I use a FMD, actually she’s a NP working under a MD. She was very useful to me. I’m a well read and informed person regarding foods and my health but was having problems putting everything together. She solved that problem.
This is a really interesting and hopeful experience you had with a GI dietician. I am sure open to moving off my zero to trace FODMAP diet (plus no grains, no lactose, and little fat), but every time I do I get nailed with IBS-C that takes a while to clear up. Perhaps I will see if there is one in my area or that does remote appointments. I remember I looked once but failed to find anyone useful. Note: I did and do not experience any difficult mental symptoms from my diet. And I "eat out" by bringing my own food, enjoying the aromas around me, and leaving a meal-purchase worthy tip. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sam @sammillsaps1, Sorry to hear you are struggling with IBS. I'm not sure how much research you've done or if you have seen these but hopefully you will find something that rings a bell or gives you something to try that helps.
1. Try zero or trace FODMAP foods. Simply low FODMAP foods are not good for me.
2. Try a bit of apple cider vinegar with meals (1/2 teaspoon for starters). I have trouble digesting my food. Good digestion may help your IBS. And try less meat protein and more egg white (no yolks) and pea powder protein.
3. Try no grains ( I do all sorts of things with green plantain flour, green fresh plantains, and potato starch) and I only eat little fat (vegetable and nut fat is best).
4. Give up coffee and alcohol. Even a cup of low-acid decaf was a problem for me.
5. Try peppermint oil pills before each meal. They can relax the stomach muscles so they don't spasm.
6. Destress; it is a matter of becoming a new "you." It takes awhile to do. And you may like the old attitude and activities better (as I do).
7. Consider if sugar is a trigger; it is for me.
8. Try only cooked veggies and fruits. Raw is not good for me-- a trigger.
9. Mineral oil for constipation (I have IBS-C). Surprisingly gentle. Try a smaller dose than recommended at night. I use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon only as my gut is super sensitive.
10. A heating pad can help calm the spasms.
As everyone's gut is different, it is just a matter of experimentation. Trying what you learn by Googling and in support groups. It takes a while to figure it out; it took me at least 1.5 years to feel some level of control. And I am still learning.
1. Try zero or trace FODMAP foods. Simply low FODMAP foods are not good for me.
2. Try a bit of apple cider vinegar with meals (1/2 teaspoon for starters). I have trouble digesting my food. Good digestion may help your IBS. And try less meat protein and more egg white (no yolks) and pea powder protein.
3. Try no grains ( I do all sorts of things with green plantain flour, green fresh plantains, and potato starch) and I only eat little fat (vegetable and nut fat is best).
4. Give up coffee and alcohol. Even a cup of low-acid decaf was a problem for me.
5. Try peppermint oil pills before each meal. They can relax the stomach muscles so they don't spasm.
6. Destress; it is a matter of becoming a new "you." It takes awhile to do. And you may like the old attitude and activities better (as I do).
7. Consider if sugar is a trigger; it is for me.
8. Try only cooked veggies and fruits. Raw is not good for me-- a trigger.
9. Mineral oil for constipation (I have IBS-C). Surprisingly gentle. Try a smaller dose than recommended at night. I use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon only as my gut is super sensitive.
10. A heating pad can help calm the spasms.
As everyone's gut is different, it is just a matter of experimentation. Trying what you learn by Googling and in support groups. It takes a while to figure it out; it took me at least 1.5 years to feel some level of control. And I am still learning.
I’ve learned that certain foods cause explosive diarrhea so I don’t eat them. One is dairy. My IBS reacts to stress. If I’m in a stressful situation I’ll have an explosion. I can’t really predict these. What I’ve learned is to use incontinence products. The best I’ve found are sold by Northshore. https://www.northshorecare.com/ They’ve got everything and are very helpful. Good luck. I’ve gone through much trial and error to finally find things that really work to help manage my diarrhea and urinary incontinence.
As many have commented, it has been trial and error over many years, and I have experimented with many of the great suggestions made on this post.
I have been using the probiotic Align over the last two years, which keeps me regular and seems to help.
The most significant help for me lately a simple one: chewing my food slowly! For whatever reason, this has helped me.
