health & diet update (irritable bowel syndrome, yay) | MAKEUP & STORYTIME | Melanie Murphy 

Hit LIKE above if you'd be interested in watching "low fodmap" food diary Friday videos...even though I'm still only learning! And comment a greenlove heart if your digestion also sucks and if you have to be careful with diet and or meds...I wanna read about all of your experiences, good or bad! Tips welcome! xxx

can I just say YOUR SKIN THOUGH 😍

watching this while the toilet, IBS squad unite 💪🏻

💚💚 I have severe ibs too and it's increased my depression and anxiety A LOT. Mine switches between constipation an diarrhea, terrible bloating/gas. I miss out on life because of hours everyday spent in the bathroom (like right now). TRIGGER WARNING: but my stomach pain has often made me suicidal. Doctors tend not to take ibs seriously, at least mine haven't. They'll be like yeah just come back in 6 months an we'll see if you've had any changes. Like what that's what you said 6 months ago!! Just know y'all aren't alone and never give up on yourself and trying to find the help you deserve ❤❤

As someone who has never liked eating it’s really hard to be fussy about food for your bowels sake. You end up in the mindset of ‘Oh I can’t be bothered I just won’t eat anything’. I struggle so bad with balancing my stomach in filling it enough but only with things that won’t upset it. Thank you for sharing and being so real 😊💕

I can't believe it. One of my favorite RU-vidrs making a video on a condition I've had for so many years... thank you. 💚 Having IBS for years really has had an affect on my quality of life. Always thinking about if I go here "can I eat the food, how long will I be away from home in case I need to go to the bathroom." In school I could almost never use the bathroom to go number 2. It gives you so much anxiety and pain. It used to be normal for me to go to the bathroom maybe once a week at best. I didn't even realize it wasn't normal until someone told me. I had it for a while until I even told my family. Crying curled up on the bathroom floor because you can't go isn't something you usually want to share with anyone. But knowing other people out there are suffering makes me want to work to helping my self for some reason. It makes me feel like there is a solution. I have taken fiber and probiotics which have not helped in the past but now don't do much. I honestly have been living with it for about six years and didn't really think there was anything that would help since my diet is already very limited and healthy. But for some reason this gave me new hope. I think I want to try a different probiotic now and maybe go to the doctor to see what they can do. I was searching for something that could help (aside from taking laxatives). I'm so glad that you talked about the fodmap. I've never heard of it and will try it starting today. The food that really helps me are green lentils. They have a lot of fiber, carbohydrates and are nutritious. You can eat them with a bit of olive oil and salt, on a salad or with chopped green cabbage (alternatively sauerkraut). I try to eat them daily as my main meal. Also drinking at least three cups of black coffee (with coco in it. Or a bit of milk/almond milk) helps so much. Also since I read the list for those that might also try the fodmap. For me potatoes and rice are the most triggering foods for me (though the list says they are safe) so I think it depends on the person so just be aware of that. Also a quick question. Do any of you have a good alternative for ripe bananas? 🍌 They are probably the second most common food I eat (green bananas trigger me really badly so I can't eat them). I was just wondering what anyone else substituted for ripe bananas during the fodmap diet.

I love how raw you are here Mel, educated me lots about ED recovery while having IBS. digestive issues are shitty, but I'm so happy to hear that you're doing better 💖

💚 I've found with my experience of Ibs, trying to attend to your mental health and stress/anxiety really helps. I first had symptoms around exams a few years ago and then caused myself to worry about having Ibs symptoms- a bad cycle- but now I've just come out of other exams with virtually no symptoms as I know how to deal with my stresses and worries a little better now. I hope ur battle with it becomes easier too, we all sympathise x

Who's watching while trying to poo? Hands up! I suffer colitis, which means I avoid so many things and when it comes to poo there are 2 options: or is it too much or nothing comes out

Mel your honesty on this channel is the reason I always come back! 🙌

💚💚💚 I've been living this life for 6 years and all i can say is it does get better. I am now at a point were I would say that 90% I am in control of my ibs. I am a big believer in stress being the trigger as I started experiencing symptoms during my first year of university. The best piece of advice I can give to anyone is don't be scared of what your body is telling you and don't be scared of going to the toilet. Our minds are our own worst enemy. If we know going to the bathroom could be bad then it seems to be 100 times worse. Take the stress out of it and with food changes it will be better. It seems so bad now but I promise to everyone over time you will find what works for you. I take supplements and cut out anything that caused major flare ups. But gradually you will find balance and you will get your life back. IBS is just a part of you, don't let it take over you!

