Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | And what about refined sugar?

I read through previous posts on refined sugar consumption for IBSers, but I am still left wondering...should I cut out refined sugar to help relieve my symptoms? My ND told me to avoid sugar and when asked why she said it feeds the bad bacteria in the gut. It also wrecks havoc with blood sugar levels and my blood sugar seems to be sensitive.

Being on such a restricted diet right now is hard, and the thought of having to give up sugar in my home made baked goods, non-dairy ice cream, and cereal is really difficult. I need to know how likely it is that cutting out refined sugar will help me feel better?

Heather says sugar is not a trigger for IBS - I get that. But if sugar does feed the bad bacteria in the gut, doesn't that make our IBS symptoms worse? How would feeding the bad bacteria manifest itself? Excess gas or bloating? What other negative effects might refined sugar have on the body? And if my ND wants me to avoid sugar to keep my blood sugar stable, doesn't it stand to reason that natural sugars in honey and maple syrup will also have a negative impact on my blood sugar? I've also heard when your body processes refined sugar, it depresses the immune system. Does that have any basis in fact?

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