"Diet has nothing to do with IBS"

I should seriously write a book called "'Diet has Nothing to do with IBS'... and other lies Doctors tell you..."

I saw a GI specialist on Tuesday, who tried telling me that IBS is a muscle disorder, and cannot be regulated by what you eat. He did, however, admit that some people find success in avoiding coffee and chocolate, and that Metamucil *might* be beneficial. He said he could prescribe me some medications, but there is limited success with drugs. In essence, IBS is a "Nuisance Disorder" caused by stress, and it's something I'll just have to live with. He added that most people find the symptoms subside as they age, whether that was from reduced symptoms or an increased discomfort tolerance, he couldn't say.

I have a theory... it goes something like these:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a symptom of improper diet (food allergies/intolerances, bacterial growth, too much insoluble fiber, too little soluble fiber, etc), and is compounded by stress. As people get older, they learn (either consciously or subconsciously) which foods trigger GI problems. By avoiding these foods, their symptoms are reduced. For me, these foods would be beef(!), ice cream (*sigh*), granola, dried fruit, etc.. If IBS is not triggered by diet, why is it that I can predict how my body will react to these foods? Why is it that by eliminating these problem foods, my GI problems are likewise eliminated?

Obviously, it has nothing to do with diet... /rollseyes


Honestly, if alternative healers are the only ones who've made the connection between the food you eat and the way your GI tract functions... I seriously have to question what's being taught in medical schools.