💚💚💚 I have IBS and im lactose intolerant, I try to stay away from fizzy drinks, drink loadsss of water to help digestion, stay away from bread as much as possible. Gluten free pasta is life. Tesco do a lactose and gluten free pizza 😍 exercise! Meditation, colouring helps ❤️❤️ hope it helps Mel xxxx

💚Eating Plant Based has helped me more than anything. As well as stress management!! Your mental health impacts your body soo much. When my anxiety is under control, my IBS is much less severe.

I have a family history of IBS and Crohn's disease, so poo talk is so normal to me. We all do it, it's nothing to be ashamed about, and conversations about this kind of thing are so important! It's so great to see people like yourself and Hannah talking so openly about your experiences online and helping to de-stigmatise poo-related illnesses. I hope you feel better soon! Xx

I've started having similar issue lately. The pain is no joke. CT scans and xrays found no diverticulitis. Was sent home with nothing. Internet educational sites have been the only thing that have helped me. Thank you for talking about this.

Your voice what the hell you can sing girl! Thank you for being so honest about your issues. It’s going to really help others

💚 it's natural to feel sad when you find out something like this about your body cos it challenges your identity a bit and that is very important to humans so don't minimise your feelings or your experience because if it's important to you then it's important and your feelings are valid

💚 I relate!!!! Everything you said, been struggling with IBS symptoms since March, feeling the constant low level anxiety, fears of sparking ed behavior, too many conversations with the bf about poo. The fodmap image you put up is literally on my fridge right now. It's helping. PLEASE keep talking about this!! We need you and love you Mel. 💚

My husband has ibs and did the elimination diet for a while. He found that reintroducing gluten did not make his symptoms get worse, so you may not need to be gluten free forever. He did however have to completely cut out alcohol, any kind of cured meat, and a couple of other things. Which, for some people is even harder than gluten, but he feels so much better now.

I don’t have IBS but I am prone to digestive issues when I’m stressed or just sick. I finally talked to my parents about it and they recommended to a vitamin subscription that my sister uses (she gets sick quite a bit too). Long story short I got some vitamins for immune support, digestive support, etc. and I’ve really noticed an improvement. I’m glad your taking the time to make sure you know what you have and are taking what you feel are the right steps to keep yourself healthy. I also struggle with eating disorders, and I can’t tell you how much your honesty about your health has helped me. You’re so brave Mel! Take care 😘

If the word diet is triggering you, try calling it the low fodmap lifestyle, it might make you feel better saying lifestyle, you aren’t dieting you are changing your lifestyle to feel better and to help your body! Love and Hugs💚

Everything you have said about how frustrating and upsetting it is to be restricted in what you can and can’t eat and having to watch other people eat the foods you used to love and having to pre-plan if you can eat out anywhere on holidays, trips, restaurants is totally spot on to what I have had to go through, I have lived with ibs now for 6 years and it does get a bit easier, you become more used to pre-planning and accepting you can’t eat gluten but there are times when you wish you could just grab a take away or have a doughnut!! Thanks for sharing your video 💕

Goosh... I'm sitting here with my jelly belly being like a belly of 7 months preggo, being in pain, helpless and pooless and finally there's someone who understands me. I know I should go to the doctor and take care of my diet, but the amount of stress made me ignore completely taking care of my body. Thank you, Melanie, for opening my eyes

I am really appreciative of you sharing your experience and awareness about IBS as I do have extreme bloating everyday. But Melanie, I just have to highlight that your skin is GLOWING! 😍

Just wanted to let you know you aren't alone. I've been having problems with what could potentially be IBS for a while (havent had a diagnosis from a doc yet but am monitoring things before i see a doc) so I know how horrible it can be. I've cut down on how much milk I consume (swapping it out for Soy milk) and I am being careful about what I eat and seeing what aggravates my digestion. It was actually nice to watch this just knowing you know what I've been going through and I hope you manage to find some ways to help you cope, and know that you arent alone!

