I used to chew gum all the time. Since I read your book and thought about it, I stopped for a few days, and the bloating and discomfort I had for long time went away. Is this possible?

Dr. Farhadi: Yes. Why not? Different kinds of gum contain a lot of sweeteners like Sorbitol and other compounds that resist digestion and absorption in the bowel. Bacteria colonies in the large bowel use these sugars as food, creating an abundance of gas and other chemicals that may alter the bowel motility (movement properties), which results in a change in bowel habits. I am happy that you discovered the reason for your problem through the process of food elimination, and I encourage the same elimination process for all IBS patients.
2008-04-25 14:07:34

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