I’ve had IBS symptoms for the past 3 years or so but just was officially diagnosed about a year ago. I have not figured out my diet yet. I’ve tried low fodmap, avoiding gluten/dairy but I never feel good enough when I do so to justify cutting out all that good stuff. Although, I know I need to be more strict with myself. It’s just so frustrating not eating what you want to eat and still not feeling well. I went out to breakfast this morning and had biscuits and gravy with sauasage, eggs, and hasbrowns and I’m really paying for it 
I don’t know why I indulge like that even when I know what the outcome will be. Anyways, I guess I’m just looking for tips on what everyone has found to help with IBS in the diet department. I mostly struggled with IBS-D in the past but lately it has been a mix of C and D. And currently I’m experiencing D.... Thanks I’m advance y’all, I appreciate your input.
Hi, how was your diagnosis given? Did you have a colonoscopy/endoscopy? Was it just from blood and stool sample tests? What if any are your other symptoms?
Sorry that this is the boring answer but it really is trial and error. You need to keep a food and symptom diary and see if there are any things you can nail down. You said you tried low fodmap- did you do it properly? Go through all 3 stages? Bear in mind low FODMAP is not a cure for constipation or diarrhoea.
Some good tips for ibs-d;
- eat smaller meals
-avoid anything really hot
- eat low fat
-stick to a plain low fibre diet til things calm down
-avoid alcohol and coffee
As for the indulgence and paying for it- we all do that now and again, we're only human 😉
I know how you feel there is such alot I can't eat anymore plus I have found I cannot eat anything with fructose in it and its surprising where you find it including sauces. I'm afraid the only way you can find which foods effect you is by cutting things out. I am fine with gluten and dairy though. Hope you sort it soon Sheila
I try to note every recipe that I see from groups that are easy and I do get most of my supply online like casa de sante which offers low fodmap products. I am still practicing low fodmap. I know it's tough but as time will pass, the more you get to know your triggers, the easier it will get.
I had a colonoscopy done. Other symptoms include bloating, fatigue, urgency, irregularity. I also have anxiety and depression that seem to be worse when my IBS is really out of control.
Thank you!!
Thanks Sheila 😌
Stop! Don't just cut huge amounts of food out of your diet, you could end up really ill! See your doctor insist that you see a dietitian because this is a lifestyle being IBS diagnosed and living with it, it's like being diabetic. Take someone with you, write questions down and don't worry if you can. Try different foods in the meantime and see what they do, if you react try to work out what you're reacting to. Good luck it's not easy but maybe be vital.
I have had stomach issues for about 7 years now. Had so many tests done without any diagnosis. My GP suspects IBS due to everything else being ruled out. Due to no diagnosis I had lost hope in the medical system and figured out ways to cope with it as best I could, so here is my take. Unfortunately it might not be what you want to hear.
Drink a lot of water. Any liquid you consume should be mostly water. Alcohol, coffee, milk and sodas make it worse or trigger symptoms, it's a fact.
Eat food which is easily digestible. I usually eat food such as steamed fish without the crumbs, chicken eithout the skin, boiled eggs, basmati rice, oats without sugar and lightly sweetened with honey, a lot of steamed vegetables, bananas, strawberries, blueberries.
Try to avoid or limit red meat. Food which is rich or heavily spiced also worsen or trigger symptoms - stuff like butter chicken, food with cream or cheese, acidic food like citrus fruits or tomatoes etc. I also try and avoid dairy, processed food like processed meats, fatty foods and things like pies. These are things which trigger me.
It also helps a lot to nibble throughout the day instead of eating massive amounts per meal and only eating three meals, rather eat 5 or 6 smaller meals.
If you want to give you stomach a break, try and eat only steamed vegetables for a few days. It's easily digestible and does not cause flare ups. Also do not eat late at night. Try and eat around 3 hours before bed.
Lastly, exercise is also a major factor. If you are able to (meaning you are not disabled or have a medical condition which limits you.... Not laziness), try and get in a few decent workouts every week. Get your heart racing at a safe level with cycling, jogging, weight lifting etc. It really does help you entire digestive system stay healthy.
Like I said, it might not be what you want to hear, but these things really work for me. It's a choice, carry on eating and drinking all the wrong things and don't exercise, and face the consequences. Or, eat and drink the right things combined with exercise, and you will improve the way you feel by at least 70%. It takes time to get into an exercise routine and to adapt to the way of eating, but it's totally worth it