#Test FODMAP

[regimepure]

Régime FODMAP : Guide Complet et Conseils Pratiques

Le régime FODMAP est devenu un sujet brûlant dans le domaine de la nutrition et de la santé digestive. Mais qu'est-ce que le régime FODMAP, exactement, et comment peut-il aider ceux qui souffrent de troubles gastro-intestinaux tels que le syndrome du côlon irritable (SCI) ?

Qu'est-ce que le Régime FODMAP ?

Les FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols) sont des sucres fermentescibles présents dans de nombreux aliments courants. Pour certaines personnes, ces composés peuvent être difficiles à digérer, entraînant des symptômes désagréables tels que ballonnements, gaz, douleurs abdominales et diarrhée.

Le régime FODMAP est une approche diététique qui vise à réduire la consommation de ces sucres fermentescibles afin de soulager les symptômes du SCI et d'autres troubles gastro-intestinaux. En éliminant ou en réduisant les aliments riches en FODMAP de l'alimentation, de nombreuses personnes ont constaté une amélioration significative de leurs symptômes digestifs.

Les Principes du Régime FODMAP

Le régime FODMAP se décompose en plusieurs phases :

Phase d'élimination : Pendant cette phase, les aliments riches en FODMAP sont éliminés de l'alimentation pendant une période de temps déterminée, généralement de deux à six semaines.

Phase de réintroduction : Une fois la phase d'élimination terminée et les symptômes soulagés, les aliments FODMAP sont réintroduits un par un pour déterminer lesquels peuvent être tolérés et en quelle quantité.

Phase de personnalisation : En fonction des réponses individuelles, un régime alimentaire personnalisé est établi pour chaque personne, en tenant compte des aliments tolérés et de leurs quantités.

Aliments à Éviter et Aliments Autorisés

Pendant la phase d'élimination du régime FODMAP, il est important d'éviter les aliments riches en FODMAP tels que :

Les oignons et l'ail

Les produits laitiers contenant du lactose

Les légumineuses

Certains fruits tels que les pommes, les poires et les cerises

Certains légumes tels que les choux, les champignons et les asperges

En revanche, de nombreux aliments sont autorisés dans le cadre du régime FODMAP, notamment :

Les viandes maigres

Le poisson

Les œufs

Les céréales sans gluten, comme le riz et le quinoa

Certains fruits et légumes à faible teneur en FODMAP, comme les fraises, les bananes et les carottes

Conseils Pratiques pour Suivre le Régime FODMAP

Suivre un régime FODMAP peut sembler intimidant au début, mais avec un peu de planification et de créativité, il est tout à fait possible de manger délicieusement tout en respectant les principes du régime. Voici quelques conseils pratiques pour vous aider en cours de route :

Planifiez vos repas à l'avance : En planifiant vos repas à l'avance, vous pouvez vous assurer de toujours avoir des options adaptées au régime FODMAP sous la main.

Familiarisez-vous avec les étiquettes nutritionnelles : Apprenez à repérer les aliments riches en FODMAP sur les étiquettes nutritionnelles afin de prendre des décisions éclairées lors de vos achats.

Expérimentez avec de nouvelles recettes : Essayez de nouvelles recettes et techniques de cuisson pour diversifier votre alimentation tout en respectant les principes du régime FODMAP.

Consultez un professionnel de la santé : Si vous envisagez de suivre le régime FODMAP, consultez d'abord un professionnel de la santé, de préférence un diététicien ou un nutritionniste spécialisé dans les troubles gastro-intestinaux.

Conclusion

Le régime FODMAP est une approche diététique prometteuse pour soulager les symptômes du syndrome du côlon irritable et d'autres troubles gastro-intestinaux. En suivant les principes du régime et en faisant preuve de créativité dans votre alimentation, vous pouvez réduire vos symptômes digestifs et améliorer votre qualité de vie.

Si vous souhaitez lire plus d’informations sur le régime FODMAP, visitez → Régime FODMAP : Guide Complet et Conseils Pratiques

[patchyourbrokenwings]

Turns out I do not have lactose intolerance and perhaps never have? 😅

[xiaq]

Story time: Rage

A year ago, I went to my doctor because I was having unusual stomach-related symptoms that had progressed from annoying to painful.

He looked at my chart and started asking me questions about my anxiety. Even when I emphasized that yes, I had an anxiety disorder but it had never manifested in stomach symptoms before, he continued to ask me questions about my home life and stress levels. "Oh, you're planning your wedding? I'm sure that's very stressful."

He then asked if I was on medication for my anxiety and suggested a follow-up with my therapist. When I pressed for any other recommendations to address my symptoms, he suggested I try a low fodmap diet and keeping a food journal for a few months to identify trigger foods.

I tried the low fodmap diet. I kept a food journal.

My symptoms got progressively worse.

When we moved to Denver, I had to wait 3 months for a new patient visit to establish care with a GP here. I explicitly requested a female doctor. When I finally got in, she was immediately concerned when I told her about the last 11 months of issues that were now actively impacting my quality of life. She didn't ask me a single question about my anxiety. She ordered a bunch of tests and referred me to a GI doc (also a woman) who ordered more tests. Less than 24 hours after the GI doc's test results came back, I'm now on three antibiotics to treat a (what is now raging) bacterial infection. Because it's been going on for so long and my symptoms have progressively worsened, there are concerns about long term damage to my stomach and digestive tract.