💚 at the end of the day what helped me was removing myself from the things in life I found stressful. And then therapy to help the anxiety I felt about the things I couldn't run away from

💚 Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I’ve been having stomach issues for a long time now, and I know how it all influences one’s mood, relationships, everything... Hope you find a way to feel better soon! My go to thing is lemon and ginger tea, and the more ginger the better - I prefer putting actual pieces of it, rather then just using the tea bags. Also, beetroot! And physical activity too, of course. Really hope that all of us with upset tummies find a way of handling it as best they can🙏🏼💪🏼🌿

💚 for me the most helpful thing when going out to eat or to parties has been remembering that nothing is worth sacrificing my health. Making other people comfortable can’t matter more than me being healthy. Also the people around me love me and care about my health and don’t want me in pain. Just like focusing on foods I love, I really do love vegetables, I love fruit, I love how I feel when I eat “good” carbs. And I try not to beat myself up, if I do eat something that I know I shouldn’t, that I will later regret, I make myself remember that I have eaten one way my whole life, a moment of weakness is not the hugest deal. 💚

It’s like you’re narrating my life too 😂😭 I’ve always had problems with lactose and gluten but chose to ignore it for ages and recently it’s turned into exactly what you’re describing!! So awful makes realise how lucky you were just to be healthy. Sending love and support your way Mel 💚💚💚

Honest and brave! This will be helpful to so many. I don't have IBS, though I do have an eating disorder and other health stuff like chronic pain and mobility issues. It is really eye-opening when you suddenly "get it," how other people are suffering and having compromised lives because of a health issue. It has made me much more aware and compassionate, towards others and towards myself. And adding in ED issues on top of things is really difficult. It's so easy to get triggered and worried about going backwards in recovery. AND the whole anxiety piece is BIG. I've been realizing that mine is at the root of so many things, and the stress and cortisol spikes really affect my health. So I'm learning to tune into breathing and mindfulness, calm down my self talk and explore meditation. Be well and keep sharing!

Thanks a lot and congrats Melanie for daring to adress this issue. I struggle with IBS too but my guts piss me off the opposite way. I relate to everything you pointed out : how it is linked to broadest issues (my IBS set off after a depression episode and is triggered by anxiety), how big an impact it can have on one's life (especially social life), how hard it is to talk about it, how hard it can be to deal with parallel eating disorders or issues, how restrictive the FODMAP diet seems. On the positive side having IBS has prompted me to discover new, different foods and ways of cooking, get creative and take better care of my psychological and physical overall health. I hope you'll find a way around it. I really admire you and what you do 💚

It such an ass that the world treats the best people the worst! Because of your honesty and willingness to share your experiences, I was given the courage to visit the doctor about my eating disorder and relationship with food. I have been diagnosed with orthorexia, I am now being referred to a specialist in two weeks and that’s because of the confidence you gave me. Thank you so much 💚 💚 what you’re going through is so horrible, I know many people close to me with the same problems and I hope you figure it all out soon! You’re such a whole person, sending so much love, 💚💚💚

I love you!!! Thanks for being so real. This is a super common issue!!! It’s a shame it’s so taboo. Hopefully brave people like you can help break that taboo!!

Mel, it's so freaking unfair that these struggles hit you so unexpectedly, and I totally understand how shitty (unintended, honestly) it feels taking into consideration your experience with eating disorder. It influences us so much, as I now can't even think about limiting myself, even though it comes only to reducing the amount of calories, because being aware of what I eat is now my eternal habit (and sometimes curse). So I want to wish you strong nerves and patience, you can make it, you're so strong, and I know that you will deal with this and apply this unfortunate circumstances to your normal and active pace of life. Thank you for sharing this, I admire you being so open and honest with your audience 💚💚💚💚

Travel really messes me up too, especially long-distance. I've found there aren't any specific high-FODMAP foods that trigger my symptoms, but if I indulge a lot over a period of time, or if I binge on caffeine and chocolate, or if I drink wine too many nights in a row, or if I have porridge for breakfast 5 days in a row, those are the kinds of things that tend to set me off. Stress is definitely a huge factor, too. Regular yoga really helps me to stay calm, and the types of movements can be really good for your digestion too (especially twists). 15 minutes a day can make a big difference over time.

i just want to say thank you so much for giving up educational videos and for being a little ray of sunshine! i’ve just been diagnosed with IBS and i’m struggling but hopeful, you’re such an amazing role model and human and I hope things get better for you tummy wise! i’m trying the low FODMAP diet and getting support from my doctor as I often allow anxiety to take over, sending you love❣️❣️

💚 I have IBS too and when I was first diagnosed I went on the low-FODMAP diet. It doesn't have to be a forever diet though, when I felt I had gotten back to "normal" in terms of my health on the diet I started to introduce a food that was meant to be off-limits, see if it triggered my IBS, and if it didn't then I'd keep it in my diet. Now I eat gluten, I can eat dairy, I can eat onions, garlic, etc etc. There's also foods that I avoid, like sweet potatoes, dried fruits etc. Not that I *can't* eat them, they're just foods that I know may worsen my health. They're not demon foods or bad foods, they're just foods that don't agree with me. My gastroenterologist himself told me that he rarely sees older people in his clinic so that either people grow out of IBS or (probably the more likely thing) people tend to figure out what works for them - which foods they can and can't have etc. I rarely get IBS flareups now except when I'm stressed or on my period (buscopan helps that) even though 4 years ago when I was in your shoes I thought I'd be limited forever and I'd look like I was pregnant forever. Please let me know if you have any questions, I promise it's not always bad.

