This app was mentioned in 29 comments, with an average of 2.83 upvotes
Yes could be. Try low fodmap, get this app. Do it for 6 weeks. Avoid all gluten. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
Drink 30g collagen hydrosolat per day in that time. Don't ever cheat on diet in that time.
Whoever was asking about FODMAP related things, are you aware of the Monash low FODMAP app?
The app is created by the Monash University studying the FODMAP diet and is regularly updated (monthly, at the moment).
I’ll add to that, and agree with my own anecdotal experience. Had a good year of pain and started following FODMAP. I’m back to feeling myself again.
My doctor told me about the FODMAP app, that was developed by Monash University and it was a god send! Followed it and it helped immensely.
I want to add a bit to this: I live in the US and I once saw a dietitian who specializes in the low FODMAP diet. She was extremely helpful.
I believe the app is $10 US.
That is rough. I can't give you too much advice because I don't know about the latter two issues. But I got an app to help understand a bit more what I cannot have while on the diet. Here is the app (Android or Apple), its expensive for an app but its definitely helped me understand a bit more. As far as I can tell its from the University that first started/came up with the diet. Maybe it can help you?
I don't personally deal with this sort of thing but a friend of mine had similar issues for years and then he found elimination diet and said it changed his life. He said he thought he was eating "healthy" but found that some healthy foods were causing his issues. He used this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap and told me going through this process sucked butt it ultimately worked. He told me he has been feeling much better since and he looks much better as well versus the really tired and such that he was before. I think it's been somewhere between 6 months to a year since he started this and he's been clearly much happier since.
Bof r/ibs j'ai quitté parce que la moitié des posts c'était des memes cringe sur la constipation ou la chiasse.
Je m'en suis sorti en gérant mieux mon stress (en vieillissant on relativise de plus en plus) et surtout en faisant gaffe à mon régime. Identifier et éliminer les aliments auxquels je suis sensible m'a donné un gros coup de boost au niveau confort de vie. Fini les chiasses, nausées et nuits sans sommeil réparateur.
Niveau régime, la référence c'est l'université de Monash, tout le monde se basent sur leurs études. Achète leur app. C'est pas cher payé et ça finance des études qui t'aident :)
Je n'ai pas eu à faire le régime complet, j'ai vite trouvé que je ne supporte pas les aliments qui comportent du fructane. Adieu les oignons, échalotes, betteraves, artichauts, choux de Bruxelles, maïs en boîte... C'est dur mais je vais bien mieux comme ça.
what kinds of veggies? check types and amounts against Monash's app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap&hl=en_US
(magasins)
Are you already using the FODMAP app from Monash University? It is absolutely worth the $7. This app and the equivalent pdf were big helps when this diet was being used in my household. All of the foods came from regular stores, with a quick consult of the list for anything that was not already a household staple.
I had no idea that even in the US there were dedicated shops and products. Do they sell really processed foods that replicate regular recipes with low FODMAP ingredients, or just stick to stocking low FODMAP basics? Interesting.
Hoping reintroduction will go well. Sticking to a very compliant diet was a real pain in the ass.
If you have issues with sorbitol, I highly recommend the Monash Uni Low FODMAP Diet app. The Monash University developed the diet and measured the FODMAP content in food. In the app you can look up food and see its FODMAP content to determine if the food should be safe to eat. It was $10 (US) when I bought it, and I consider it money well spent.
Keep a food and symptom diary. Better yet, use an app like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap&hl=en
At least until you can seek medical attention you'll be able to find out if there are any particular foods that make your symptoms worse.
you've been ill for a long time, your guts won't heal overnight. i know that the early stages of the elimination part are REALLY difficult because it feels like you aren't getting any results, but try to stick with it. i have IBS, and eating low fodmap has pretty much resolved the issue for me. it almost worked a little TOO well for a while, as i flipped from IBS-D to IBS-C, but now that i have a water & fiber routine down i'm doing pretty well.
some things to look at:
are you tracking your macro/micronutrients? being deficient in some things will make you feel like shit (omega 3s, vitamin d & b12, electrolytes) , getting too much of others will do the same (zinc, magnesium, iron). try keeping a food journal with an app like chronometer.
are you getting an adequate amount of fiber & water? those hershey squirts can be very dehydrating. for fiber, i personally really like acacia powder as i can dump 2 tablespoons into 60oz of water and sip that all day to spread out my added fiber without the water getting thickened. you might also need dry fiber instead of additional wet fiber, to help soak up some of the water in your guts.
