IBS and low carb?
 

I've been dealing with constipation and diarrhea a lot lately. I had to into the ER last night because it was bothering me so much aqnd the doctor said I had IBS. I was given meds but I still don't feel normal. I never had these problems before I started eating low carb. I've been doing my best to get a balance of good vegetables but maybe it's not enough. What can I do? I feel like there's a five lb weight on my stomach and it's really uncomfortable...

Have you ever been tested for celiac...my doctor told me everyone who has been told they have IBS should be tested for celiac.

Well, I don't know if the ER. doctor checked for celiac's or not, but I had multiple blood samples drawn and a urine sample. She said that everything looked fine to her and then told me it was IBS. I don't know if I need more fiber in my diet or something else, but I'm constantly dealing with a bloaty feeling that's really uncomfortable.

Meat should pass through your system without needing fibre. Your body should be be digesting so much of it that there is very little left to pass out the other end. The meat should be fairly fatty and not over cooked though.
Celiac disease symptoms are caused by eating foods containing gluten. If you are not eating those then celiac disease shouldn't be a problem.
Are you eating nuts? I really like them but they cause me problems. What are the typical foods you eat?

I have IBS and lowcarb has been the best thing for it. No more doubled over belly cramps, no explosive trips to the bathroom. When I up my carbs, back come the symptoms. Sugar alcohols are my only loose stools any more-so I try to avoid them. Good luck!

What are you eating? Low carb highlighted issues I have with gluten and a few other things. I've done some trial and error tests and found that gluten, nuts and certain raw veggies upset my gut a lot. I'd cook all veggies until your gut settles down.

If you're eating low carb products, check them for gluten. It is also in soy sauce, beer, anything containing malt (in the US). You can usually buy gluten free soy, beer and so on.

Well, other than almonds I don't really eat many nuts and I have been completely off wheat for a few months. I did start doing some research and for some people with sensitive digestive tracts do need to take fiber supplements in order to avoid IBS. Since adding a supplement of psyllium husks and taking docusate sodium (which was prescribed) i've been feeling significantly better. I also met someone here at school who has celiac's disease and since quitting her gluten intake has had similar issues. She said that doing the same thing has helped her as well.

http://www.lowcarb.ca/tips/tips012.html

Here's some more info for others having the same symptoms as me.

I've had some awful IBS attacks from almonds. Try to cut them out and test them when your bowels are quiet.

Do you eat them with the skins on?

How about your stress level. IBS is connected to stress.

I too have IBS. There is help
 

Hi KittyLoves,
I hope this helps: I'm new to this site, and your msg touched me. I walked in those shoes since the onset of this year. I recommend a book by Dr. Mark Pimentel, A New IBS Solution. He goes on to explain, IBS is not in your head, but bacteria growing in the small intestines, which should be sterile, and is treating many patients successfully. He has a good diet plan in there also, and will explain why scientifically it will work.

I don't have medical insurance, but am treating my IBS successfully homeopathically. I make my own keifer (this stops the pain and diarrehea), and take entercentric peppermint oil with oregano (the oregano kills the bacteria in my small intestines. I also do not eat any fried foods, nor products containing lactose, artificial or chemical sweetners (these also feed the bacteria in my small intestines and allow it to multiply) I use a touch of raw honey and pure stevia to sweeten my coffee and tea. I follow the sugar busters diet, & have lost 10lbs this month. Hooray!

I serve a loving heavenly Father who loves us, & is leading me towards complete healing.

You should try a low FODMAp diet. Many people with IBS symptoms have got much needed relief from this. What it does is greatly reduce or eliminate many foods high in FODMAP (this stands for something but don't know off hand what it is). Most of the food to eliminate fall into the veggie and fruit category. That doesn't mean you can't eat any, it's only certain ones like no onions, no cruciferous veggies, no apples, no mangos, etc. It also advises against dairy and what. After you calm it your symptoms down (about 6 weeks), you can slowly introduce one food at a time to see if it causes you a bad reaction. All proteins (meats, fish, eggs) are allowed along with white rice (jasmine and basmati are best), yellow potatoes, oats, and quinoa. It seems very bland at first from what most of us are used to but the results have been astounding for me and many others.

I've had IBS-"C" for many years. Even during the years I wasn't LCing I took magnesium to keep things moving. I also have fibromyalgia, and malic acid(magnesium malate)is the form a 'fibro doc' recommended to me years ago, so that is the form I still take. I don't recall the affect it was supposed to have on the fibro(maybe a muscle relaxant), but it definitely helped the "C", so I've stuck with it.

Sorry, I didn't notice the "D" part of your post. Magnesium would make it worse.
You might look up info on The Specific Carbohydrate Diet. It is for people with celiac, gluten intolerances, crohn's, etc. I had the book many years ago(hoping it would help the fibro)but gave it to a friend who's son was in the hospital with I think crohn's. She was eventually able to manage his symptoms with the diet and get him off of some of the horrible meds he had to take.