Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Can too much peppermint cause constipation?

Benefiber is an SFS, so I believe it's also a prebiotic according to what Heather has said about SFS: "Probiotics are most effective when they're taken in conjunction with a prebiotic; a prebiotic (such as Tummy Fiber Acacia) is something that encourages the growth of probiotics. Soluble fibers often have a prebiotic effect, as their normal fermentation in the gut causes the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids, which then lead to the growth of good gut flora. This in turn leads to a reduction (sometimes dramatic) in abdominal bloating and gas." So you can think of prebiotics or acacia/SFS as the food for the probiotics you get from soy yogurt: you're introducing the good microflora and feeding them so they'll thrive and flourish in your colon and take over any population of harmful bacteria.

You really want to know what I think?

Well, I think being afraid of foods will lead you to unnecessary stress and anxiety that will then lead you to an attack so that whatever you put in your mouth will cause problems. However, I understand your fear because I've felt that way too. But I got tired of fearing food because I NEED food. Plus, I'm scared of ATTACKS and PAIN, which aren't always to be blamed on food--anxiety, fatigue, the mysteries of IBS are triggers as well. So, I'm trying not be scared of food; instead, I'm trying to be more AWARE of food. What I mean is, I follow the trigger list and avoid what Heather has listed as definite no-nos and I do my best to always have a good amount of SF.

However, when she has mentioned something, like inulin is a problem for some folks, I see that as information to alert me of this possibility (not a certainty) so that if I try it and experience more bloating, I can say, "Well it's probably the inulin" and move on. So I tested it out for while, prepared for the worst but hoping for the best. I'm glad I didn't stay away from inulin, because I love my Luna Bars and Teeccino!

I'm not really experienced in ways to manage C, but I think if you start incorporating more food, safely, into your diet and try to feel as relaxed as possible when you eat you might just surprise yourself. Have you thought about posting what you are currently eating/doing on the fitness board? Really, it's helpful to have people look over and point out things that might be bothering you. When I first started, I was eating raw baby carrots all the time and then Linz pointed out they would be safer if I cooked them. So I tried that and immediately found I had less pain! The same with regular oat meal vs instant. And Wind recently pointed out that a soup I've been eating contains MSG and casein, which showed me that I could have them in very small amounts.

I hope this helps a bit. I'm not sure I quite made my point about the difference between fearing foods and being aware of them.

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