If you get peppermint or fennel that does not mean you can eat foods on the trigger list. As for the products, it depends on your symptoms. I love acacia! I used metamucil and fibercon for years and felt much better on acacia. I also use peppermint capsules as needed when my gut cramps or gurgles. I don't use a lot. I drink fennel tea (actually I make a pot of 2 bags fennel and 1 peppermint usually) and this helps with bloating. But if you are more prone to cramps/pain peppermint tea is helpful. I never read IBS First Year, but I do use the recipes in Eating For IBS. Neither of these books is necessary. One particular moderator here actually uses none of Heather's products but follows the diet and she is stable and doing great. I hope this answers some questions. With more info on your symptoms we could give more advice.
-------------------- IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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Re: New to board but not to IBS - which kit to buy
