Come On Food! Work With Me!

[vbecton]

So, on another thread there were some of us talking about the lack of our GI symptoms resolving after going gluten-free. And, by not resolving, I mean mine are significantly worse. Just call me gas-a-saurus rex. One member (T.H.) suggested fructose issues, but I didn't want to believe that since I've eliminated so many things already.

However, they were on to something. Did some research and it appears fructose could be a problem for me. I'm on day 2 of a no fructose diet to see if that is indeed the issue and wouldn't you know it...no gas.

So, for any of you fructose malabsorbers...Who has gotten tested? I think a hydrogen breath test is used? Are the results reliable? Do you have to be eating your normal high fructose diet for a positive result? Does it cause any real issues other than upset intestines? Oh and what about chewing gum since they all contain sorbitol. Any suggestions on good, minty chewing gum?

Maybe I can reintroduce eggs in a few days because I eliminated them thinking they were the source of my gas. Eggs...you were dearly missed

[kayo]

I had the hydrogen test done and was surprised it came back negative for fructmal due to how well I'm doing on the FODMAP diet. As soon as I have onions, garlic, fruit from the 'no' column or too many tomatoes I'm gassy and sick again. I was positive for SIBO and just finished a round of antibiotics so I'm sure I'm feeling better in that regard too. I started FODMAP before the breath test. My dietitian said it wouldn't effect the outcome but I do wonder. I think the true test is the diet. If you remove things and feel better that's a sign. If you introduce them back in and you have issues that's even more signs. I'm planning on staying on the FODMAP diet since it's the first time in 5+ years I've felt like myself.

I love this gum which uses cane sugar and no sorbitol: Open Original Shared Link

Sorbitol free toothpaste was trickier to find. I must have read 20 different boxes before finding one. I found this one at Whole Foods: Open Original Shared Link

Oddly enough, my teeth never felt cleaner. They feel like I've gone to the dentist everyday.

[vbecton]

Gosh, I'm so glad you mentioned toothpaste! I never even considered it was in toothpaste. Any other items I should be looking out for?

I just sent my GI an email about testing for fructose issues, so I'll probably know by tomorrow what he wants to do. But, I do agree with you that it comes down to eliminating the food, and/or reintroducing it to know how well you really tolerate it!

Thanks for your reply!

[kayo]

The only other thing I can think of is meds, like cold meds specifically. I wasn't feeling well this week and was about to take an Airborn when I noticed it contained sorbitol. I suppose I should find a sorbitol free cold med for future use but right now I'm too sick to do anything involving brain cells. I've also notices some of my lip balm/gloss with sorbitol. I just chucked a few from my collection. It may not matter but I figure I rather be safe than sorry.