Rice versus rice flour

[JenE]

Im new to the forum. I'm on the elimination diet but haven't officially been diagnosed as having IBS. I'm lactose and gluten free whilst on this diet. I'm suspecting that rice is a problem for me and am wondering if rice flour, used in so many gluten-free foods, is just as bad for me as plain rice. Does anyone have any thoughts?

[patientj]

You may find this blog post useful (or not!) - blog.katescarlata.com/2016/...

Kate Scarlata is a dietician in the US and is quite admired my the medical community over there. In the article she talks about the low FODMAP diet and she doesn't think there is any difference in terms of FODMAPs (foods we can't digest but our bacteria can) between rice and rice flour.

One thing you might find with rice (and rice flour) is that it is a relatively uncomplicated form of starch. If food is moving through your bowel too fast (I'm assuming you're suffering from diarrhoea-predominant IBS) the rice may reach your large intestine too quickly and then the bacteria have a field day. Alternatively, bacteria from your large intestine may have entered your small intestine and be enjoying themselves at your expense.

The other thing to consider (for all starches, as well as rice) is resistant starch. Once starches have been cooked and start to cool, they form cross-links that make them harder to break down, and this can cause problems for some people. If you're eating freshly cooked rice that shouldn't be a problem, but if you're reheating a risotto or the remains of last night's take away, or having reheated mashed potato, you may be consuming more resistant starch than your body is currently comfortable handling. Bringing this back to rice flour: perhaps when this is used in baking, it also forms cross links which give you problems with digestion.

Finally, what you eat your rice with may be as big an issue: risottos, curries, Chinese are all cuisines that have onion and garlic, two FODMAP-containing foods. These could be the culprits instead of rice...

[JenE in reply to patientj]

Thank you! I'd just seen yesterday an article about resistant starches but hadn't really understood it. You have put it very clearly.

I think I may be IBS C. I'm consulting with a dietician and also a GI Specialist. I'm more impressed with the dietician!

Again, thanks for your input.

[Betty30]

If it says: Gluten free on the package the rice flour comes in -- you should be able to trust that. Good luck to you.

[Hidden]

You need to have hosoital tests to determine a diagnosis as there are several bowel conditions