Stomach problems as a vegan

[Tomtad]

I've been vegan for 3 years and I've had some stomach problems on and off (mainly on) for the last year or so. 

It sounds like I've had a very similar experience to Leo in being bounced around between doctors but here in the UK. 

I get quite a tight and bloated stomach. 

I've had a blood test, stool sample check, and an endoscopy and was assured the results were all fine even though I never really saw the results, not exactly sure what they were looking for. 

In the end I was just diagnosed with ibs which seems to me a blanket diagnosis when they don't know what the problem is. 

Where do you guys suggest I go from here? Should I try and get one of these breath tests for sibo?

I like to think I eat a pretty balanced diet as a vegan and am quite aware of all the nutrients I need to get. Nothing in particular sparks it, maybe oats sometimes or if I eat too much for breakfast early in the morning. Sometimes I wonder if it's just stress related but I don't feel that stressed. 

[Michael569]

I think the sibo test would Indeed make sense. You may need to go private if the GP is not willing to do it for you.

But definitely worth checking that

[Tomtad]

Yeah gp wouldn't do that but I haven't had to pay for anything so far so may be worth it. 

[Michael569]

@Tomtad any particular foods that are problematic? 

[Tomtad]

I don't think so, I've kept a food diary and nothing in particular has been a problem. I noticed it got better when I started to eat less for breakfast (I normally had a large bowl of oats and now I have a couple of weetabix and fruit) and that seems to help. Alcohol definitely doesn't help but I don't drink much, occasionally in a social setting. Lentils cause me some problems but are okay if I soak them. 

[Ora]

@Tomtad what's your diet like? are you eating too many hard to digest grains like brown rice or quinoa? A lot of fruit and raw stuff? Those all dampen stomach acid because of high water content. Do you have enough protein? Protein is necessary for the liver and digestion to function properly. It seems like vegan would be hard to get real good sources of protein without being tough on digestion like beans, lentils, nuts. I feel like you almost need a protein powder if your on vegan. Do you have enough good fats in your diet like quality olive oil and saturated fats like coconut oil?

I know this isn't vegan but have you thought about local farm raised eggs? They aren't fertilized and chickens just drop like one a day automatically and if there's no male to fertilize it just never produces a chick.

I have an Indian friend who's vegetarian since birth (no eggs but milk ok) and he says he feels like crap without milk. I think its because the saturated fats and protein. Without it his digestion gets real bad also.

[Preety_India]

What kind of foods are problematic?