I have to admit I'm a little bothered by the advice that if we just chill out and eat whatever our IBS will improve. To me it comes across as saying, "It's all in your head," which feeds into the idea that we're ultimately the ones to be blamed for having this disorder.
I think we've all read enough studies to know that IBS is NOT psychological: this is a disorder that is physiological and neurological, one that has been shown to affect people in a measurable way.
For me, following the diet means eating in a way that is easy for my digestive tract because it IS sensitive and it DOESN'T work properly. Of course, some people are too focused on the diet, which is only a guideline for eating safely, and they forget about the other available treatments for reducing IBS symptoms also mentioned on this site.
I'll admit that I was completely focused on getting control over my IBS symptoms and doing everything possible to minimize my pain while understanding (sadly) that it would never go away 100%. But I don't feel guilty about it because I WAS suffering and, I'm speaking for myself, I realized that in order to get a grip on myself, my IBS, and my life I would have to learn about this disorder, read and compare studies, and learn how to eat to put the least amount of stress on my digestive tract.
I do recognize that for some people such concentration does add emotional stress, especially for those who are dealing with a pre-existing ED. I really feel for those of you who are trying to find a balance between eating safely for IBS and not becoming obsessed with the diet. And I do believe that such stress can exacerbate symptoms--but it is NOT a cause of our IBS. So, simply no longer caring about what we put in our mouths won't make it go away.
Because IBS is a chronic disorder without any cure or specific treatment, this means even if I'm relaxed and without a care in the world, even if my mind is not fixated on SF or eating safely, if eat a hamburger or have the smallest scoop of ice cream, I WILL have an attack. And the reason I'll have an attack isn't because I think I will, but because the proteins in red meat and dairy ARE more difficult to digest.
If you actually read all this, wow! I'm sorry to go off and I hope you know me well enough to realize that my intent is not to offend or hurt anyone's feelings. It's just that after a few years of people telling me it's because of my attitude or personality or anxiety (which I didn't develop until a couple of years after my initial diagnosis with IBS and having D more than several times everyday during that time) and THEN reading all these studies that prove otherwise, I'm just sad when it's suggested (even subtlely and politely) that I just need to relax and I'll feel better. 
Edited by Maria!Maria! (10/06/05 10:04 AM)
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My concern with this theory...