But no, dude. It was probably my silly female anxiety about planning my wedding.

[hybridzizi]

Here are some things that are true: if you don’t have gluten intolerance, gluten is not going to hurt you. Gluten does not cause autism or ADHD or whatever.

Here are some other things that are true: Up to 20% of people will suffer from IBS during their lives. IBS is more common in people with autism and other mental disorders. IBS symptoms are uncomfortable and having them all the time can distract you and push you towards a meltdown. Bread is a common IBS trigger.

I’m going to ramble, so here is the important advice: if bread upsets your stomach try switching to sourdough (check the ingredients -- if it contains vinegar or acid it’s not real sourdough) and make an appointment with a dietitian (not a nutritionist. Dietitians have training. Nutritionists have opinions).

Now let’s pretend you don’t know the above facts. You just know that dealing with meltdowns is hard. One day a friend tells you that cutting gluten helped them and you’re desperate for anything so you try it. You feel better. You have less meltdowns. You make an appointment with your doctor to tell them about this. The doctor runs a test and tells you you aren’t gluten intolerant. The doctor doesn’t ask any more questions. Maybe you try reintroducing bread back into your diet and your symptoms come back. Do you conclude that your doctor knows what he’s talking about? Or do you conclude that gluten is bad for you despite your apparent lack of gluten intolerance -- maybe it’s just a poison! Maybe no one should be eating it!

I don’t have a point. Rather, I have several points.

The first and most important point is to get yourself checked for FODMAP sensitivities. Wheat is not the only FODMAP and if you tweak your diet a little you can have a much better time. 

The second point is that if someone tells you something stupid try to meet them with compassion. It might not be true that they have a secret gluten issue that the doctors are lying about, but it might be true that bread upsets their stomach and makes them miserable and they are telling you about this with the best language they have. It might be true that everyone else is either dismissing their problems or telling them that gluten is a poison, and by giving them a more even view (it probably isn’t gluten but did you know that wheat has other components?) you are opening up the world to them! This will be a lot more persuasive to them about the gluten thing than just telling them they’re wrong will be. 

The third point is that even if someone is wrong about why something helps they might have a point about it helping. Homeopathic hospitals had better survival rates in the 1800s because the doctors washed their hands. Buying gluten-free bread can help your autistic meltdowns by not triggering the IBS you don’t know you have. Asking why someone thinks something will get you a lot farther than just telling them they’re wrong. Curiosity is an awesome tool. Use it!

Shit’s complicated. We’re all just doing our best.

[dduane]

I just saw from your comment on the shrinkflation post that you’re also lactose intolerant with IBS. So listen. This weekend I made Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies, and in doing so realised Nutella is a HUGE trigger for me. It’s been years since I ate it so it came as a total surprise. And the cookies were Amazing, so this is just crushing.

Anyway I see your post and I think, you’ve probably been doing this a while, I’ve seen on other posts that you like chocolate, perhaps you have also encountered this issue and have found a Nutella replacement that’s actually good?

Help me Obi Wan.

I wish I could be sure to be of some genuine help here, as IBS seems to be one of those Every Person Their Own Test Tube things. I may get good mileage out of a strategy, but yours may seriously vary.

Re: chocolate: I don't seem to be bothered by it as such. It's the associated milk content that seems to cause me the most problems, so I watch the package labeling closely for that—and fortunately EU package labeling as regards allergens and triggers is, by and large, very good.

I've been using the Monash University FODMAP method of helping to control IBS, but am surprised to find that its associated app doesn't seem to say anything about Nutella. (Which strikes me as a bit weird, but I may be searching incorrectly.) ...Casa de Sante (which is a third-party site that sells "gut supplements") suggests that Nutella is low-FODMAP due to containing fairly low amounts of known triggers. So, all right, that's nice.... but I'll still take that assessment with a grain of salt, as these are people who want to sell you IBS-adjacent supplements.

Here's where things get complicated, though. I do occasionally have a little Nutella (or the non-branded version of it that we get from our local supplier of baking goods, Kells Wholemeal.) And because I carefully restrain myself, I haven't as yet had any problems, because I always take a lactase supplement—a.k.a. Lactaid or similar—along with them. Because lactase is (relatively) cheap, and spending two or three days swollen up and in pain from having gotten careless with myself is not.

As regards the branded stuff, though, there's a problem. European Nutella and US Nutella are not the same animal... and the US version of Nutella is apparently disquietingly cagey about its labeling. It's apparently difficult to tell whether the portion size of the Nutella you're ingesting has enough skimmed milk powder and/or whey in it to set your lactose intolerance off.

My advice to you would be this (and as usual, you know what advice that costs you nothing tends to be worth... But anyway): don't eat Nutella without taking a Lactaid or similar first. Two reasons: (a) To cover your butt. (b) To help act in establishing a basis for any further diagnostics you need to do. If you have some Nutella after having taken lactase, and still have internal trouble afterwards, then it's a fair bet something else in the stuff is triggering the IBS side rather than the lactose-intolerance side of the equation. That soy-based lecithin, for example. I'd be a bit suspicious about that. (Soy, unfortunately, is one of my own triggers. I can still have tofu, but only so, so carefully.)

...And then, after that, act accordingly to what you've discovered. One thing about my intolerance that I do know: it's come and gone without warning* over many years—sometimes receding into the background completely, suddenly getting much worse without apparent rhyme or reason. So an amount of lactose that once wouldn't have troubled you very much might now be one that you have to watch out for. Or else you simply exceeded what is now a wise portion-control amount for you when you got into those cookies.

