Feel bloated all the time.

[Shipstabber]

For about 3 weeks now I've felt bloated and uncomfortable most days. It's worse in the evening after I've eaten, even if I've only had a light meal. A friend has told me that I may have IBS, but there are so many symptoms of IBS and treatments for them that I can't figure out what treatment will stop my bloatedness. Advice on websites includes: eat more fibre, eat less fibre, cut out dairy, cut out carbohydrates, cut out gluten, cut out caffiene, drink more water, get more exercise, etc. I'm so confused I don't know where to start! I already eat fairly healthily - I drink plenty of water and very little coffee, I go to the gym regularly, and I eat fruit and veg and try to avoid high fat foods. Can anyone who has experienced the same thing tell me what helped for them?

[becks]

I used to get the same, trying cutting out yeast, i don't eat any bread anymore, and before i used to look about six months pregnant by the end of the day, now i look fairly normal. some of it may be water retention too, or a wheat intolerance can do the same. See your GP and if no joy might be worth trying a food aleergy testing jobby.

[Wee Kaz]

Try substituting white bread for wholemeal bread. Also exercise defo helps. I have IBS but still get the cramps and bloatedness but not as much. Because of the differences in symptoms of IBS it's hard to say what would help. I guess most people just have to live with it and try changing their diet and watch the results. One thing that brings on my IBS is stress which means my stomach is constantly upset/uncomfortable or not eating regularly. Now I eat 3 meals a day, try to eat wholemeal bread rather than white, eat cereal, drink plenty of water (8 pints per day) and exercise and that seems to have helped a lot, Good luck!!

[Dino]

My girlfriend has a wheat allergy and has similar symptoms to yourself. IBS is a far worse condition that normally causes severe pain and the need to get to the loo fairly sharpish! The best thing for you to do is to have a blood test with a specialist but these are quite pricey - �250 for a comprehensive check - so make you first point of call your GP. If you are in fact allergic to wheat get it checked sooner rather than later because as soon as you stop exposing yourself to it you will feel better overnight. Other symptons can be clammy palms and lack of energy.

[Shipstabber]

Thanks for your replies. I cut out wheat and caffeine for a day and had one of those probiotic yoghurt thingies and I felt much better. Trouble is I don't know which of these was the help! I suppose it's a case of trial and error.