Flare up.

[Zambia2010]

I am experiencing a flare up. Haven't eaten for a week. What foods should I try and eat?

[MuppetChristmasCarol]

Porridge made with Gluten free oats and plant milk. It’s my safe food 🙂

[Zambia2010 in reply to MuppetChristmasCarol]

Many thanks

[xjrs]

You can initially start with white jasmine rice on its own, which will give you a bit of energy. You can then add in a lean protein such as chicken or white fish (if not vegetarian or vegan) . Both this type of rice and the lean protein will be digested in the small intestine and nothing will go to your bowels, which will give them a rest. If you are safe with that for a couple of days, add in one normally tolerated veg such as carrots. After that, gradually work towards your normal diet, perhaps keeping a food diary of anything that you may be reacting to within 2-4 days of eating it (whatever your normal turnaround time is).

You could consider a good probiotic such as Alflorex, in case your IBS is from a gut bacterial imbalance - perhaps a 3 month trial if not tried already. There is also the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app, if also stress related.

Good luck.

[Zambia2010 in reply to xjrs]

Thank you so much.

[Spaceboy_60 in reply to Zambia2010]

I'd avoid strong probiotics if you've a sensitive gut. Keep to coconut kefir or make yourself some water kefir. Start with a teaspoon a day. Increase slowly when you're not getting many symptoms from the kefir.

[MyStar86]

white fish is also a good safe option

[Zambia2010 in reply to MyStar86]

Thank you

[Luisa22]

It depends if it's a flare up of constipation symptoms or diarrhoea.

If it's an IBS D flare up, then gentle easy to digest, and probably lower fibre foods might help. And keeping away from all sorts of things like artificial sweeteners, all kinds of food additives, sauces, onions, garlic, spices including pepper, possibly some fruits, and foods that are too fatty.

You'll have to feel your way but personally if I have a bad "D" flare up I use the same technique which is recommended by vets for dogs with loose bellies! I go onto water only for a while, maybe a whole day, then when my appetite returns, stick to trying small portions of rice (salt only added as seasoning (which you wouldn't add for a dog)

And add some plain protein like plain cooked (baked or steamed)chicken or fish or maybe some eggs.

Toast is okay but watch for that plastic wrapped supermarket sliced white bread. It's gunk. Proper ciabatta baked from a traditional recipe and toasted is good. Or home baked white bread with only unbleached flour, a bit of salt, yeast and water added.

I find butter OK, but some might not.

You might be OK with some vegetables but don't overdo it until your gut settles down and binds a bit. Then bring them back into your diet gradually. Eat the ones that usually cause you no trouble. Steam them quite soft when your gut is upset, then steam them "al dente" as you start to feel better.

Peeled stewed apple might help too, Don't be too scared of adding a little sugar if it generally suits you. Adding a little cinnamon might be fine, but avoid anything like custard or anything more complicated for seasoning.

If you're worried about nutritional deficiencies, you can take a multivitamin and mineral A-Z complex. You may only need to restrict your diet to that level for a few days so don't worry.