I’ve had irritable Bowel type symptoms for many years. Over the last six months they have got considerably worse. Referral to a gastroenterologist resulted in a colonoscopy which was normal other than a few diverticula.
My symptoms of bloating, flatulence and intermittent diarrhoea continue.
She suggests the next step is excluding certain food types in rotation.
Please can anyone suggest where I start?
Wheat, lactose, caffeine, alcohol?. I have been tested for coeliac which was negative.
Thanks so much
Written by
Chenies2
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If you remove all fizzy drinks and reduce alcohol, chew small mouthfuls of food very well, stop all peanuts, sweetcorn, and known agitators (Brussel sprouts, baked beans etc. etc.). That will go a long way to eradicating bloating and excessive wind.
Hi Chenies2. It's best if you can do an exclusion diet under the care of a dietician, and they usually start with something called the 'Fodmap' diet. If you're not familiar with it, google it and you'll see that it often helps IBS sufferers . You can do it on your own but I would try asking to be referred. Good luck and best wishes.
There is a great app on the mobile phone called Monash University Low FOMAP Diet. It uses a traffic light system. Everything green is good to eat. It really helps with what can and can't be eaten, plus how many grams to eat.
Some foods are ok in small quantities but not larger quantities. I find it really useful.
Thanks so much, I will look at the app sounds great
Hi Chenies2
Sorry to hear you are a fellow sufferer!
Ditto FODMAP's as other have said.
Monash University is probably the leading light here but some complain that they do not include many UK processed foods as they are an Oz Uni. I would argue that processed foods should be excluded because of the high levels of 'refined' sugar etc.
Their app is less refined but has a shopping function which maybe handy and they are UK based.
You will see many of the food types you mentioned like wheat and lactose are excluded from your diet for a period of 4 to 8 weeks until your symptoms subside then you test reintroductions of individual FODMAP types to see which inflame you.
Lactose and Fructans in wheat, barley, rye, oats, garlic and onions to name a few are often triggers for IBS as is fructose in many. Alcohol is off the list too and coffee maybe a no too. You will need to exclude it to see if it affects you.
Also look in to whether you may have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which presents similarly to IBS but is more affected by fermentable FODs. I had Both SIBO and IBS. Trouble is SIBO is not recognised by the NHS and many dieticians. There is a simple breath test available for less than £200 if you want to test yourself. Your symptoms fit both conditions but you should benefit from FOD control in any case...in my humble opinion as I have not yet completed by nutrition course! 😊
I can't see that anyone mentioned Bile Acid Diarrhoea in their replies. Intermittent and unpredictable diarrhoea is a symptom. I would suggest you look into that before you go down the FODMAP route. Have a look at bad-uk.org and see if you recognise your symptoms. One in three people diagnosed with IBS are thought to have this condition which is treatable with medication. It can be tested for or you can have a trial of medication. Your gastroenterolgist SHOULD know about it, your GP maybe not.
I was tested for SIBO on the NHS. It is a common and simple breath test, no need to pay for it.
We are the national charity supporting people living with IBS.
We recommend that any exclusion diets are undertaken under the supervision of a registered dietitian. We suggest you speak to your GP about being referred.
Exclusion diets are not just about cutting out foods, but also reintroducing foods to ensure that you do not become deficient in nutrients. theibsnetwork.org/diet/
You have just described Me, almost spot on. Bloating, flatulence and intermittent diarrhoea I got the T-shirt. One word... Silicol. In the UK, Holland and Barrett. £18 for a bottle. Bit on the high side but if it works that's about £1.80 a day to stop you feeling like s**t. Wish I'd known about it years ago.
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