or else I have an attack. My life has taken a complete turn for the worst in terms of having this disease. Who ever said it is a "functional disease" does not suffer from it. This disease is NOT FUNCTIONAL. I have a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling that I worked SO hard for, and I cannot hold a job or help my family financially because of IBS. It is NOT all in my head, the pain is real, the symptoms are real and the only thing I can do is just live and bare it. There is no cure. I do find that starting to eat better, and excising has only put the attacks at bay from maybe twice a week to once a week and the occasional every couple of week attack. I sympathize with anyone who struggles from this terrible disease.
@Day_knee IBS doesn't usually cause scar tissue or physical damage. Are you sure you don't have another disorder? I have tons of scar tissue but I have Crohn's so that isn't unusual.
I think it is called a functional disorder (not disease) because it effects the function/motility but it doesn't cause or is caused by physical damage or disease process like IBD and other GI diseases.
You are right IBS doesn't cause scar tissue I should have been more clear. The scar tissue I have is from multiple surgeries..hysto but only having my uterus removed, then later having ovaries and cervix removed (about 3 years ago). I had endometriosis pretty bad and had so much scar tissue. The last two surgeries were specifically for having scar tissue removed. I had a florascopy ( I believe that's what it's called) so that they could see how fast food past through my intestines..but it also helps detect some adhesions. I had surgery once again to remove the adhesions from around my intestines, which was the most recent surgery back at the end of October of 2015.
IBS is not a disease in the strictest sense, you are right..but it sure should be. I don't know if they call it a functional disorder because it affects the functions or mobility of my normal intestinal movements..My doctor says it's a functional disorder because for the most part people are still able to maintain some form of employment and life and that it's not a disease that is continually causing issues. But for some of us...it's a daily struggle and not just a "sometimes" struggle. It happens for some of us, a flare up, often enough that it is wrecking our lives or our ability to even have a normal life, such as working, traveling, or even sex. This is why I say it is not a functional disorder at all. For those of us who suffer the extreme version of it..it is very depressing.
I defy agree, it gets paralyzing when you feel flare coming on. If that happens in public it's terrifying, so you take some deep breaths to calm yourself down,like you're in labor to try to calm herself from having an accident. And at times I feel nauseous and I do vomit, I memorize where all the bathrooms are in the places I go stores restaurants etc. if I even go. The can have are very limited, no once wants to hire you if you have to use the bathroom 10 to 15 times in a shift. The only jobs that I found that worked for me and housecleaning hotels and hospital cleaning where there is a bathroom readily available when you need it. It doesn't pay much,But right now I'm a stay-at-home housewife. It gets frustrating when uneducated people make comments and basically tell you that you just need to get over it, I would never want anyone to go through this0 -
Gluten free helped my IBS a ton0
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Does anyone else have irritable bowel syndrome? How is dieting working for you?
@hdatres I had IBS for 40 years but it left 6 months after cut out sugar and all forms of grains 18 months ago for pain management and has not returned. In my case it was finding the right macro which for 18 months has been 5% carbs, 15% protein and 80% fats. As you can read that is very different than what others have for a macro that seems to work for them.
I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and IBS/Crohns is common it seems. I got off of sugar and all forms of grain for pain management and was shocked when I realized my LCHF Way Of Eating had resolved my serious IBS or what every it was.
Actually I stopped dieting and just started to eat for better health. Now I am down to 200 from 250 for the first time in 22 years (when I had both hips replaced the same day in 1991). My health and health markers at 65 are better than when I was 45.
Best of success.
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singingflutelady wrote: »Sadly, for me nothing has changed. My IBS is not stress related although my stress level rises when I get sick/have an attack. I am on two different medications that are supposed to help...and while they do mildly help...they certainly have not helped to the point that I am symptom free. I don't think I ever will be. I don't work anymore due to how bad it has been, I have had surgeries to remove scar tissue from being wrapped around my intestines. I have been on my new healthy way of life for the past 70 days, lost 11 pounds so far, not as much as I would have liked, but happy none the less with the progress no matter how small, but nothing really seems to work for my IBS. I have trigger foods such as onions, fresh garlic, whole milk or any milk base products and some gluten foods. There are only a couple of greens I can eat or else I have an attack. My life has taken a complete turn for the worst in terms of having this disease. Who ever said it is a "functional disease" does not suffer from it. This disease is NOT FUNCTIONAL. I have a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling that I worked SO hard for, and I cannot hold a job or help my family financially because of IBS. It is NOT all in my head, the pain is real, the symptoms are real and the only thing I can do is just live and bare it. There is no cure. I do find that starting to eat better, and excising has only put the attacks at bay from maybe twice a week to once a week and the occasional every couple of week attack. I sympathize with anyone who struggles from this terrible disease.