I LOVE that you made this video and that you are just so honest and open with your approach about topics no one really talks about. I don't have IBS but I have seborrheic dermatitis (eczema) on my face and I have to have such a restricted diet to avoid break outs and it can be SO bloody frustrating and upsetting especially how it affects eating out with friends and family, holidays, everyday lifestyle. I hope you can find some really yummy recipes that work for you and don't make you feel frustrated. Wishing you luck! x 💚💚💚

Hi Mel! Everything will be ok! You are such a strong women, so will do it! Just think in categories of health, that's the point! When it comes to gluten it's all about small changes. Millet, rice, corn, buckwheat flour instead of wheat one. MIllet and rice perfect for baking and pancakes, corn ideal for crunchy cookies and buckwheat has kind of strong taste, perfect combo with cacao in brownies. Go girl! 💕

I'm grateful I'm not alone with dealing with constipation and bowel issues. I had to go to the doctor recently due to having an impaction, I love your honesty! I love you ❤️

💚 Ahhh Melanie Murphy I love you so much and I can completely relate. I'm literally watching this video while sitting in bed, where I have been for the last 3 hours since I got home because I ate some white pasta earlier today and have had shooting abdominal pains and I look pregnant. I get bouts of diarrhoea when I'm stressed, gargling burning pain in my abdomen when I'm stressed, I've dealt with periods of bad constipation and anal fissures in the past. I'm so glad you're talking about this on the internet so people know they are not alone. I also have chronic indigestion so I get burning pains when I'm hungry and then pain once I've eaten. I am the most farty person you will ever meet. It's a beautiful viscious cycle. Good luck with your tummy problems, they don't make you any less awesome. xx

I suffer from severe IBS and it essentially stopped my life for a period in November 2018, I was 17 at the time.High stress made my IBS-D go into overdrive to the point were a 45 minute bus ride was absolutely terrifying and travelling to college was out of the question. After a 5 day stint in the hospital, I was advised to try a meat free/plant based diet. I can honestly say it has saved my life and gave me so much confidence. It goes without saying that I suffer from this everyday and taking a road trip or long journeys without access to a toilet would be out of a question but I am slowly getting my life back and i look after myself more than I ever have.

At the end of 2016 I noticed that my body doesn't digest tomato peels anymore. I love italian food so much, and practically anything containing tomato. Even if I just eet one little tomato i'll have diahrea for days. I even tried skinning the tomatoes but it still upset my stomach. My doctor diagnosed me with IBS earlier this year since various things started to upset my stomach and it's been the hardest thing for me to figure out what to eat. 💚

Girl I swear every time I have an issue you upload a video about that except same thing. Thank you so much for educating people about these problems and helping to break the stigma. :)

The book “Gut” by Giulia Enders is bloody amazing! Recommend, recommend, recommend!!! 💚

god, woman I love you so much! Thank you for your honesty and realness ♡ on an other note: red hair suits you so much that I now think it's your natural hair color. Your videos are my happiness!

💚💚💚 - struggled for years with IBS. It got very bad when I was around 14, the hospital thought I had appendicitis. Eventually they found out I had IBS after doing various scans and blood tests for other things. Nearly ten years later and I still struggle with it. I get the opposite to you, and it definitely links a lot to stress and my anxiety/depression. If I’m feeling anxious, I get a nervous belly (if you know what I mean) almost instantly. Peppermint tea definitely helps so much! Also buscopan for the cramps. I’ve still not figured out all my triggers for it, but minced meat, sausages, bacon, hot sauce and onions definitely don’t agree with me. I find that fizzy drinks can give me really sharp stomach pains and bad acid reflux too. IBS can suck, and it definitely affects my mental health as I worry about travel and eating out sometimes, which only makes my IBS worse. It’s a mental and physical battle at times, but it can become manageable. I bloat and fart like a trooper too - but my boyfriend still loves me 😂. I hope you’re okay, just remember you’re not alone 💚

I had a co-worker and close friend who had IBS and she was an amazing cook! Through her I learnt so much about the condition and how to substitute certain foods, because my Mum and I would often be cooking things that i'd take in to work and we'd have to check if she could eat it. The best one was using garlic oil instead of actual garlic, and spring onion instead of regular onion when cooking. She also used a lot of aromatherapy, she had roll-on oils directly for her tummy and digestible oils she put in hot water like tea. I used the roll-on oils a few times myself and they worked great!

