Food Sensitivity Issues in MS?

[Rushy]

It may be menopause or just a normal process of aging ( i will be 50 in a few months) BUT has anyone else experienced food sensitivity issues with MS. Over the last year or so, I have been having real issues with some foods that I used to love, namely, raw carrots, bacon, barbqued potato chips, nuts, onions and the list grows almost weekly. Eating these things causes horrible issues with my bowels(sorry to be so blunt, dont know how else to put it) I have had issues with my bowels right from the onset of my MS but now foods seem to be causing flareups of that issue more and more. Anyone?

[MSW1963]

My last exacerbation came with several new sx's, including the dreaded bowel problems. It's not one of the sx's neuro or MS doc's seem particularly interested in.

One of my MS docs decided it was IBS after an exam to determine that my muscles 'there' were in working order. But I think it is not unheard of for MS'ers to have this problem.

Within a couple of months of starting a new MS DMD, the problem resolved, after long 10yrs. Maybe my new MS drug is also effective for IBS.

[Sequoia]

This would be a good question to also ask on the "Tara's Nutrition & Supplement Notebook" forum:

http://www.msworld.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=70

Tara Palmer, MSWorld's professional nutritionist, has many clients with MS and has treated them for a variety of digestive problems.

[Keepin_on]

Hey Rushy!

My stomach has always been like that...even before MS. Have you had an allergy test done recently? Since people can develop allergies and sensitivities at any time in their lives, it may be worth a check.

I had no clue I was allergic to asparagus, pineapple and eggs until I had the test done. I always blamed my stomach problems on other things and I was sure I had IBS for at least a decade.

Since I have removed those things and gluten, my stomach problems are almost non-existent. I am not allergic to gluten, but removing it has done wonders.

Last week my stomach didn't like a spinach salad I ate , but other than that I am all good. Kind of a pain at first, but eliminating certain things from your normal food may put things back to normal? Maybe even just for a while.

Also, stress of any kind likes to terrorize me in that way...could you be going through stress that is making you sensitive? My two cents

[cosake]

Sorry you are having such difficulties.

Have you considered consulting with a gastroenterologist or other specialist ?

[pjsSissy70]

I was dx with Celiac Disease. Neuro said there is a link with MS and CD. I have been on a gluten free diet for almost a year and I feel so much better, tummy wise at least.

[Kimmy92279]

I'm 32 years old and I've always had issues with my stomach. I've been tested and tested and tested and it always comes back to no one knowing what is wrong with me. And my upset stomach issues have only gotten worse as I've gotten older. How with a "probably MS" diagnosis I wonder if they are linked. I have read a lot online about how changing diet has helped leaps and bounds with exacerbations so I'm taking baby steps and just trying to eat "cleaner" with more natural and organic foods. Bonus - I've already lost about 12 lbs.