@Day_knee IBS doesn't usually cause scar tissue or physical damage. Are you sure you don't have another disorder? I have tons of scar tissue but I have Crohn's so that isn't unusual.
I think it is called a functional disorder (not disease) because it effects the function/motility but it doesn't cause or is caused by physical damage or disease process like IBD and other GI diseases.
You are right IBS doesn't cause scar tissue I should have been more clear. The scar tissue I have is from multiple surgeries..hysto but only having my uterus removed, then later having ovaries and cervix removed (about 3 years ago). I had endometriosis pretty bad and had so much scar tissue. The last two surgeries were specifically for having scar tissue removed. I had a florascopy ( I believe that's what it's called) so that they could see how fast food past through my intestines..but it also helps detect some adhesions. I had surgery once again to remove the adhesions from around my intestines, which was the most recent surgery back at the end of October of 2015.
IBS is not a disease in the strictest sense, you are right..but it sure should be. I don't know if they call it a functional disorder because it affects the functions or mobility of my normal intestinal movements..My doctor says it's a functional disorder because for the most part people are still able to maintain some form of employment and life and that it's not a disease that is continually causing issues. But for some of us...it's a daily struggle and not just a "sometimes" struggle. It happens for some of us, a flare up, often enough that it is wrecking our lives or our ability to even have a normal life, such as working, traveling, or even sex. This is why I say it is not a functional disorder at all. For those of us who suffer the extreme version of it..it is very depressing.
I defy agree, it gets paralyzing when you feel flare coming on. If that happens in public it's terrifying, so you take some deep breaths to calm yourself down,like you're in labor to try to calm herself from having an accident. And at times I feel nauseous and I do vomit, I memorize where all the bathrooms are in the places I go stores restaurants etc. if I even go. The can have are very limited, no once wants to hire you if you have to use the bathroom 10 to 15 times in a shift. The only jobs that I found that worked for me and housecleaning hotels and hospital cleaning where there is a bathroom readily available when you need it. It doesn't pay much,But right now I'm a stay-at-home housewife. It gets frustrating when uneducated people make comments and basically tell you that you just need to get over it, I would never want anyone to go through this
Yes! I feel your pain. I know where every single bathroom is when I go out. When the pain hits..that pain that you know what's coming..it is just like labor...it's terrible. I am a generally calm person with no anxiety issues....however..when I get a flare up...anxiety naturally occurs. It is hard when people don't understand or just say it's in my head..they have no clue. I honestly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. It is so debilitating. And work??? yeah...forget about it. No one will hire you if you tell them off the bat you have IBS and may need to leave or be in the bathroom for an hour lol...let alone keep you if you don't tell them and they find you're not doing your job because you're in the bathroom. /sighs...0 -
lioness803 wrote: »Gluten free helped my IBS a ton
Yeah...been there done that. I am glad it works for a lot of people. I wish it worked for me.0 -
It's been a struggle for me for a long while. Sometimes I'll go through periods where it seems to be better, and other times it'll be a little bit worse. I'm at the point where I suspect gluten could potentially be a major culprit, although some of the grain foods I eat are lower in gluten (bread partially made from sprouted flour and other bread made from sourdough).0
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singingflutelady wrote: »Sadly, for me nothing has changed. My IBS is not stress related although my stress level rises when I get sick/have an attack. I am on two different medications that are supposed to help...and while they do mildly help...they certainly have not helped to the point that I am symptom free. I don't think I ever will be. I don't work anymore due to how bad it has been, I have had surgeries to remove scar tissue from being wrapped around my intestines. I have been on my new healthy way of life for the past 70 days, lost 11 pounds so far, not as much as I would have liked, but happy none the less with the progress no matter how small, but nothing really seems to work for my IBS. I have trigger foods such as onions, fresh garlic, whole milk or any milk base products and some gluten foods. There are only a couple of greens I can eat or else I have an attack. My life has taken a complete turn for the worst in terms of having this disease. Who ever said it is a "functional disease" does not suffer from it. This disease is NOT FUNCTIONAL. I have a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling that I worked SO hard for, and I cannot hold a job or help my family financially because of IBS. It is NOT all in my head, the pain is real, the symptoms are real and the only thing I can do is just live and bare it. There is no cure. I do find that starting to eat better, and excising has only put the attacks at bay from maybe twice a week to once a week and the occasional every couple of week attack. I sympathize with anyone who struggles from this terrible disease.
