|
|
An elimination diet is probably the only effective way to determine if a food is a problem. Food allergy tests are usually ineffective for determining offending foods primarily because they rely on an allergy being present. Foods can cause problems for IBSers for a variety of reasons other than allergies. For example, coffee, tea and alcohol can be an IBS trigger because they are GI stimilants even though you do not show an allergy to them.
Here are some links to descriptions of how to follow an elimination diet.
http://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout_elimination_diet_patient.pdf
http://jdc.jefferson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=jmbcim_protocols
Good luck 
--------------------
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
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Syl, thanks for this info. It's very comprehensive. Do you know why food allergy tests aren't effective for IBSers?
Who on the board has tried this type of diet? Did it help you figure out your problem foods? I wonder if my IBS symptoms will show up anyway because food isn't the only trigger.
I am concerned because in addition to eliminating everything on that list, I have to steer clear of most fruits, veggies, and beans. So basically for two plus weeks I would eat rice or potatoes with chicken, turkey, or fish, with peas, carrots, or green beans. That's actually pretty close to how I am eating now except I also eat oatmeal, bread, and food with sugar in it. Plus, they say to also not use supplements while on the diet, and I've only been on my supplements for a few weeks. I think I am finally getting results especially with the ones that treat heartburn and thyroid. I suppose I need to consult with my ND about this type of diet, but it would be helpful to know how much success people have had in terms if finding offending foods and feeling better.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Food allergy tests require an allergy response to be present in order to be detected. Many IBS triggers don't have an allergic response. For example, problems with artificial sweeteners, caffeine and alcohol are not detectable using food allergy testing. They are GI irritants and their effects on you can only be determined by eliminating them from your diet.
I have had food allergy tests. Nothing unusual showed up. However, before finding this website, by following an elimination diet for a considerable amount of time I was able to identify a number offending foods. It is a slow and tedious process that you have adhere to strictly if you wish to get meaningful results.
Diet is only a management tool for minimizing IBS symptoms. You are right sometimes stress, disease and natural body rhythms override dietary controls and symptoms flare up. It is all so complicated
Good luck
--------------------
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
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Most of our problems are intolerances not allergies. Some homeopaths and the like try to push the allergy tests and don't understand we have a disorder not allergies.
IMO there are three ways to test food problems
1. eat/drink a whole bunch on an empty stomach- for fructose you can drink 3 glasses of tomato juice, for lactose you can drink 3 glasses of milk- however this just gets you quite messed up and isn't advised
2. eliminate one thing from your diet only at one time, keep the rest pretty normal
3. eliminate many things from the diet and when you feel better (if) then add one back at a time
I have done 2 and 3 many times. One time I eliminated almost everything, including sugar and soy, and felt awesome for 2 weeks. I was working on adding things back one at a time when I ate greasy food and got really sick. I haven't eliminated all those things again at one time. I have done 3-4 gluten eliminations.
--------------------
IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
Posts
