What are your triggers?

[beau_alicia]

After undergoing various tests, I have resigned myself to the vague and unhelpful diagnosis of IBS. So, my next job is to figure out my triggers. I really don't know where to start so I thought I would ask all of you! What are your triggers?

[Liana]

I have IBS. I use a combination of approaches. I spent several years identifying my food triggers through allergy testing and intolerance testing. I also used a food diary and a rotation diet. Now I am able to manage my food triggers extremely effectively using a FODMAP diet combined with a rotation diet. The trick is to know what's going to upset your system. Anxiety and stress are definitely triggers. I use meditation, diaphragmatic breathing and visualization to help with stress. In addition, when I have Fibromyalgia and Costochondritis flares, they usually trigger an IBS flare. I find heat helps relax the muscles and bring relief, so I soak in a warm tub or do a workout in a heated therapeutic pool. Gentle stretch exercises such as Yoga and Tai Chi help me. If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask. I've been at this a very long time.

[tassie]

Excellent answer Liana ...you covered all the things I was going to mention

[Lynilou]

Yes very thorough Liana, I can only add that dairy and onions in particular do it for me. Also yes stress very much. I go to yoga class two to three times a week and walk my dogs as often as I can as excercise is good.

[beau_alicia]

There's no way around this is there(?)

Food is going to control the majority of my life for the rest of life.

How can one person go from being able to eat anything without any problems as a child, to having severe reactions to something(s) that are so common such as gluten?

I am finding this very hard to accept. I have been diagnosed for over a year now but have only just resigned myself to the diagnosis after pushing to have various other tests done. Recently, I had an episode that was very scary and nearly lead to me calling emergency services.

I think, I'm just feeling miserable and scared about it all.

Thank you for your responses, I suppose this is going to be one long battle.

Is it worth asking to be referred to a dietician?

the last one I saw (when I suffered from an eating disorder) didn't seem to know anything more than what the government's recommendations are for fibre and the like. and that isn't going to be any use to me.

[urbangirl in reply to beau_alicia]

Beau-alicia I have sympathy with you. Although I was unable to eat bread for some time, for decades I was able to eat whatever I wanted even though I was a very fussy eater and had some problems about eating. When I stopped eating gluten 16 months ago I felt better but then discovered I couldn't eat Free From products so I was even more restricted. My GP referred me to a dietician who advised me about FODMAPS an elimination diet which I believe was designed with IBS sufferers in mind. Following this diet gave me an opportunity to discover which foods were triggers and what to leave out. It was a bit of a hassle doing it and there were times when I felt quite desperate but I came out of this feeling in control of the eating bit. I understand what you say about your experience with the dietician but it might be worth investigating FODMAPS as it is important to have specialist help for this. I can only say that it helped me understand my food intolerances therefore making me feel in control. Now I only eat stuff from scratch unless of course I have been fed by others but they do give me GF food. Hope this helps.

[roobarb in reply to beau_alicia]

Hi there beau_alicia

I really feel for you. I have also faced the same realisation recently. I think the point you make about childhood is an important one. So many happy childhood memories revolve around food, & the comfort foods we reach for when we are poorly are often what our Mum's would give us. However, whilst I was pondering upon this, it occurred to me that the modern western diet is far from being a healthy one, even without taking any intolerances or allergies into account. It being based as it is so heavily on carbs & processed foods. Most people I know are continually trying to change their diet, for one reason or another. Whether its for weight loss, anti-ageing, or an existing or potential heath problem.

I love watching cookery programmes & trying out recipes, although I am far from being an accomplishes cook I just love food! At one point I felt like I was torturing myself by doing this. But the realisation dawned, that with some simple adaption, most recipes can be tweaked to meet my needs. Often, they actually taste better than the original, & are certainly far more healthy overall.

It is a steep learning curve & can take some experimenting to find what suits you, personally. But, thankfully there is lots of support & good info on here. I saw a NHS dietician recently & she gave me tons of information. Not all of which suited me in the long run, but I gained a good basis of knowledge which I didn't have before. So if you can get a referral it would be a good starting point.

Good health & very best wishes. X

[Penel]

Hi beau_alicia

Sorry to hear you are feeling miserable and scared at the moment. A lot of us have felt the same. It is a shock, as you say, to find yourself having a severe reaction to something as common as gluten. It seems to be on the increase.

Talking to a dietician may be helpful, but you may need to become your own expert. Thankfully there is a lot of information on here which hopefully will help you. If you prefer a book, "Gluten Free for Dummies" is one possible place to start.

It does get easier with knowledge and practise (fingers crossed).

I came across this info recently, perhaps it might be useful to you.

bda.uk.com/foodfacts/IBSfoo...