Bloating

[Sardinesagain]

Hi....I've battled with IBS for many years and following endoscopy and gastroscopy I was diagnosed with a lazy stomach. Dietary controls and careful eating seemed to keep things under control with minimal 'episodes' of wind, bloating and diarrhea. Fast forward a few years and following a prolonged course of Antibiotics (Linzolid) my stomach problems worsened significantly. I has terrible bloating, excess wind and loose bowel movements up to 4 times a day. I was afraid to leave the house fof several months. I then saw a private Nutritionist who put me on hhd FODMAP diet and later a private gastroenterologist. I then had tests for Microbiome and Zonulin levels. He identified a Leaky Gut, (which I've since discovered many in the NHS don't recognise as a condition) probably in some part accelerated by the prolonged use of Antibiotics. He prescribed Probiotics, zinc, Iron, Akkermancia, L Glutamine and more fibre. (Milled Flax & Chia seed). 12 months on and things are much improved. My bowel movements are more regular and my stools are formed. I still watch my diet very closely. I've decreased probiotics to 1 per day and am still taking Zinc, Iron tablets, Akkermancia, L Glutamine and the fibre. (1 teaspoon of milled flax/chia in my breakfast porridge around 08:30). My problem now is excess wind every day around 14:00 hrs (which smells terrible) and is accompanied by terrible bloating. I'm convinced it's the Chia/Flax seed and wonder if I should be soaking the seeds overnight or if i could take another source of fibre.

[Misspomfrey]

I've been having Chia seeds on my porridge for 16 years, along with Sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, never any wind or bloating. I never soak the seeds and I also use them in my bread when I make it. Could it be something your eating around lunchtime? I'm sure the wind would come on after breakfast if it was your seeds.

Try not to give up seeds, add to them if you can. They are packed with nutrition and for me personally, they are a life saver along with probiotics. Have you tried Flaxseed? I add it to my bread and it's made a huge difference to me. Drink plenty of plain water 😉

[Sardinesagain in reply to Misspomfrey]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Its good to hear your experidnce with seeds hasn't caused any issues over such a considerable period. I'm wondering if perhaps it's actually the probiotic rather than the seeds that's causing the problem so I'm going to do some trials whereby I elminate the Probiotic for z few days to see if that helps. I may have to try a different variety. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts...much appreciated.

[Misspomfrey in reply to Sardinesagain]

Your very welcome, incidentally, I don't have any bother with probiotics either, but I only take one instead of the recommended two a day. I find one is enough. I tried a spell without them when I ran out and forgot to order and I had quite a bad flare up. I had to try several makes though before I hit in the one that's right for me, everyone is different and your right to do a bit of experimenting. Avoid cutting out too many things at once or you won't know where you are with it all. You have to be careful not to cut out things that aren't upsetting you and that are good for you. 🙂

[Stella-123]

Hi there . Could I please ask if anybody has been diagnosed with ibs without having colonoscooy. ? I have had every blood test available. I have had 2 q fit tests . All normal. I still worry ? Doc feels no need for referral. I would rather avoid a colonoscooy to be honest. If its not necessary.