IBS diagnosis....confused!

[GlutenedCN]

Hey guys! 

Over the past few months, I've identified myself as extremely gluten sensitive (NCGS). I've been getting used to this diagnosis, but lately, I've had a lot of pain when eating random foods as well. 

My doctor diagnosed me with IBS, which I've heard is pretty common. However, looking over the FODMAPS list, I cannot believe how many things are considered restricted. My doctor said that I shouldn't cut out these foods altogether, but I'm just wondering if anybody else who has IBS could tell me what works for you. Which foods do you cut out entirely, and how much can you eat of trigger foods before feeling sick? Is it just trial and error? 

Thanks so much! 

 

 

[cyclinglady]

I am not a doctor, but IBS is sort of code for "I be stumped".  But your doctor has give you good advice.  Besides  strictly adhering to the gluten-free diet, follow the FODMAP diet for at least six weeks.  Keep a food and symptom diary.  If you improve after six weeks, try adding the restrictive food back into a diet, one food at a time.  You might be able to figure out what is triggering your symptoms.  If it does not help, go back to your doctor.  I hope you figure it out.  

 

[mnburis]

I've been fighting an IBS diagnonis for years despite tests that clearly show its something else. I tried the FODMAP diet. It didnt do squat for me. Personally I'm in the boat of IBS is a trash can diagnosis. 

[Feeneyja]

SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) needs to be ruled out. The following paper has a ton of great information. Basically, about 50% of folks with IBS actually have SIBO causing their symptoms. It is diagnosed with a breath test.  Treatment with antibiotics (either standard or herbal) is necessary PLUS dietary adjustments.  Of those treated for SIBO, about 50% relapse within 9 months, so often repeat courses of antibiotics are necessary.  A reduction in fermentable carbs is usually necessary to keep SIBO at bay. My daughter has had SIBO that was treated and relapsed and I found that the low Fodmap diet wasn't really effective.  The SIBO Specific Diet has worked well for us (Open Original Shared Link).  Once a month she takes an herbal antibiotic for about a week.  This has also helped.  FYI, the diagnosis, treatment, diet, and management are being done with the help of her doctor and nutritionist at U of C.  

Open Original Shared Link

More info about SIBO:  Open Original Shared Link

SIBO is a piece of the puzzle.  Those with gluten intolerance (celiac or NCGS) are more likely to have SIBO.  If it is SIBO, treatment makes a HUGE difference.  

Edited to add:  Yes, the diet adjustments are difficult. And at first my daughter didn't want to do it so I didn't push it. But after feeling terrible for a year, she asked for it and the restriction of fermentable carbs did the trick. Since starting the herbal antibiotic rotation plus diet adjustment, she is now SIBO free for 3 months. We have been fighting this battle for two years.   

Another useful dietary tool is the Fast Tract Diet. It is basically the SIBO Specific Diet with a means for measuring your fermentable carbs. It helps quantify things and helps you make choices and pinpoint symptom agrivators. Open Original Shared Link