Shawneric, I appreciate your knowledge base, and I know you provide important information to educate those who don't know anything about IBS. However, I find the constant bombardment of articles and studies overwhelming and frankly anxiety provoking. I have read quite a few posts from you (many redundant, but I understand why) and others on the board that are science minded, so I feel that I have a reasonable understanding about the current western medical thinking about IBS.
I just don't take it as the gospel truth. Doctors are wrong all the time.
If I see one more piece of literature from a doctor or dietitian or other medical professional that tells me to eat more high fiber foods such as broccoli and beans, I'm going to lose it. Those foods make me feel absolutely miserable, among many other "healthy" ones.
The bottom line for me is that I believe there is more involved with our health than the physiological components and furthermore don't think western medicine has all the answers, especially when it comes to a chronic illness such as this. I speak for myself and I think a few others on this board in saying that we hear you, but respectfully request to have discussions about alternative viewpoints without being bombarded with research studies and statistics.