Hello,
I suffer from extreme bloating and flatulence, as well as stomach cramps. In June 2017 I had an intolerance test done by York Test and it showed am intolerant to wheat, gluten, eggs, dairy, almonds and cranberries. They suggested I cut these foods out of my diet for 12 weeks and follow FODMAP too, but I have found this incredibly difficult as it’s left me wondering what I can eat! Over the course of the past 6 months since my results I’ve buried my head in the sand, gained over a stone in weight and suffered daily from my IBS. It’s making me incredibly miserable.
I’ve been down the NHS route too; I’ve tried taking Amitriptyline to reduce symptoms and this did work, but I stopped it as I didn’t want to me on medication. In the past two months I’ve had stool samples for Coeliac and underlying digestive issues which can be picked up through traveling in South & Central America and Asia, as I spent over a year in those countries back in 2013. I’ve had hydrogen glucose and lactose breath tests too, both have come back negative. Along with this I’ve had a CAT scan and nothing was untoward in my gut. I feel like any serious allergy or illness has been ruled out, which leaves me with diet.
I started the Clever Guts Diet 7 days ago in the hope it will help with my IBS. I have followed the Remove and Repair phase rigorously for 7 days and not eaten any dairy, gluten or wheat. I’ve always had a good diet but have increased the range of vegetables I am eating. I’ve also started taking 2 x tsp of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother before each meal and have increased the amount of exercise I am doing. Despite this, I have still suffered from bloating three of the four days.
Looking at the days this has occurred it’s when I have eaten eggs and / or the Breakfast Bread which contains almonds. Both are foods I was told I am intolerant too in the York Test. I am wondering if I should also be avoiding the foods I was told I am intolerant to in the York Test – or if I should be ‘starting a fresh’ with the Clever Guts Diet and leaving old information behind me? I am also confused as to which foods I should be ruling out, other than those the diet makes clear.
I am also wondering whether the Apple Cider Vinegar will be helping my IBS, or if the acidity of it may make symptoms worse?
I got weighed this morning after the first week and have not lost any weight. This is not the focus of my reason for doing the diet, but it is something I would welcome! I feel overweight and bloated how I am now. I wonder if anyone had a time frame for weight loss, if it is slow to begin with as your body adjusts?
Sorry for such a long message. I appreciate any advice which can be given! Thank you in advance,
Katie_KLT