(sigh) It's the imponderables associated with handling this problem from day to day that are the most annoying aspect of it. I'm not wild about the wariness with which I have to approach a lot of foods these days—not least because this is Ireland, and in this historically heavily-dairy-based culture, food processors will sneak milk into any damn thing without warning. :) But you do what you've gotta do to get by... which means that, outside of the house, I don't put anything in my mouth without having the lactase pills nearby.

Anyway: hope this helps!

*It also doesn't help that my earliest attacks happened before lactose intolerance was widely recognized as being a problem for a significant portion of the planet's population.

[puppypeter]

I kind of want to hear more about like Jamie trying to manage having a chronic illness while also being like a professional athlete. (although we are giving our issues with things to people I have a strong feeling Roy is prone to like tension headaches. )

You lot are feeding me well tonight :)))))

Listen - IBS Jamie is purely for my own joy tbh there is nothing in canon even if I did make a list of some things that could apply >>>> you can find it here

It's a bullshit diagnosis anyway, cause even doctors don't know what is wrong and say it to dismiss you. So I can see him having all these issues and when he does all the tests there is nothing wrong with him and they say it's all in his head and he has to learn to live with it and manage it (there are some studies that bring on the hypothesis that there might be a link to physical, emotional or sexual abuse in childhood and with trauma in general which fits the bill with him, but I am too dumb to actually understand them but oh hey this is fiction we can do what we want!)

From my experience, exercise can be both a very good and a very bad thing. Usually fine during, but when you push too much you might feel unwell and we know he 100% over-does it. I can see him struggling with accepting he needs to put limits in place, he has to allow his body to rest and has to have regular meals etc He would be very frustrated with it. Personally it's actually fucked up my confidence massively as my therapist put it "have you ever thought that your lack of confidence also comes from not being able to ever trust your own body?" funny lady isn't she my own Doc

I think Roy having his own chronic issues (that man hurts just look at him lol but I can see headaches for sure) is actually very understanding once Jamie manages to open up about it which takes a long time >> bootroom breakdown is so spot on for being in the middle of a flare when you are still expected to operate at 110% but you're exhausted, lack of sleep is making it worse, you're bloated as fuck and your tummy hurts and you can't bother with anything (hair, personal care etc) and you just want to curl up and cry >>> Roy helping him put things in place to help like making a meal plan with the doctors of low fodmap items and ensuring the canteen is aware, always having cozy clothing around that is loose around the waist and a heat pad ready to go in the office, well stocked cabinet of ibs friendly tea (he's a tea guy anyway!), he suggest a meditation/yoga session for the afternoons and he makes jamie keep a food/symptoms diary (which then he ends up keeping cause jamie is not organised at all and roy is sorting out 90% of hid meals anyway!!). He also makes him see Dr Sharon because stress can make it worse!

Oh and Roy does gift him this too:

[fannyrosie]

I've followed you for quite a while and I've always loved your style plus I lived vicariously through your life in Japan lol. I'm sorry if you've already posted this I couldn't find the post but I was wondering why you left Japan. It's my dream to live there one day and I was curious what it was like.

I have answered that in my Instagram Stories, but here is the long story version (TL;DR: I came back mainly because of my poor health):

I left Japan after 6 1/2 years for several reasons, but one the main reason is because of my health. I've never been the healthiest person, even before moving there (I was even dubbed "the sick one" at my old job because I often had to suddenly leave work in the afternoons). I was constantly tired and had really bad abdominal pains. I saw several doctors in Montreal, and all I managed to get was a diagnosis for IBS and anxiety. However, I was functional most days, and managed to work and live relatively normally, as long as I rested a lot and stuck to my FODMAP diet.

During the few first years of my life in Japan, my physical health remained that way, with some random very bad health periods, but overall, I was fine. I even started to workout regularly to improve my posture and muscles. However, from 2020 onwards, my health declined significantly. On top of my worsening IBS, I started having really bad spine pains, radiating to my head, chest and arms, and making me so tired I had to take several days of rest every time I went out. I started to catch every little virus I got in contact with, and had to avoid taking public transport the most I could. I was working from home, and walked a lot, so that was manageable, but it made me more isolated.

I saw several doctors, but even though they did blood tests and x-rays, they couldn't find anything and just assumed it was stress. After reading about EDS, I thought I might have that (since I am also hypermobile), and had to wait 7 months to get an appointment at Todai's hospital. However, on the day of my appointment, I got told that Todai only deals with EDS related to heart issues, and my tests were all normal, including my x-rays. That was in June 2022, and was the final straw, as it proved that even the most advanced hospital in Japan couldn't help me. By that time, I had to wear a back brace to do the most basic things, like laundry or going to the supermarket, and was taking painkillers every day. I had to stop working because I couldn't work on my computer for more than 2 hours a day. Obviously, no work=no money.

Coming back to Québec, I had to wait 3 months to get back on the public health system, and as of today (6 months after being back), I managed to get x-rays and MRI showing I have: discopathy (degenerative spine disk disease), osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), several herniated disks in my cervical region and pinched nerves due disks collapsing. Basically, I have the spine of a 70 year old. I have been referred to a physiatrist, but we all know that Québec's public health system is very slow. so God knows when I'll see one. Nevertheless, they found something, which is better than all the doctors in Japan who told me it was just stress. Japan sadly has a big culture of having to "endure" pain (mental or physical), and it shows in their medical system.

