First step in figuring out what upsets my digestion?

[Anonymous]

So I was a poster (not OP) on a thread a while back where some of us realized that no, it is not normal to have explosive BMs multiple times per week. I have had a recent, clear colonoscopy so the issues aren't there. I'm assuming it is something I am eating, but it is not obvious. Is the first thing the doctor will ask me to do keep a food journal (along w/ BM details) to start determining what causes this? For me, at least, it doesn't seem like stress or something is the deciding factor. (I can get upset stomach when I am stressed, like for a big presentation, but that is not in my current situation. Just the low-mid level stress of all of us at home, working, and homeschooling....). And who do I want to see - a gastroenterologist?
Thanks!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Read up on FODMAPs to focus your search on foods you might have issue with. Many people who are borderline IBS take years to understand that one or more items in this family of foods is the culprit.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Low-FODMAP-Diet-Revolutionary-Digestive/dp/1615190805/ref=sr_1_8?crid=24DVLBW0YO4XM&dchild=1&keywords=low+fodmap+cookbook&qid=1614279536&sprefix=low+fodmap+%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-8

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So I was a poster (not OP) on a thread a while back where some of us realized that no, it is not normal to have explosive BMs multiple times per week. I have had a recent, clear colonoscopy so the issues aren't there. I'm assuming it is something I am eating, but it is not obvious. Is the first thing the doctor will ask me to do keep a food journal (along w/ BM details) to start determining what causes this? For me, at least, it doesn't seem like stress or something is the deciding factor. (I can get upset stomach when I am stressed, like for a big presentation, but that is not in my current situation. Just the low-mid level stress of all of us at home, working, and homeschooling....). And who do I want to see - a gastroenterologist?
Thanks!!!!!!!

Cara Care is a good app for tracking food and symptoms. You may want to look into low fodmap diets. One thing to remember with GI symptoms is that it isn't always what, but how much. If you have dairy sensitivity or are lactose intolerant, a cheese burger or 1 mozzarella cheese stick might not bother you, but eating it with a milkshake or a whole mozzarella cheese stick appetizer may cause problems.

Your call if you want to see a GI. A lot of the care management around IBS is identifying and avoiding triggers.

[Anonymous]

I feel our pain. Same happens to me. Most docs I've talked to say you would get upset stomach 6+ hours after you eat the offending item, but I'm blowing up the bathroom within an hour of certain foods. For me its definitely raw red onions, eggplant and certain oils. Found it out with trial and error.

[Anonymous]

I didn't find that my GP or Gastroenterologist were very helpful. I just did trial and error. I noticed that dairy was causing reflux. When I stopped it my explosive bathroom issues resolved too.

[Anonymous]

I've recommended this in other threads, so apologies for the repeat, but I found the book _The Bloated Belly Whisperer_ incredibly helpful. It explains what kinds of digestive reactions occur where in the GI tract in response to what kinds of triggers, and how long after eating. Much more helpful than anything my gastroenterologist or dietician was able to tell me. I think it would be a useful adjunct to the kind of food diary/self-tracking your GP has you doing.

[Anonymous]

I have been to a few gastroenterologists and have tests done including colonoscopy and the only thing they tell me is that I have IBS. Two biggest things to avoid that everyone tells me are garlic and onion. Otherwise, I started working with a dietitian who specializes in digestive issues and have been doing the low fodmap diet and now reintroducing foods back into my diet. I am sure others can do the low fodmap diet on their own as there are books out there but it was just better for me to work with someone.

[Anonymous]

I spent 2 weeks keeping detailed track of what I ate and my GI symptoms. From that, I started with eliminating things that seem to correlate to my GI issues. Did this about a year ago and pretty much figured out what I can and cannot eat. Less restrictive than FODMAP.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried any kind of elimination diet?

[Anonymous]

Same issue and weirdly it rarely happens at night when I'm relaxed at home. Restaurant food way worse than home cooked, even if home cooked isn't healthy (*lasagna or whatever). I've had this issue as long as I can remember - remember being in high school almost pooping my pants walking home from the bus because it came on so quickly. Never been officially diagnosed with anything (now 43.)

[Anonymous]

Could it be depression? Or perimenopause? I suspect those are inflammatory conditions that can add to gut dysfunction.

[Anonymous]

Just FYI, if you eat salads with raw cabbage it will ferment in your stomach and cause excruciating pain. I’m sure there are many foods out there that can be just as bad for any one individual. Look at what your are eating and when before you try to track down the culprit. Good luck

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could it be depression? Or perimenopause? I suspect those are inflammatory conditions that can add to gut dysfunction.

OP here , you know, it could! Def perimen - I’m 47. I recently started Zoloft, too, to help with all the emotions of hormones and the all being stuck at home 24/7.

I appreciate all the suggestions. Yeah, I also experience the explosives within minutes or an hour of certain foods. I have also always had a sensitive stomach, but it had gotten much better. I actually found it to be pretty good mid-30s to early 40s when I was taking a prenatal all the time. Mine had ginger and something else to soothe digestion. I needed to stop taking it bc my body was holding in to too much of some vitamins. But yes, since perimenapause, I have more emotional rollercoaster and maybe that is all impacting digestion.

Thanks again for all these em suggestions of where to start. I have not tried an elimination diet, but thought that and journaling would be starting points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Could it be depression? Or perimenopause? I suspect those are inflammatory conditions that can add to gut dysfunction.

OP here , you know, it could! Def perimen - I’m 47. I recently started Zoloft, too, to help with all the emotions of hormones and the all being stuck at home 24/7.

I appreciate all the suggestions. Yeah, I also experience the explosives within minutes or an hour of certain foods. I have also always had a sensitive stomach, but it had gotten much better. I actually found it to be pretty good mid-30s to early 40s when I was taking a prenatal all the time. Mine had ginger and something else to soothe digestion. I needed to stop taking it bc my body was holding in to too much of some vitamins. But yes, since perimenapause, I have more emotional rollercoaster and maybe that is all impacting digestion.

Thanks again for all these em suggestions of where to start. I have not tried an elimination diet, but thought that and journaling would be starting points.

Did it get worse with the Zoloft? I know some SSRIs have gastric side effects.

Are you taking ginger since it helped in the past?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just FYI, if you eat salads with raw cabbage it will ferment in your stomach and cause excruciating pain. I’m sure there are many foods out there that can be just as bad for any one individual. Look at what your are eating and when before you try to track down the culprit. Good luck

I'm not sure this happens to everybody PP. I don't get pain after eating raw cabbage (cole slaw, etc.).