@Day_knee IBS doesn't usually cause scar tissue or physical damage. Are you sure you don't have another disorder? I have tons of scar tissue but I have Crohn's so that isn't unusual.
I think it is called a functional disorder (not disease) because it effects the function/motility but it doesn't cause or is caused by physical damage or disease process like IBD and other GI diseases.
You are right IBS doesn't cause scar tissue I should have been more clear. The scar tissue I have is from multiple surgeries..hysto but only having my uterus removed, then later having ovaries and cervix removed (about 3 years ago). I had endometriosis pretty bad and had so much scar tissue. The last two surgeries were specifically for having scar tissue removed. I had a florascopy ( I believe that's what it's called) so that they could see how fast food past through my intestines..but it also helps detect some adhesions. I had surgery once again to remove the adhesions from around my intestines, which was the most recent surgery back at the end of October of 2015.
IBS is not a disease in the strictest sense, you are right..but it sure should be. I don't know if they call it a functional disorder because it affects the functions or mobility of my normal intestinal movements..My doctor says it's a functional disorder because for the most part people are still able to maintain some form of employment and life and that it's not a disease that is continually causing issues. But for some of us...it's a daily struggle and not just a "sometimes" struggle. It happens for some of us, a flare up, often enough that it is wrecking our lives or our ability to even have a normal life, such as working, traveling, or even sex. This is why I say it is not a functional disorder at all. For those of us who suffer the extreme version of it..it is very depressing.
I defy agree, it gets paralyzing when you feel flare coming on. If that happens in public it's terrifying, so you take some deep breaths to calm yourself down,like you're in labor to try to calm herself from having an accident. And at times I feel nauseous and I do vomit, I memorize where all the bathrooms are in the places I go stores restaurants etc. if I even go. The can have are very limited, no once wants to hire you if you have to use the bathroom 10 to 15 times in a shift. The only jobs that I found that worked for me and housecleaning hotels and hospital cleaning where there is a bathroom readily available when you need it. It doesn't pay much,But right now I'm a stay-at-home housewife. It gets frustrating when uneducated people make comments and basically tell you that you just need to get over it, I would never want anyone to go through this
I don't know if you are referring to me but I would never say to get over it. Sorry I came off strong in my post. It was not my intention at all.
I'm on disability for Crohn's so I obviously understand the having to run to the bathroom a million times thing, restricted diet and anxiety.
My GI told me the functional disorder was in reference to the fact that it affects the function of the GI system but doesn't cause physical damage to the intestines. Though I have to say my GI is sort of an idiot telling me to eat spinach and red meat (2 of the biggest triggers) to increase my iron level. Sure if I want to end up on the ER lol0 -
I have IBS-D and I find that it is greatly affected by stress. When I have flares I have to avoid coffee, tomatoes, pastas/breads, and certain leafy greens. Luckily I haven't had a flare in about 7 months now.0
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I don't understand how I could be overweight with IBS I use the bathroom continuously!!!!! Gerrrrrr!!!!!
I watched a show on TV show called "my strange addictions "a woman ate laxatives all the time ,she continuously use the bathroom and she was very thin, I don't understand.0 -
It depends on what part of your intestines the fecal matter is in when it gets, um, evacuated. When I am flaring very badly it's my small intestine (and large intestine) that are effected so I don't absorb nutrients from food (I had a blood iron level of zero for months even while taking iron pills). The only way to stop being malnourished at that point is going on tpn (nutrition through a picc line or port that goes directly to your heart and bypasses your gi aystem all together). I still go a lot but a lot of my ulcers are healing (no blood in a few months weeee!) so I absorb food.0
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I have IBS. One of the huge things that helps me is to drink sleepy time tea every night. The chamomile relaxes your system and helps with the intenstional spasms. I try to steer clear of fast food as much as possible. I also avoid overly processed foods, such as lunch meat. If you go with the more expensive brands or the natural unprocessed brands it is better. I only have stuff like that occassionally. Cut out caffeine. Try to make your diet pretty simple. Keep track of what you're eating and if you have symptoms that day review it and see what was different and try to cut that out. The triggers can be different for everyone. Exercise is good as well and finding time to relax and destess.0
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