Due to the degenerative nature of the illnesses they found up to now, my health is constantly getting worse. I used to have good and bad health days, but now, I have more bad health days than good health days. I still take painkillers every day and wear my back brace to do normal tasks, but most days, these are not enough. I am trying to make the most of my "good" health days by dressing up and doing nice things, but I never know how I will be the next day (or hour).

I had to take two breaks writing this; hopefully it makes sense haha

[ourrecipebook]

Spinach Frittata Recipe

Serving: 8

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small leek white and light green parts only, halved and sliced into half moons; sub with your favorite onion

1 clove garlic minced

4-5 ounces baby spinach see notes for frozen spinach

8 large eggs

1/2 cup half and half sub with your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400° degrees. Heat the olive oil in a medium 10" cast iron or heatproof skillet over medium heat. Add the leek and cook 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Add the baby spinach and cook 2-3 minutes or until completely wilted, then pour the mixture out onto a cutting board and roughly chop. 

Brush olive oil from the bottom of the pan around the edges of the skillet (or add more oil if needed), then add the spinach mixture back to the pan and spread evenly across the bottom.

Beat the eggs with the half and half until well blended, then whisk in the feta cheese, chopped dill, salt and pepper to taste until combined. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the spinach mixture.

Cook the frittata on the stove top over medium heat just until the edges begin to set (about 2 minutes), then place in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until puffed and golden on top. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Enjoy!

Notes

Pro tip: 4-5 ounces of baby spinach sounds like a lot, but it cooks down considerably. Chop the spinach after cooking to make it much easier!

I have not tested this recipe with chopped frozen spinach, but it should work no problem. Simply thaw it first and squeeze out excess water.

Omit the leek and garlic if following a Low FODMAP diet.

Leftover frittata keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

(Source)

[frogeyedape]

Fun new dietary/gastrointestinal mystery: am I actually allergic to oranges (ate a can of mandarin oranges to test), bizarrely allergic/intolerant of chocolate now (been eating a pan of brownies (and also other food)) for the last 3 days, or just coming down with food poisoning (damn it slightly undercooked brownie is delightful)

Edit: oh, I also ate almonds. I thought I'd ruled those out as an allergy but if it's the stupid fodmap intolerance shit, stacking potential allergen + a few fodmaps could do it. Urgh

[highqueenseleni]

17 God Damned Years, that is how long it took until SOMEONE listened to me when I said what was wrong with my bowels wasn't IBS, that it was all related to my gallbladder getting removed. I never had gut problems until then, then after the surgery I developed hell problems (I will spare you the details, but it is a nightmare)

Five different GI specialists who all just waved it off and told me to try FODmaps (which made it worse) or Gluten Free (which made it worse) or antidepressants (which did nothing) or antispasmodics (which made it worse) It took until I had biliary colic so bad that the ER was convinced it was appendicitis and then several more specialists being baffled, I had so many 'we need to have emergency surgery...wait no, we need to do more testing' before a normal ol' internal medicine doctor listened to me and was like 'oh I know what that is' and immediately fixed the problem. A dose of Bile Salts, Acid blocker, and antinausea medicine later and then I got to go home because the pain stopped. My heart rate stabilized, and I no longer thought I was dying. I have Postcholecystectomy syndrome. It has a name, I wasn't crazy or untreatable this whole time. I likely have to drink Cholestyramine every morning for the rest of my life and might have to be on acid blockers indefinitely too, but that is fine. Because it is a medication and treatment that actually works. I could go on a very long and angry rant about how I have been utterly fucked by the medical system so many times over now and the trauma I have developed from it, but for right now I am just going to enjoy having a result that works and for the first time in 17 long years no stomach ache to speak of.

[naamahdarling]

I've been recently diagnosed with "probably some form of IBS'; have been Doing A Science on myself to figure out what kinds of foods lead to Regrets, think I have found most of them. Do you have any tips, as someone with experience there, aside from 'avoid the danger foods'?

I found helpforibs.com early on and my big takeaway was the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, and how the former is great and the latter will blow your ass out like buckshot. This is very much true of me. Vegetables hate me. Also she talks about how the gastrocolic reflex works and how some foods trigger it automatically, like fats or caffeine, and how dysregulation of this reflex is what causes the pain.

IBS is like 15 different problems in a trenchcoat, so your dietary triggers will be different, but insoluble fiber messes with nearly all people with IBS. Fat messes with nearly all of us. In contrast, only about 2/3 of people with IBS ACTUALLY have FODMAP intolerances. (Low-FODMAP is SUPER worth investigating but isn't a proper treatment, and isn't meant to be a long-term thing, it's meant to be used to rule out individual foods.) So in my experience, WATCH YOUR INSOLUBLE FIBER AND FATTY FOODS FIRST.

Inulin (which has many names, so get to know those) is another big one, and it's a texturizer used in a lot of non-cow-dairy/low fat dairy foods like ice cream. If you're avoiding cow dairy because of IBS, CHECK YOUR INGREDIENTS. Putting inulin in non-dairy ice cream should be a war crime, but they do it anyway. Fuckers.

You are going to have flares. This can mess with testing which foods are safe and which are not. When I'm having a bad flare, WATER will trigger it, because my gastrocolic reflex is so hair-trigger. So if you're having a flare, retreat to safe foods and stop experimenting. Don't worry about nutrition at this time. This is not the time to eat your veggies or five a day or whatever, you need to shut the flare down first. Wait until you have been stable for a few days to try challenging yourself again.

