Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Help? Advice? I think I'm losing my mind!!

Hi Brityn,

I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time! I can relate, as I used to have a physical dependency on stimulant laxatives. The "rebound" constipation, gas and bloating was almost unbearable!

You won't find a whole lot of people on this board who support the use of aloe vera juice (Heather does not recommend it), but it helped me out a great deal, especially when I was recovering from the laxative dependency. I also take digestive enzymes, and eat extra flax seeds when constipation is a major issue.

I can also relate to having food restrictions while following the IBS diet...while I am not vegan or even vegetarian, I have type 1 diabetes, and have to watch the amount of sugar and refined carbs I consume. I also have problems with dairy, tomatoes and wheat. Sometimes it feels like I am losing my mind, with all these things to consider every time I eat! I also went through a period of trying every different supplement, herb, vitamin and homeopathic treatment (you name it!) to help with the IBS symptoms...some of them worked, and some of them didn't, and all of them left a significant dent in my bank account! It can be really overwhelming and confusing trying to find the best way to treat your IBS, especially when you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. My advice to you is to carefully watch how your body is responding to everything you're doing/taking. Eliminate the things you know aren't helping you, and keep doing the things you know are helping you. Meanwhile, do try to incorporate more soluble fiber foods into your diet...

I've found that there are plenty of foods I can eat that are appropriate for my personal health needs, and still fit into Heather's diet. I've had a lot of success eating baked sweet potatoes (which have more fiber and nutrients than the white ones, but are still mostly SF), soft, peeled mangoes, well-cooked carrots and squash, rice, quinoa, spinach, and tofu. You can also get rice pasta and rice bread that work really well if you really do have a problem with wheat or gluten. Rice cheese is also a great source of vegan protein that is very easy to digest. If eating is too much of a struggle sometimes, try making smoothies with a base of silken tofu or rice/soymilk, flax seeds and bananas or mangoes.

I hope that helps a bit. It's a process, and you just have to keep working at it. But I hope you get some relief soon!

Take care!

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Julia

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