It's been quite a busy couple of weeks, what with health appointments, a couple of unexpected landlord maintenance visits and family visitors. That has meant that my low-fodmap diet had gone off track, resulting in a return of some of my IBS symptoms. The diet needs a lot of thinking about and has to be stuck to quite rigidly, which isn't very easy to do when we have unexpected appointments and visitors. So yesterday evening I went through my books and the Fodmap app I have on my phone, reacquainting myself with the 'can eat' and 'definitely can't eat' rules. I'm pretty much having to start on the Stage 1 Restriction phase again, to clear my system of the problem foods I've gone off track and eaten recently. Ah well, at least I know the diet works, having already done around 4 weeks of the first phase and eliminated most of the IBS symptoms. Hopefully, I can get through the Restriction phase and start on a few Reintroductions before we go on holiday.
So far I've been able to work out that wheat and gluten are a major problem for my insides, as are onions and garlic, these things are - for me anyway - the biggest cause of my IBS problems. I have a mild oral allergy, things like citrus fruits, apples and tomatoes make my lips and tongue kind of 'fizz', for want of a better explanation.....this is manageable though, the 'fizzing' effect (and sometimes some mild swelling) only last an hour, it's just slightly uncomfortable rather than debilitating. The wheat/gluten and onion/garlic though cause me major gut problems.....pain, bloating and the runs, not easy to ignore or live with - having to stay within quick and easy reach of a toilet isn't really conducive to normal daily life! I also get aching joints and muscles after I've eaten a lot of carby foods - I think that's probably wheat/gluten related as well, and/or due to the high levels of sugars in some carby foods. My lactose intolerance isn't really that much of a problem.....some people have gut issues with it, I don't, it's a sinus and mucus thing for me, I get sinusitis, a blocked and/or drippy nose and PND (post nasal drip), which makes me cough or do a lot of throat clearing. This post is all a bit graphic and distasteful, sorry about that!
I guess I'm just writing things down to remind myself of the effects certain foods have on me, and therefore why I shouldn't eat them if I want to stay healthy.
Blogger is still being a pain in the bum, so many of the regular blogs I read aren't appearing on my daily blog reading list - including my own!
I do sympathise, Sooze. It took me ages to realise that my gut problems were caused by lactose intolerance. Chris used to call me a peanut as my stomach bloated so much I looked like I was about to give birth. And the gut cramps and subsequent diarrhoea was no joy, either! The daft thing was, I used to have a glass of milk to "settle my stomach". I've had sinus problems for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, removing dairy from my diet didn't help. I had sinus surgery about 18 months ago, and that has restored my sense of smell and stopped the congestion. I still use a prescription only nasal spray, along with using a neti pot and sinus rinse, once a day. I tried stopping the spray, but my sinusitis returned very quickly, so I'm more than happy to continue with it! I guess it's all about finding a balance that is easy to maintain and suits you. Still a pain in the proverbial, though! xx
ReplyDeleteMe too Sooze…gluten intolerant. The tummy cramps, projectile vomiting and tummy upsets were horrible. I read every label now but mainly cook from scratch. It’s awkward when eating out, no coffee and cake or a sandwich and cuppa. Restaurants have to be notified in advance, so all spontaneity gone. I love bread but gluten free bread leaves a lot to be desired! Hope your tummy behaves once yo go back to the Fodmap plan. xx June
ReplyDeleteMy son can't eat bread or doughnuts. He wouldn't touch sandwiches or toast at a year old but by age 2 he was eating them again. Symptoms restarted again when he was in his early 20s and he can't eat any bread now.
ReplyDeleteI can only drink semi skimmed milk now. Full fat milk upsets my stomach. Hope you feel better soon Sally x