eliminating milk products

[dminton]

Just thought I'd pass this on: I saw a GI doc today just to see what I can do when my IBS flares (diarrhea only, not constipation) and he said among other things to eliminate milk, cheese, and ice cream for 7-10 days. It is apparently very common as we age to become lactose intolerant. I told him that I eat milk products every day but the IBS comes and goes, is not constant. He said that I could still be intolerant, you don't have to react to milk each and every time to prove that you shouldn't be eating it. Hope that makes sense!

He also said gall bladder disease can cause IBS-like symptoms, and recommended an ultrasound just to be sure. Apparently, this is also somewhat common in women in their 40's who have not had a hysterectomy. This is all news to me. Just thought I'd pass it on.

[tillysav]

Thanks for good information. I have IBS (severe constipation) consistantly and have not figured out what to take or eliminate yet.

My gastro said stop taking calcium 1500 a day (it can cause constipation). I did this and still have the constipation. I'm now worried about not getting enough calcium. I've had a complete hyterectomy and need calcium.

Puzzle

[lotsofgirls]

Hi Tilly,
My pelvic floor therapist told me that the pelvic floor in spasm contributes to constipation (as well as the meds). Maybe it would be worth it to go through pelvic floor rehab?
Cath

[LindaP]

Tilly-
You may need more fiber in your diet! The Fruitful Yield store sells IC friendly cereals that are high in fiber. Yes, you may have to use water instead of milk if you are off dairy but you may benefit by having softer stools. I know metemucil, daily helps people with constipation (1 tsp per 8oz water) but I still don't know if we IC'ers can tolerate metemucil and have a question out there in the network.

I have sister who say fiber is the key to their problems as well!

Good luck!

[lalarainbow]

Hi
In Canada we have a lactose free milk---Can you get that in the States? We have just found out our son is Lactose Intollerent and he is able drink the lactose free milk.. It is called Lacteze (sp?) ...there is also lactose free yogurt, but have not found the cheese yet.. He is also talking Lactaid pills if he happens to eat pizza or ice cream and it does help..It is hard to get enough calcium when you don't eat dairy products so he is taking 3 Tums a day which was recomended by the pharmacist..
All the best!
~~Pam~~

[poetgirl]

There are also plenty of good soy-based products out there to replace what you'd normally consume in dairy form. I find the soymilk and soy yogurt do take some getting used to (depending on the brand) but have found good soy cheeses that I routinely substitute in recipes and you'd never know the difference. I personally prefer soymilk (vanilla flavor) to the Lactaid (lactose-free) brand milk. If you are lactose-intolerant, you can also take Lactaid pills prior to eating dairy, which is supposed to help your body handle the lactose. Depends on how diligent you are about taking pills, though!

[donutgirl]

The IBS diarrhea & pain symptoms are VERY MUCH like the gallbladder disease symptoms. I don't like milk, so I don't eat very many dairy products anyway, but I never saw that affect the gallbladder. For me every time I ate something greasy, my gallbladder acted up. Maybe keeping a food and symptom diary would help you figure out?? Just a suggestion.

Hope you feel better soon.

DIANE

[jen_dahling]

Just wanted to add that my allergy specialist said that although I didn't test allergic to milk that people can still have problems breaking down the casien and other milk proteins. It was also recommended that I try to eliminate dairy and such when my IBS acts up.

[heiwalove]

question about gallbladder disease:
what are the symptoms?
do you actually feel pain in your gallbladder?
thanks.

[Ginny]

Ibs

I was misdiagnosed with IBS for 30 years of my life. It was later found to be celiac (gluten intolerance). I always wonder how many other people go through life with the wrong diagnosis. If you want more info send me a private message.

Ginny