Medication is meh for IBS. I have been given hyoscyamine/Anaspaz for poop-too-much flares, but it often triggers my poop-too-little flares. I have found that small amounts of benzodiazepines are more helpful and less constipating. Obviously only an option if you have a standing prescription as this is WILDLY off-label and would probably make doctors VERY MAD. I only take the Anaspaz when I am going to be in a situation during which I ABSOLUTELY MUST NOT have an urgency attack, and I take it a couple of hours beforehand. Then I don't poop for two days.

Also pay attention to non-dietary factors like heat, exercise, unusual stress or sleeplessness, allergies to airborne crap like pollen, or changes in medication. These can have a noticeable effect.

Good luck! It gets easier over time. At least you know what might be wrong, and can start helping yourself out.

P.S.: Keep a phone charger in the bathroom. Being on the toilet at 14% is HARROWING.

[jmtorres]

ah damn

so here's an example of the difficulties of two specialized diets at odds

I got a bean and rice burrito meal kit because I'm trying to keep kosher so I'm picking more vegetarian things; I can have the cheese on the burrito because there's no meat right

the other thing i'm doing is low-fodmap. I knew I had an issue with guacamole, I can have like 1/8 of an avocado for fodmaps. But I figured the little single serve cup would be okay.

you know what I didn't think about looking up until after I cooked it? the beans. meal kit gave me like half a can black beans and a whole can of pintos, for two burritos.

I can have about a 1/10 of a can of either for fodmaps, and they have the same fodmaps so I don't want to stack them.

After having eaten half a burrito (so we're at... like an ok amount of black beans probably but a like double-treble the safe amount of pintos) I am now scraping the filling off so I can finish off the cheese tortilla will some rice on

This is so pathetic ugh

and I was told by the doctor that whatever blood test they did says I'm not celiac so I didn't need to worry about wheat, but I'm looking up what fodmaps are in a tortilla or bread and it's the same fodmaps as beans and like. I am remembering that as a child I always ordered double-rice-no-beans at Mexican restaurants and so far there's been so many things in the the low fodmap diet that like. confirm my preferences and comfort foods. so like maybe I don't gotta worry about gluten specifically but maybe I do actually gotta limit my bread??

anyway keeping track of this shit is exhausting and if I had been having like a beef or chicken burrito I probably woulda had a lot less beans to worry about? Meat is rarely if ever an issue with fodmaps but it's super an issue with kosher and i'm just. so tired

pikuach nefesh I should eat what sustains me but I also feel like?? if it's possible to navigate this I should? that there should be a way

[theorganicnutritions]

Finding Your Best IBS Treatment Plan

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder estimated to affect 10-15% of the entire population. Symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea can range from mild to completely debilitating.

While no medical cure exists for IBS, the good news is that many effective IBS treatment options are available to significantly ease symptoms. It simply requires working with your doctor to discover the best personalized treatment plan.

Getting Properly Diagnosed

Since IBS is what’s known as a diagnosis of exclusion, the first step is to rule out the possibility of other inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or Celiac with specific testing. These may include:

Stool tests check for underlying infections or other gut issues

Blood tests look for markers of inflammation indicating disease

Colonoscopy visually examines the large intestine

Food sensitivity testing reveals if certain foods worsen symptoms

Once other conditions are ruled out, your doctor will make an official IBS diagnosis, the details of which will guide your treatment plan.

IBS Treatment Plans Depend on Type

There are four types of IBS, classified by what digestive symptoms are most prominent:

IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): Hard, infrequent stools IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D): Frequent loose, watery stools.

IBS with Mixed Bowel Habits (IBS-M): Alternating constipation and diarrhea IBS Unspecified: Insufficient abnormality of stool consistency

Identifying your IBS type allows your doctor to select suitable therapies.

Lifestyle Treatments for IBS Relief

Certain at-home care strategies may significantly control IBS flare-ups including:

IBS Diet - Limiting intake of high FODMAP foods like dairy, beans, wheat, onions, cabbage, and artificial sweeteners can ease stool issues in 75% of IBS patients.

Stress Reduction - Stress dramatically exacerbates IBS problems, so relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, massage are key.

More Exercise – Moderate activity at least 30 minutes daily calms the nervous system tied to digestive function.

Probiotics - These healthy gut bacteria in supplement form have been shown in studies to reduce bloating and pain.

Peppermint Oil - Shown to reduce spasms and cramping pain. Use enteric-coated capsules.

Prescription IBS Medications

If lifestyle adjustments aren’t providing enough relief, many traditional and newer medications can be very effective, including:

Antispasmodics – Helps relax intestinal muscles to reduce painful cramping and spasms

Antidiarrheals – Slows motility and stool frequency for IBS-D

Laxatives – Helps alleviate constipation with IBS-C

Low-dose Antidepressants – Alters pain signaling pathways between the brain and digestive system

Newer Agents - Prescription medications acting on neurotransmitters recently approved specifically for IBS-C and IBS-D.

Last Resort: FMT for IBS

For patients failing standard IBS treatment, research shows great promise for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

This involves transplanting healthy donor stool containing balanced communities of gut bacteria into the patient’s colon via scope or enema.

Results demonstrating FMT eliminates IBS symptoms in many patients suggests disruptions to the gut microbiome play a key role in IBS development.

