This is the standard recommendation from doctors for people with IBS-C. It shows how little they understand about the syndrome, and it frustrates me to no end.
The thing that has seemingly 'cured' me of constipation is Heather's acacia fiber. Unlike metamucil and citrucel, it contains no artificial ingredients, and it's also organic. I started with a 1/2 teaspoon twice a day and increased my dose by a 1/2 teaspoon every 4-5 days until reaching my maintenance dose of 2 tablespoons twice a day. I have had a BM every day for the last 2 months, which is nothing short of miraculous for me.
Unfortunately, even though I have a BM every day, I still experience all of my IBS symptoms, which I am still struggling to stabilize. I don't get enough fruits and veggies either - there are very few I tolerate well. I eat blueberries in my oatmeal, avocado on my turkey sandwich, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, celery, green beans, and peas in soup. Occasionally I also have half a peeled apple with lunch. And that's about it for me. I also take a daily multi-vitamin to cover my nutritional needs since my diet is lacking.
Otherwise, I eat oatmeal, sourdough bread, egg whites, corn and rice cereals, chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, shrimp, crab, rice, pasta, and homemade, low fat, dairy-free baked goods.
I've realized recently that my IBS symptoms are much more related to stress, anxiety, and childhood trauma than foods that I eat. I highly recommend to everyone that they read "The Divided Mind" by Dr. John Sarno. The book discusses how syndromes such as IBS and chronic pain are the result of unconscious emotional pain in our minds. I don't seem to be feeling better, even after carefully adhering to the EFI diet for 3 1/2 months. I believe Dr. Sarno's theory explains my symptoms really well. Addressing the emotional pain is the next step - easier said than done.
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