LCHF and common digestive issues (“IBS”)
in Digestive issues 
Picture above is not of the email author
Recently I received another e-mail from someone who used to have crippling nonspecific digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome (“IBS”). Here’s what happened when she gave low-carb a try:
Her E-mail
Hi,
I’m a 34-year-old woman, who has tried just about everything in the way of food, not because I’m overweight, but because I suffer from IBS.
All the doctors that I have seen, who said that I should stay away from fatty food and focus more on fiber, should immediately leave their profession. I’ve followed their recommendations and this has brought abdominal pains from hell, frequent diarrhea attacks and last, but not least, constipation that can make bathroom visits a vein-popping experience. My sick leave from work piled up big time when I followed these recommendations.
One day, by coincidence I happened to find your book as I was googling the internet. I decided to buy it and that’s the best thing I’ve ever done. The only thing that really has worked for me is LCHF. My digestion works so much better. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for helping people like me.
Sincerely,
Jane Andersson
Congratulations on your success, Jane!
More on Similar Digestive Problems
The result is so common that it shouldn’t come as a surprise for anyone. Fibre and wheat flour is poison to many IBS-sufferers and it’s not uncommon to see a dramatic improvement within one or two days when you change your diet:
Before and After a Year with LCHF
PS.
Of course I asked if I could publish her e-mail and name.
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anyone else?
I would eat as many whole-grain products as possible:
bread, pastas, tortillas, & etc.. I would have embarrassing bowel
noises and 'noxious gas emissions'.
This is no longer my problem!
I cut gluten and the diarrhea went away and then I cut grains in general and there went the heartburn. I can eat as many carbs as I want as long as they are not grains and I'm fine.
I still battle with sugar unfortunately and I'm in no way saying it's good for me but for the record I can eat decent sized servings of candy and ice cream and soda and I have no digestive issues from it.
I am not knocking LC but I think for some people (quite a lot actually) it's not being low carb that is the key, it's being grain free that clears up so many digestive problems.
You may have just provided an answer to a problem I have been experiencing for a quite awhile. The very sudden, very liquid emptying of my colon after I eat certain things. I like to add different spices and a rub mixture to different meats that I have with my meals. I couldn't figure out what was causing it. The hot spice, the Brussels sprouts or other veg , the coconut oil? It has to be the rub! It has a variety of spices but also coarse salt. I'm going to experiment to see if the rub is the cause of my sudden trips to the loo.
Thanks..
I had a low grade infection one year and the doctor put me on antibiotics. Before I was finished those antibiotics I was worst than ever. I had bee to the doctor several times over this and they had no idea what it was. They thought food allergies, runner diarrhoea and lactose intolerance.
It wasn't until my wife brought me a book she was reading. It happened to be the original Atkin's Diet book from the 70s... In there Dr Atkins talked about IBS and what to take and do to get rid of it. He subscribed Olive Leaf extract or Oil of Oregano. Oil of Oregano was suppose to be the most effected with the most side effects. At this point I did not care. Took 6 drops 3x a day for a week then 3 drops 3x a day for the next three weeks. I went through a first rough week and then it was a piece of cake. Never had an attack since and I do what. I enjoy.... Low carb and oil of oregano is the answer to a cure.
This may be of help to some:
http://www.thepaleomom.com/autoimmunity/the-autoimmune-protocol
A couple of books I recommend for learning about your gut - "Fiber Menace" by Konstantin Monastyrsky (not well written but some good information) and "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride (published in the UK). I found large doses of probiotics helped me. Not at first though. I was taking them on an empty stomach as often recommended. Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride suggests taking them with a meal and that worked for me. Sometimes it's not about what you take but when you take it, that can make a difference.
I am in a recovery phase again and will only be consuming my bulletproof coffee ( very quick to clear up the IBS) mostly and some broth and some fatty meat- even the fibre in vegetables causes a major setback to healing. I will re-introduce some vegetables once the IBS subsides again.
I have never thought of drinking salt water as it is usually a home remedy for getting you to throw up something troubling your stomach. Salt on food and in broth seems a better way maybe?? Unless you are trying to quickly flush out everything.
Lisa, you can make your own broth and it beats anything you can buy.
I don't understand the fibre fanatics. It's like taking to the inside of your gut with steel wool.
Avocados are supposedly a super food- but only for some who can tolerate it. It makes me violently ill if I consume it even in small quantities. Some people can get reflux, or the runs.
In Australia when I was growing up there was always a big poster on the wall of the classroom of a person made up of vegetables- 'YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT" was the campaign slogan.
