Fodmaps and IBS symptoms

[2HOTinPHX]

Sorry this is so long. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV. I have had what I refer to as a gurgley stomach for some time now. Feeling like my stomach is grumbling a lot, slight nagging stomach aches recurring and excessive amounts of gas building up at times and associated stuff. Sorry if there is too much detail there. Discussed with Dr on several occasions with little results. Suggested probiotics and gave them a try but they didn't help. It's been an ongoing annoyance but that's about it. Figured it was just part of getting older, just more sensitive to what I eat and stress levels. I do a little internet research on the subject every now and then and recently ran across the subject of Fodmaps and IBS. See link below. Interesting it describes a lot of what I have been experiencing. I have no official IBS diagnosis but will be discussing further with my Doctor at an appointment I have next week for review of my blood work check up.

https://www.monashfodmap.com/about-fodmap-and-ibs/
from link......"FODMAPs are found in a wide range of foods, and most people eat high FODMAP foods everyday without issue. When FODMAPs are eaten, they move slowly through the small intestine attracting water. When they reach the large intestine, gut bacteria use the FODMAPs as a fuel source to survive. The bacteria rapidly ferment FODMAPs, producing gas as a result.

These events occur in all people (i.e. people with and without IBS). The difference is that people with IBS can have problems with motility (the speed at which contents move through the intestines) and/or a highly sensitive gut wall. The extra water and gas in the intestines, causes the intestinal wall to stretch and expand and results in common IBS symptoms such as pain, excessive wind, bloating, distension and altered bowel habit (diarrhoea, constipation or both).
Put simply, FODMAPs are a collection of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that aren’t absorbed properly in the gut, which can trigger symptoms in people with IBS. FODMAPs are found naturally in many foods and food additives."

So back to my story. Got flu shot and latest Covid booster last Thursday and no bad side effects. Felt a little off for a few days and called in sick to work on Monday cause I was still feeling slightly off like I didn't get enough sleep. But I also noticed my stomach was feeling less gurgley....strange a slight pause in the usual annoying issues?
So I was reading more on Monday about fodmap foods and it seems I have been eating all the things I thought were healthier options but are high fodmap items. Wheat muffin or wheat type toast with breakfast and more wheat bread with sandwich for lunch with an apple, pistachios and so on. Most things we were eating are healthy but may be playing havoc on my insides. We just happen to have not been eating a lot of the regular healthy items we normally do when I noticed my issues were subsiding. So the last few days I have been purposely been avoiding the items we normally eat that are on the fodmap list of items to avoid. I have to say it seems to be helping a lot. I know it's way too soon to tell if this pans out but two days of feeling more normal have been great. Only time will tell. I know it could be a million different things..again will talk to Dr next week on what is going on.

I did discover tonight a really nice website for fodmap recipes that is worth a look at. Good recipes and details on fodmap food items and wonderful food pictures.
https://funwithoutfodmaps.com/

just some food for thought...

 

[daylatedollarshort]

I had a gut test and was too high in akkermansia muciniphilia, among other issues. Akkermansia are bacteria that eat at your gut lining. Many people actually seem to be low in it. Some have no detectable levels. It is good to have in the right amounts.

FODMAPS can raise akkermansia, so for me it also helped my gut issues to cut back on them for awhile. I'm sure there could be many more issues surrounding FODMAPS, but I know from the gut test that is at least one significant reason they were giving me issues.

I also had a lot of other things wrong identified from the gut tests, including a gluten intolerance and bacteria that blocked vitamin K. Once I changed my diet I got a lot healthier, my gut issues are much better, and my allergies started clearing up. Even though I was eating what I believed were healthy foods before the tests, apparently they weren't healthy for my particular microbiome.

 

[Car-Guy]

I'm not a doctor and this is not a recommendation and/or medical advice but I'm simply telling a true story. (from a friend)

A good friend of mine had recurring IBS for years. He tried all sorts of OTC stuff... He even talked to his doctor but he/she didn't think it was bad enough for prescription meds...

"As I understand it" he stumbled across a website of fellow IBS sufferers. He claims what they suggested that worked for "many" of them (not all) was taking daily 600 to 800 mg Calcium supplements w/D3. Oh, and IIRC he said to be sure the Calcium supplement did NOT contain any magnesium. (Many supplements do, but some do not). He said they warned him it might take several months to start working ... In his case, it worked pretty well! And he's been on it for decades now.

 

[pacergal]

Have you ever been checked for gluten intolerance or Celiac disease? I would add those to the suspect IBS. Has your Dr ever done workups for you and your symptoms, i.e EGD, upper and lower scopes, etc?
If not, I would find a doc who takes your long standing issues seriously.

IBS is often overlooked, because it can cause so many conflicting symptoms, but it can be treated. It can be a painful and isolating disease. My DD suffers from it.
Best wishes in your search for better health.