Finding Your Optimal Treatment Combination

Since IBS is multifactorial in cause, most experts recommend utilizing a combination approach tailored to your specific symptoms patterns.

This can mean exploring herbal supplements like peppermint capsules or artichoke leaf extract while also prioritizing daily stress-reduction practices and a modified FODMAP diet under the guidance of a registered dietician.

Your doctor may also suggest rotating various categories of medications every few months to achieve lasting relief without building tolerance.

Be patient and keep your physician informed of how you’re responding to each new IBS treatment addition or modification. It often requires tweaking strategies over several months before discovering your unique formula for success.

Hope for Life Without IBS Misery

If you feel like you’ve tried everything for your difficult-to-treat IBS with little success, don’t lose hope. The treatments options area is rapidly evolving!

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[naturalwellnesssolutions]

Naturally Treat SIBO: Natural Remedies for Bacterial Overgrowth

Naturally Treat SIBO Using Mother Nature's Products

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where abnormally large numbers of bacteria grow in the small intestine. This can lead to digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. If left untreated, SIBO can cause malnutrition, weight loss, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. The key to treating SIBO is restoring a healthy gut microbiome (microbiome is a collective term that refers to your body's natural bacteria that are beneficial to you) and fixing the root causes that allowed SIBO to develop in the first place. With a multi-pronged natural approach, it is possible to naturally treat SIBO without resorting to the long-term use of antibiotics.

Dietary Changes for SIBO

Making strategic dietary changes is one of the foundations of naturally treating SIBO. The types of foods eaten impact the numbers and types of bacteria that can proliferate in the small intestine. Following a gut-friendly diet can help create an environment less hospitable to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Natural Treatment For SIBO - YouTube Video

https://youtu.be/8O4l1GmtZBs?si=Zmhgz-bKx6qVGHzd

Common Symptoms of SIBO

SIBO often initially presents with digestive complaints, as the overgrowth of bacteria interferes with normal nutrient absorption and intestinal motility. Symptoms tend to be chronic or recurrent if left untreated. - Bloating, abdominal distension, gas (hydrogen or methane gas) - Diarrhea, loose stools, constipation - Cramping, pain, visceral hypersensitivity - Acid reflux, heartburn, belching - Food sensitivities, intolerances - Nutritional deficiencies - Fatigue, brain fog, headaches - Joint pain, skin issues  The specific symptoms experienced depend on the types of bacteria predominant in the small intestine. Hydrogen-dominant SIBO is more associated with diarrhea, while methane-dominant SIBO correlates with constipation. Rapid fermentation of FODMAPs and carbohydrates creates an abundant amount of gas. Since SIBO can damage gut barrier function, food antigens, and bacterial endotoxins entering the bloodstream can cause systemic symptoms like brain fog, headaches, rashes, and joint pain. Nutritional deficiencies may develop if malabsorption impairs the ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Diagnosing SIBO requires specialized breath testing measuring hydrogen and methane production after ingesting lactulose or glucose. Symptoms combined with a positive breath test confirm a diagnosis of SIBO. Typical treatments include antibiotics, elemental diets, and antimicrobial herbs, alongside dietary changes. Catching and treating SIBO early is important to avoid complications like weight loss, malnutrition, and additional digestive diseases. Awareness of common symptoms prompts patients to seek appropriate SIBO testing and care. FODMAPs Explained FODMAPs stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. An expanded topic for these carbohydrates can be found on Wikipedia. These are all different scientific names for types of short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. FODMAPs include fructose (found in many fruits), lactose (found in dairy), fructans (found in wheat), galactans (found in legumes), and polyols like sorbitol (used as sugar-free sweeteners). The reason a low-FODMAP diet helps SIBO is that these carbs rapidly ferment and produce gas, which feeds the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and causes digestive symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. By reducing foods high in FODMAPs, there is less "food" available for the bacteria to munch on, which improves symptoms. Low FODMAP Diet Many SIBO experts recommend following a low-FODMAP diet. FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. Bacteria rapidly ferment FODMAPs, producing gas and drawing water into the intestinal lumen. This exacerbates digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Following a low-FODMAP diet for 4-8 weeks can help improve these symptoms by reducing the amount of fermentable carbs available for bacteria to feast on.  It's important to work with a dietitian knowledgeable in the low-FODMAP diet, as it is quite complex to implement. The diet should only be followed short-term, with a careful reintroduction of higher FODMAP foods to determine personal tolerance levels. Completely restricting FODMAPs long-term can negatively impact the beneficial bacteria needed for gut health. Elimination Diets Some people need to follow more restrictive elimination diets to calm SIBO symptoms. Removing sugars, processed carbs, dairy, gluten, and certain starches may help starve out unwanted bacteria. Diets like the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), GAPS diet, or SIBO Bi-Phasic Diet eliminate grains, starchy vegetables, beans/legumes, sugar, and sometimes fruit. While challenging to follow, short-term elimination can reset the digestive system and promote healing of the gut lining. Low-carb, Higher Protein & Fat Limiting carbohydrate intake while increasing protein and healthy fats can help rebalance gut bacteria in SIBO. Protein from omega-3-rich fish, grass-fed meats, pasture-raised poultry, and plant sources provide nourishment without excess fermentation. Swapping starchy veggies for more non-starchy veggies supplies prebiotic fiber without spiking blood sugar. Healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, and avocado oil have anti-inflammatory benefits. Bone Broth & Collagen Incorporating bone broth or collagen protein daily can help heal the intestinal permeability that often accompanies SIBO. Bone broth provides collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that soothe and seal the gut lining. Collagen powder is a convenient way to get a concentrated dose of this gut healing protein. Probiotic Foods  Eating probiotic-rich foods helps diversify gut bacteria with friendly strains that can compete with overgrown species. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, and unsweetened yogurt contain beneficial microbes. Aim for variety, as different fermented foods supply unique probiotic strains. Start with small servings and work up slowly to improve tolerance.

