Like Syl I too used to think that I was IBS-C due to the symptoms you described which were similar to mine but in terms of number of BMs per day I too usually qualify as IBS-D. Most importantly, for me it's too much fat that's causing me those symptoms. So take care of your fat intake. For me that is the biggest challenge, I have to be extra careful.
In terms of fructose malabsorption, I've noticed that whereas I am not as sensitive to fructose as to lactose, even a tiny amount of fructose causes me symptoms and immediately. Somewhere I read (may not be a wholly good source), lactose intolerance and fructose malabsorption cause instantenous D. That's what I have from even tiny amounts of lactose. Fructose, small amounts I just have immediate bloating, large amounts same as lactose instant D. Now this again used to confuse me back in the day when I knew nothing about either fat or IF or FODMAPs. So I quite often used both lactose (milk and yoghurt) and fructose (apples) as a laxative cos I was longing for relief. (Even today I'd rather have D (which I have from a good fat but too high IF intake diet) than the symptoms I get from too much fat (needing to go but not being able to, elimination urge but no result and spasms and pain)).
As for IF, it's not a good idea to eat IF for IF's sake in my opinion, but there are so many incredibly healthy foods that have excess IF in them that I recommend eating those with a SF supplement.
As for other FODMAPs, fructans for me cause large amounts of bloating, I am now not eating wheat or onions or garlic. I do well with polyols, and I do eat broccoli and beans, Beano is good for making the gas odour-free, but has not helped me with distention. Still, it's not something I couldn't live with, as I said I personally (and may be the case with you too) have different symptoms from different foods and some (like fat) are vicious, whereas others (like bloating) are not tragic and benefits are outweighed by the healthy-ness of such foods as broccoli and beans and apricots so I'd rather have a certain amount of bloating than not eat those foods. But it all comes down to what you feel comfortable with! Best of luck!
-------------------- now: stable through EFI+FODMAP dieting (no lactose/no fructose/some fructans and some polyols)
before: IBS-D(pseudo-diarrhoea), bloating, often unbearable pain esp from too much fat: Apr 2007- Dec 2010
FODMAPs: http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072710p30.shtml
[I've tried VSL#3 -> I could tolerate v good amounts of IF (even with less SF), it worked great (but overall I find it too expensive)]
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|