Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Welcome to the board,

You have asked many interesting questions.

Food dyes and artificial colors/flavors can be a problem for some people. For example, pure peppermint is fine for me but artificial peppermint is guaranteed to give me difficulties. Check the What about taking vitamins and minerals? section of the FAQ. Where it says "Another thing to consider is the fillers and additives in many vitamins; check the ingredients for lactose, artificial colors, and preservatives, as many people with IBS are sensitive to even small quantities of these substances"

Like you, I have had to drop back to a very basic diet when faced with a with flare-up. Many others on the board have reported the same thing.

It is not uncommon for IBS to co-occur with fibromyalga and chronic fatigue syndrome. They interact with each other through the HPA axis - three interacting hormone producing organs in the body. Thyroid hormones can effect the HPA axis and so it likely effects IBS symptoms too.

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