you mentioned you're eating soy- is this pressed tofu or silken tofu? silken tofu actually has a lot of oligosaccharides & fructans, this could be your culprit. if not, just try logging all your fodmaps in a typical day to make sure you aren't over-consuming any particular category over the whole day. you also mentioned soy sauce- is this a gluten free brand or nah? you might swap to coconut aminos or find a confirmed GF brand.
are you maybe allergic to some of the low fodmap foods you are eating? i was using flaxmeal & hemp hearts as daily foods and i didn't realize they weren't supposed to be "spicy" until i saw hemp milk & flax milk eggnog at the store one day. :C
something that might also help is adding a source of acid throughout the day. i find that it helps me to have something acidic to drink with some foods, for some reason. i usually do 4oz of lemon juice with 10oz of water & as much ice as possible, sweetened to taste (maybe like a tablespoon of sugar for me).
about a month ago a user posted a new chrome extension that helps check food labels on websites called Fig, which might be especially helpful for someone just starting a low fodmap diet. you can check out brands you normally eat to see if they're compliant with your diet. i think they also recently made a web page with low fodmap brands that you can sort by store or something? having the Monash app or another fodmap checker is also supremely helpful, as even after a year of eating low fodmap i still have trouble with foods i don't normally consume (like cauliflower- apparently it's SUPER high in mannitol. no cauli rice at chipotle for me.)
finally, make sure to keep after it with your doctor. it may be a combination of food intolerances & damaged intestines from previous illness. i had salmonella when i was a teenager, and my guts just went further and further downhill over the years. i thought for a while maybe i had celiac's like my sister since i seem totally intolerant to gluten, but blood testing nixed that idea. now i get to play the fun game of "how long on low fodmap is long enough for my insurance to let me get more invasive testing?"
the golden standard is the Monash app (google play / apple) and imo most people will find success using it. you can download and utilize google opinion rewards to help offset the cost of the app (i've been using opinion rewards for 3 years and have made like $85)
there are ups and downs but ultimately you're looking to reduce/manage symptoms, not fully eliminate all of them. some bloating/gas is natural, but fartstorms and drum bellies are not. other stuff, like nausea or wild swings on the bristol chart should go away completely unless you've got other issues.
make sure to follow up with a physician if your symptoms aren't mostly gone after 6 weeks or so, as you'll want to rule out things like SIBO or other digestive issues.
depending on your symptoms, you may find that you need to dramatically increase your water intake or add a magnesium supplement at night to help things along. a general rule is half your weight in ounces, but if you're overweight just aim for half of a healthy BMI for your weight. make sure to get plenty of electrolytes as well. in my non-medical opinion, people with IBS or IBS-like issues need more water due to the intestines taking more than their fair share of it.
Search for Monash fodmap
Here a link for Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
I get swollen joints (hands, knees especially) , stiffness, random pains, and plantar fasciitis from Hashimotos. It happens exclusively due to my immune system being triggered. For a long time I just thought people had random pain but then once I got it under control I realized it only happens when my immune symptoms are triggered. Depending on the trigger I get different symptoms... for example gluten and dairy cause the stuff listed above but I'll also get really spacey and forgetful and then get bout of depression within 48 hours. Almost all of my triggers are food triggers and I have way more than most people so I had to do a lot of trial and error to figure out what was causing me problems.
If you feel inspired to attempt some different elimination diets here are a few to consider:
IMF Elimination Diet Is a good first step.
Whole30 I really recommend the book for the recipes, food planning, and cooking intro) there is also a subreddit for support
Autoimmune Protocol - There are lots of online resources. This is a great intro book
FODMAP elimination diet. The Monash University app for iPhone or Android is very helpful for starting the diet.
Also I can't recommend enough a good doctor or dietitian/nutritionist who will help you with vitamin deficiencies and elimination diets.
Sorry you're going through this, it's shitty (hah) I know. For a long time, almost a year, literally the only thing I could eat was plain cornflakes for breakfast, rice bread with a slice of cheese and a slice of processed ham for lunch, and fish n' chips for dinner. I started going insane and would periodically say "fuck it" eat a whole pizza with ice cream and just deal with a week of even worse shits. I lost almost 40lbs and I was already skinny, I was tired ALL THE TIME, people were concerned.
Tons of great advice already on seeing a specialist, so make sure you actually do it! A lot of people go "oh yeah I'll try" and then don't follow through, you must! Keep pushing to see one, no matter how long it takes. I had to wait 8 months myself, but where I live in Canada there aren't many GI's so there is a huge waiting list. You won't magically get better, you must take control of your situation, don't let this shit(hah) continue without fighting it.
