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Posted 9/9/2005 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
Have any of you had any success developing a diet for IBS?  Everything I've seen on the Internet basically says eliminate everything but carrots and oatmeal, ha!  When the kids were little, I always gave them apple juice, rice water, jello-water and bananas for diarrhea.  But one of the threads here suggests avoiding apple juice.

 

Rice-water & bananas isn't really very appetizing as a long-term diet, is it?  I've found high fat actually improves my symptoms.  Help me think of other kinds of food that are "binding."

Post Edited By Moderator (dbab) : 9/9/2005 5:56:25 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/9/2005 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Poopsie,
First I'd like to welcome you to Healing Well :)

Everyone is pretty much different when it comes to food. Sure there are foods that most people will agree are pretty common IBS triggers however everyone is different. My suggestion would be to keep a food diary and list your symptoms as well. This is the only thing that worked for me and I feel so stupid that I didn't think of this earlier. I will admit that I still have symptoms as food is not my only IBS trigger however it has made my life so much better knowing what I should stay away from. I may not be able to help you with your food problem as your main symptoms is diarrhea and mine is constipation but I'm sure you will get some replies and opinions.

Take Care

P.S. I just put a general topic to your post, nothing in the body of your post was edited :)
Posted 9/9/2005 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Unless I'm mistaken, pediatricians now tell parents not to give kids jucies, especially apple, when they have diarrhea because it makes it worse. They are supposed to drink Pedialyte, which is like baby gatorade, only with less sugar (at least I hope it has less!).

Something that has, in the past, constipated the devil out of me: dehydrated banana chips. My mother and I ate some once--right after they appeared in our local grocery. We loved them so much, we ate the whole bag between us. The next day I told my mother I was bad constipated and she said she was too--we chalked it up to the banana chips. I guess when they get into your system they absorb the water in there as they rehydrate, leaving you with less water to have a bowel movement with. Of course, if you have too much water, this can be beneficial. If it helps you, you might try other dried fruits and dried meat (beef jerky). The more water something has in it when it's fresh, the more water it will (I surmise) absorb when it rehydrates in your gut.
Posted 9/10/2005 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Poopsie, I'm recently dx with IBS and have been home since Aug 25th trying to rest and gain some weight back (while waiting for a dx I went down to 90 lbs - D is my problem too). They've got me taking lotronex which my GI assured me would turn this right around but it hasn't. Now three weeks into this flare and still having D (although this week I've at least started my day with one almost normal BM...I'll take what I can get). My PCP says that he is not surprised since I went so long with the D it will take some time to reverse the process.
Anyhoo...regarding food...I've had mini bouts my whole life so there are certain things I know to avoid when my gut is acting out, but I have discovered that tuna noodle casserole is an EXCELLENT binding agent...except for oatmeal and poached eggs its really the only thing I've been able to eat that didn't come out as liquid. Good thing I like all of those things. I've also noticed that if I forget to take my vitamins (multi, folic and calcium) I have a tougher time. And, I'm limiting my coffee...which is tough, but my PCP told me the acidity in coffee (rather than the caffeine, which is what I always thought was the culprit) will wreak havoc with IBS...being from NYC my PCP understands the value of a good cup of coffee and assures me that there are low-acid varieties out there...I just need to find them. Potatoes are also good for me, as long as they are not fried, but that could be because I'm Irish :)
Things that are bad for me when I'm in a flare: tomato soup, really, anything with tomatoes (which is a big bummer). The whole BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast) does nothing good for me at all but make the cramps worse. And I steer clear of all juices.

I'm sure there's more good/bad to list but I can't think of anything right now...hope this helps. Can't wait to see what others say.
Posted 9/10/2005 4:32 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks, dbab, for putting a topic sentence on this. (I didn't know how.)  Gee, it was SO encouraging to see so many responses so soon!!!

KERIAMON - Thanks for your suggestions about banana chips & jerky.  Yum!!!   Seems to me you're lucky 'cuz you can nibble on figs and swill down prune juice...both fruit that I just love but can only look at, ha!

COSMOLUNA-I didn't know Lotronex was back on the market.  Sounds like it doesn't work all that well for you. Is it still dangerous...or have they "fixed" it?  Cutting out coffee is a bummer...I'm down to 1 cup per day.  I'll give the potatoes a try.

