dairy elimination diet!

[dminton]

Hi everyone -

I just wanted to report in that I am at the end of my first week off dairy, and my IBS is about 75% better than it was before! I really hope there is a connection; giving up dairy isn't easy at all, but if it makes me feel better, then it's worth it! The biggest problem is that so many dairy substitutes are soy-based, and I try and avoid soy because of my bladder pain. I'm still figuring this whole thing out, but so far, I'd say that giving up dairy is worth a try especially for those with diarrhea-type IBS. I have MUCH less cramping, pain, gas, and diarrhea. I've gone from going to the bathroom well over five times in the morning to two or three times! I love not having to reach for Bentyl when it got really bad. I can't stand how that stuff makes me feel.

Again, the most frustrating thing is the soy-based substitutes. And, I'm not sure if my improvement means that I am lactose intolerant, or if I have an allergy to dairy, which I think are two different things. I am supposed to test myself in another week by having a huge glass of milk and see what happens. I think I'll go for a milkshake while I'm at it!

At any rate, it's great to report good results; when you have IC, IBS, and migraines, any improvement is welcome!

[creatingkarma]

1/2 to 1/3 of those afflicted with IBS have food sensitivites & allergies. The most common of which are dairy products & grains (especially wheat & corn). If you have stopped dairy & have noticed improvement, then I would say that this is the case for you also. I have also noticed that everytime I eat dairy, my stomach starts hurting within 5 minutes & doesn't stop until I get it out.

"Many people lack the ability to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and some other dairy products. Only one third of all people reaching adulthood continue to produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose sugar. To complicate the matter, many people also lack the ability to properly digest the fat found in dairy foods. This can be due to a lack of production of the enzyme lipase which digests fat. Without the proper amount of lactase and lipase, eating dairy foods can result in very uncomfortable digestive disturbances."

[dminton]

Thanks for your reply, Creating Karma!

I am glad that eliminating dairy helps my intestines, but unfortunately I notice no difference at all in bladder pain. Oh, well, at least one of my problems has improved! Have you heard of others for whom eliminating food allergens such as dairy and wheat, improves their bladder symptoms? It seems that IC responds more to the acid or potassium in any given food or drink we ingest.

Thanks for helping figure this all out!

Diana.