 

[Dash man]

You need to see a gastroenterologist. My GP led me through the FODMAP avoidance route, and it helped, but didn’t fix everything. I went to my gastroenterologist who had me do lab tests where I breathe into tubes 20-30 minutes after drinking some solutions of glucose and other things. I found I was intolerant of fructose and lactose. I drastically reduced those in my diet (not fun), and had positive results for about eight months. However, now something else is causing problems and I’m waiting for results of lab work. I’m probably going to be getting a colonoscopy soon even though I’m not due for four years.
My doctor said I do not have IBS and I’ve tested negative for celiac disease, although the only definitive test is a biopsy from a colonoscopy.
It’s best to not diagnose yourself and your GP isn’t a specialist. Please see a gastroenterologist to rule out anything serious.

 

[Jerry1]

The first visit to my holistic he recommended to stop eating grains and dairy. Also to drink more water. I'm not saying it cured all issues, but I noticed an improvement in my digestion. Grains and dairy seem to be common food irritants. Of course, eating that way is a bit difficult and I've fallen off the wagon many times, but it's worth a try if you're dealing with digestive issues. Basically, just eat fruits, vegetables, beans and meat/fish. What you can eat is not bad and not too difficult to prepare. I don't miss dairy at all but staying away from grains is very hard.

 

[COcheesehead]

Wheat is one of those things people think is good for them. Likely brought on by the whole wheat bread lobby, LOL. It’s bad for you in so many ways. Just avoiding bread, is a big step to a better diet.

 

[momoftwo]

Not a doctor. Not trying to scare anyone.
Just a patient with longtime chronic Ulcerative Colitis.
I'd second the suggestion to see a GI specialist to rule out related conditions if not already done (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, blood and stool tests).
I have IV infusions to control my UC and colonoscopy/biopsy because of increased cancer risk.

Best wishes to you.

 

[Sunset]

You need to see a gastroenterologist. ... the only definitive test is a biopsy from a colonoscopy.
It’s best to not diagnose yourself and your GP isn’t a specialist. Please see a gastroenterologist to rule out anything serious.

++++1
I had issues for years, did the self diagnosis, tried various things, sometimes things seemed to work and then they didn't. Regular doc gave the usual vague advice.

Finally went to gastroenterologist.
Did a colonoscopy and the "down the throat view of the stomach" one (both at the same time with anesthesia.
Also did stool samples for the lab.

Turned out , I had a bacteria in the gut, a bad one. Pills killed it off.
The difference has been Fantastic, I feel I have my life back. I eat anything and everything and no issues.

 

[2HOTinPHX]

You need to see a gastroenterologist. My GP led me through the FODMAP avoidance route, and it helped, but didn’t fix everything. I went to my gastroenterologist who had me do lab tests where I breathe into tubes 20-30 minutes after drinking some solutions of glucose and other things. I found I was intolerant of fructose and lactose. I drastically reduced those in my diet (not fun), and had positive results for about eight months. However, now something else is causing problems and I’m waiting for results of lab work. I’m probably going to be getting a colonoscopy soon even though I’m not due for four years.
My doctor said I do not have IBS and I’ve tested negative for celiac disease, although the only definitive test is a biopsy from a colonoscopy.
It’s best to not diagnose yourself and your GP isn’t a specialist. Please see a gastroenterologist to rule out anything serious.

Thanks for the advice. That's the plan get some referrals to gastroenterologist and try to get better answers.

 

[2HOTinPHX]

Thanks for all the great replies so far. Much appreciated [emoji106]

 

[2HOTinPHX]

The first visit to my holistic he recommended to stop eating grains and dairy. Also to drink more water. I'm not saying it cured all issues, but I noticed an improvement in my digestion. Grains and dairy seem to be common food irritants. Of course, eating that way is a bit difficult and I've fallen off the wagon many times, but it's worth a try if you're dealing with digestive issues. Basically, just eat fruits, vegetables, beans and meat/fish. What you can eat is not bad and not too difficult to prepare. I don't miss dairy at all but staying away from grains is very hard.

So here's an interesting thing I am learning some healthy fruits and vegetables are on the Food map avoid list too. Asparagus, onions, apples and pistachios for example which we have quite frequently... daily for most . Since avoiding these along with wheat bread the last 5 days or so my gurgly stomach has felt much better. Now part of the fodmap this slowly adding these items back to diet and see how they affect you. Cause most fruit and veggies have good health benefits.

As advised above I will seek out professional help to confirm what is going on. This is just my little one week experience. It feels weird not feeling weird. Hope it last....

 

[2HOTinPHX]

And don't forget to check out the link to the recipe website in my original post. Well thought out recipes and great food pics. Reviews of the recipes seem pretty positive too.

 

[punkinhead]

I had bad IBS type symptoms for almost a year. For me it turned out to be dairy - specifically yoghurt. I'd started eating it for breakfast several days a week thinking it was healthy but it really messed me up. I have no problem with cheese or ice cream.

 

[UpQuark]

One of the benefits offered where I worked was free Gut Health counseling. I signed up for that and it involved mailing in a poop sample and then the results showed a bunch of categories and types of gut bacteria, both good types and bad types, and where my sample ranked in each one.
I had one bad one high and a few good ones low. The counselor had me add fermented foods (kimchi, kefir, etc) and more vegetables, and some vinegar.
Also I found a probiotic brand that had the type of good bacteria I was low in.