Edit: regarding pay, I can't help as I'm in Canada so it's covered under my basic health insurance, but I would say: it doesn't matter. Pay whatever the fuck you need to, get a loan, beg family and friends, do a Kickstarter, shit(hah), really, whatever you can, in order to get some help. The US insurance debacle is fucking disgusting when viewing it as an outsider. How much you pay should not be on your list of questions!! If you're sick you just go to the doctor, JFC. Sorry for the rant but your medical system is truly worse than many of the 3rd world countries I've lived in, I'm ranting at the system - not you!
FODMAP diet has been mentioned but what helped me a great deal was downloading/paying for the official FODMAP app created by the same University that discovered it. It has the theory/logic of the diet, food lookups, meal ideas/recipes and everything.
Here's the Android version but I'm sure there is an Apple one:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
At first it was so goddamn annoying having to look up every ingredient in a meal to check the levels or amounts of certain foods, but eventually just like anything else you get "good" at it and it's no longer such a big deal. It's important you try a strict FODMAP diet though for a few weeks under supervision, as apart from "do you have anxiety" it's the first step a GI will put you on to try and rule out diet (or in your case possible vitamin/mineral deficiencies as well) as a potential factor. They will also typically put you on a good probiotic (which are crazy expensive, but apparently you gotta spend $$s for the good stuff that is still alive).
IBS is a diagnosis of elimination, so unfortunately you do have to put up with a lot of bullshit(hah) until you hopefully narrow down the root cause, but it takes time!
For myself, the "fix" (so far anyway, it's been a pretty good 2 months almost) after trying different types of meds and FODMAP over the past ~2 years, turned out to be something called cholestyramine, and a tentative diagnosis of Bile Acid Malabsorption. Basically I must be producing too much Bile, it makes it's way to my large intestine, irritates constantly so that the moment something goes from small -> large intestine, large intestine goes NOPE GTFO. I go for a follow up in a month to see if we need to investigate WHY I might be producing so much Bile or if the side effect of the the drug being constipating (which for me, means shitting only 2-3 times a day, instead of 10+) are "helping".
Anyway - my point in outlining my experience briefly (I go into it some more in a separate post I made called "Dicetel has opposite effect?" ) Was to try and show you that IBS isn't a singular diagnosis and that it can take time figure out what your unique situation is, in order to improve your quality of life. If nothing else hold on to the fact that you are TRYING, you are taking active steps to resolve the issue.
The important thing is to NEVER GIVE UP, EVER. No matter how bad you may think it is, eventually it will get better! If you're going through hell, keep going goddamn it.
This is the most dependable app with up to date measurements by the creator of the low fodmap diet https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
irritable bowel syndrome It can be broke down into IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, or IBS-U but it also overlaps with like (GERD) gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. and is sometimes used as a Umbrella term when people have no clue what's worng with you.
irritable bowel syndrome is a common, long-term condition of the digestive system. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.
The most common symptoms of IBS are: abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping, which may be relieved by moving your bowels a change in your bowel habits – such as diarrhoea, constipation or sometimes both bloating and swelling of your stomach excessive wind occasionally experiencing an urgent need to move your bowels Additional problems In addition to the main symptoms, people with IBS can experience other problems. These can include: a lack of energy feeling sick backache
Lot people that have IBS go on a Fodmap Diet fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. This removes set food groups that trigger IBS and make your neutral so to speak after some time you start adding food groups you remove and as you do this you start bringing in trigger foods and if they set you off you dont eat them basically. The Low Fodmap diet you do for about 6 weeks and then bring food back in slowly.
More infohttps://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-low-fodmap-diethttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome#:~:text=Irritable%20bowel%20syndrome%20%28IBS%29%20is%20a%20group%20of,symptoms%20occur%20over%20a%20long%20time%2C%20often%20years.
Edit. (important)I posted about the FODMAP Diet if you not heard about this and have IBS speak to a dietitian do not do it alone. If one is to pricy Get a load of books on it research the hell out of it before you start as you are stripping your diet and will be on the minimum amount nutrition going through your body the last thing you want is to have a nutrition deficiency.
I can recommend some thingshttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Low-FODMAP-Diet-revolutionary-digestive/dp/0091955351/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=IBS+book&qid=1593463449&sr=8-2https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
I started with a basic elimination diet and then escalated to more complex ones. I'm not trying to push these at all I am just relating my experience so you can weigh out if it is something that you think might be worthwhile. These are the ones I have tried (in order of what I tried):
IMF Elimination Diet Is a good first step.
