For those of you who regularly read my blog, you will know that since March I have been on a mission to try and sort out my tummy problems.
I have suffered with IBS for around 20 years, taking me a good 7 years to realise that wheat was a contributory factor to my bloating and pain.
Back in February, having tolerated probiotics for a while (which I never used to do), I decided to make some milk kefir to add good bacteria to my gut. Unfortunately it triggered a massive IBS flareup and I therefore decided on the drastic option of going on the SCD diet, followed by the GAPS diet (both of which are very similar with GAPS being more prescriptive about what foods to reintroduce when).
At the time I was pretty convinced that my problems stemmed from a lot of foreign travel and having collected ‘bad’ bacteria along the way. I also thought that it was likely that I had a leaky gut, causing food intolerances. The SCD/GAPS diet therefore made a lot of sense since its purpose is to kill off pathogenic bacteria, repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria and heal and seal a leaky gut.
Having visited a doctor of integrated health I decided to undergo some expensive tests to discover if I did indeed have an imbalance of gut bacteria or a leaky gut. Of course it would have been much better to have done this before going on the SCD/GAPS diet, but at the time I was unaware of these tests.
I had the results back a few days ago. They show that my gut is not leaky (athough there are some rather odd results with regards sugar absorption) and that my gut does not harbour any nasty bacteria, parasites or yeast. They also show that I have very minimal levels of certain beneficial bacteria and no secretory IGA (another odd result relating to my immune response, but which should not cause me any issues…atlhough I wonder if this contributed to my negative result when tested for coeliac disease).
So where do I go now in my search for a happy tummy since it is still reacting to all kinds of foods?
Well, my first step to help identify what foods could be triggering a response is the IBS diet programme test by YorkTest. I have always avoided such tests thinking them to be inaccurate and unhelpful, but desperate times call for desperate measures! It might just give me a clue on what things I need to be avoiding! I will let you know what the results are but the process of taking the test was very easy! The kit contains everything you need and is painless and quick. A small prick on your finger releases enough blood to fill the test vial and a pre-paid envelope is provided to return the test in. Within 10 working days I will expect the results along with a personalised diet plan, a 12 week food and drink diary and a 30 minute consultation with a BANT-registered nutritional therapist.
A small sample of blood
The simple kit required for food intolerance testing and a personalised diet plan
Secondly I will continue in earnest with my trial of Symprove, the only water-based probiotic that has scientific evidence to back its effectiveness up. I have been on a full dose for nearly 4 weeks now (having had to slowly increase the dose due to bloating) and am keeping my fingers firmly crossed that it will help me. I am also adding in a single strain lactobacillus acidophilus capsule because I know I am particularly deficient in that beneficial bacteria.
Thirdly I will keep up with certain elements of the SCD/GAPS diets…avoiding most grains, starches and processed sugar since I have read that they can destroy good bacteria in the gut. In addition I will be eating lots of fermented vegetables (to aid digestion and increase beneficial bacteria in the gut) such as sauerkraut. When I do eat grains I will be soaking them to remove the phytates which make digestion difficult.
Basically I am going to do everything I can to assist my gut in digesting food along with building up my good bacteria, but I am not going to be following a rigid regime like the SCD/GAPS diet because I haven’t seen enough benefits to continue with the strictness.
At the beginning of the diet I saw some great results…my hair thickened and stopped falling out all together, my skin cleared up and my PMS symptoms went. However, in the last couple of months my hair has started falling out dramatically and I am sick of always having to consider whether I can eat something…whether it is ‘allowed’ or not.
A small amount of hair that falls out every time I wash it. A lot more ends up on me, my hairbrush and the floor!
I have never been on a diet in my life and I find the constant questioning as to whether I can eat something or not very tiring and stressful…which probably doesn’t help my tummy! I was willing to give a very strict diet a chance if there was a possibility of my symptoms reducing or diminishing completely. Since my tummy is still unhappy I don’t feel it is the right diet for me.
I have given it four months but instinctively feel that I should have seen more benefits by now. I am considering trying the low FODMAP diet but for the time being I am going to enjoy just eating healthy, non-processed, home cooked food with lots of probiotics and will see what happens! Wish me luck!
I received a free YorkTest IBS diet programme test & a 12 week trial of Symprove. I am always honest with my opinions and this has not affected my post in any way.
Jeanene Tremoulet says
I have had similar symptoms to you. I feel the broth is extremely beneficial (Nourishing Broth book). IBS, thinning hair, bloating etc. My kids have it every morning (pigs feet seem to have more gelatin than most) I do feel discomfort after eating grains though which tells me I shouldn’t have them (after soaking them). How about your thyroid? have you looked into Standard Process supplements. I take Thyrophin it nourishes the organ so is both for hypo and hyper.
FOR-TIL B12 is a supplement that aids the health of hair, nails and sex organs. You can research it, they sell at amazon but prices are high, it’s better from Zhanna below.
Can find them at Holistic Preventive Clinic
Zhanna Frumkin
You can log in don’t need to buy anything but she has a lot of good info.
Vicki Montague says
Thanks so much for the info. I’ll look into that.
Kate - glutenfreealchemist says
Well done for getting this far Vicki! You’ve done really well…… It will be interesting to see what the next phase brings, but at least you can relax a little. There is a key in there somewhere to making you better…… you just need to find it! Stay strong xx
Vicki Montague says
Thanks Kate! I have had a ‘go crazy’ week in France and certainly felt it after a few days. At first I thought I was getting away with eating the odd croissant or bit of french bread but alas no! Back home and now back to avoiding numerous things (but not too much!) keeping fingers crossed!
