Hi, I'm new to the boards. I'm an 18 year old female living away from home at college. I have had IBS for 5 years now, and it is out of control. No medication has ever helped for me. I think that the reason my IBS is so bad is because my diet is bad. I am an absolute sugar and junk food addict. I usually have IBS-D accompanied with lots of pain and bloating throughout every single day. I have been researching diets, but I have no idea how to begin my own.
My question is: would anyone out there who has symptoms similar to mine be willing to walk me through what they eat on a daily basis? I am not sure what to eat for breakfast, on an empty stomach, lunch, or dinner, and for snacks. In college, it can be difficult for me to find foods that don't upset me in the cafeteria, and I get hungry throughout the day as well as late at night and I just want to have some guidelines to maybe try out so I can feel better. Also, since I have a sweet tooth at all times, are there any things containing sugar that are safe for IBS to be eaten in moderation? Thank you so much for anyone's help.

--Christina

A big problem with your diet is you may not be getting enough soluble fiber to bulk up your stool and slow down your intestines.

I take a water soluble fiber twice daily to bulk up my stool and make me regular.

Too much salty and sugary food can mess up your digestion.

I eat yogurt for breakfast along a good protein and fruit and the yogurt several times daily. It helps re-establish the friendly bacteria in your intestines that may be out of balance because of your eating habits.

Check with your dr. about taking a Chromium Mineral supplement--it will eliminate all those sugar cravings you're having.

Thank you both for your help. Is the chromium supplement used for weight loss at all? Because I am really skinny as it is, and I would actually prefer to gain weight if anything.

Christina,

Have you been checked for celiac disease and food allergies or intolerances?

Best wishes.

I also suffer from IBs both C and D. I have found that I can keep my symptoms under control and have incredible energy by eating a whole grain based diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, eggs and a little bit of lean meat every day. I have a grain mill and I grind my own wheat, corn, oats, kamut etc and make delicious breads, pancakes, pastas etc. I find that when I am eating whole foods, especially grains, I don't crave sweets so much. Refined carbs and sugars elevate blood sugar and creates a roller-coaster effect which wreaks havoc with your system. Whole grains allow for a steady blood sugar over a length of time and gives your body what it craves so that you don't need the quick carb fix.