IBS is a mysterious health issue. What causes it and how to treat it differs from person to person. We know that the symptoms – bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation that may be intermittent cause us a great deal of stress, but the cause of these symptoms can be tough to put a finger on. What works for one person doesn’t work for another. While there are definite links between chronic stress, abuse and even supernatural causes, for some the issue is the intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods. The foods that cause allergic reactions in some individuals are not necessarily the same foods that will cause intolerance or sensitivity based IBS in others. I feel that it is important to understand the difference between "allergies" and "sensitivities" before you begin the elimination diet. IBS is curable. If the elimination diet doesn’t work for you, then food is not the cause of your IBS and you will need to investigate further.

Food Allergies

If a person is allergic to specific foods they will experience symptoms associated with common poison ivy or oak, bee sting or seasonal allergies (swelling of the lips and mouth, itchy watery eyes, and sinus congestion) as soon as they are eaten. They may also experience stomach cramps and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as secondary symptoms. A severe allergic reaction to a food would be shortness of breath, restriction of the throat, dizziness and lightheadedness and even losing consciousness. The most common food allergens include but are not limited to eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

Food Intolerance or Sensitivities

If you are intolerant or sensitive to certain foods then this may manifest in your body as IBS. However, IBS is often misdiagnosed. There are other GI tract reactions that have similar symptoms to IBS such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, glucose intolerance, gas, diarrhea and constipation. The reason your body may be intolerant or sensitive to certain foods is complex and includes a wide range of foods.

I am including a link to Heather’s Tummy Care “List of Trigger Foods” guide to understanding and following a successful elimination diet. While I disagree with Heather on her belief that IBS is incurable, (because if it were I would still have it) I do have a healthy respect for her depth of knowledge on authentic food sensitivities. Please visit the link below:

Trigger List for IBS




*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program.