my stomach in spasm since last week loose bowel movements stomach pain leg pain headache. I have a lot of meds buscopan, colofac colpermin?

[Portugal64]

can someone advise ? Should I stop dairy & alcohol - not easy at Christmas

[Luisa22]

If I were you, I would definitely start eating quite bland foods, and from the Low Fodmap diet list, just to see if that helps. I agree...not easy at Christmas. In fact a real problem at Christmas! So you are going to have to be brave and not care what people think of you when you have a bit of lean skinless unseasoned turkey or chicken, some mashed potato, and steamed spinach (or something similar) for Christmas dinner!!

Have you worked out what your trigger foods might be? Most Christmas food will probably be triggers. Rich nutty, fruity, seasoned, sprouts!!, duck fat, sweet treats, cream, etc. Depending on what your actual triggers are, some might suit, some definitely won't.

Giving up dairy to see if you feel better is worth a try. Alcohol....well there is a story. Some say all alcohol is BAD for IBS. I found that some was ok for me, and some was definitely not, such as any beer, wine, or anything with additives such as sweeteners, other things added....(think Baileys)....etc .The only drink I could tolerate and only in small amounts was vodka with a bit of honey and water. But each person is different, so find what drink you might be able to tolerate a tiny bit of. Or to be safe, leave it out.

But alcohol is inclined to speed up the gut and can be a direct irritant to be avoided if there's any inflammation in the gut. You can find out if there is, by doing a test for Calprotectin via your doctor.

Have you taken a look at the low Fodmap diet? Or tried it? Some people find it really reduces symptoms. But not all foods on it might suit you, and you have to tailor it to your own body. Some high Fodmaps might be OK for you too (some are for me.)

[Extractorfan1 in reply to Luisa22]

Yes the Fodmap diet makes a huge difference

[Trenholm]

Try lactose free milk and eat only hard cheese. Hope it helps

[loveyourbunny]

I would stop the meds for a start. Synthetic drugs are damaging to the digestive system, none of them are meant to cure, only mask symptoms. Trust that the body was designed to heal itself. Stress is the biggest killer, creates inflammation everywhere, stops gut working straightaway . A normal healthy diet should not be a problem, but our eating habits have changed so much now. Back to basic proper cooking, regular meals no snacking, lots of fresh fruit and veg. Exercise, good relationships, being creative. No antibiotics, there are good natural herbal remedies you can grow yourself. Too much technology, processed foods, overeating, poisonous drugs you have to keep taking to keep the big pharma's in profit. If they were cures, no business, no profits. Trouble is you often get unpleasant symptoms when the body starts detoxing all the system and people think they are getting worse and give up too soon. The odd fast day is good, gives the gut a rest. It's something for you to consider. Best wishes!

[Sofaqueen21]

Hi.

Hope you feeling well in yourself. There is a lot of personal advise on here. It's all about what works for you! For me it's rich gravy or tomato based meals that make me feel ill.

Stick to a bland low fibre diet, boring we know . White products, rice, pasta,bread, potatoes, chicken, turkey, fish etc. Processed fruit. Rice puddings. Rice cakes. Pears or apples without skins. Jacket potatoes no skins. Cottage cheese. Once you settle introduce new foods slowly.

Good luck . Take care