Herbal Antimicrobials

Herbal therapies can help reduce bacterial overgrowth as part of a comprehensive SIBO treatment plan. Antimicrobial herbs may be used individually or in combination formulas. Some of the most common include: - Berberine: Found in goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape, berberine has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, while also helping regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation. - Garlic: Contains allicin and other sulfur compounds that have antibacterial benefits. Garlic acts specifically against H. pylori and methanogenic gut bacteria. - Oregano oil: The active compound carvacrol has pronounced antimicrobial effects against SIBO-causing bacteria. Oil of oregano also calms bloating and speeds gut motility. - Neem: High in antimicrobial bitter compounds called nimbins. Neem helps purge pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and parasites from the gastrointestinal tract. Herbal antimicrobials work best when rotated every 4-6 weeks under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner. Probiotic supplementation during and after herbal treatments helps maintain good bacteria. Lifestyle and diet changes should continue alongside herbs for lasting results.

"Natural Antibiotics"

Berberine, garlic, and other antimicrobial herbs are sometimes referred to as "natural antibiotics," but there are some important differences as compared to conventional types prescribed by your doctor: - Herbal antimicrobials contain many active compounds that work synergistically, while antibiotics contain single isolated compounds. - Bacteria are less likely to develop resistance to the diversity of a herb's antimicrobial components compared to an antibiotic's single mechanism of action. - Herbs like berberine and garlic are selectively antimicrobial against pathogenic bacteria while generally sparing beneficial flora. Conventional antibiotics indiscriminately kill all susceptible bacteria. - The antimicrobial herbs mentioned also have additional beneficial effects beyond just killing bacteria - immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, gut healing, etc. while conventional antibiotics have a purely antibacterial action. So, while herbs like berberine and garlic do have antibiotic-like antibacterial properties, they tend to work in a more holistic, broad-spectrum, and gentle way compared to isolated antibiotic drugs. The term "natural antibiotic" is a convenient shorthand widely used, but herbs have far more complexity and synergy.

Targeted Supplements to Treat SIBO Naturally

Specific dietary supplements can help address root causes contributing to bacterial overgrowth, reduce inflammation, and restore nutrient absorption. Prokinetics Slowed motility in the small intestine enables bacterial overgrowth in SIBO. Prokinetic supplements promote regular bowel movements and the sweeping of bacteria out of the small intestine. Popular botanical prokinetics include ginger, artichoke leaf, and Iberogast®. Prescription prokinetics may be an option in difficult cases. Digestive Enzymes If SIBO causes damage to the small intestinal lining, digestive enzymes can help break down nutrients for better absorption. Enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases taken with meals aid the digestion and assimilation of carbs, fats, and proteins. Colostrum  Bovine colostrum contains growth factors that promote gut integrity and help heal leaky gut associated with SIBO. It also has natural antibacterial components like lactoferrin that inhibit overgrowth of pathogens. Learn about Bovine colostrum at the National Library of Medicine. Prebiotics & Soil-Based Probiotics Prebiotics like Inulin, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), arabinogalactans, and resistant starches feed beneficial bacteria. But with SIBO, too many prebiotics can overfeed bacteria. Start with small doses and gradually increase. Soil-based probiotics can help diversify gut microbiota. Inulin is a polysaccharide produced by many plants. For an explanation of Fructooligosaccharides, go to Wikipedia, for Arabinogalactans go here Wikipedia. Polysaccharides are made up of monosaccharides, which are simple sugars. Antioxidants & Nutrients Vitamin and mineral deficiencies often accompany SIBO. Supplementing with a high-quality multivitamin, vitamin D, B-complex, zinc, and magnesium aids healing. Anti-inflammatory antioxidants like NAC, glutathione, and alpha-lipoic acid reduce oxidative stress from SIBO. Mucosal Protectants   Supplements like L-glutamine, collagen, zinc carnosine, and licorice root help reinforce the intestinal barrier and soothe inflamed mucous membranes. This aids the healing of a leaky gut and prevents further bacterial translocation.

The Importance of Determining Root Causes

A key component of treating SIBO holistically is uncovering and resolving the root causes that allowed it to happen. Common predisposing factors include: - Medications - antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, NSAIDs, birth control pills - Low stomach acid - Slowed motility and constipation - Food poisoning - Diabetes or prediabetes - Small intestinal obstruction - Nervous system dysfunction - Immune problems Identifying and mitigating contributing factors provides the best chance of long-term SIBO relief. This may involve stopping problematic medications, supplementing with betaine HCl for low stomach acid, prokinetics for constipation, herbal antimicrobials for food poisoning, and managing blood sugar, obstructions, and neurological issues. Finding a functional medicine practitioner can help determine personal root causes.

