Published on 12, July, 2020
Who here has symptoms of IBS?
I think I have it because I get arthritic pains in my joints after eating, a bloated stomach (even when I eat a low calorie diet), frequent feelings of tiredness and sometimes violent bowel movements. I've been researching and here's what I found out about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Low FODMAP diet. First of all, here are the symptoms of IBS:
The FODMAP theory holds that consuming foods high in "FODMAPs"—short for fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols, a collection of short-chain carbohydrates found in many common foods—results in increased volume of liquid and gas in the small and large intestine, contributing to symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, and bloating, and the motility problems of diarrhea and constipation. The theory proposes that following a low-FODMAP diet should result in a decrease in these symptoms.
Research has also indicated there appears to be a cumulative effect of these foods on symptoms. In other words, eating more high-FODMAP foods at the same time will add up, resulting in symptoms that you might not experience if you ate the food in isolation.
The following foods have been identified as being high in FODMAPs:
Fruits
Grains
Lactose-Containing Foods
Dairy Substitutes
Legumes
Sweeteners
Vegetables
The following foods have been identified as being low in FODMAPs:
Dairy and Alternatives
Nuts
Seeds
Protein Sources
Hi,
I have had ibs for years now and was advised to avoid some of the foods you have listed or at least eat them in moderation!
I personally find stress is the biggest cause of flair ups for me as initially I only had stress induced ibs however over the years it has got worse (ie when I'm not stressed) doctors have suggested that it may be linked to my fibromyalgia
How are things for you now? Have you got any tips for me on coping with IBS?
I get stressed a lot so that could be a trigger for me too.
Thanks for that, I will most definitely be trying that!
No worries! Some people take capsules but I take about a teaspoon of it in powder form mixed with a small glass of water with some concentrated squash added (otherwise the flavour and texture make it a little unpleasant to drink). I think it is more efficacious taken that way. Basically it acts by coating your digestive system and I take it around 30 minutes before lunch and dinner. It really does work for me and I know how debilitating IBS can be so I share the info when needed!
I've never heard of that, thanks for sharing!
I have (had) serious problems with IBS too but someone recommended slippery elm bark powder to me and although IBS varies between individuals and of course I can only speak for myself I have to say that it greatly reduced and in some cases eliminated my IBS symptoms. Might be worth a try?
That's interesting because I had come to the conclusion from looking some things up that fatty foods were a problem too.
I found it fascinating when I read about Princess Diana's diet. Apparently she avoided fats most the time - of course she had to deal with a lot of pressure, maybe that was partly how she managed to cope with it.
At the moment not bad, I have mebevervine prescribed to take when it is really bad this helps with the spasms and pain. other than that it is really a case of trying to keep stress and anxiety to a minimum (easier said than done)
Also I found fatty foods can be a trigger