Whole30 I really recommend the book for the recipes, food planning, and cooking intro) there is also a subreddit for support
Autoimmune Protocol - There are lots of online resources. This is a great intro book
I also had this food sensitivity blood test done which while overwhelming at the time (because I reacted to like 40 things) was really helpful because I found out I had reactions to things like black pepper. You can also use this to do your own elimination diet so you can learn how your body reacts to those foods. It was also a great relief to know I could modify the Autoimmune Protocol diet... which for me was the hardest.
FODMAP elimination diet. The Monash University app for iPhone or Android is very helpful for starting the diet.
So what is interesting is there seem to be a lot of ways to react to foods. I have seen intolerance mean both autoimmune symptoms and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. Allergy seems to mean something to the effect of celiac or a peanut allergy which can be immediately life threatening. For me I have autoimmune symptoms to almost all of the foods I have problems with. Depending on what it is I'll get headaches pretty immediately after eating and then I'll get joint swelling in different parts of my body. Now after I got through all that the Doctor had me try the FODMAP diet as an elimination diet and I have found that there are a small number of foods that I eat regularly that actually are causing gastrointestinal issues. In my situation my doctor is of the opinion that my small intestine is more permeable due to damage that has happened. That the best way to let it heal is to get things out of my diet that cause distress... so figuring out things that cause gastrointestinal issues is important.
The reason this is hard to figure out is if the problems feel normal to you then you don't realize they are a problem. The elimination diets help because you remove things for a period and reintroduce them. It's basically a science experiment to see if you are having issues with any of those foods.
In my experience I have learned new things about my body and my issues for each diet. They do take a lot of energy to get into because it really does require a lot of attention. By the last ones though I'm pretty used to this and the payoff has been huge for me.
Increased energy. Being able to exercise without hating life, being able to focus, work long days if i need too.
Cognitive focus increased. I can sit and focus on work or a project far longer without being exhausted.
Less dependance on meal time. I could not push meal time without becoming really short tempered. It cause me a lot of anxiety and I would keep snacks around in case something happened. I can pretty much skip snacking now and even skip a meal if i need to without it completely wiping me out.
Weight loss. I have been trying to lose weight because I was obese for the last 8 years. I was making progress but it was so incredibly hard and painful. Changing my diet without cutting calories and minimal exercise (walking) I lost 25lbs this past year without really trying at all.
Improved emotional stability. In my other comment I had written about my mood issues. Getting on thyroid meds helped a lot for the first 5 years or so but the last year with the diets have made a huge difference in my overall patience and ability to stay focused on calm.
I'm not trying to push these at all I am just relating my experience so you can weigh out if it is something that you think might be worthwhile. These are the ones I have tried (in order of what I tried):
IMF Elimination Diet Is a good first step.
Whole30 I really recommend the book for the recipes, food planning, and cooking intro) there is also a subreddit for support
Autoimmune Protocol - There are lots of online resources. This is a great intro book
I also had this food sensitivity blood test done which while overwhelming at the time (because I reacted to like 40 things) was really helpful because I found out I had reactions to things like black pepper. You can also use this to do your own elimination diet so you can learn how your body reacts to those foods. It was also a great relief to know I could modify the Autoimmune Protocol diet... which for me was the hardest.
FODMAP elimination diet. The Monash University app for iPhone or Android is very helpful for starting the diet.
Anyway I know that is a ton to take in. Sorry for writing a book. I wish you the best luck and hugs* because its very hard when you are first starting out and trying to figure out what works for you. You are doing great to start reaching out and looking though. Keep searching, it will get better!
For those looking for the app for FODMAP management: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
She used the Monash FODMAP app. $10 but totally worth it
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
Hi, I'm sorry to hear that. While right now it might seem like your life has quite literally gone to shit, it hasn't. Trust me, with proper care and management it can become bearable.
I myself have been diagnosed about a year ago but I've had the symptoms for a lot longer. They weren't as severe then. So I have some experience.
The first thing you should do is contact your university, as you mentioned, and see if there are any special kind of measures that can be taken. I myself have an agreement with my university that I can stay at home for a couple of days without having to go to a doctor and get proof of sickness, I can also always leave the classroom to go visit the toilet. So what I would suggest is that you go and ask about any special measures. You'll probably need some sort of proof of your medical condition so you can contact your GP then and kill two birds with one stone.
