Beware of Potential Food Intolerances

I suffer principally with small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) but this condition has caused large bowel dysbiosis with IBS symptoms too.

Some Fodmap's like Fructans are my enemy (presently) but it is now becoming apparent that I have developed some other food intolerances as a consequence of this condition which may or may not remain once the SIBO has gone.

Firstly I discovered the adverse effect of Sulphites which are used in preserving food. I follow a plant based diet and avoid most processed/junk food but non-organic versions of balsamic vinegar and the odd glass of wine caused bad flare ups. Organic versions generally don't include sulphites (South African organic wines do but it is normally expressed on the label).

There is little study evidence of the effect of sulphites and no clinical tests to determine intolerance, to my knowledge, but try excluding this additive and see if it helps. If you eat a lot of processed meats then beware, sulphites are used extensively.

I have also been suffering with occasional hypoglycaemia events, despite a healthy pancreas and usually normal blood glucose, or so it seemed. It now appears this is not due to an exocrine malfunction but a symptom of Histamine intolerance! I have avoided the precise history here as it has taken many tests and MRI's to reach this conclusion. But I have not had another Hypo' since cutting out tomatoes, spinach and other histamine rich or enzyme blocking (DAO)/promoting foods.

Again the research is thin on this subject but simply excluding related foods is an easy way to test for these intolerances.

Also consider Amines in general (histamine is one), Oxalates, Salicylates and Glutamates which maybe 'toxic' to you in general or while you are unwell. All it takes is some exclusion testing!

I have a list of these foods in pdf form complied by a reliable nutritionist. If any one wants a copy PM me with your email address. It is for info only, I am patient not a professional! 😊

Good luck!

[JOANNECLAIRE]

Any tips feeling so unwell .massive histamine gluten dairy eggs all beans peos green beans .kidney beans .most fruit.affaid to eat .I'm sure I have sibo. Feel like iv bin waiting for test for mhs suffers for years .any tips would be helpful.do fasting it has helped heal my ulcers in my stomach many thanks joanne

[Hidden in reply to JOANNECLAIRE]

Hi JOANNECLAIRE

I am sorry to hear to are suffering!

Firstly, I am no expert but have had lots of experience with IBS and SIBO. I have also spent much time finding experts that understand the conditions, and their treatment is appropriate. I know in particular the NHS has a very narrow view on IBS, I was recommended a 'shrink' by my GP!!

You do not say if you have had a diagnosis for IBS or SIBO? In any case I would recommend the one thing you can influence, and control, is your diet.

Experience has taught me what works, for me at least. Evidence from scientific studies, research papers and medical journal entries have helped me form conclusions. I do not follow advice from the many online who express opinion without showing the science behind it!

It appears that whether you have IBS or SIBO, or both, that restricting FODMAPs usually helps. These are the complex sugars, starches, soluble and insoluble fibres that make up a lot of the foods you mention.

Two bodies that I would recommend turning to are the Monash University and Kings College, London.

monashfodmap.com

kcl.ac.uk/lsm/schools/life-...

There is a wealth of information on these two websites. Both offer Apps which are very helpful. They do charge a one-off £7.99 for Monash and I think it is £3.99 for Kings. I would recommend both.

You will read that the 'diet' starts with a restriction phase. You cut out high FODMAP foods. Try and avoid processed or junk food, no added sugar or sweeteners too. It can be challenging because it does not have much variety but its worth it in the end

Phase 2 you start to reintroduce foods from the different FODMAP groups and there is a protocol depending on whether these foods affect you or not. You will start to build an understanding of the foods which are influential.

Finally you will end up with a long good list and hopefully a short bad list! I have found that as I have got better my aversion to foods that were inflammatory in the past has wained.

I have mentioned histamines and other naturally occurring substances that might be influenced too. Unfortunately there isn't a definitive list for these and you will just have to experiment. As I said in my original post I have learnt I am particularly effected by Sulphites, a preservative amongst other things. I have found organic foods help as it cannot be used to be considered organic.

There is a lot to read. There is also a large amount of dedication to the process required. But I can wholeheartedly recommend it...it was 90% of my cure!

Good luck. Let me know how you get on or have any questions