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I took the fructose intolerance breath test two years ago, and it came out negative (aka I'm not fructose intolerant). However, I noticed on my own that fructose and sugar in general do contribute to my symptoms greatly. I get bloated and more constipated.
I only realized this recently, and I'm actually grateful that this topic has come up on these boards, because it helped me gather my thoughts together. A few years ago I wanted to tone up for Summer so I tried the South Beach Diet. The first phase requires cutting out most carbs, except for small amounts of non-sugar sweetened dairy. I didn't lose as much as I wanted so I quit after a week. However, I felt great during that week. No bloating, no pain, C was still there but it wasn't uncomfortable.
About two years after that, still searching for my "cure", I tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, seeing that many people got good results from there. The foods allowed are like those of SBD plus fructose - fruit and honey. I'm a sugar addict so I had at least 2-3 servings of fruit per day, plus honey to sweeten my SCD-legal yogurt. Guess what? I felt horribly, and I had to quit after about 4 days because I felt like my intestines were about to burst open. Gosh, I was in so much pain! The only difference between SBD and SCD was the added fructose! So that gave me my answer.
LM - the tests you're talking about (drink three glasses or apple juice and see what happens). I think three glasses of AJ might cause problems in anyone, not just IBSers. My non-IBS husband gets gassy and bloated after eating certain kinds of apples, although he eats just one at a time. I agree that it's not worth going forward with such tests, especially because an IBS person is more likely to get bloating, gas, and C/D.
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant 
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Hmmm, this is confusing. I would think if you tested negative, you wouldn't have to worry, like Syl suggested for me.
You are fortunate to know your body so well. That must be hard to only eat one piece of citrus fruit per day. I eat 3 fruits per day.....berries, kiwi or apple, and canned peaches!
I don't know whether I should pursue getting tested or not. This IBS, Gluten, fructose dilemma is driving me insane!
Thanks for your post. I am really interested in getting some sample daily menu plans from you!
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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You are lucky to have found the fructose problem early.
I have had IBS but not seriously since I was about your age. It got serious about 20 years later. I didn't find out about fructose until 45 years later. Looking back I can see how fruits, sweets and syrups have affected me. I have a suspicion that if I had reduce my fructose consumption at a younger age my IBS would be more controllable now.
The mystery is why recently diagnosed IBSers are not advised to remove excess fructose foods from their diet for a month or so. The effect of the change is rather quick. If there is an effect the diet can be modified accordingly. If there isn't an effect then continue to enjoy these foods! I sure wish I could. I still image the sweet taste of fructose especially when I am baking
Say - you might drop a short note or email to the dietitian with a copy or link to some good information on agave. I suspect she might be grateful for the knowledge.
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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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I don't feel reassured by that. I feel frightened by the fact that you've had IBS for 40+ years, whether it be mild or problematic. I have a firm grasp on controlling my IBS now, but I dont want to be 'stable' or 'under control' like you guys, I want it gone. If diet can do that, great, but if not, I'll have to change my lifestyle also.
My doctor (pediatrician) could not stop emphasizing how much stress management is a factor. I feel like a lot of the people on this board aren't taking that into consideration as much as diet.
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let my journey show you that if you don't manage it well now you could be in my position in 50 year. Fortunately, you are young and can learn effective techniques to manage stress and IBS with ease. I am not sure about getting rid of it. Time will tell.
The most effective type of IBS stress treatment that I have read about for someone your age is gut-directed hypnotherapy and physical exercise. I believe you mentioned in another posting that you are scheduled to see a hypnotherapist. Hopefully you can retrain some brain-bowel connections and rid yourself of some of the stress and IBS symptoms 
One reason that diet is talked about so much on this board is because it is the diet board. However, EFI is a life style covered by all the boards. I think some of the other boards cover the stress aspects of IBS very well.
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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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I am currently doing some gut directed hypnotherapy. I'm doing at least some self-hypnosis every day, and sometimes listen to a tape that was made for me. I'm not sure how much benefit I can attribute, because a little before I started hypnosis, I went on a fructose free diet. Maybe both are helping, maybe one.
I'm aware that there are other boards, but it seems like from people's post, they believe that diet is a 'cause' of IBS. This is how I look at it:
my stressful lifestyle causes my GI tract to malfunction- its like when you're nervous, you get butterflies in your stomach because the body is preparing for incoming danger, but this is never ending. Food exacerbates the problem, and changes in diet can cause significant improvements, but diet is not the root problem and therefore cannot be a complete solution. For example, I've eaten a high fructose diet all of my life. I've also had dairy. Since my IBS, I have developed lactose intolerance (tested) and I suspect fructose absorption
Thats just my view of things. I guess the truth cannot be absolutely proven, since IBS is a functional disorder, and improvements aren't a result of physiological changes.
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I specifically asked my doctor about why I knew people who felt better on South Beach and he explained that it is temporary and the body reacted ok but it wouldn't last. Although I think eating lighter and with less sugar does help IBS because our guts prefer less calories in a day, it seems to me. As to whether the low carb thing would have kept you feeling good, well I don't think so.
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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!
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Quote:
I feel like a lot of the people on this board aren't taking that into consideration as much as diet.
Bravo! You have a great grasp of IBS! And this *is* the place to talk about all aspects of IBS, diet and day to day activities that will improve it (we leave general talk and recipes off this board though). BUT, as you say, most people just focus on diet and not the other factors. There are tons of things, not foods, that can improve IBS symptoms. For instance, standing when eating helps me a ton! but who wants to do that? Diet is necessary but cannot get you all the way because the whole point of IBS is that the guts behaves inappropriately without reason.
Since you understand it so well you should go on to be a doctor and specialize in it! Can you imagine?
Also I hear ya about not wanting to live with it but wanting it gone. Of course we all agree and there is little that can be done. Heck I wish I were taller too but can't change that!   It can be depressing but at least it isn't fatal. It helps me to read about others with debilatating diseases and how they cope with them. I read about a woman in an iron lung for like 36 years and how she coped and a newly married young guy with ALS. The stories bring tears to my eyes but they help me see things differently. I stated the other day that since I am a strong and tenacious person it is better for me to have IBS than others I know who couldn't handle it. It has made me stronger too- like working days when I feel so ill; it makes me feel I can handle things.
Also, everyone has 'stuff'. That is why I have mentioned to you that it helps to not be embarrassed or ashamed of IBS. Everyone has D and C from time to time and lots of people have problems that they hate and find embarrassing. At least I have never had the stomach flu or vomitted in public or have acne or facial hair or a humpback. You gotta keep it all in prospective.
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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!
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thanks!
#341721 - 02/05/09 05:04 PM
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Thanks for the compliment Minnie. I'm proud that I am getting a grasp, which has been for me a big step in coping
I never thought of it from the perspective of 'everyone has something.' My mom talked to the nurse, telling her I have IBS, and she said that there are other kids in the school with IBS, crohns, etc.
Although, I'm satisfied with coming to terms with my IBS between myself and my family. Highschool kids are incredibly immature, and I cannot imagine what would happen if people knew that I had IBS (just because of the sheer amount of gossip talk that is a result of boredom)
Edited by mcem222 (02/05/09 05:05 PM)
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