Another member was inquiring about how I deal with my GI issues, and rather than have the discussion in a "Happy Birthday" thread I felt it was better to bring it into the open where others would be more apt to see the thread and off their own advice and experiences.
I've been dealing with IBS-D for many years and there are still other issues unrelated to IBS that have yet to be diagnosed and I will be seeing a new doctor at one of the best hospitals in the nation to help solve the mystery.
Once things like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, polyps or any other severe medical condition are ruled out, when it comes to GI issues, the first step to working towards reducing symptoms is likely going to be identifying what causes the symptoms. Keeping a food journal of what you ate and how you feel, AS WELL AS when you are dealing with stress or mental issues, and any physical adverse reactions is going to help identify patterns and foods and/or emotional changes that affect digestion.
The food / mood journal will help you find triggers. The current practice as first line of treatment by GI doctors is to prescribe a LOW FODMAP diet. FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food, that can be poorly absorbed by some people. When the molecules are poorly absorbed in the small intestine of the digestive tract, these molecules then continue along their journey along the digestive tract, arriving at the large intestine, where they act as a food source to the bacteria that live there normally. The bacteria then digest/ferment these FODMAPs and can cause symptoms of IBS, either IBS-C or IBS-D symptoms depending on the individual.
The LOW FODMAP diet has been researched and studied and has been proven as an effective treatment for IBS. My personal experience rings true as I follow a low FODMAP diet and my symptoms have improved. I would suggest anyone that has IBS to give a low FODMAP diet a fair try. I have noticed a major decrease in bloating as well as flare ups and bouts of diarrhea.
Here are foods low and high FODMAP foods: FODMAP Food List | IBS Diets
Some additional things that may specifically help those with IBS are (after removing trigger foods):
1. Reduce stress. Find ways to unwind, not just at the gym. Meditate, go for walks, sit and listen to music, go fishing... find an outlet to unwind. This will help with IBS-D and C.
2. Get more Beneficial Bacteria. Start taking a probiotic. Different probiotics are better for IBS. The gold standard for probiotics for those with IBS (as well as UC and Crohn's) is VSL #3. You can find this on Amazon and it will ship direct for the manufacturer with cold packs. Renew Life Critical Colon 80billion CFU formula is also very good. There are many products out there but those are the only two that have really helped me. Additionally, IBS-C sufferers may benefit from getting more prebiotics fiber from fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented veggies, inulin... those with IBS-D may want to avoid these foods or add them in sparingly as they may cause diarrhea. I also drink Kefir regularly. Greek yogurt is usually easily tolerated and I eat that on a daily basis.
3. Maintain the proper pH Balance in your gut. Consuming foods high in acid or having toxins in your body can disrupt the enzymes and pH balance. Digestive enzymes are a good addition here to help with pH as well as promote proper digestion. This link provides information of the pH values of different foods and how to promote a more alkaline environment: Lesson 18 - Restoring pH Balance in the Body
I eat green, low FODMAP veggies, I have a greens drink, I drink lemon water, take enzymes and use olive oil.
I've also found drinking aloe vera juice has helped. I drink some in the AM before eating, when I get hoem from work and at night. 4oz-6oz each time.
4. Have proper fiber intake. This will be very individual because some IBS sufferers need to reduce fiber while other needs to increase it. Different forms of fiber tend to work better for some. I personally cannot eat insoluble fiber, so I choose psyllium husk (sugar free metamucil) and taking two servings at night promote a solid regular BM in the AM. Proper water intake is also essential, as water is needed in the colon to pass stool properly.
Those are some suggestions to help with IBS... hopefully others have experiences and tips they can contribute...
Oh, for xchewbaccax777, I eat lactose free ice cream, but I prefer lactose free frozen yogurt or sorbet, which does not have any lactose by definition.
I've been dealing with IBS-D for many years and there are still other issues unrelated to IBS that have yet to be diagnosed and I will be seeing a new doctor at one of the best hospitals in the nation to help solve the mystery.
Once things like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, polyps or any other severe medical condition are ruled out, when it comes to GI issues, the first step to working towards reducing symptoms is likely going to be identifying what causes the symptoms. Keeping a food journal of what you ate and how you feel, AS WELL AS when you are dealing with stress or mental issues, and any physical adverse reactions is going to help identify patterns and foods and/or emotional changes that affect digestion.
The food / mood journal will help you find triggers. The current practice as first line of treatment by GI doctors is to prescribe a LOW FODMAP diet. FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food, that can be poorly absorbed by some people. When the molecules are poorly absorbed in the small intestine of the digestive tract, these molecules then continue along their journey along the digestive tract, arriving at the large intestine, where they act as a food source to the bacteria that live there normally. The bacteria then digest/ferment these FODMAPs and can cause symptoms of IBS, either IBS-C or IBS-D symptoms depending on the individual.
The LOW FODMAP diet has been researched and studied and has been proven as an effective treatment for IBS. My personal experience rings true as I follow a low FODMAP diet and my symptoms have improved. I would suggest anyone that has IBS to give a low FODMAP diet a fair try. I have noticed a major decrease in bloating as well as flare ups and bouts of diarrhea.
Here are foods low and high FODMAP foods: FODMAP Food List | IBS Diets
Some additional things that may specifically help those with IBS are (after removing trigger foods):
1. Reduce stress. Find ways to unwind, not just at the gym. Meditate, go for walks, sit and listen to music, go fishing... find an outlet to unwind. This will help with IBS-D and C.
2. Get more Beneficial Bacteria. Start taking a probiotic. Different probiotics are better for IBS. The gold standard for probiotics for those with IBS (as well as UC and Crohn's) is VSL #3. You can find this on Amazon and it will ship direct for the manufacturer with cold packs. Renew Life Critical Colon 80billion CFU formula is also very good. There are many products out there but those are the only two that have really helped me. Additionally, IBS-C sufferers may benefit from getting more prebiotics fiber from fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented veggies, inulin... those with IBS-D may want to avoid these foods or add them in sparingly as they may cause diarrhea. I also drink Kefir regularly. Greek yogurt is usually easily tolerated and I eat that on a daily basis.
3. Maintain the proper pH Balance in your gut. Consuming foods high in acid or having toxins in your body can disrupt the enzymes and pH balance. Digestive enzymes are a good addition here to help with pH as well as promote proper digestion. This link provides information of the pH values of different foods and how to promote a more alkaline environment: Lesson 18 - Restoring pH Balance in the Body
I eat green, low FODMAP veggies, I have a greens drink, I drink lemon water, take enzymes and use olive oil.
I've also found drinking aloe vera juice has helped. I drink some in the AM before eating, when I get hoem from work and at night. 4oz-6oz each time.
4. Have proper fiber intake. This will be very individual because some IBS sufferers need to reduce fiber while other needs to increase it. Different forms of fiber tend to work better for some. I personally cannot eat insoluble fiber, so I choose psyllium husk (sugar free metamucil) and taking two servings at night promote a solid regular BM in the AM. Proper water intake is also essential, as water is needed in the colon to pass stool properly.
Those are some suggestions to help with IBS... hopefully others have experiences and tips they can contribute...
Oh, for xchewbaccax777, I eat lactose free ice cream, but I prefer lactose free frozen yogurt or sorbet, which does not have any lactose by definition.