I only had cramps the first 3 years.  I believe at that time I tried to eat lots of yogurt w/ live cultures.  Also, got a lot of relief when I finally convinced my Dr. to re-up my Paxil prescription...help for IBS seems to be a by-product of this medication.  (I used to think it was placebo effect...but now there are white papers out about this.)

I'm incontinent, too.  Not everyday incontinent...not even every week...or every month.  But out of nowhere, I occasionally live up to my screen name...which is ok if I'm at home (I live alone) but a DISASTER at work.  There is absolutely NO warning.  I just found a pair of mesh pants & pads on line...got the mesh pants the next day.  (Impressive service, I thought.)  Will let you know how this solution works out, in case anybody else has a similar problem.  It was difficult to sort out the fecal incontinence products from the urinary incontinence products...urinary incontinence seems to be more "popular."  Too bad they don't make black lace panties for the ambulatory incontinent, ha!  Actually, they'll probably start producing them soon now that the baby-boomers are aging although some of the folks posting here sound quite young.

Does anyone know if this is a hereditary condition?  Both my mother & grandmother were diagnosed with "Spastic Colon."  I'm sorry to say, I wasn't very compassionate at the time.  They were both alcoholics, so I just told them to quit drinking.  Looking back, I realize they probably drank heavily because of the condition.

Thanks, everybody, for all your help & suggestions!

Posted 9/10/2005 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Poopsie, like my doc tells me, i don't call it irritable bowel anymore, I call it irrational bowel.  I've just recently found that anything with peanuts and dairy are no-no's for me.  I've had IBS for over 3 yrs now and it seems as soon as i find a food that doesn't seem to upset the stomach, I'm in agony.  But I have been better since I've dropped the carbonated drinks, dairy and peanut butter.

 

I was taking Lortonex for about a week.  I stopped b/c I was too freaked out by all of the risks.  My doc said it usually takes about a month or so for it to reallly kick in.  But I was too worried, which in turn made me stress out.  I'ts a never ending battle.  Right now I am on Chlordiaz or Chlord Clidinium 3 times a day before each meal as well as Lomotil for up to 6 times a day.  I have prominant D as well.  Before I was on prescriptions, Imodium AD was my friend about 3-4 times a week.  Haven't really had to take it as much recently.  Except for last night at about 1 am, which is why I searched this site.  But, I hope you get some things straightened out...Molly

Posted 9/10/2005 9:51 PM (GMT 0)

Gotta tell ya, MollyB...I don't think this is all one disease or condition...just look how the symptoms vary.  The D folks sit around waiting for 5 to 7 days.  The C folk have 5 to 7 episodes PER day.  Then there are the "undecided" colons that go back and forth.  Seems like 3 different conditions to me.

I hate that the medical profession just gives it a label and pats you on the head.  Reading all these stories of other people's experience helps me know I'm not alone...but it's starting to make me really mad as well...most of you are VERY young...a time when you should be able to be somewhat carefree.

Maybe we could host a Marathon...with porta-potties every 1/2 block.  Do you think Depends would sponsor it? ha

Posted 9/11/2005 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hey poopsie...as far as lotronex goes, there is a small percentage of doctors who can prescribe it, and it was a scary experience when I got my first rx for it. I really don't like situations where I am asked to sign something that says "I understand I have been informed of the risk of death and ischemic colitis with this medication." It is part of an extremely controlled program as a result of what happened with it when it was easier to prescribe. From what I understand the deaths that occured with it in the past were because of drs giving it to older people whose systems were too compromised with other disorders, but I work for an attorney and it all looked like CYA paperwork to me. I had my follow up with my GI on Friday and when I told him the D was still not resolved (and there was a typo in my first post, I have had D for three months not three weeks) he suggested I up the dose to 1 mg twice a day. I am not comfortable with that. Thankfully, Yesterday and today (so far, anyway, it is 5am) have been almost normal.
As far as my age, I am 31, and it is young as far as I am concerned. I have decided that my warranty must have run out. Trying to figure out how to renew :)
I too am frustrated with my GI over this...he doesn't seem to understand how aggravating and scary this situation is. I am underweight on a good day but to have D for three months resulted in a three week "vacation" unpaid (I've already used all my sick and paid vacation days thanks to fibro and spontaneous lung collapses). I was going to buy a house but have had to drain my savings to keep my bills paid while I've been out. It's all ok, my higher power keeps an eye on me and I'm moving to a new place 10/1 which is closer to work and in a beautiful place, but still, its a lot to deal with. I've been so run down that I can not fly north for my sisters wedding next week. She understands, and wants me to get better, but I hate not being there. Thankfully my PCP is keeping an eye on me and making sure I do what I need to to get better, but my GI is very cavalier about all this. Think it might be time to find another one. He has given me no info really on IBS or the collagenous colitis, I've had to get all I do know from the internet or here or my PCP. Argg.
Thank goodness ya'all are here, I'd probably be homicidal by now if you weren't.
Hugs
Posted 9/12/2005 9:26 AM (GMT 0)
Drs claim that "there isn't a diet that is right for IBS/IBD".