It's great to hear you share your story ❤️ I have IBD rather than IBS and although food can't treat it, eliminating certain things eases the symptoms. Sadly, I became obsessed with food restriction and hid behind it because it was 'good for my health' so I understand how scary it can be. My IBD and the problems with my weight are very interlinked. I found that tracking and focusing on my symptoms rather than obsessing over what I was elimating helped that need for control. Hope you get it under control soon!

I'm bingewatching your videos since this morning and I think you are such a wonderful human being ! I experience something similar to you. Since a young age, since I hit puberty, I believe, I've been living with awful cramps and constipation. I'm an anxious person too, and it might come from that, but the pain is sometimes untolerable. Like, crying in the bathroom and feeling like your insides are being scooped out of my stomach pain. I totally understand your pain and I'm so happy to hear you talk about that subject. Have a wonderful day and good luck with your condition !

I struggle with eating rich foods, high in fat. And bread that hasn’t been risen properly. Also when I’m really stressed I can get really bad diarrhoea, it impacts my life and puts me off eating in certain places. Too many times I think sod it and eat what I want, but I get horrible cramps almost as soon as I eat what I actually want :( I feel your pain Mel 💚

I relate so much to being scared of having eating disorder related thoughts again, prompted by necessary health changes! It's really terrifying, and you are not alone being scared of that. But also, all of the work you've done to get to the point you're at now isn't going to just go away - the fact that you're even aware of that as a possibility means you're that much more equipped to prepare for/deal with anything happening! The only advice I have is to journal and just get your feelings out. Being compassionate towards yourself is the most important thing - it's okay to be scared, it's okay to be worried, it's okay to be upset that you're having to deal with this huge life change. For me, journaling helps me to understand what I'm feeling, and also notice if any unhealthy thoughts are creeping back in, and then I can deal with them before I spiral. Thank you for your honesty and your openness. I can't imagine how hard it is to put this out there, but you're helping so many people with this. You are not alone

Hey Melanie!! I first found your channel while trying to recover from orthorexia, and let me first say that you were a HUGE influence that helped me through that! Thank you!!!!!! I was diagnosed with IBD when I was 13, and I've had anal fissures since I was 9. It was so bad I'd have to take a jacket in the bathroom to grab during the pain. It sounds like you've been doing so much to help this already, but my tip would be to drink lots and lots and lots of water--it's helped me get to the point when my bathroom visits don't even hurt anymore! Sorry for the super long comment--love you!!💚

I also have IBS and you summed up everything PERFECTLY. The frustration is real, but we gotta keep on going. Definitely subscribed, I already love you.

Mel, yoga is amazing for IBS, especially salamba and halasana. They help a lot with digestive issues.

💚💚💚 if you you’re looking for different breakfast/snack ideas smoothie bowls are great to try...you don’t have to add dairy just choose the fruit that makes you feel good!! Pineapple/banana is great for extra fibre and you can add seeds and oats which are super great for the bowel :) glad to know people are just as new and struggling with IBS as I feel like I am 😍

💚 Biggest top i have for dealing with bowel symptoms is to take Fish Oil. It helps with cramping. Another Thing that helps is a heating pad (or any similar product).

I too suffer from IBS. Thank you for talking about this! I find that fresh ginger tea is really helpful. Also, don't get scared of the low FODMAP. It's not meant to be that restrictive long term. Your Doc will likely suggest you stick with it for a month or so the reintroduce one food at a time so you can find which foods really irritate your tummy. Hope that helps. Feel better!

