re: For those of who have IBS, I have a few questions.

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For those of who have IBS, I have a few questions.

What are your symptoms? What medication are you taking? And how do you manage your symptoms?

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I was diagnosed with IBS 50 yrs ago but not real sure that is/was my problem. Several yrs later I found out accidently that I was severely intolerant of High Fructose Corn Syrup which is in every presweetened beverage sold in cans, bottles, or fountain. Every time I drank a soft drink I would get the liquid shits in about 20-30 min. Ice Cream is also a baddie for me but frozen yogurt is not. A lot of your bakery goods icing is made with it.

Once I trimmed that back I got 95% better. I also eat a lot better now simply because at my age I am trying to maintain better blood sugar, Triglcerices, and cholesterol.

It was my opinion that IBS is just what doctory tell you when they dont know what else it could be.

I said I stumbled into my HFCS issue accidentally. Diet Coke had just come out back in the 80's and I said I could stand to lose a few pounds and when I started drinking DC wo and behold my flying shits went away.

Just a quick snippet from Copilot on digestive problems from HFCS

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How HFCS Can Cause Digestive Problems
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common sweetener in processed foods and drinks, containing about 55% fructose and 45% glucose Healthline. While small amounts of fructose from whole fruits are generally harmless, excessive intake of HFCS can disrupt digestion and cause symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals Flatulence Cures+1.

Why HFCS Affects the Gut
Fructose is metabolized mainly in the liver, but unlike glucose, it requires more steps to be converted into usable energy Healthline. When consumed in large amounts — especially from HFCS in sodas, juices, and packaged foods — the body may not be able to process it efficiently. This can lead to fructose malabsorption, where unabsorbed fructose draws water into the intestines and is fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas and bloating Flatulence Cures+1.

Common Symptoms
Bloating and gas from fermentation of unabsorbed fructose Flatulence Cures

Abdominal cramps from intestinal irritation Flatulence Cures

Diarrhea from osmotic effects and bacterial fermentation Mayo Clinic

In some cases, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be worsened by HFCS, as fructose can feed certain gut bacteria that produce gas American Council on Science and Health.

Foods and Drinks High in HFCS
Sugary beverages (soda, sports drinks, fruit juices)

Packaged snacks, cereals, baked goods, condiments, and some breads Cleveland Clinic+1

Even “health” products like flavored yogurts or granola bars can contain HFCS.

Managing HFCS-Related Digestive Issues
Read labels and avoid products with “high fructose corn syrup” or “fructose” Mayo Clinic.

Limit added sugars overall, especially from processed sources.

Eat whole fruits in moderation — they contain fructose but also fiber and other nutrients that aid digestion.

Distribute fructose intake with meals to improve absorption.

If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider or dietitian to rule out fructose intolerance or SIBO.

Bottom line: HFCS can cause digestive upset in people with fructose malabsorption or sensitivity because the body struggles to process large amounts of fructose at once. Reducing HFCS intake and monitoring fructose sources can help prevent bloating, gas, and other gastrointestinal discomforts

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A syndrome is a constellation of symptoms without a known underlying cause. As the word syndrome implies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. Once the doctors have ruled out known diseases that could be causing those symptoms, they put you into the IBS basket.

That doesn't mean IBS isn't real, just that it's not well understood. It probably represents many different underlying pathologies. Which in turn means there's no well defined treatment regimen that applies to everyone with that diagnosis. Virtually everyone who responds to your thread could have a different underlying cause for their symptoms, so their answers may not apply to your problem. With help from your doctors, you try to find things that work for you. And if your symptoms change or worsen, let the doctor know because new information may lead to a more definitive diagnosis and better treatment.

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I have done a whole 30 as well as a diet called the elimination diet to find triggers.

Corn and HFCS were big ones for me. I now limit those (I am a sucker for candy and oreos) and I read anything prepackaged to see what is in it.

Every once in a while I will have a flare up, but it has been much better than it used to be.

I have done a whole 30 as well as a diet called the elimination diet to find triggers.

Corn and HFCS were big ones for me. I now limit those (I am a sucker for candy and oreos) and I read anything prepackaged to see what is in it.

Every once in a while I will have a flare up, but it has been much better than it used to be.

I was diagnosed with this at 25, I’m 38 now. Had a lower scope in 2020 and an upper scope in 2023, came back with nothing.

Diet is a major factor and mine has been extremely clean for the past 10 years. But I still have issues, especially in the morning. I always have to wake up several hours before I actually need to leave the house which is a huge inconvenience.

I’ve learned not to eat certain things unless I’m at home. If I’m traveling or going out for the day/night I just pop a couple of peptos or Immodium to avoid issues. It still sucks having to constantly worry and plan around it.

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What are your symptoms?

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The doo doos

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Drink more water stop eating like shite and you’ll be fine

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You’re being downvoted because people don’t want to hear the truth.

People want to continue with bad nutrition and just take a pill to continue doing so. Fact.