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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
IBS Diet Question
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
IBS Diet Question
by alexandria, Jun 21, 2004 12:00AM
Wondering if you could provide me with some insight on IBS and diet. I'm a 36-year old female with a history of constipation predominant IBS, reflux/gastritis, endometriosis, high BP, etc. I've been struggling with severe constipation following a female surgery that created suspected bowel adhesions (for the past year and a half). Numerous GI tests were done and the only medication that worked was combniation of Citrucil and Miralax. All previous tests were normal.
Most recently, I've changed my diet. Gained 20 pounds over the past year and wanted to get back in shape. I've reduced my carb intake significantly, and am now eating a higher amount of fruits and vegetables. Since I changed my diet, I haven't needed to take a laxative for the past month. In fact, I've been experiencing borderline diarrhea for the past two weeks. Stools are formed but dissolve immediately. This occurs once to twice per day. I have the following questions:
1. Is the borderline diarrhea created by the reduction of carbs? Things seem to be bulkier when I eat rice or potatoes with meals.
2. Is the re-emegence of my IBS due to the fact that I'm taking in more fruits and veggies?
3. Is there any way to calm my intestines down?
Overall, I'm feeling better since I'm eating more natural foods, but the increase in veggies and fruits is really irritating my stomach. I went from eating 1 serving of veggies and 1-2 servings of fruit per day to 4-5 servings of veggies and 3-4 servings of fruit. Otherwise, diet is low in fat, low in carbs and low in sugar. I have also switched to whole grain foods such as whole wheat breads and cereals.
Most recently, I've changed my diet. Gained 20 pounds over the past year and wanted to get back in shape. I've reduced my carb intake significantly, and am now eating a higher amount of fruits and vegetables. Since I changed my diet, I haven't needed to take a laxative for the past month. In fact, I've been experiencing borderline diarrhea for the past two weeks. Stools are formed but dissolve immediately. This occurs once to twice per day. I have the following questions:
1. Is the borderline diarrhea created by the reduction of carbs? Things seem to be bulkier when I eat rice or potatoes with meals.
2. Is the re-emegence of my IBS due to the fact that I'm taking in more fruits and veggies?
3. Is there any way to calm my intestines down?
Overall, I'm feeling better since I'm eating more natural foods, but the increase in veggies and fruits is really irritating my stomach. I went from eating 1 serving of veggies and 1-2 servings of fruit per day to 4-5 servings of veggies and 3-4 servings of fruit. Otherwise, diet is low in fat, low in carbs and low in sugar. I have also switched to whole grain foods such as whole wheat breads and cereals.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 22, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 22, 2004 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) It may be possible that the diarrhea is caused by the changes in the diet. If the diarrhea continues, further tests can be considered, including a flexible sigmoidoscopy or tests for malabsorption.
2) IBS is a difficult disease to pin down. Diet changes can result in flare-ups. Typically increasing fiber in the diet helps with the symptoms.
3) As for treatment, if increasing fiber does not help, then you may want to consider anti-spasmodic agents. If the IBS is constipation-predominant, there is a medication called Zelnorm that has been shown in some studies to help with the symptoms.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
1) It may be possible that the diarrhea is caused by the changes in the diet. If the diarrhea continues, further tests can be considered, including a flexible sigmoidoscopy or tests for malabsorption.
2) IBS is a difficult disease to pin down. Diet changes can result in flare-ups. Typically increasing fiber in the diet helps with the symptoms.
3) As for treatment, if increasing fiber does not help, then you may want to consider anti-spasmodic agents. If the IBS is constipation-predominant, there is a medication called Zelnorm that has been shown in some studies to help with the symptoms.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments (1)
by yoshi, Jun 21, 2004 12:00AM
fruits are loaded with sugar.
