Lots of great questions! The low FODMAP diet is effective in managing symptoms for 74% of those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. So if you have IBS and suffer from gas, bloating and constipation/diarrhea and pain it is the first line diet I would try. It sounds like perhaps you have some additional issues with symptoms outside of the bowel and in that case, I would encourage you to follow up with a dietitian and an integrative doctor that can evaluate you for other conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, leaky gut, non-celiac gluten sensitivity etc.. Nuts and seeds can be an issue for some individuals with gastrointestinal issues–most of my clients do not have issues with nuts and many nuts are allowed in small portion on the low FODMAP diet. The notion of the Paleo diet makes sense to me in many ways. Overconsumption of processed foods and grains is likely poor for our health and our gut bacteria. But the Paleo diet is not enough for some with IBS and, on the other hand, may be too restrictive for some folks. There are numerous factors into choosing what might diet might suit your body and your lifestyle so consulting with a dietitian that specializes in digestive health is a good step. Sometimes I have to combine diets to find the right mix for my clients health. As for the GAPs diet, I am aware of the basics of this diet but have not read scientific literature supporting it’s use.

My book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide is a very basic book on IBS. If you are interested in trying the low FODMAP diet, Patsy’s book along with the resources on this blog should be a good start for you.

Best to you!!

Kate

Your site is wonderful! I was wondering if you could please help me with a few questions:
1) How does one know if they need to go low fodmap/free fodmap please?
2) I do think I have IBS plus diverticulosis and anxiety that also causes stomach upset. I was thinking of trying this out, but what concerns me is all the hype now about PALEO, GAPS, etc. diets that exclude the nuts, seeds, grains, gluten, dairy, etc. What is your position on this please? It makes sense because they say there are lectins and other toxins that are contained in all the above foods…
3) Also, with autoimmune illnesses, have you heard anything about limiting nightshades, nuts, eggs, dairy, gluten?
It is SO confusing on what to do! I was consuming alot of avocado and coconut to gain weight back. Now I don’t need to gain anymore, but got into that habit.
4) Is the IBS for dummies your book and up to date with information? I did buy also Free at Last from IBS and wondered if you ever read that and how it compares to your book.
I know this is alot. I am so desperate for reflief from foggy brain, fatigue, gas (embarrassing), incontinence, frequency, urgency, different bowel movements, abdominal distension and pain, etc. Thank you for any ideas with this. Blessings to you,
Chris

Thanks for doing this!

Hi Jen…
I purchased the coat when I was in Philadelphia at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual conference at the cutest store called Verde. Here is the website: http://verdephiladelphia.com/verde/