I am newly diagnosed with IBS & had coleslaw at a mates house. I am in absolute agony, is this normal?!

[Ellsbells78]

Coleslaw

[oldgit]

Hi , the main ingredient is cabbage and that causes me a lot of problems due to fibre content . Jim

[binks]

I'm sorry to say there is no "normal" in IBS. If you have a bad reaction to a food, the pain for me can be worse than childbirth. Others will suffer differently. An attack from a trigger food for me can take 2-3 weeks to settle down - or it might last a day. The unpredictability of this condition is one of the most difficult aspects to manage. How have you been diagnosed?

[Ellsbells78 in reply to binks]

I gave a "sample" which showed inflammation of the bowels. The doctors sent me to a dietician to be treated for ibs. Onions cause me agony!

[PatV in reply to binks]

Good point. Low FODMAPs diet may explain it. I could not understand (and still don't ) why I had such a painful reaction to some foods and not others. Avoiding high FODMAPs foods has helped TREMENDOUSly!

[hunterped6 in reply to binks]

I quite agree, just going through one of these attacks and the griping pain is awful.

[Hidden]

Well, it's very 'normal' for IBS to react to certain foods in this way and cabbage et al can be a killer for many of us. Sounds as if you'd benefit from doing a food elimination diet to establish exactly what your triggers are.

Were you told about the FODMAPs diet which is extremely successful for many people on here (me included)?

Roz

[Ibsr]

I agree with Roz. Check out the FODMAP diet. Also have you been checked for Fructose Malabsorption?

[Gypsyontherun]

I think cabbage can be problematic. If its finely ground it would be better, I try chewing slowly and tring to emulsify the food before swallowing. Hope this helps.

[binks]

If you have such a violent reaction to a food, I would recommend you avoid it at all costs. I cannot eat a single chickpea, ever - although when I'm in a good phase, I will eat some foods in very small quantities and manage to get away with it e.g. onions, garlic. Sounds like cabbage is off the menu for you!!

[matusadona]

For me it's cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts. Keep a minutely detailed food diary, which will not be a clear indicator of the culprit at first but hang in there as you'll gradually get better and better at identification. I had a meal last night which set me off and it had four possible culprits. In time I'll try each possibility alone, with foods I know are safe. That's been a pattern for me for a year and I have lots of foods that are safe so I can put up with a bad night, knowing I'll identify the culprit. Good luck.

[ilovejesus]

I stay away from cabbage as it gives me a lot of gas and bloating. An elimination diet has worked wonders for me. I know for sure gluten, dairy and eggs are a no-no, as well as fried or processed foods, beans.... I tried re-introducing these foods into my diet and suffered, so now I just avoid them altogether and feel much better. If there's a food that triggers symptoms I avoid it at all costs, it's just not worth it for me. Keep a food journal and track what foods you eat and which ones trigger your IBS. This was soooo helpful to me! Also note when you have flare-ups. One thing that causes this for me is stress. It's a lot of work figuring it out, but you'll be so glad you did! Good luck

[susan1957]

yes you need to keep a diary of what you eat it ,i can eat curry but cant go near italian food coz of the sauces ,the herbs and spices in them make a difference ?

[libelle]

Is IBS not Candida? If yes, Candida can be killed with Bicarbonate of Soda. Try taking 1 teaspoonful in a glass of water 3 times a day, say every 8 hrs. But not for longer than one week, as you also need your Stomach Acid.

Worth a try, Hope it helps.

[ShadowDee]

I'm so glad I saw this! Coleslaw came with my lunch, and I'll give it a pass. I'll pick up fruit.

I've been diagnosed and it's been 2 years now and still learning. When I think I've read it all I haven't! Not too long ago I treated myself to mushroom soup, and I was in severe agony. I got sent home from work. I would to have that happen again!