Recently diagnosed with IBS Maybe TMI)

[kw1091]

So after suffering for months with bloating, stomach cramps, upset stomach, mucus in my poo (yuck sorry) I finally went to a Dr.

I suffer and have suffered for many years with anxiety and it would appear I have given myself stress related IBS, yippee!

I have been prescribed Colofac and I am starting that today so fingers crossed that will help. But I am also looking for some advice on how to manage the IBS otherwise.

Any hints & tips would be greatly received and any diet tips. I eat very well anyway, I have lost over 3 stone in the last 18 months and have a very varied and balanced diet I also drink a lot of water and hardly any caffeine. But if there are things you know I should definitely avoid I would love to know.

Thanks in advance x

[Notsoaccidentproneanymore]

My IBS flares up when I'm stressed. I take Colofac which helps. But the only things which really work for me are cutting out all milk products and wheat.

It's difficult, especially as I'm veggie, but doable.

I usually have oatiflakes with soya milk for brekkie, oatcakes hummus and salad for lunch, and something like stir fry with tofu and rice for tea.

I drink mainly green tea. Sounds mega healthy - no! I also eat crips, jelly beans, dark chocolate oatcakes and dark chocolate, soya yogurts and tortillas.

I used to see a nutritionist, but I can't afford it any more.

I think just simplify your diet, so no procesed foods etc, so maybe omelette for breakfast, chicken rice and salad for lunch and fish veg and potatoes for tea, with fruit and nuts for snacks. See how you get on, and if it calms down you can try introducing different foods into your diet to see how you react.

I usually eat a lot of home made soups, but now isn't the weather for that 😊

[kw1091]

Notsoaccidentproneanymore thank you so much! That is really helpful. Oh gosh I eat A LOT of yogurt haha!!!

I will try and eat food in their purest forms.

Thanks again x

[P1nkP0ppy]

I don't find dairy a problem with my IBS, it's onions (all types) and spicy food that makes mine flare up. I've had two attacks in the last 2 months and really can't find out what's triggered it this time.
Stress used to be a factor too but not this time 😳
Fingers crossed that you find your triggers quickly op.

[kw1091]

P1nkP0ppy

Thank you!
I think I will try cutting certain things out and reintroducing to see if I can locate the problem

[nell15]

For me it's stress and eating food with preservatives and flavourings mainly. Keep a diary of symptoms and what you eat to find out what are the triggers - it varies from person to person. I find peppermint oil helps as it reduces the spasms and pain

[Spam88]

I'd definitely advise keeping a diary for at least a short while, I found it helpful in picking out some foods that might have been triggering symptoms.

If you google or ask people's advice you're going to hear a lot of different things as triggers vary for people, but you should be able to find the NICE guidance easily enough. The main things I was told was to avoid wholegrain/high fibre foods, and not to over do it on fruit, coffee or alcohol.

[Simmi1]

Hi OP, I would also suggest looking up low fod map diet online. It didn't work for me but it does work for lots of IBS sufferers - the main culprits to avoid are onion, garlic, wheat, pears and apples. Good luck!

[gobbin]

Have you been tested for other bowel conditions such as IBD before the IBS diagnosis? IBS is a 'everything else ruled out' condition.

My colleague has found low FODMAP useful for coping with IBS, another has found symptoms have lessened now they are going to Slimming World, so the food regime they are following has helped.