That's baloney.  Foods trigger flare-ups and inflammation.  There are major foods and liquids to stay away from.

I recommend that you read this book. I'm just finishing it now and its quite insightful re: diet. 

Essentially fish is excellent.  Have multi-vitamin.  Fiber is very important.  Stay away from dairy (lactose intolerance). Stay away from red meat (1x month only).  Protein (chicken and eggs in low moderation).  Oatmeal is quite good for you.  Natural vs. processed is the way to go. 

Watch your calorie intake.

Drink lots of water.

Fruits and vegetables can cause you to have urgency, if so, then stay away from.  If you can tolerate, then eat lots of it. 

The book is called "The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut" by Dr. James Scala

Good luck.  I believe that the patient knows more about this disease than the Drs who treat it.  They put you on all kinds of medicine that give you other side effects and I'm living proof that the stuff doesn't work.  I've tried everything and still to no avail, I'm now on my 9th year with this disease and it just gets continously worse. 

The bottom line is that you need to become an expert in what works for you.  There's a lot of food out there that's junk.  Do your best to stay away from it.  Water is best.  Caffeine/bubbles are bad.  Alcohol and smoking are bad for your stomach. 

Keep diary if you can.  Stay focused and calm.  Things will get better. 

Posted 9/12/2005 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
The one thing I've noticed since getting IBS 4 years ago is that what triggers it off in 1 person, is fine for someone else. I guess when people suffer from a variety or combination of different symptoms maybe that's to be expected?!

I can eat spicy food with no ill effects.
Dairy stuff is mixed for me - I have semi skimmed milk on cereal - rarely eat butter. Eggs seem to be ok. Cheese not so good - mild cheese is fine, strong cheese (or really fatty cheese) not good at all.
Bread is fine - its almost all I can eat when I have a bad attack.
Cola drinks bad, lemonade is fine (WHY?!!).
Most alcohol is bad - except wine. So I can still drink wine (although I usually drink in moderation anyway).
Anything with loads of MSG - very bad.
Veg - good (although I'll never get to like cucumbers or cabbage).
Fruit - not all good. Grapes don't like me and apples sometimes give me grief - otherwise I seem ok with fruit.

As a rule anything fatty or rich I steer away from - otherwise its just trial and error.

I don't suffer from D (I'm new here, so I hope I guessed right what that refers too!) - when I get it its bloatedness, exhaustion, pains, constipation (but never constipated for more than a few days at most). Maybe this will help give some pointers/suggestions for things to watch out for.

All the best!
Posted 9/12/2005 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
I find that foods high in dietary fiber help me, but it's still not enough. Maybe I' supposed to blow myself up with water, I don't know. Milk, oatmeal, and bread sooth my stomach. I also get this cynamon fiber serial that's really crunchy and actually tastes good. Then there's Atkins Lemon Muffins, bagels high in fiber, beans, and whole wheat bread. Still I cn't seem to get enough fiber, so i take the fiber choice pills. Even that doesn't help me enough. My Bs still come out in pieces like they're not supposed to, and I still get backed up a lot frequently. When I'm really nervous, I go the other way and get the runs, aaaargh!!!
Posted 9/13/2005 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
Its important to drink plenty of water when you are taking fiber supplements because it can make your IBS-C a lot worse if you don't. Water is also good for IBS-C because your intestines absorb a lot of the water in your BM which if you are not getting enough water tends to make your BM too hard causing constipation.
Posted 10/1/2005 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, I just read Phil M's food list and It's the same as mine exactly! Here's another trigger for me... flying on a airplane(which I'm going to do in a few days) I really hate flying and my stomach gets so upset. Anyone else?
Posted 10/1/2005 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi irish,

Is this maybe anxiety related? I think that most people have anxiety along with their IBS, I do. I take meds for my anxiety which actually help my IBS symptoms like a domino effect. You may want to talk to your doctor to see if there is anything that he can give you for your anxiety on your plane trip. Good luck :)
Posted 10/1/2005 6:25 PM (GMT 0)

HI everyone, was reading the posts and wondered about  a possible solution for some who have problems eating fruit. I wonder if removing the peeling from certain fruit would make digestion easier and avoid triggering IBS symptoms??? I say this because my mom had her stomach stappled and the doc warned her about peelings like from the grapes etc...Just a little food for thought...hehehe  pardon the punn.

