Low FODMAP diet ...is it worth trying?

Posted by hopethereisnothing @hopethereisnothing, Jun 30, 2023

So I (39 yr old female) have been struggling with unresolved digestive issues for months, did lots of tests, all negative, and tried almost every OTC and prescription medication with no improvement of symptoms. My most bothersome symptoms are: abdominal pain and cramps, excessive gas, belching and irregular bowel habit (sometimes diarrhea, sometimes constipation, rarely normal BM ).
Out of despair and lack of other options, I am thinking of trying low FODMAP diet.
I need your opinion and real life experience: does it really help with digestive symptoms ? And if so, how long does it take to start feeling better?
Are there any tips to make this diet work ?
Thanks in advance .

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Low Fodmap diet really helps. I have had all the symptoms you mentioned and many tests. Been low fodmap for many years. I am also mostly dairy free, alcohol, coffee, and gluten free. Not a big deal. I am used to it. I can eat some foods that are fodmap in moderation. If I have been feeling achy or have an event coming up, I take extra care to follow the diet. For me, some Fodmaps can be eaten if you don't have them in successive days.
Also, recently went on course of Xifaxin. Not sure it helped...jury still out. I do so much better in the Summer months. Fall is worst. Don't know why.

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Very happy that you found a way to heal yourself, and sorry that the antibiotics didn’t help you-I was told they targeted the just the specific bacteria that overgrow in your gut. I did the diet faithfully for several months, but had to do antibiotics and went away quick.
This was my second episode, first was several years ago.
I always take vitamins and minerals, but love your ideas of olive oil etc.
Also have incorporated the yummy offensive foods, but in smaller quantities.
Sugar (too much sweet watermelon last summer 😏 caused a flare) , gluten, garlic and onions are my main offenders.
Oh well, good at the moment and I hope we both remain that way!!!

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@wizdum

Low Fodmap diet really helps. I have had all the symptoms you mentioned and many tests. Been low fodmap for many years. I am also mostly dairy free, alcohol, coffee, and gluten free. Not a big deal. I am used to it. I can eat some foods that are fodmap in moderation. If I have been feeling achy or have an event coming up, I take extra care to follow the diet. For me, some Fodmaps can be eaten if you don't have them in successive days.
Also, recently went on course of Xifaxin. Not sure it helped...jury still out. I do so much better in the Summer months. Fall is worst. Don't know why.

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Same for me…fodmap diet mostly, but add some goodies here and there, not in a row. There are so many gluten free products today, very helpful.
Just mentioned in last comment, had an attack last summer from watermelon…there was a farm vendor around the corner and I couldn’t help myself…seedless baby watermelon. Oh well, won’t do that again.

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Your
discription of constipation, diarrhea , no BM is something i experience. Please check with a gastroenterologist for testing for pelvic floor dysfunction.

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