I am so glad that this subject has been raised, as I was going to start a similar thread myself.Gilly, you will be interested to know that I went to a launch of The IBS Low-Starch Diet, by Carol Sinclair, two days ago. This is an excellent, thought-provoking book, which I have read and re-read. I have actually made reference to the book and the diet a few times on this forum over the last few weeks, with next to no response. Now the timing is right, and I hope that many people on this board consider it in their search for improvement for their symptoms.When I first read the book, I felt a very strong urge to contact the author, but couldn't find a way of doing so. A couple of weeks ago I just happened to notice an advert for Carol Sinclair's book launch. She is a New Zealander who was visiting here, but I understand now lives in England. There was no way I could miss meeting her, despite a fairly long, arduous journey by public transport way oner the other side of town. The purpose of my trip was not just to ask her a couple of personal questions relating to the diet, but also to invite her to participate on this site, because the description of many posters' symptoms fit in so much with the symptoms which Carol USED to have (pain from IBS and AS) and I felt that her diet would be such a blessing for many people. I can't understand why there was so little interest in my previous posts, but I hope that some ears prick up this time.What is interesting is Carol's explanation of the link between AS/IBS and the HLA B-27 gene. A blood test will reveal whether you have this gene, and if so, you will probably have elevated levels of Klebsiella bacteria, which thrive on the starch.Carol said that she would email me when she returns home and I'm sure she will oblige with sharing with us and answering questions when I give her the link to the site.In this book, Carol informs how to test for starch and methods of eliminating it. Some people will not have to give up all forms of starch, but others might be affected by something as simple as the starch in their medication and supplements. So, be careful, Jan8. If you want to succeed, avoid cheating! There's no need for it if you follow Carol's advice, and the book makes clear what food you can eat.For now, avoid bread, cakes, potatoes and pasta. Consider avoiding root veggies and all grains - rice might be ok for some.Salad veggies seem ok and most fruit, apparently not bananas. Meat is fine. You're allowed alcohol and chocolate, but that mightn't be for everyone. Maybe wait until further down the track.BTW, there is a large selection of starch-free recipes. I visited the AS site after first reading the book, gilly. It is helpful, though I find IBSGroup more relevant for me.