Getting a grip

[Hayleythart]

I was diagnosed with IBS after my son was born, I had the full works trying to find out what was wrong and when all tests came back fine they decided it was IBS. My son is 4 this year and although my condition isn't the worst I suffer mostly from bloating and cramping. The problem is I try to support it through a good diet but it seems if I were to follow a good IBS diet (I'm vegetarian) and also cutting out the foods I know make my tummy hurt my list of allowed foods could be written on a post it note. I just don't know how to live a normal life and be mindful of my IBS on silica a restricted diet. Any insights would be so gratefully received. Thanks

[Rubynoodles37]

Have you tried the low fodmap diet yet? There are some great sites online and a really helpful Facebook group, low fodmap UK. There is also the Monash app, they are the people who designed the diet and it's a must if you do start to follow the diet, especially for the elimination stage. I also really like a website called ibssano.com there are quite a few veggie recipes on there.

[Hayleythart in reply to Rubynoodles37]

Hi, thanks for this. I did try this diet when first diagnosed and it is how I found out I could eat very little. I find it quite frustrating as it gets so expensive catering to my diet needs.

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Hayleythart]

I do find it expensive, I find myself having to stock up every few days just to stop me eating the kids foods!

[Mechanic100 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

You want to try unpasteurised sauerkraut it has more good probiotics in it than any tablet or drinks can give you 300 million in a fork full kimchi is the same I’ve used it for 15 years it’s not the be all and end all but it keeps your gut clean start small and work up I take a forkful after every meal and it’s kept

Me pretty stable . Allen

[Hayleythart]

Thanks for the replies I'll try some of these suggestions out.

[Hidden]

Hayley, have you been checked out for Candida or Sibo? If you are finding you aren't digesting anything very well, this could be contributing.

IBS can also have emotional roots that were stirred up by the birth, or becoming a Mum. I found that in my mind everything was fine, but 15 years later my body still remembered the fear generated during the birth. Wish I had worked that out earlier!

You may find talking to someone about it releases some emotional tension your body has been holding. This could have a beneficial effect on your digestion.

Hope that helps,

Alison