Lindsay G says
I forgot to say my consultant is doing a HLA Gene blood test which apparently is the absolute definitive answer as to whether have coeliac or not. Wondered if you’d had that. Hope it helps.
Lindsay G says
Much praise to you Vicky. I have this week seen my gastroenterologist who has given me an inconclusive coeliac result after biopsies, but definitely gluten sensitive and am allergic to dairy. He also says I have a form of IBS. I must clearly continue on a gluten and dairy free diet but he also recommends I continue with an elimination diet and to consult the FODMAPs list. There are clearly other things that don’t agree with me. He advises not to take any prebiotic or probiotics until you know what you can and cannot eat. When your intact is right then the gut will start to heal and sort out the bacteria for itself. When I look at the ‘no’ list of FODMAPs there are a lot that I already know I can’t do. I would recommend consulting it for your case. Incidentally, gluten and dairy foods are also on the ‘no’ list. It seems to be about combinations and quantities too which of course vary person to person. Much love to you and thank you for your blog, it’s great.
Vicki Montague says
Hi Lindsay. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It sounds like you have a good consultant who is quite supportive. I have looked at the low FODMAP diet and it is on my next list of things to try! I decided to go with GAPS/SCD first since it is the most restrictive. Anything now will be a walk in the park! The results from the York Test came back yesterday (I will blog about it next week) so I am cutting the things it suggests whilst also having foods to re-populate my gut and support its repair. Have you downloaded the Montash University FODMAP app? It is brilliant! I am just preparing myself for it…figuring i can do a few things that are easy and if I need to I will be well positioned to do the full diet if I need to! I don’t think I had the HLA gene test but to be honest I know I can’t tolerate wheat. I wouldn’t go through eating it again just to get another biopsy done and from what I have read if you have a positive test you still need to do the challenge and go through the biopsy. Never again for me!!!! Good luck with finding what bothers you. Just shout if I can help in any way x
Lindsay G says
Hi Vicky,
Definitely agree not to go through having a biopsy, very grim! The HLA Gene blood test I had taken this week and I’ve been totally gluten free two months. This apparently goes on the genes as there are two common ones prevalent to cloeliac. It does beg the question why on earth did I need to go through the biopsy bit, but hey ho! Interesting,y I’ve already found that cutting out fruits with a stone or pip in have reduced my bloating further. So no apples, pears, apricots, plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines or watermelon. Very odd as I’ve been brought up on apple a day keeps the doctor away philosophy! I was not aware of the FODMAP app so thank you for that tip. I have ordered their FODMAP book from Amazon and await it’s delivery to immerse myself in yet more information. I think we could all win hands down if a pub quiz asked about gut health! Happy blogging you do a great job! Best wishes.
Vicki Montague says
Yes, we would make a great team at a pub quiz with questions about gut health!!!! Good luck with your ongoing quest to find a happy tummy!
Charlotte Oates says
Oh Vicki, it must be so frustrating to have followed such a strict diet and still not figured out what’s triggered your IBS. I really hope these new tests help you find the answers you need, and make sure you enjoy to occasional treat now that you’re not following the diets quite so strictly xx
Vicki Montague says
Thanks Charlotte. It is frustrating but I do feel much better in loads of ways…just my tummy that is still unhappy. The rest of me is great!!
Vicki Montague says
Thanks Renee! I wish it had worked out better, but I am sure I feel better in many other ways apart from my tummy so I am not steering too far off it! I just won’t be quite so strict now I know I don’t have a leaky gut!
susan @happyhealthymumma says
good luck with it all! can i ask where you went for the testing to check your bacteria levels? I’m thinking of getting one that checks for bacteria and paracites over the internet but they are very expensive! My doctor recommended the low FODMAP diet to me too….but like you, I really hate diets! good luck with everything! x
Vicki Montague says
Hi Susan. My tests were carried out by Doctors Data. They were expensive but I think they were worth it! It was very comprehensive and the results were well explained in the report.
Mandy Capstick says
I have huge admiration for your strength and resillience in trying lots of different options and for sticking to the original diet for 4 months, being a busy mum of 2 and considering the industry you work in I can but imagine the difficulties you face daily. Hopefully this is the start of a new road for you Vicki and I truly hope that things start to settle down with your tummy. x
Vicki Montague says
Thanks Mandy. What a lovely comment! I hate to say it but I feel that my tummy is getting a little happier…lets hope it isn’t just temporary and the probiotics are starting to kick in!
Mel says
You’ve definitely given it a good go, sweetie. I hope the test helps find out what could reduce IBS. I have been losing so much hair I’ve found it worrying. If you find a solution for that, let me know!
Vicki Montague says
Hi Mel…I’ve emailed you a link to a product that my dr suggested for hair loss.
Nicola Young says
I think your plan of healthy and sensible is a good one. IBS symptoms can occur due to stress, so there is not point putting yourself through it and making things worse.. I will be interested to hear how you get on. My husband can not tolerate fermented food of any kind. I have an interesting book about the alkaline diet that explains why some people can’t.
Vicki Montague says
Ooo that is interesting! I wonder if it could be gut bacteria related too. I certainly have had to build up my ability to eat good bacteria-laden foods!