Digestive System Questions and Answers - Experts advice and answers for all your digestion questions

Can corn cause problems with a IBS sufferer?

Most grains are capable of causing problems if your digestive system is under-powered, which tends to be the case if you are getting IBS... Read the full answer 〉

I'm very confused about sugars that are allowed...sugars are irritant to me but I was wondering if a fruit or vegetable is pureed does this mean it will be easier to digest even with high sugar content? Also I heard rice cakes are good for ibs... is this just white rice or wholegrain too? Thank you

When you say that sugars are irritant to you, do you mean that when you eat fruit or veggies they affect you? Even if cooked? Cooking fruit and veg... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve got Ibs and have been doing some research on red meat and was thinking about cutting it out of my diet as I eat a lot of it, but would like to know if it is ok to completely cut it out and just stick to white meat instead and do I need to take supplements instead?

The only problem you might find with cutting out red meat is a reduction in your sources of iron. However, with IBS you are unlikely to be absorbing... Read the full answer 〉

I have Ibs at the moment I have a very bad burning sensation in my stomach, usually worse after eating, also within an hour or so of eating I have to use the bathroom. My doctor prescribed mebeverine, I can not take it, as it makes me worse. Any help would be appreciated.

Firstly, it would be good if you implemented my General Eating Mechanics - rules for good digestion, which are listed here below. GEM •Always sit... Read the full answer 〉

I have IBS, my mum has it it too and possibly IBS-D since I suffer from diarrhoea. But I wondered if the diarrhoea could be from something else since my dad also suffers from diarrhoea but he doesn't have IBS.

Diarrhoea can be a feature of IBS or may be a stand-alone symptom that is due to something such as a food intolerance or food poisoning. It sounds as... Read the full answer 〉

I have been experiencing fatigue both mental and physical due to my IBS issues and it is quite distressing..I tend to develop a weird kind of brain fog which then triggers anxiety...it usually worsens if I don’t sleep well or if I have my periods. What do you suggest that I do? I’m very worried.

I suggest that you take a magnesium supplement - try Salus Haus's Floradix magnesium liquid, taken with your dinner in the evening. Also, take... Read the full answer 〉

I'm having intermittent gut and back pain that seem to get better after a bowel movement. I'm very constipated but once in a while loose stools. Is this a symptom of IBS? Thanks for your time.

IBS is a very loose 'diagnosis', that basically just means your gut is irritated - there are a large symptoms that get lumped under the... Read the full answer 〉

Can I eat sauerkraut or cabbage on a low FODMAP diet?

Yes to cabbage as this falls into the low FODMAP category. No to sauerkraut as this could potentially exacerbate symptoms initially. Best wishes, Ali Read the full answer 〉

I have had irritable bowel for as long as I can remember and now at 49 I am going through the change. I have been feeling so unwell. My tummy is constantly swollen like I am pregnant, I have lots of wind and discomfort (like cramps) and pain. I feel like someone has punched me in the stomach, it's that kind of ache. I have been to my doctor who sent me for endoscopy, transvaginal and lower abdominal scan and blood tests. I have regular smear tests yearly due to abnormal cells I had in 2005, hardly a day goes by that I don't feel unwell. Please help

Digestive problems are very common in the menopause and can be caused by several factors. Falling levels of oestrogen can affect the digestion... Read the full answer 〉

I suffer with IBS. For the past 10 days I have had a very bloated tummy. I have taken merbyntol daily. My diet is good - I drink lots of water and green tea, avoid bread etc when it is bad, as I know it can make my tummy worse. Could it be I need to change my medication? I have been on the same medication for years. I am going to the toilet regularly and it is normal.... What can you suggest?

Have you started your menopause yet? This often affects women’s digestion and adds to any problems they already had. It might be worth adding... Read the full answer 〉

What can I eat to help avoid IBS?

It’s often not what you eat but how you eat it that is the issue. Eating on the run or when stressed is likely to contribute to IBS, as is drinking... Read the full answer 〉

I have IBS and was wondering will Tormentil help?

Tormentil helps with diarrhoea, but many people with IBS experience diarrhoea as part of a pattern of alternating constipation and diarrhoea, in... Read the full answer 〉

Are there herbal remedies to help IBS?

Yes, but it depends what your symptoms are as to what remedy would best suit you. The herb Centaurium is one I find useful for people with acid... Read the full answer 〉

What exactly is silicon? Is it the same as silicone, the substance used in implants?

Silicon is a naturally occurring mineral substance and although seemingly similar in name, should not be confused with silicone. Silicon is denoted... Read the full answer 〉

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