Prunes

[Profound15]

I believe I have ibs (had all the tests including colonoscopy & ct scan and nothing stomach related like diverticulitis found ) and am looking to get more fibre in my diet. I was looking at taking prunes with my morning porridge/muesli. Does anyone know if the sorbitol content found in prune juice etc causes ectopics please? I know sorbitol has natural sugar alcohol and wondered if there could be an issue. I’m on a maintenance dose of flec and bisoprolol and am doing ok and don’t want to rock the boat.

[Hidden]

Hi profound,

I feel that, initially, it maybe safer to consult a Nutritionist and explain your issues. They tend to be more across diet and the gut and maybe start you on a course of probiotics. Have you read up on FODMAPS diet ?

John

[Profound15 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Yes I’ve had a look at FODMAP and try and adopt a few of its recommendations. However I’m looking at the potential afib/ectopic related issues. Don’t want to take anything that could cause problems for me.

[LaceyLady in reply to Profound15]

Do you suffer anxiety?

[Hidden in reply to Profound15]

In that case why not take a look at the notion that a dysfunctional vagal nerve might be involved. This nerve acts like an information superhighway between the brain and a range of organs BUT most notably the heart and the digestive system. In some people food and drink ( hot, cold and alcohol or caffeine) can make this nerve ultra sensitive and bring on an AF event or other arrythmia issues. For me a range of food was the culprit. I had gut related issues, burping, massive, massive and painful bloating ( which in itself brought on AF ) intestinal gurgling and diahorrea - any one of these symptoms totally at random. My GP had me tested for IBS and Coeliac Disease but results were clear. Although he offered more tests I declined and consulted a Nutritionist. She started me on a prescribed dose of probiotics and then we began removing issues from my diet. So I then cut out gluten, wheat and oats. Over time this diet or probably more accurately, a revised food plan, was widened to include a vast range of food and fruit and vegetables. It took a year or so of this food plan to bring about relief and I now only have a full blown AF event about 3 times a year in a bad year.

I have remained on my prescribed NHS medication all this time. Been on the food plan about 10 years now.

If you haven't already considered the vagal nerve its worth a read and also google the vagal nerve schematic diagram which shows its layout in the body. Quite dramatic. Known as the wandering nerve and much more work is being done on this previously little known nerve.

Anyhow, for the time involved its worth a consideration.

John

[jeanjeannie50]

I've just had a search on Health Unlocked and see that there is a forum for IBS. You'll find it here:

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

[Profound15 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean. I had a read of that previously but couldn’t see anything on specific foods that impact on afib or ectopics. That’s why I posted on this one as I thought it maybe more representative

[RajaRua in reply to Profound15]

Hi Profound, The only thing I can think to say about Prunes is that they are very sweet and for many sugar can be a trigger. I feel that all dried fruits are as close to sugar as you can get. But if you don't over-do them they might be ok. Or experiment with having them and not having them perhaps. I love prunes but am careful not to have them too regularly for this very reason. If you are needing to address IBS constipation I'd also consider Psyllium Husks and also try Slippery Elm powder. I have an array of things to help with constipation as our bodies get used to one thing and it won't work if we use it constantly. Good to move between remedies, it's healthier and the above remedies don't bother AFib at all! Hope this helps. 🙂

[Profound15 in reply to RajaRua]

Thanks RajaRua that’s very helpful

[RajaRua in reply to Profound15]

You're welcome!

[secondtry]

As Laceylady suggests I would work on stress reduction.

[Tryfan]

Can only speak for myself. My daily porridge mix that causes great amusement to onlookers. Would not seem oug of place in an aviary or zoo. Foes contain prunes and a host of nuts and seeds.To answer your question works well for me.

[Profound15 in reply to Tryfan]

Thanks tryfan