It worked wonders for me. I would have liked the follow-up poop test but I retired and am not willing to pay for it myself.

 

[daylatedollarshort]

One of the benefits offered where I worked was free Gut Health counseling. I signed up for that and it involved mailing in a poop sample and then the results showed a bunch of categories and types of gut bacteria, both good types and bad types, and where my sample ranked in each one.
I had one bad one high and a few good ones low. The counselor had me add fermented foods (kimchi, kefir, etc) and more vegetables, and some vinegar.
Also I found a probiotic brand that had the type of good bacteria I was low in.

It worked wonders for me. I would have liked the follow-up poop test but I retired and am not willing to pay for it myself.

I'm about to do a follow up gut test and it will be interesting to see what has changed. My gut and allergies are much better, but I still have some tight muscle issues. Those are better but not the same huge improvements like the other two. I'm curious as to what shows up corrected on the tests and what is still outstanding or maybe even I made some new issues.

 

[2HOTinPHX]

I'm about to do a follow up gut test and it will be interesting to see what has changed. My gut and allergies are much better, but I still have some tight muscle issues. Those are better but not the same huge improvements like the other two. I'm curious as to what shows up corrected on the tests and what is still outstanding or maybe even I made some new issues.

Interesting you mentioned allergies as I have noticed a lot less clogged sinuse feeling and dripping back of the throat feeling the last week. I have been sleeping better and feel a little more rested when I wake up and alert during the day. I had tried some nasal spray doctor prescribed but that just made me feel worse. Not sure if this change has anything to do with above experience but it's been nice to feel more normal again. Fingers crossed this is my new normal.

 

[Livefree]

I had a gut test and was too high in akkermansia muciniphilia, among other issues. Akkermansia are bacteria that eat at your gut lining. Many people actually seem to be low in it. Some have no detectable levels. It is good to have in the right amounts.

FODMAPS can raise akkermansia, so for me it also helped my gut issues to cut back on them for awhile. I'm sure there could be many more issues surrounding FODMAPS, but I know from the gut test that is at least one significant reason they were giving me issues.

I also had a lot of other things wrong identified from the gut tests, including a gluten intolerance and bacteria that blocked vitamin K. Once I changed my diet I got a lot healthier, my gut issues are much better, and my allergies started clearing up. Even though I was eating what I believed were healthy foods before the tests, apparently they weren't healthy for my particular microbiome.

Was the gut test you had called an OAT test? (Organic Acid Test)
I need to get tested myself.

 

[SonofCohoes]

Wheat is one of those things people think is good for them. Likely brought on by the whole wheat bread lobby, LOL. It’s bad for you in so many ways. Just avoiding bread, is a big step to a better diet.

Heed COcheeseheads words of wisdom. Spinach, if I eat spinach I feel like I’m going to burst with bowel pain. Any foods super high in fiber can trigger ibs issues for me. Mostly just discomfort and the occasional urgency, but spinach, wow!

 

[daylatedollarshort]

Was the gut test you had called an OAT test? (Organic Acid Test)
I need to get tested myself.

The gut test I had was called GI MAP. I did also have an OAT test as a part of Genova's Metabolomix+ test. I'm paying to get everyone in our family who is interested in getting the tests done. The results so far have been nothing short of amazing in how much we uncovered that doesn't get tested for on regular doctor lab tests. Heavy metal issues, leaky gut, low akkermansia, high akkermansia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and really just a ton of stuff everybody is working on correcting. I feel like it has added years of life to myself and family members.

 

[Dash man]

Heed COcheeseheads words of wisdom. Spinach, if I eat spinach I feel like I’m going to burst with bowel pain. Any foods super high in fiber can trigger ibs issues for me. Mostly just discomfort and the occasional urgency, but spinach, wow!

Spinach is also a major culprit in causing kidney stones. Never again!

 

[daylatedollarshort]

Heed COcheeseheads words of wisdom. Spinach, if I eat spinach I feel like I’m going to burst with bowel pain. Any foods super high in fiber can trigger ibs issues for me. Mostly just discomfort and the occasional urgency, but spinach, wow!

I don't know if this is your issue with spinach, but it is really high in oxalates.

 

[Livefree]

The gut test I had was called GI MAP. I did also have an OAT test as a part of Genova's Metabolomix+ test. I'm paying to get everyone in our family who is interested in getting the tests done. The results so far have been nothing short of amazing in how much we uncovered that doesn't get tested for on regular doctor lab tests. Heavy metal issues, leaky gut, low akkermansia, high akkermansia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and really just a ton of stuff everybody is working on correcting. I feel like it has added years of life to myself and family members.

That's great and something I may consider. The problem is finding a good doctor. I've been to 2 Gastroenterologist's and they both were lacking..the last one said you probably have IBS, without doing any testing

 

[daylatedollarshort]

That's great and something I may consider. The problem is finding a good doctor. I've been to 2 Gastroenterologist's and they both were lacking..the last one said you probably have IBS, without doing any testing

Diagnostic Solutions (GI MAP) and Genova (Metabolomix+) both have many videos on Youtube with case studies on how to interpret the tests. You can order the tests yourself in most states through sites like Direct Labs, and then hire an expert to help with the results.