3 replies to this topic

[Billie.Goulet]

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My son is 16. Has been suffering with IBS for most of his life. But, in the past few months it has gotten severe. He spends hours in the bathroom with severe cramping. I know I have to change his diet. But after sitting here this past week researching, I havent come across much that doesnt look like an elderly persons diet. And not to mention, my son isnt real thrilled about the food options we have come across. Isnt there some where to get some recipes that are teen friendly??? Please help. I feel horrible for him. The meds they gave him do nothing. So, I know its the diet that has to be changed now.

[BQ]

What are his symptoms besides the cramping?BTW IBS doesn't always have to do with the foods that are eaten it can have more to do with the simple fact that you have eaten. So it isn't always about just the food.There are many triggers... stress (positive or negative), extremes in temperatures, hormones.. etc

[Kathleen M.]

Well sometimes diet makes a difference and sometimes it doesn't. There isn't a one size fits all diet for IBS, and I'm not sure which one you are using that sounds like it is only for really old people.That being said, high fat, highly processed junk food really isn't good for anyone even if teens can get away with eating a lot of that stuff.Eating healthy is a good idea even if you don't have IBS. That being said, the following types of food tend to cause more diarrhea than other options.High fat, fried, greasy foods.Raw or juices of high sorbitol fruits (apples pears peaches cherries--cooking them gets rid of the sorbitol)Some people have issues with fructose (so sodas may be a problem with the high fructose corn syrup) and some may have issues with lactose (but hard cheeses should be OK if he tolerates the fat, or lower fat cheeses that are aged rather than soft/fresh should be OK).Cooked veggies are usually easier than raw ones, but I ate lots of cooked veggies even as a child/teen as we always ate them every meal. I didn't think they were only for 80 year olds.Some people do better on a lower carb diet so limiting starches (rather than all bland all starch all the time) may be helpful.

[cookies4marilyn]

There are so many IBS diets out there that it can be confusing - after having had IBS since 1983, I was down to crackers and water at one point because everything seemed to put me into severe pain and attacks. Common sense would say not to eat something that would already aggrivate his system, but we know from experience that sometimes if the person eats the 'trigger' food unknowingly, there are no problems.Take a peek at my links below- I no longer follow an IBS diet, and there can be a way forward for your son. In the meantime, he could probably have a modified pizza, keep it as bland as possible, and pasta usually is pretty safe - but some people have tomato as a trigger, others do not, so as mentioned, it is not a one-size fits all thing. And to add to the complications, many IBS patients can have one food one day with no problem, and another day it may be the opposite. If I can be of any help, please let me know - I speak (for free) with many IBS patients to share what has helped me after all else failed.All the best, and do not give up hope for your son!