Question:
I am a 50-year-old female. I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) more than 15 years ago. My most severe symptoms have been stomach ache, bloating and constipation. I discovered when trying to lose weight on the Atkins diet that my stomach never felt better. I found the diet hard to continue with and for quite some time have been trying a high-fibre diet. My pain and bloating are a daily event. I wonder if I have an intolerance of wheat?

Answer:

I think you may have answered your own question. When you were on the Atkins diet, you would have been avoiding all bread, pasta and wheat-based products. The fact that you felt good on this program certainly suggests wheat is your problem. Try avoiding all wheat for a month and if you feel better, you will know it is the cause of your discomfort. Be sure to read all the labels of packaged food you buy; wheat crops up in the most unlikely places.

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