I used to have a constant cycle of diarrhea and constipation, along with horrible heart burn. I'd get kidney stones due to the dehydration from the diarrhea. I also had hemorrhoids from straining. (I basically had arse-dry heaves. I'd shite everything out, then continue to have what my wife called "contractions".)

I had a family history of digestive system cancers. Two uncles died from complications from esophageal cancer. My grandfather had stomach cancer, but survived. My dad died at 45, but he had constant stomach problems, to the point that he was on experimental meds (which later became Zantac). I was a bit freaked out that this was my future.

The doctor ordered a colonoscopy and an endoscopy to check my system. Doc said it was reflux and IBS. Also said that my digestive system looked like a 60 year old's (I was 30 at the time). He prescribed four meds for me to take, none of which helped.

I started to research every possible cause for my issues. I decided to do an elimination diet to determine if something I was eating was causing the problems. I also went low-carb to cut some weight. I noticed that while low-carbing, my symptoms were reduced. I determined that gluten was my problem. This was confirmed when I ate some teriyaki and had a very bad night. I did not know at the time that soy sauce contains gluten. (Most stuff was not labeled for gluten back then.)

Since then, I have a normal system. I had another scope a few years later and my system has repaired itself.

What I learned from this experience is that what you eat controls so much of your health, beyond just the quality of the food. I also learned that many doctors are not worth a damn. A digestive specialist failed to recognize what I was able to determine using the Internet.