If you’ve been reading my blog, you may have noticed that I’ve been posting recipes that are Low FODMAP. But exactly what is this diet and why am I doing it?
Low FODMAP Salmon Slice
Well about 6 years ago I was diagnosed with IBS. I eliminated a few things from my diet, which seemed to improve my symptoms at first. But over time the symptoms have gotten progressively worse. I’ve tried to pinpoint the foods which trigger my symptoms, but sometimes no real pattern emerges.
Last year I saw a gastroenterologist and had an endoscopy/colonoscopy done to rule out anything suspicious. Everything came back normal.
I’ve also had hydrogen breath tests which show I have fructose malabsorption. This means that my body doesn’t break down certain carbohydrates properly and causes gas, bloating, cramping, pain, and other ‘fun’ GI symptoms! So after a confirmed diagnosis of these intolerances, I decided to see a dietitian that specializes in IBS and the Low FODMAP diet. They explained that the Low FODMAP diet restricts many of the culprit foods that cause IBS symptoms. You follow a pretty strict eating plan for about 6 – 8 weeks and then slowly ‘test’ different FODMAP foods to figure out your tolerance level.
So far I’ve been following the diet for about 8 weeks with fairly good results. I noticed the best results in the first few weeks of the diet. I no longer felt ‘overfull’ all the time because the bloating had decreased, and pain and cramping after eating were also better. I was so happy with how everything was going. The diet was like a god-send compared to how I was feeling before.
But lately I’ve found my symptoms are returning despite following the Low FODMAP diet. And it kind of sucks. I know IBS isn’t life threatening, but it can really get in the way of living your life at times.
Take this past weekend for example. It was a gorgeous day and I was planning on heading out for an afternoon of strolling the nearby markets. I had a pretty basic lunch of leftover chicken with some rice and veggies. Nothing to write home about. Within 15 minutes I was in agony. Sharp stabbing pains, and cramps that had me doubled over. The next day the same thing happened…only like ten times worse. I decided to lie low, despite really wanting to go out and enjoy the sunshine. I needed to know that amenities were close by. Diarrhoea isn’t funny, but it is smart. Diarrhoea knows EXACTLY how far you are from the nearest bathroom…and it’s like ‘I’ll race ya!’
Sorry, TMI???
I refuse to accept that this is my lot in life. I know that there are many different treatment options for people who suffer from IBS and I just need to find something that works for me. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do (because you all know I AM a doer).
I talked over some options with my doctor, but was less than impressed. She mentioned that anti-depressants (which work by raising your pain threshold and changing the rate of GI contractions) and antispasmodics (which lessen cramping) are usually the prescribed treatment options for IBS sufferers with my symptoms. But to be honest, I don’t want to take medication. I knew there must be another way.
At my next appointment with the dietitian, I mentioned that my symptoms had returned despite following the low FODMAP diet. She could tell I was at a loss, but reassured me not to lose hope. She mentioned that I might like to try hypnotherapy. She said many clients get great results by combining hypnotherapy treatment with a tailored diet (such as the Low FODMAP diet). I figured, what the hay, it can’t hurt!
My dietitian sent over a referral and within an hour, Michelle from Mind Matters Hypnotherapy had contacted me to set up an appointment. I don’t know much about hypnosis, but at this point I’m willing to give anything a try. The treatment runs for 6 consecutive weeks, and I have my first appointment today!
I’ve also started looking in to other nutritional therapies or alternatives that might help with my symptoms. I’ve started to take a live probiotic drink every morning, which I hope will help to reset the bacteria in my gut. I’m still researching other options that might work, and am open to any suggestion you have. I’m hoping 2012 will be the beginning of the end for all these GI issues!
Wow, thanks for sharing such an honest and transparent post! Don’t give up hope, Diva. Things will get better! I don’t have any experience with IBS but I am a yoga teacher and wellness coach and from my experience with students/clients, any kind of stress relief helps, especially if it’s possibly emotionally based. Sometimes lifestyle changes are needed, beyond food and exercise. Our bodies are very smart and often tell us things in metaphors. On a holistic/metaphysical level, it can be helpful to recognize the words you use to describe your symptoms: irritable, overfull. Then notice where in your life those same words apply and see how you might be able to make changes there (work, relationships, spiritual life, etc.). Hoping you have a positive experience with hypnosis!
Great suggestion Andrea.
My suggestion is to see someone like a Naturopath or Clinical Nutritionist, as they will be better able to guide through the process of repairing your digestive tract. Probiotics are very helpful, especially a higher daily dose. However, chances are that you have what is known as “leaky gut” and you need to repair the intestines so that they function better. As your digestive tract heals you’ll be better able to handle introducing foods back into your diet and continuing to enjoy the foods that work for you now. The proteins from your food that are “leaking” out of your intestines are being treated as invaders in your body and causing your symptoms, such as pain, and irritation. Thus, having symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and no longer being able to eat the foods that you used to. There may be other issues going on with your digestion as well, as IBS is considered an umbrella term for when you just can’t figure out what is going on. Contact me if you want more information about how to go about supporting your body through clinical nutrition.
