I've had GI issues for years that are triggered by certain foods. The first time I ever noticed it was so many years ago but I'll always remember it. A simple apple. An apple a day is deadly for me. Trial and error has led me to follow a low FODMAP diet with remarkable results. I do not eat meat or dairy and have stopped with most all added sugar which has stopped all the stiffness I thought was just old age. I have had to figure out everything myself by listening to my own body and looking backward at my family history. My mother was gassy as long as I can remember and she was a very thin woman with a very distended belly and died that way, my father died of C-dif, my sis was recently diagnosed with celiac "accidentally" at her routine annual exam, no symptoms at all, which was confirmed with all the tests required and since it is hereditary, I am careful with that as well. I absolutely know I have the IBS-C issues and the lactose intolerance because I have tried countless times to pretend that I don't. I absolutely avoid problematic foods and I drink almond milk. My problem foods are mine and I don't let anyone tell me otherwise. I am the one suffering, here. Adjustment is a path and a welcome relief when relief is the result. Acceptance is the thing that is required. I have found that being as close to vegan as possible has led to the best physical quality of life. I never struggle with my weight at all which I have had to do my entire life. The fats are out of my life as well. Sure, stuff gets in because I am not rigid about it and I slip and suffer but it is so so worth it and YES, there is plenty of protein. That is the question I always get. Check the protein content of any vegetable or carbohydrate or fruit or nut. Meat is not the only thing with protein. We have been mislead. My husband and I read nutritionfacts.org Michael Gregor Md.'s website. He has blogs and videos that are life-changing. Everything he says is researched and factual. Anyone would be wise and would lose nothing by checking it out. His videos are on YouTube as well. He explains things in a scientific way and he is funny and interesting. There is a way out.