Mrs. D: Question about IBS-D
 

Dear Mrs. D,

What is the best OTC medication for IBS-D?

I have been struggling with IBS-D for about 10 months. I found great relief with the FODMAP elimination diet in April.

I had a terrible 'relapse' recently, due to eating corn several days in a row (in chowders) because I didn't realize that corn should be restricted when tolerated. Obviously I probably don't tolerate it at all and certainly not in large amounts.

I also think that my Kirkland protein bar (eaten every day for breakfast) which has cashews as a protein/fiber source may be contributing to my problem. Cashews are a high FODMAP food.

My husband is a research Immunologist, taught and did research for 25 years in a medical school in Boston. He simply does not understand the role of FODMAP high foods in IBS-D and argues with me daily. He has microscopic colitis, and applies his thinking about that condition to mine.

I need a cool head to advise me, and I know you are wise and experienced.

I will see my Primary Care physician on another matter tomorrow, but hesitate to add this to the discussion. Perhaps another appointment later is in order.

If you have any thoughts on this matter, or if other members have as well I would be so grateful.

Regards, ElaineD

Although most of the corn we grow in in the U.S. is used to feed livestock and make Ethanol there is still a lot that ends up in our food in one form or another. It's almost impossible to get away from high fructose corn syrup and other similar ingredients made from corn. Perhaps it was a build up of those things with your 3 day corn eating spree;)

I wish I knew a good medicine for you but I do hope you find one. :)

Thank you, pinky,

I think it is the fiber in whole corn that did so much mischief.

I followed a careful FODMAP elimination for several days, and also took some loperamide, which is the most commonly used treatment for diarrhea (ick).

So now all is well, and I will know that I do not tolerate whole corn well.

It is so weird to me to have developed gluten and lactose intolerance, and all of the other FODMAP sensitivities.

This is the basic information on the FODMAP problem for some of us with IBS-D:
FODMAP Food List | IBS Diets

FODMAP is an acronym for the foods that create a digestion problem, biochemically, in the small intestine of those who are sensitive.

Up until the past year, I had no problem. And I am 75, so I was shocked that this IBS-D began (Irritable Bowel Syndrome -Diarrhea) for me so late in life.

Fortunately there are many lactose free products, and a few good gluten free foods including bread.

As always, I rely on the support and help from so many sources and forums on the Internet.

Regards, ElaineD