Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

It sounds like you're panicking and not only is that not necessary, it's really, really bad for your IBS.

If you're concerned about carbs causing weight loss you can stick to the Soluble Foods that have a lower glycemic index. I just pointed someone to the FAQ on Heather's IBS diet and diabetes and the same info might be useful for you: web page

If I remember from your earlier posts, you're IBS-C or possibly IBS-A. Getting Insoluble Fiber is very important and it may be that the reason you're feeling bloated and C is that you're not getting enough.

You can try using a Soluble Fiber Supplement as your SF base before dinner. That approach doesn't really work for me but other people seem to be able to do it. However, there's a problem with that. If you take too much SFS too fast, you're going to be subject to bloating, gas, and general misery, so you need to go up on the dosage slowly. That means it will take you a while to get to enough SFS to really cushion a full meal. I think an SFS is a good idea but for an SF base I'd rely on the less "white" SF foods mentioned in the web page I sent you to. Remember, also, that cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, and the various kinds of squash are SF and I think they're very healthy.

Because there's a significant psychological component to IBS, if eating this way is truly going to make you a nervous wreck, it probably won't help as much as you want. The good you do by eating more IBS-friendly foods will be counter-acted by your anxiety over it. Instead of freaking out about eating "white" food, rely more on colorful sources of SF. I know you said you've done all the reading, but please be sure you've read the sticky post about Atkins - I hope you'll find it reassuring.

Also, remember that most people consider Japanese and Chinese diets to be very healthy but they rely heavily on white rice, along with protein and fresh veggies. The Mediterranean Diet uses a lot of "white" soluble fiber foods, again with protein and fresh veggies. That's where you want to get with Heather's IBS Diet - eating enough SF foods to keep your tummy calm while rounding out your diet with lean protein and as much IF grains, fruits, and veggies as you can handle.

Last but not least, you may simply need to prioritize your health concerns. Yes, you'd like to lose weight and no, you don't want to gain any. But for right now, getting your IBS under control seems more important. That may mean loading up on more "white" carbs than you'd like. Once you start to understand the diet better and get your IBS under control, you can start to slide the scale toward less SF and more IF choices.

HTH.

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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]

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