u/DopyDope02

Hi everyone,

I’ve been dealing with digestive issues for a few years and was diagnosed with IBS/SIBO, among other things. I’m working with specialists and trying to manage symptoms, nutrition, and keep understanding my patterns better.

One thing I keep struggling with is tracking everything consistently. Doctors ask about food, bowel movements, pain, bloating, stress, sleep, meds, etc., but when I’m in the appointment (and even when I’m trying to make connections for myself) I realize I’m mostly relying on memory or random notes.

I’m curious on how other people deal with this, and will appreciate your input:

1. Do you currently keep a food/symptom diary?

2. Has tracking actually been useful for you?

For example, has it helped you notice patterns, manage symptoms, or explain things better to a doctor/dietitian?

3. What’s the hardest part about tracking?

For me personally, it’s staying consistent. I usually start with good intentions, but it becomes hard to keep up with.

4. Have you ever stopped tracking because it felt too exhausting or not worth it?

Would really appreciate hearing what has worked or not worked for you all.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been dealing with digestive issues for a few years and was diagnosed with IBS/SIBO, among other things. I’m working with specialists and trying to manage symptoms, nutrition, and keep understanding my patterns better.

One thing I keep struggling with is tracking everything consistently. Doctors ask about food, bowel movements, pain, bloating, stress, sleep, meds, etc., but when I’m in the appointment (and even when I’m trying to make connections for myself) I realize I’m mostly relying on memory or random notes.

I’m curious on how other people deal with this, and will appreciate your input:

1. Do you currently keep a food/symptom diary?

2. Has tracking actually been useful for you?

For example, has it helped you notice patterns, manage symptoms, or explain things better to a doctor/dietitian?

3. What’s the hardest part about tracking?

For me personally, it’s staying consistent. I usually start with good intentions, but it becomes hard to keep up with.

4. Have you ever stopped tracking because it felt too exhausting or not worth it?

Would really appreciate hearing what has worked or not worked for you all.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I know a good amount of people (including myself) who deal with some kind of chronic digestive issue (IBS, SIBO, food sensitivities, bloating, stomach pain, constipation/diarrhea). It just feels like this stuff is way more common now than it used to be.

I’m curious about how much people here think modern processed food has played a role in that. Like preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners, ultra-processed snacks/meals, fast food, seed oils, etc.

I’m not saying processed food is the only reason, but I do wonder if the way our food has changed over the years is a huge part of why so many people seem to have chronic digestive problems now.

Do you feel like processed foods make your symptoms worse? Or do you think the rise is more about better awareness, more diagnoses, and people talking about it more?