IBS back with a vengeance
 

Hi there,

I have both kinds of IBS, I alternate between C and D with spells of several weeks where I am fine.

I just started low-carbing 2 days ago. Nothing too radical (the Schwarbein plan) as I am not out to loose weight just trying to get a grip on my eating habits (I am a sugar junkie).

Well, within 12 hours, my stomach started doing this rythmic cramping thing and has continued off and on for 48 hrs now. I have had bad D all yesterday and it is continuing today. The cramps are quite painful.

I am wondering if it is due to the increase in vegetables in my diet.

Any thoughts? Advice? Should I stick with it? The frustrating thing is everything my Mom tought me to eat when I had D is exactly what I am trying to stay away from now (dry toast, saltines, bananas..)

Thanks for your insight.

guerita, how are you?
 

guerita,

I have been meaning to respond to you for the last several days. For some reason I could not post messages.

Anyway, how are you feeling? Have stayed on the diet to give your body time to adjust? Is you IBS getting better? I have IBS-D and this diet has helped me. The bloating and gas I used to have is nearly gone. But the second I eat something high in carbs....it's bloat city! My D isn't as bad either, unless I eat something really greasy, like pork rinds.

As you know, with IBS, everyone is different. I used to think when I had D I should eat crackers and toast, too. But when you eat these kinds of foods, your body thinks it is sugar. The bacteria in your bowels love that sugar and they feed on it. The result....D. Anytime you have a change in diet, your bowel habits will change. Try sticking to the diet for at least 2 weeks, and slowly increase your fiber intake. I like taking FiberCon...no yucky thick, gritty drink you have to choke down!

Good luck, and let me know how you are doing!