Thanks so much for all this info it’s great!!! I’m collecting lots of suggestion and will def be in contact to learn more.
Oh Andrea, you are always such an inspiration! You are very right, our conscious thoughts affect us and the way we word things is very powerful. I really need to work better at balancing everything now that I’m back at school. Hopefully I’ll get my gut back on track. Thank you so much for the suggestions
Oh my. You poor thing. I looked at the FODMAP site and are you saying you can’t eat: Honey, Apples, Mango, Pear, Watermelon, Artichokes (Globe), Artichokes(Jerusalem), Asparagus, (in large amounts), Leeks, Onion (brown, white, Spanish, onion powder), Raddicio lettuce, Spring Onion (white part), Wheat (in large amounts), Milk, yoghurt, soft unripened cheeses (eg. ricotta, cottage, cream, marscarpone), Chickpeas, Cherries, Nectarines, Plums, Mushrooms? I love these things so this made me sad for you.
Then you pain with your simple meal made me sad for you. But your attitude makes me so happy for you because you are not settling and you are still looking and trying. Yay you!
I love that Dr. Shruti Sharma, might be giving you the answers you seek. I love the idea of a Naturopath.
I was going to suggest an accupucturist because they not only use needles but some prescirbe herbs and they have been know to help many people with many things.
Good luck to you! I have a feeling you will keep us posted!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I think seeing a naturopath would be a good progression after I’ve finished with the hypnotherapist. I saw one after I had chronic tonsilitis and found that the supplements they gave me really worked to boost my immune system. Just need to find a good one in my area
Have you looked into the GAPS diet? Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride has written a great book on it. I would suggest you give it a read.
PS the gaps diet helps with/ heals leaky gut syndrome.
I have heard someone mention the GAPS diet before but I don’t know much about it. I’ll look up the book in my library and give it a read. Thank you so much!!!
oooo very intrigued! you know i am all for finding WHATEVER works.. good luck and can’t wait to hear more!
I’m getting lots of good info and keeping it all saved in a file so I can trial everything and see what works…someone mentioned castor oil packs as well so i need to look into these
i tried hypnosis in NZ. oh it was weird but i think it can work!
Hopefully the hypnosis works for you. I work with someone that does hypnosis to reverse the effect of food allergies and I have seen this method work.
girl we need to email! I did hypnosis for this in New Zealand. Same exact things going on with me. Now i have to go in for another scope. I think FODMAPS really helps and I hope this works for you too. thanks for sharing! email me.
Thanks for another great article! My Lyme doctor had me go on a similar diet, take a lot of probiotics, and prescribed ZenPep for a few months. Zen-pep is technically a medication, but it is simply a really high dose of digestive enzymes. If you tried to take that much from basic supplements at the food store, it would cost you a TON of money, so it’s nice to have insurance paying for it. Now, I no longer use Zenpep (don’t need it anymore), I still take a lot of probiotics, and I am able to be pretty much symptom-free and eat what I want pretty regularly. Obviously, if I eat an entire pint of ice cream I get a bit gassy LOL, but who wouldn’t? The CONSTANT pain, indigestion, bloating, etc., are all gone. Occasionally, I get punished if I go for an all-out binge, but, for the most part, if I eat well ~75% of the time, I am digestion-symptom-free. I hope that helps!
So good to hear! I’m keeping up with the probiotics and will take your considerations on board. I’m looking forward to symptom free days ahead
I have IBS with severe bloating, gas and etc, and I find this article extremely helpful. I’ve been very interested in the Low FODMAP thing recently (I even downloaded the simple pdf forms just yesterday, haha) and I think I might give a try. I don’t like how the choices are very limited, but I hope it works…
It definitely does help a lot, but it is only a short term fix. It cuts out a lot of variety which isn’t good long term. They advise that you re-test different foods about every 6 months and re-introduce those that you tolerate well. Hope that helps!
Oh no, so sorry you are feeling yucky! : ( I have always been curious about hypnosis so look forward to your thoughts!!! Have you heard of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet? It’s crazy strict but I was on it for like 4 months and it totally cleared up my tummy problems. I REALLY recommend!
No I haven’t heard much about it actually…but like I said I’m willing to try anything to improve my symptoms. Can you recommend a good book or website?
Find “Breaking the Vicious Cycle” on Amazon (also has a lot of great testimonials in the reviews) and http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/. The diet is not well known (my nutritionist who also specializes in gastro issues didn’t know of it before me!) and I will warn you the website looks crazy illegit… But it has a cult following in the IBD community and is indicated for IBS too!
I was told I had Crohn’s and started it the next day, it was a tough transition but my symptoms disappeared and I’ve never taken a single stinking pill! : ) Highly recommend!
Thanks so much! really appreciate this. Going to look up this book now