Whole30 with suspected IBS-D. Feeling discouraged!

[TaraTKM]

Hi! I’m on day 8 of my first ever Whole30. Let me start by saying my only reason for doing the Whole30 was to troubleshoot some digestive issues. I’ve had soft stools nearly every day for about 5 years now, and get frequent stomach aches. I’m 5’8, 125 lbs, and generally a big eater (of everything - I eat lots of fruits and veggies, but also love to bake and cook and eat lots of bread/sugar/pasta as well) who just happens to have high metabolism/be naturally thin. I do low impact workouts (light weights, walks with my toddler, the occasional jog) about 4-5 days a week. I was really hoping that the Whole30 would solve some of my stomach issues (specifically by cutting sugar/bread/dairy) but unfortunately it hasn’t. I’ve had the same soft stools/diarrhea as usual 6 out of 8 days so far. How long would you all recommend continuing before waving the white flag? Because I’m doing this solely for the purpose of hopefully solving my stomach issues and it doesn’t seem to be helping with that, it’s really hard not to get discouraged and to want to continue. Any advice? I’ve been putting a lot of time and effort into meal planning and have been following all the Whole30 rules. Thanks in advance!

[Sheila B]

This isn't really W30 but have you tried a FODMAP elimination diet? It can be a little tricky - I did mine with a Dietician to make sure I was doing it right - but I know it's helped a ton of people with IBS. There's a lot of overlap with Whole 30 but definitely not the same.

[ultrarunnergirl]

Day 8 is still quite early in the program. If nothing has changed yet, I would say give it the 30 days (minimum).

I'm not a doctor and can't give medical advice. It might be worth trying less fibrous veggies.

Wishing you the best!