Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Ok, I need more info and comments on this!!! Please help! :)

Carageenan is one of those things that I will avoid when reasonably easy to do (by buying alternative products without carageenan when possible), but it is not something that I worry about completely eliminating. I don't know if I actually have a problem with it or not, but I avoid overdoing it since others have mentioned possible sensitivities to it and since it doesn't really seem to be a "natural" thing to eat. The only way to really know if it is a problem for you is to try incorporating it a little at a time and seeing how it affects you.

Keep in mind, though, you'll find that it is a common ingredient in most non-dairy alternatives (soy milks, soy or rice cheeses, etc.) as well as so many other common products, and I think most IBSers do just fine with these foods. Try not to let yourself get overly worried or paranoid about things like this. I know it's hard when you see someone say it is a bad thing, but it is not on the list of triggers. It is just something that some people may be sensitive to... not something that is a common trigger for an attack. Also, how many people here actually KNOW that they have had a legitimate problem with it? Probably not very many... maybe a handful. You'll also find the same thing with almost any other food or ingredient you search. I've seen people post that they are sensitive to small quantities of garlic, soy, cooked SF veggies, even rice - all of which are staples in my diet and have made it possible for me to stabilize. Just because it is mentioned by a couple of people doesn't mean it has to be a problem for you.

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