IBS: My Truth

Numerous people have contacted the me through the LABELWATCH.com site to inquire about my battle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS.)  So here are the facts:

I suffered from IBS-C (constipation form) since as far back as I can remember.  As I aged (specifically when I neared 40) the condition become unbearable and I looked for every possible solution to no avail. Finally I tried an "elimination diet" whereby I ate nothing but fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein for two weeks.  Within the second week my condition completely disappeared!  Slowly I began to add different types of foods back in my diet such as dairy, soy, nuts & seeds, wheat, corn, and finally processed foods.  In the end the culprits were: 

1.  Enriched Wheat Flour: This overly processed refined flour is chemically bleached with chorine and peroxide agents, as well as fluffed up with the use of potassium bromate.  Many of these additives are banned in countries throughout the world.  (click here to learn more.) 

2.  Modified Food Starch: This additive is a chemically-modified food starch used in mass production because it is more stable than natural corn starch.  (click here to learn more.)

I am able to eat products that contain whole wheat and even unbleached/unbromated wheat flour (organic wheat flour as well), but I have to steer clear of ALL chemically-processed wheat and starches, because the effect is almost immediate.

If you suffer from IBS, try an elimination diet and within a few weeks you will most likely know the cause of your condition and how to avoid it and live IBS-free!  

Here's to your health!