IBS - just diagnosed and need some advice

[DSM]

I was diagnosed with IBS yesterday. It's good, I think, as I've had unexplained stomach problems (pains and spasms) for the last 8 months, and so it's noce to have an answer and hopefully, working medication rather than just painkillers.

However, I've been trying to research what I should and shouldn't eat, and it's very confusing. Some people say lots of fibre, others say none, some say dairy is okay, some it's not.. Some tell me to avoid cheese, alcohol and red meat - I have my fingers crossed that isn't true!

Also don't know whether brown or White is better when it comes to bread/pasta/rice etc, and how important this is?

I've never had the 'toilet urgency' issue that I have heard of, nor do I suffer from diarrhoea. I wouldn't say I am ever overly constipated, but I only pass stools every couple of days, not particularly often. I suffer from bloating however.

So if anyone can give me some simple advice on foods to eat/avoid, I would very much appreciate it.

Bump

Hi DSM
I have had IBS for half my life, since I was 15. Foods to eat/avoid really depend on the individual - something like milk for example might send my gut into a major spasm but be completely tolerated by yours.
Here's what I would advise:

• Eat regularly. The worst thing you can do for IBS is not eat for hours and then eat loads, it invariably causes a spasm. Try and eat the same sort of sized meals at around the same time every day. Guts like routine!
• Avoid chewing gum like the plague, it makes you swallow air which is not good and also it sends a message to your poor gut that food is coming down then...nothing. Highly confusing.
• Regarding white vs brown pasta/bread/rice - I find that starch gives me lots of bloating so I try and eat moderate amounts of slow-release starchy foods only. So that means brown everything and ideally multi grain. Vogel's soya and linseed bread is a winner for me.
• Hot water or peppermint tea/camomile tea can help if you are having pains
• Eat as slowly as you can, eating quickly makes you swallow air and also gives your tummy a shock when a big pile of food comes all at once.

As you are on the constipation side of the spectrum, you could maybe try sprinkling some milled flaxseed on your muesli or into yoghurt or soup.

Here's the one I buy, it took a bit of getting used to at first but then helped to stabilise things: www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=1893&prodid=2071

It's good you have a diagnosis, post any time you have questions.

TC x

Thanks tc, that's great info.

I'm a bit worried about gaining weight? If I shouldn't eat raw veg (I normally eat a lot of salad) and have to eat more regularly (I normally eat 2 meals a day and almost never have snacks) so I'm a bit worried about how to manage a new diet?

Are you trying to lose weight or about the right weight or a bit underweight now?

I'm trying to lose weight. Just a little, but am more concerned about putting weight on.

Honestly I think if you are eating mostly salad, no snacks and only 2 meals a day then maybe you will find it difficult to lose weight? Because your metabolism would be slowed right down.
You don't need to eat more, you just need to eat little and often and at regular intervals (to stop the spasms).
Salad is ok, no need to stop unless you notice that it specifically gives you problems. Maybe keep a food diary for a bit to see what's good and what's not so good for bloating and pains?

I think a food diary might be a good idea, I'll try that.

I don't eat mostly salad, just a lot of salad. I eat a lot, big meals; pasta, steaks, chilli, homemade pizza, roasts, etc, but normally have salad involved somewhere in there. And i work shifts, so regular mealtimes don't exist for me, hence the 2 meals a day. So I'll find 'little and often' hard, I think.

Ah ha! IBS is so common amongst shift workers that my doctor refers to it as "the shift phenomenon". It's extremely common amongst air hostesses, doctors & nurses who work nights and all other shift workers. If you google it you can see the studies that were done amongst nurses.
That makes things a lot harder, I know. Do you have a gastroenterologist or a GP who can advise you on shift work and IBs

I went to see a great nutritionist in Kingston, she was totally fab and completely sorted mine out.

Where would I find a nutritionist? Through my GP or would I do this myself?

Check out this website. Not sure if you can do it through your GP. Worth checking where the Nutritionist trained as well, Institute of Optimum Nutrition and University of Westminster are both v good. Uni of Westminster may have a PolyClinic which members of the public can go to.

I don't know if it's been said but stress is a major factor with mine. I've had it for nearly 30 years. Tried wheat free, dairy free diets - a little better but not solved. Found changing my lifestyle a massive help. I used to have a very busy stressful job that involved getting up really early and being on the go til late. Then going out in the evening quite a bit - as you do in your twenties. Since I gave it up ( due to having dc) I've had much less problem with IBS.