In my previous posting, “Do I Have IBS or Poor Digestive Function”, I discussed that the vast majority of my IBS patients do have something that we can identify and treat, leading to more control over digestive symptoms and better quality of life. IBS is not something you need to simply “learn to live with.” You have hopefully already read my article about poor digestive function and IBS; now I will describe how food intolerance to proteins/sugars/starches could be what is making you sick.
The top 3 ways specific foods can cause your IBS-type symptoms:
- Food Sensitivity
- Food Allergy
- Fermentation of undigested starches
A food allergy response typically causes throat swelling, hives, eczema, difficulty breathing, asthma or cough, runny nose and chronic congestion. Sometimes there are responses in the digestive system as well, triggering IBS like symptoms. A true allergy involves a part of the immune system called IgE antibodies. This is different from a food sensitivity, which can involve a different part of the immune system, the IgG antibodies. Both allergies and sensivities in this context involve the protein components of the food.
Other ways that foods can cause symptoms is when particular starches and sugars are not digested and left in the system to ferment. Lactose intolerance is the most common of these. Many people have difficulties digesting other starches and sugars as well and the fermentation of these can cause excessive gas, pain, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms can also involve the rest of your body, causing joint pain, headaches, fatigue, swelling, as well as a variety of other symptoms.
But how do you know if you have a food intolerance? In my practice, I very commonly see IgG food intolerances at the root of IBS symptoms. It is very easy to do a blood test and look for specific and unique food intolerances. Insurance can cover this testing in some cases. Most patients get a lot of relief by discovering how to modify their diets based on these test results.
The best and most specific way to identify your particular food intolerance(s) to proteins, starches or sugars within foods, is to do a food elimination and reintroduction protocol.
The tricks to a proper food elimination and challenge protocol include:
- Completely removing specific foods from your diet for a period of a few weeks.
- Systematically reintroducing foods one at a time and observing your body for symptoms
- Wait minimum of 3 days before re-introducing another food.
A food sensitivity would be best identified by an Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
◦ Common inflammatory producing foods to avoid include: wheat, gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and eggs
The best way to identify if undigested starches and sugars are causing fermentation is by limiting these foods by using one of a few specific diets. These diets are also likely to help if abnormal bacteria in the digestive system are also contributing to your IBS. This sort of experiment uses a different toolkit of therapeutic diets.
◦ Specific Carbohydrate diet: see Breaking the Vicious Cycle website and book for detailed information. http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/
◦ GAPS (Gut and Psychology syndrome) diet: See http://www.gutandpsychologysyndrome.com/gaps-diet/ for specific details. The GAPS diet is the Specific Carbohydrate diet taken to the next level.
◦ Low FODMAP diet (Fermentable Oligo-Di- and Monosaccharides and Polyols): see http://stanfordhospital.org/digestivehealth/nutrition/DH-Low-FODMAP-Diet-Handout.pdf for details of what to avoid and what to enjoy on this carbohydrate and sugar restricted diet. In a study from the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, IBS symptoms were greatly improved when a low FODMAP diet was implemented.
Finding the right diet for you can be difficult. At the clinic we can help you choose the individualized plan that will be the best fit for you! We can also provide blood testing to help you identify a food reaction contributing to your IBS. Call to schedule an appointment and get new perspectives on achieving digestive health.
