Lettuce causes problems! - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Zipity · 11-17-2003, 09:00 AM

Anyone else notice that lettuce gives them diarhea? I try to eat pretty healthy, and there is a Subway across the street. I notice sometimes when I eat a sub (subway or otherwise) I get diarhea. I can actually see pieces of lettuce in the toilet! Gross, I know, sorry, but anyone else experience this?!

Harry · 11-17-2003, 10:51 PM

It can cause diarrhea as you know but certainly not in all people. It is not easy to digest unless you chew it very well. And, it certainly doesn't have much calories or nutrional value.

I have heard that it takes more caloies to chew it than you get out of it??

JeffH · 11-18-2003, 05:51 PM

It might not be the lettuce itself. A lot of restaurants put a perservative on the lettuce to keep it fresh and crisp. I simply can't eat a salad at The Olive Garden chain eateries for that very reason. It could also be an additive that most restaurants put on their food, such as MSG. Even fast food places use it.

A simple test will determine if the lettuce is your problem. Make a fresh salad at home, from fresh head lettuce. Throw away the outer leaves in case the grocery has sprayed them with an additive. Don't use a pre cut, pre bagged mixture of lettuce. It too could have additives. Use other fresh vegetables for your salad. Just once, eat this one without dressing, which could also contain additives.

If you don't have a IBS reaction from this fresh salad, you'll know it's not the lettuce. If you do, well then you'll know it is the salad.

DottyG · 11-19-2003, 11:26 AM

Lettuce is definitely one of my trigger foods! It's gotten to the point that I just tell waiters that I'm allergic to it (don't think I need to go into what happens when I eat it!)

I do notice that I can usually eat it at home without problems. Perhaps because I'm not as tense there (and have ready access to the bathroom, in case it does affect me). Reading through the above post, maybe I should try this, though. Sounds like it might be part of the problem.