Lifestyle Factors Supporting SIBO Recovery  

Certain lifestyle changes support short-term recovery and long-term prevention of SIBO recurrences.  Manage Stress Chronic stress dysregulates the nervous system and causes intestinal motility problems that can facilitate SIBO. Adopting stress-relieving practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and getting adequate sleep helps normalize gut function.  Stay Active Regular exercise improves bowel motility and discourages constipation. Aim for a mix of cardio and muscular strengthening activities according to ability. Even light walking after meals can aid digestion. Avoid Food Triggers Keep a food and symptom journal to identify triggers that worsen SIBO symptoms. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, beans, high-sulfur foods, processed carbs, and sugar alcohols. Avoiding these eases symptoms and starves bacteria.  Support Digestion Eat smaller, slower, more frequent meals. Chew foods thoroughly and rest after eating. Bitter herbs and enzymes taken before meals stimulate digestive secretions. Sipping warm ginger or fennel tea aids digestion. Hydrate Well Drink adequate fluids, aiming for at least half your body weight in ounces per day. Staying hydrated keeps bowels functioning optimally and discourages constipation. Filtered water, herbal tea, bone broth, and mineral water are beneficial. 

Preventing SIBO Relapse

For some people, successfully treating SIBO is only half the battle. Avoiding the recurrence of bacterial overgrowth proves challenging, with studies showing SIBO relapse rates around 44% within 9 months after antibiotic treatment.  Preventing the regrowth of pathogenic bacteria requires continued diligence with a multifaceted, long-term approach. Ongoing adherence to an antimicrobial diet, targeted supplementation, and gut-healing therapies help sustain balance in the small intestine. Rotate Antimicrobial Herbs  Continued use of antimicrobial herbs helps keep SIBO from recurring, especially herbs like oregano, neem, berberine, and garlic that specifically inhibit methane-producing bacteria. Rotate different antimicrobials every 4-6 weeks to prevent bacterial resistance. Take Probiotics between Courses Always take probiotics in between courses of antimicrobials to maintain populations of beneficial flora. Priority probiotics include Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces boulardii, and soil-based organisms that colonize the small intestine. Consider Repeat Elemental Diet For recalcitrant cases, doing an elemental diet 2-3 times per year helps dramatically reduce bacterial numbers. Though restrictive, short-term liquid nutrition starves out overgrowths while buying time to correct underlying causes. Identify and Treat Lingering Root Causes Seek out any remaining predisposing factors that could re-initiate SIBO, like medications that slow motility, undiagnosed food intolerances, or neurological and endocrine problems. Continuously resolving root causes is key for long-term SIBO maintenance. Support Motility Daily Make motility-supporting practices a priority in your daily routine. Exercise, drinking enough fluids, eating fermented foods, massaging the abdomen, taking prokinetics, and managing stress all maintain regular bowel function to discourage SIBO recurrence.

The Elemental Diet for SIBO

The elemental diet involves consuming liquid formulas made of pre-digested nutrients that get absorbed in the upper small intestine. This deprives bacteria downstream of their preferred fermentable carbs. Elemental formulas contain amino acids, simple sugars, vitamins, minerals, and fat but no whole protein, fat, carbs, or fiber.  Studies show the elemental diet can eradicate SIBO in over 80% of patients. It provides symptomatic relief by starving out bacterial overgrowths. However, there are some important considerations: - The diet is very limited and strict - all other foods and beverages must be avoided. This can be difficult to adhere to for more than 2-4 weeks. - Digestive symptoms often recur after resuming normal eating, if underlying causes are not addressed. - Elemental diets are deficient in fiber and alter microbiota populations, so they should only be used short term. - Bloating, cramping, nausea, and diarrhea can occur during the diet, causing some to discontinue treatment. A slower introduction can help adaptation. - Elemental formulas are medically manufactured rather than whole foods-based. But for some, this is preferable over antibiotics. - While effective at first, elemental diets may become less effective with repeated use. Other natural treatments should be used alongside it. The elemental diet can be a useful therapeutic tool as part of a comprehensive natural SIBO treatment plan. But it should not be viewed as a cure-all or long-term solution. Improving symptoms through an elemental diet provides a window to implement other gut-healing strategies for sustainable results.

The Large Intestine (The Colon)

There can be some bothersome effects on the large intestine in SIBO cases: - Diarrhea from SIBO can lead to accelerated transit time through the large intestine. This decreases the amount of water the colon can absorb from stools, resulting in them being loose and watery. - Alterations in the small intestinal microbiome from SIBO can change the types of bacteria that end up in the large intestine. Too much hydrogen-producing bacteria causes diarrhea while excess methane-producers cause constipation. - SIBO can impair proper digestion and absorption of nutrients like fiber that feed beneficial colonic bacteria. Read the full article

[ilhoonftw]

FODMAP diet sounds like hell i'm sorry. the list of what you "can't eat" is just too long???

i swear getting tested for mold poisoning should be a mandatory thing BEFORE anyone gets diagnosed with any illness that has overlapping symptoms

[yippeecahier]

JSYK garlic and onion CANNOT be labeled under the generic "spices" label, they must be labeled separately. If IBS is your only concern, anything contained under 'spices' should be low fodmap. This is very useful, for example, with picking mustards.

Oh shit maybe it's something else then...?? I'm going on two years of back and forth with a gastro tho;; maybe I can get an appointment with another doctor when I move to another town

All my celiac panels are negative and they WONT TEST ANYTHING ELSE because I'm NOT THIN ENOUGH

Anyway I hate my bowels and my bowels hate me