Posted 10/1/2005 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dee,
It is possible since many fruit peels are loaded with fiber and nutrients, sometimes more that the inside of the fruit. Since a lot of people cannot handle certain things like this it may be worth for some to experiment with this. Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted 10/1/2005 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
If it hurts don't eat it..... It's been with me for some time, I am 28, and feeling good, I was 14 when I found out. I suffered until I realized I had the control to choose the foods, I stopped working full time a couple of years ago, becuase it would be C and then D, and back and forth, I had gotten severl fisurs back to back. And then I would have panic D, in the middle of a meeting. I realized that my stress was controlling my life, and It didn't help that I was eating nasty cafiteria food on top of it.
So when stress comes up I try to steer clear, but if I can't then I know I will suffer for days, with cramping and bloating. I am on somewhat of a routine, that I am sure will stop working at some point, but for now it's good. My biggest problem is C, for days 6-7 at times, and once you are in, there is no getting out, you loose any hunger feelings so you don't eat, the biggest thing I have found Lots and Lots of water, and it will save your life...hehe I don't eat to much at one time, and not until i feel hungry. I have 2 stong cups of coffee first thing in the AM to make sure I am moving right, then a cup full of dry frosted mini wheats. Then I have fruits and veggies through out the day, I stay away from most meats, especialy red ones, becuase they stick around for days. If the coffee doesn't do the trick in the am then I am working on more fiber in the afternoon, along with extra water. Most OTC meds, cause me to be C, so that doesn't help with the nausia. No Cheese, of any kind. small amounts of milk, never a glass of milk though, If I choose to have ice cream, mmm be aware of severe cramping, sometimes worth it sometimes not, this will cause the D, too many starches can cause concern. But when I am down and out and know that the coffee fiber and water are not coming to the rescue fast enought, I eat something really spicy, maybe a jar of salsa, a cajun dish, or something really fatty or something fried. I make sure I do lots of walking, not a lot of sitting, or nothing is going to move. And if I decide to take a night out on the town with the girls, there better be bathroom near by, I am not ashamed but I am discrete. I always know though, the biggest red flag for me is, if I'm not passing gas then I am in for a bad one. So go at your own pace, everyone is different, and good luck
Posted 10/2/2005 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hey,
I too have a lot of similar triggers: dairy, eggs, fats--but for the first time in a very long while i have felt better with simply cutting out wheat/gluten (and my other stuff too). Granted i have to talk to my doctor about it--i cut it out on a hunch--but for the first time in a long while i went running without having a potty break!!! (i too have the unfortunate problem of fecal incontinence) So i am still in the process of finding out what bothers me. (granted it could be that i am just having a good day--but i have no pain today, whereas i am in pain everyday...)
But i have found that fennel, rice, lamb, sweet potatoes, bananas and even zucchini works for me (Cut the seeds out first though, for me anything seedy, or tiny like peanuts or sunflower seeds are a no-no).
I am a big supporter of fennel, i steam it, in Italian cooking they use it in between courses as a digestive. I found that steaming it makes it really kind on my stomach. And water--i love water!!
Make sure you start slow though, and small portions---and definetly a food journal--best thing ever!!
Take care of yourself and good luck!!!
--bunnybabe
Posted 10/2/2005 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi DBA(FORUM moderator)
First of all I wanted to see what the thumbs down icon did and it said it now will ignore any comments from the person I was reading(which was you!) How do I change that? Sorry! Also, I have quite a bit of anxiety and periodically get a prescription for ativan, which really does help. Unfortunately, i'm out. Maybe I can reach my doc. I don't expect I'll be able to get a hold of her(I've never had much faith in doctors) but who knows.I hope you can reverse the thumbs down mistake I made!
Posted 10/2/2005 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
sniff... I'm hurt... just kidding :) ... I forgive you tongue

Just go to "Control Panel" towards the top of this page and click that... on the next screen, there is an option "Edit Ignored Users" and you would just follow the instructions

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