Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I'm new to this site and find many of the posts interesting and helpful. I'm thankful that there are so many people out there with IBS that share their situations and success stories.
I too was diagnosed with IBS several years ago. After having many tests to rule out other conditions, my doctor decided I had IBS and prepared to start me on medication. Since I try to avoid prescriptions unless absolutely necessary, I asked him what caused IBS and could diet affect it. That's when he told me about lactose and fructose intolerances. I asked to have these tests done before starting prescription medications.
My fructose intolerance test results were extremely high. Within minutes after drinking the syrupy liquid, I was burping. The NP who took the test said she never saw a reaction that quick! My lactose test was negative.
I was given information about the foods containing natural fructose and also about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). I started reading labels and was amazed at how many processed foods contain HFCS (some major items being grocery store breads, regular soda, Gatorade, yogurts (except sugar free and nonfat plain), syrup (not pure maple), etc.). Since learning of my intolerance, I have eliminated these items and many, many more. Thankfully, I seem to be able to tolerate fruits in moderation. The difference after eliminating foods containing fructose made such a difference so quickly I was amazed. It eliminated the diarrhea and abdominal pain I previously suffered from!
Several years ago when I was diagnosed there wasn't much about fructose intolerance and IBS on the internet. Most information came from researchers at Iowa University. Since then I've tried to spread the word as much as possible about fructose intolerance, since most people with IBS seem to only be aware of the affects of lactose. Thankfully that seems to have changed. I was glad to see so many posts about it on this site!
How many of you are intolerant to fructose only (especially HFCS) and have found eliminating it has all but removed your IBS symptoms?

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