Intermittent fasting, IBS and reflux

[SpeckledFrogsLog]

I have IBS and silent reflux (LPR) both of which will be eased if I can lose some weight. I have tried IF in the past, both 5:2 and 16:8 and in both cases my IBS and LPR have flared up as I’m skipping meals - normally breakfast.

I’m thinking of trying 14:10 so I can build in breakfast but is there any point? If I just eat my normal meals (approx 1200 to 1500 cals per day) albeit in a tighter eating window, is there any actual weight loss advantage? I’m finding it really hard to lose as it is but if I restrict my calories more both conditions flare up again!

I know both health conditions will improve dramatically if I can lose 2 to 3 stones but I’m just finding it so hard and depressing.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this?

I have similar problems with any kind of intermittent fasting - could you look at a slightly restricted calorie diet plus increasing exercise. The other thing the GP suggested to me for IBS was the FODMAP diet. Could you look at that in conjunction with slightly restricted calories and exercise.

I have looked at the FODMAP diet but it seems sooo restrictive. I think I might have to bite the bullet with it eventually though. I am trying to up my exercise but I find anything slightly high impact sends me running to the loo! We have just bought an exercise bike which, touch wood, doesn’t seem to have that effect on me so hopefully that will get me burning a few extra calories.

I agree about the FODMAP diet although the Dr said to start with the full restrictions then add things one at a time but I am afraid I have very little willpower and luckily my main symptom is stomach pain which I can try and ignore!