I'm new here - IBS action plan?

Hey - I'm new to this site and am looking for information about how to handle my IBS symptoms in the hours before and after they present - what kind of foods should I eat? What about hydration? Probiotics?

[runswithdogs]

Welcome. Everybody is a little different in their IBS, but there's lots of good wisdom from folks here.

My suggestions include:

Start a food and symptom diary so you can begin to figure out your triggers. I found this easiest by downloading a cheap ap for my phone so I could record on the go.

Try the FODMAPS elimination diet with support of your doctor and maybe a dietician. It's helped numerous people with IBS determine some of their problem foods. But many foods off the list can bother you as well.

Food isn't the only trigger. Check your stress levels, ingredients in medication etc. Try and reduce stress from your life. Exercise if you can.

Make as much of your own food from single ingredients as you can. Meals, baked goods - even sauces. For example, corn affects my IBS, but so do all corn products - fructose, corn syrup, corn starch. Which is in everything. If I make it - I get to control ingredients.

Try and stay positive. It can be a long haul to find out how to manage your symptoms. Some food you may find always bugs you. Other food bugs you occasionally depending on what else you've eaten, stress, general health.

That's what comes to mind at this moment. Feel free to ask any questions and good luck!

[Hidden in reply to runswithdogs]

Thank you! Wise words and very helpful!

[Hidden]

Huge subject Everyone's IBS is different, but I have finally beaten mine.

I have set up a blog designed to help others. This article could get you started: sickofibs.com/ibs-symptoms/...

Alison