You totally need to increase your IF! So long as you're getting SF every time you eat IF, I honestly wouldn't worry about increasing your crampiness. Bloating is trickier, but certainly getting more regular would help!
My personal C commandments - well, suggestions, since everyone is different:
1. IF + SF. Every meal and snack needs both. Don't be too scared of raw fruits and veggies and whole grains! 2. Exercise. Every day if possible. Heather suggests higher intensity exercise if low-intensity stuff doesn't get you going. 3. Liquids. Drink 'em down, and drink 'em constantly. As is true for all IBS-ers, avoid straws, carbonated drinks, and cold drinks and try to get loads of peppermint and fennel teas. 4. Patience. IBS-C isn't conquered in a day or a month. Just keep increasing your IF and stay away from the big triggers of high fat, dairy, coffee, and red meat.
I went the all-SF, all-the-time route too when I started on Heather's diet. It's a bit scary to increase those fruits and veggies, but honestly, enough SF will "cushion" them enough to prevent cramping.
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Re: I feel so hopeless