You should also see your GP as soon as possible to discuss any sort of medicine you could take. If you feel like your GP isn't really helping you to the best of their ability you can always contact other doctors for a second opinion. It never hurts to ask. As a general thing that I can recommend to you, try using peppermint oil. For me and other people it really works to reduce the pain and general disconfort. You can always try these pillows that heat up, if you put them on your stomach it really helps to relieve the pain.
It's also pretty normal to start feeling depressed, sad and isolated when having IBS. I personally started to become a shut in, never leaving my house because I had too much stress of having an episode when I'm out and about, I still do that a lot. But you must try to break free of those feelings and continue to at least try and do stuff. It's not gonna be easy but your gonna have to over the fear of going to the toilet in public. I myself struggle with that a lot still but you have to keep in mind, everybody has to shit and if people are annoyed by it, fuck them. They don't know what you are going through. If you have any other problems mentally try to visit a therapist, that always helps.
As a last general recommendation, you can always try a low-FODMAP diet. It cuts out certain foods you shouldn't eat and helps to reduce symptoms. A good app I was recommended on this subreddit is the "Monash University low-FODMAP diet" app. It does cost money, but it's a small trade off. It contains lists on what food to eat and which to avoid. It also contains some small recipes for low-FODMAP food. There are some good ones in there.
Although it might seem like it right now, your life isn't over. It's not gonna be easy, and it's gonna get hard at certain times. But it's important to never, ever give up. Don't let it control your life. And with medical science being as amazing as it is right now, I'm certain that someday there will be a medicine that will help us all.
The very last thing I could say is, the very best of luck. You aren't alone in this, we're all struggeling with you.
I'm not a native English speaker, so I'm sorry for any mistakes.
There's an official FODMAP app. I believe it costs $10 (US).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.monashuniversity.fodmap
I completely get it. I've done these so far:
IMF Elimination Diet and reacted to pretty much everything.
Removed grains and legumes
I also had this food sensitivity blood test done
Attempted FODMAP elimination diet. I realized I was messing up with coconut cream about a week ago. iPhone or Android.
I have inflammation reactions to over 40+ different foods and gastrointestinal reactions to a bunch of others like grains and legumes. I react to spices like Thyme, black/white pepper, sage, and others. I have to make all of my own meals. It's just overwhelming sometimes. I see a doctor and get nutritional guidance but I just wish it would get better. I am sooooo tired of meal planning its hard to get excited about eliminating more foods and the amount of work when it comes to planning the overlap of AIP and what I'm experiencing already. I feel whiny because it really has changed my life for the better in so many ways but it hard to stay motivated when you don't know if you can ever get better. I will look at it again though. Thanks for the push. It's nice when someone else gets this stuff. Just have to keep trucking ahead.
Thanks. I just feel like for people who are not "ready" it can kinda freak them out. There is a huge emotional connection with food. I feel hundreds of times better so I feel like its all worth it.
I know you are doing AIP but here are some other elimination diets that helped me in case you decide to try some different stuff out.
IMF Elimination Diet Is a good first step.
Whole30 I really recommend the book for the recipes, food planning, and cooking intro) there is also a subreddit for support
Autoimmune Protocol - There are lots of online resources. This is a great intro book
I also had this food sensitivity blood test done which while overwhelming at the time (because I reacted to like 40 things) was really helpful because I found out I had reactions to things like black pepper. You can also use this to do your own elimination diet so you can learn how your body reacts to those foods. It was also a great relief to know I could modify the Autoimmune Protocol diet... which for me was the hardest.
FODMAP elimination diet. The Monash University app for iPhone or Android is very helpful for starting the diet.
My particular diet is way more restricted because it is a modified AIP (Autoimmune Protocol Diet) and I react to things that are very common like black pepper. So I make almost all of my own meals. I know several people with gluten and dairy sensitivities from Hashimotos and they just have to be careful of cross contamination. There are a ton of gluten free and dairy alternatives so compared to my restrictions I don't think it's very hard but everyone has different comfort levels.
If you feel inspired to attempt some different elimination diets here are a few to consider:
IMF Elimination Diet Is a good first step.
Whole30 I really recommend the book for the recipes, food planning, and cooking intro) there is also a subreddit for support
Autoimmune Protocol - There are lots of online resources. This is a great intro book
FODMAP elimination diet. The Monash University app for iPhone or Android is very helpful for starting the diet.
Also I can't recommend enough a good doctor or dietitian/nutritionist who will help you with vitamin deficiencies and elimination diets.