Food Advice From The Clueless

When you have IBS, your relationship with food is complicated. Actually, maybe saying it’s complicated is too nice of a word, maybe the word volatile is more appropriate. You just never know what is going to set you off.

The frustrating part of IBS

Sure, keeping a food journal is always a good idea and it truly can help pinpoint trigger foods. But, let’s face it, there is an element of IBS that has no rhyme or reason for its ability to rear its ugly head.

You can be the best IBS patient in the world. You can do all the things. Keep a food journal, be immaculate with staying on a diet, be consistent with exercising and keeping your body healthy, get enough sleep, lower stress levels. You can do it all! And then BAM! A flare hits.

This is the frustrating part about IBS. I truly believe there are just some factors that are simply out of our control. Perhaps life threw a curveball at you and your stress went up which triggered your IBS. I mean, how can you possibly control something like that from happening? The answer is you can’t unless you decide to live in a bunker alone until you breathe your last breath. But then what’s the point?

Unsolicited food advice about IBS

Unfortunately, for many with IBS, stress, and anxiety are triggers and it’s just something we have to come to terms with. Oh and the element of food? Yea, that’s huge.

I know I am not the only one experiencing unsolicited advice from others when it comes to diet. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or even just someone you literally met, people love to give their 2 cents when it comes to your food choices.

They love to say things like:

• Oh, you shouldn’t eat that.
• I don’t think it was the bread that made you sick. It was definitely the seasoning you added.
• You shouldn’t try that, it will make you sick.
• It’s not that hard, just don’t eat it. Be more disciplined.
• Have you tried this diet? My friend had success with it. No more IBS for her.
• I don’t understand how you can eat this but not that. It doesn’t make sense.
• You should fast.

And the list of phrases goes on and on. The point is, why do people feel so obligated to school you on your own body that you know better than anyone else? What people truly don’t understand is, we have only a handful of safe foods, so whether it makes sense or not, we are going to eat those safe foods because if not we starve!

People just don't get it

Overall, I think the important thing to remember is that when others chime in, it truly is coming from a good place and also a place of ignorance. They don’t have IBS. They don’t get it. They never will. So although I wish they would just not comment on something they know nothing about, I always do my best to give them grace. They just want to try and help and although I don’t agree with the way they approach it, at least they care enough to say something.

How about you? How do you handle unsolicited food advice? Share below!