I remember as a kid looking at it and thinking it was wierd. Now I think they had the slogan right and the picture wrong. Seeing as I am protein, fat, water, minerals and salt then I feel safer consuming those things. I feel better consuming them. My body doesn't have to 'deal' with these things, it just knows what to do.
http://vkool.com/ibs-home-treatment-with-the-ibs-miracle/
"Genetically modified foods such as soy and corn may be responsible for a number of gluten-related maladies including intestinal disorders now plaguing 18 million Americans, according to a new report released on Tuesday."
Re: the tsp of salt and pint of water, well, all I can say is, I would seriously recommend starting with 1/4 tsp salt.
i really feel that when i miss supplementing with sodium my cramps appear.
and yes, on a low cho the kidney retain potassium and let go sodium
you make me think that when i used to eat lots of biscuits and nutella and large amounts of fruit i was really gas.and it is not the fiber
Is there a difference between insoluble and soluble fibre? I mean what about psyllium husk for example which is soluble? Has anyone had any experiences with this? I'm on the bloating/constipated end of the IBS spectrum, and it's not easy for me to go to the toilet. It doesn't help that stress really effects me in that area. I have just started on LCHF, so if anyone's got any tips that would be helpful.
http://www.fitintegrity.com/uploads/9/5/1/6/9516119/no_sugar_no_starc...
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbmenus1/tp/12lowcarbmenus.htm
http://authoritynutrition.com/low-carb-diet-meal-plan-and-menu/
Just get rid of any added sugar, all sources of vegetable oils and most grains. Avoid processed foods to the greatest extent you are able or can afford. Include vegetables, fruits and fermented foods as you feel the best. Within those boundaries you still have enough freedom to experiment and to try to listen to your body. That's all.
As far as constipation is concerned, I always have issues with "healthy whole grains" and red wine. No problems with vegetables and white or rosé wine.
Ten years later, my stomach cramps and swelling (pregnant with triplets looking) had gotten so bad that I eliminated almost everything and went on a Ketosis diet. That was another amazing miracle though a lot harder to sustain for months. Fortunately I didn't have issues with whey or cheese to help maintain my protein and fat ratios. I did eat a ton of salad and cooked leafy greens to maintain healthy nutrients. After months of that I lost weight and never farted, never bloated, and never cramped.
Now I'm playing with my diet because keto is so restrictive on carbs. There isn't much info out there on eating a moderate protein with low carbs and what the extra fat will do that I need to make up for calories. I can't seem to much animal protein other than fish, eggs, and whey which is kinda suspect. Chicken gives me diarrhea and beef makes my legs swell. I'll just give up pork as well and be happy that I'm reducing my impact on the environment.
Giving up gluten and grains are a definite. Grains, especially oats (even gluten free ones), give me crazy indigestion pangs. I have to stay off fruit since that can really cramp my stomach. Apples are poisonous to me and will have my stomach stabbing itself.
You really need to find the foods that set off your stomach. Doing ketosis diet is pretty much doing an elimination diet, but you absolutely cannot waiver on the carbs or you put yourself at serious health risks. I personally found that I cannot handle: apples, dried fruit, much fruit, swiss chard, raw kale and spinach (I have to boil both and drain the water), unprocessed garlic, raw red onion, grains, oats, corn, yoghurt, milk, and quite a few more things.
Keep in mind that no matter what diet you are on, you need to eat enough protein for your activity level and to heal your gut, and enough fat to maintain your hormones.
:)
I have been suffering with bowel issues ever since I was a kid, but I was able to manage with a few painful bouts of diarrhea a week , otherwise it was normal. My diet growing up was not the best (fast food, soda, pizza, etc..) top that with a few surgeries (i.e. Antibiotics) and drinking formula instead of breastfed. Started to get into body building in HS, this helped me "clean" up my diet. But I was literally forcing food down my throat in pursuit of gains! Bowel movements where amazing in the morning, yet I had horrible gas all day... To combat this I tried my first probiotic supplement which spiraled me down a life altering path of IBS-C. I have tried everything... Paleo, keto, GF/DF, rotational diets, elimination diets, high carb/low fiber, high fiber, SIBO treatment (Botanicals mainly comprised of Berberine, oil of oregano, allicin) probiotics, magnesium, Iberogast-motility agent, probiotics, fiber sups, prebotics, fasting, low protein, vegan, there is probably more but you get the picture. Most of these protocols have been at least 1-2 month trials, some longer (gluten free/dairy free multiple bouts of 3-6 months at a time). Still have issues. I am active and love to exercise and play sports but I cannot seem to handle a lot of volume due to the GI restrictions. Being 26, I know that something has to give... this condition is the bane of my existence and has become an obsession of mine (probably not healthy as I am sure I am causing stressing myself out over the issue). I am at a point now where I am living with little restrictions and honestly, the results are about the same. Would love to hear some tips/tricks that have worked for anybody out there. I am over playing the "buy these supplements" game as I have spent thousands of $ on things that did not work but I am open to suggestions. Much love :)