It is always on my mind and always looking for suggestions…
As many have commented, it has been trial and error over many years, and I have experimented with many of the great suggestions made on this post.
I have been using the probiotic Align over the last two years, which keeps me regular and seems to help.
The most significant help for me lately a simple one: chewing my food slowly! For whatever reason, this has helped me.
It is always on my mind and always looking for suggestions…
Welcome @lhe, It definitely is a trial and error process that seems like no one solution that works for everyone. Thanks for sharing what has helped you. I definitely need to work on eating slower and chewing my food slowly.
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I am getting motivated to try functional medicine at some point. Is that something doctors or others engage in?
I use a FMD, actually she’s a NP working under a MD. She was very useful to me. I’m a well read and informed person regarding foods and my health but was having problems putting everything together. She solved that problem.
This is a really interesting and hopeful experience you had with a GI dietician. I am sure open to moving off my zero to trace FODMAP diet (plus no grains, no lactose, and little fat), but every time I do I get nailed with IBS-C that takes a while to clear up. Perhaps I will see if there is one in my area or that does remote appointments. I remember I looked once but failed to find anyone useful. Note: I did and do not experience any difficult mental symptoms from my diet. And I "eat out" by bringing my own food, enjoying the aromas around me, and leaving a meal-purchase worthy tip. Thanks for sharing!
Been trying to find ways to not be such a mess.
Hi Sam @sammillsaps1, Sorry to hear you are struggling with IBS. I'm not sure how much research you've done or if you have seen these but hopefully you will find something that rings a bell or gives you something to try that helps.
--- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Irritable bowel syndrome and lifestyle changes: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-lifestyle-changes/
--- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/irritable-bowel-syndrome-1/
--- The role of lifestyle-related treatments for IBS: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/the-role-of-lifestyle-related-treatments-for-ibs/mac-20431272
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2 Reactions1. Try zero or trace FODMAP foods. Simply low FODMAP foods are not good for me.
2. Try a bit of apple cider vinegar with meals (1/2 teaspoon for starters). I have trouble digesting my food. Good digestion may help your IBS. And try less meat protein and more egg white (no yolks) and pea powder protein.
3. Try no grains ( I do all sorts of things with green plantain flour, green fresh plantains, and potato starch) and I only eat little fat (vegetable and nut fat is best).
4. Give up coffee and alcohol. Even a cup of low-acid decaf was a problem for me.
5. Try peppermint oil pills before each meal. They can relax the stomach muscles so they don't spasm.
6. Destress; it is a matter of becoming a new "you." It takes awhile to do. And you may like the old attitude and activities better (as I do).
7. Consider if sugar is a trigger; it is for me.
8. Try only cooked veggies and fruits. Raw is not good for me-- a trigger.
9. Mineral oil for constipation (I have IBS-C). Surprisingly gentle. Try a smaller dose than recommended at night. I use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon only as my gut is super sensitive.
10. A heating pad can help calm the spasms.
As everyone's gut is different, it is just a matter of experimentation. Trying what you learn by Googling and in support groups. It takes a while to figure it out; it took me at least 1.5 years to feel some level of control. And I am still learning.
-
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Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsThk u 4 all Ur suggestions. I will try some. Some I’m already doing now
I’ve learned that certain foods cause explosive diarrhea so I don’t eat them. One is dairy. My IBS reacts to stress. If I’m in a stressful situation I’ll have an explosion. I can’t really predict these. What I’ve learned is to use incontinence products. The best I’ve found are sold by Northshore. https://www.northshorecare.com/ They’ve got everything and are very helpful. Good luck. I’ve gone through much trial and error to finally find things that really work to help manage my diarrhea and urinary incontinence.
As many have commented, it has been trial and error over many years, and I have experimented with many of the great suggestions made on this post.
I have been using the probiotic Align over the last two years, which keeps me regular and seems to help.
The most significant help for me lately a simple one: chewing my food slowly! For whatever reason, this has helped me.
It is always on my mind and always looking for suggestions…
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWelcome @lhe, It definitely is a trial and error process that seems like no one solution that works for everyone. Thanks for sharing what has helped you. I definitely need to work on eating slower and chewing my food slowly.