Can food function to relieve pain?
#314479 - 09/03/07 12:56 AM
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Hi everyone, I'm new here, and I've a question I hope someone could help me with. My IBS attacks are typically sudden onset sharp pain in the stomach then in the colon especially left side, relieved by passing wind or poo. I alternate D and C, usually D to end this kind of attack.
Is it advisable to actually eat a little of something 'safe', e.g. plain oatmeal, at the time that I'm actually in pain? I mean, is this likely to help bring relief from the pain, or is the diet exclusively preventative? Is it better to wait it out, or has anyone found there is scope for gentle food to help in an attack?
Thanks in advance!
Carmen
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Carmen, IBS-A
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It likely won't make any difference. The transit time through the GI tract is quite variable. Normally, it takes 2-4 hours for food to leave the stomach, 2-4 hours for it to transverse the small intestine and 30-40 hours for it to leave the colon. The best thing to do is to eat a good helping of SF (oatmeal, pasta, rice, potatoes, sourdough bread, etc) with each meal.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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You could try having some peppermint tea. It helps with cramping. My GI told me this.
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Crohns, lactose intolerant
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Thanks for that link; perhaps it was wishful thinking on my part!
I wonder if it is the presence of an unsafe food in the bowels that causes them to cramp etc., would a laxative help move it out faster and relieve the pain? I always try to avoid them but I'm looking longingly at them now as the ache in my intestines won't go away, and I ate dried fruit and nuts for morning tea yesterday and I wonder whether wherever they are up to they are still causing problems?
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Carmen, IBS-A
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