I love these videos! It's a good thing to talk about these things even if it's tmi. ❤️

This video was exactly what I needed considering what I’m going through. “Loosing gluten, but gaining health” is well said. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

I think I have IBS (it’s not as bad now as it used to be) and this video was so comforting to watch because I know I’m not alone and someone I look up to is going through the same thing 💚

This is the most relatable video I've viewed in a while! Incorporating ginger and turmeric into the foods that I eat daily such as in tea, soups, and smoothies helps with tummy bloat and inflammation. Apple cider vinegar is also magical. You're not alone. It's been a 5 year journey and still learning. 💚

I don’t know if I have IBS, but I know for my digestive system is complete crap for sure. The moment I feel any rigidity in my stomach, I take a fiber pill, and it usually does the trick. My mom wants me to try a fiber that you can stir into water, and I honestly might give that a go. She said it works. And I’m trying to work on eating better, but temptation is everywhere. I do have anxiety, and my job is shite, so that could be a problem. 💚

💚 these videos are so helpful to me simply because it makes me feel as though i'm not struggling alone with it. i'm ridiculed a lot for my health and for the most part, have no support as people tend to think i'm making things up. thank you for being so open and thank you for sharing the things that seem to be making things easier!

Melanie, I feel like I’m watching myself in this video. I’ve been painfully struggling with the exact same thing as you and it frustrates me everyday and makes me cry and ive been to doctors and they refuse to really help me I’ve had one laugh at me while I cry telling me I need to eat more fiber. I eat very healthy and work out. I’m so happy you made this video it makes me feel so much better I’m not alone you have no idea. The fodmap thing makes me nervous too as I also had an eating disorder and I HATE anything with the word diet in there. I have found a lot of great gluten free alternatives and every once in a while but I know it hurts my stomach. I don’t know I just hope we both figure this out together hun

thanks for making this video. It's so god damn life stopping sometimes. ANd it is so hard to work out what is actually hurting you. I swear its something new every week

I’m so glad u made this video !!! as someone with celiac + IBS, it’s always great to see a vid that I can relate to 💓

Thank you so much for sharing xoxox I'm just a girl on the other side of the world in NZ who suffers with everything you've described. You are such an amazing human Mel, thanks for being you! You help heaps of people feel less alone, so in turn I hope we help you feel less alone.

Now that you understand how many people have to live with different diets that restrict them from lots of food, you should do a video calling for respect for them. I understand that there must be, for example some people who are gluten free because it sounds cool, and that annoys others, but there are lots of people for whom it is a necessity and having others making fun of them is not nice, and the same goes for other foods like sugar, meat, dairy ... You have a nice platform to share that kind of content and create an impact, so consider it at least

Melanie, you are looking INCREDIBLE. That being said, I am so sorry for what you're going through! Really hope it all gets sorted ❤️

💚 If you are curious about recipes that are vegan/gluten free, Julian Solomita has videos where they make yummy foods. Just thought I’d mention that.

I was so, so glad to watch this video. I’ve had a similar journey in many ways (dieting, eating disorders morphing into other eating disorders, switching to veganism for the wrong reasons, etc.) and though I’m mostly mentally recovered, my digestive system has gotten so much worse over the past couple of years. I think I have IBS as well, so I know what it’s like to have to reckon between wanting to feel better but also being afraid of compromising your ED recovery. Not sure what I’m personally going to do yet, but I felt so connected to you today. So much love, Melanie. 💚💚💚💚 Looks like we know what book #2 could be about-try to keep that perspective if it helps your journey.

YES!!! Thank you for this. IBS is such a struggle at times. Also, your intro LOL

Her skin looks absolutely amazing and so radiant x

A little bit random but your brush set is beautiful. I wish you luck in finding lots of delicious foods and meals that make you and your body happy

I honestly can't thank you enough for making this video, Melanie. IBS has been giving me shit lately (no pun intended) and it's even worse when you're on your period. The lower half of my body is basically closed for ongoing maintenance and it's like CAN YOU NOT.

💚 I can totally understand what you are going through... even though I don't know for sure why I have so many bowel problems (IBS is one possible explanation) but I have a lot of the same symptoms... and when it is really bad wheat products and dairy definitly do not help... and eating at random times always makes it worse! I have to be very strict with myself even though I really struggle because I don't want to become obsessive about what I eat... And I hate when doctors tell me I need to eat more fibre... I already do! More than 50% of anything I eat is fibre... And luckyly I like those foods anyway but I don't think doctors really qualify in giving dietary advice anyway... My cousin is trained as a dietitian and I think people like that are much more knowledgble about that than most doctors... I always liked watching your food diarys because you eat different things depending on haw you feel and what you crave... And I am like that... but sometimes I feel restricted because I know that my digestion will be better if I eat for example the same thing for breakfast every day... Also I always tell my soon to be husband everything about my toilet habits :D I would like to change that but as long as this is an important topic for me he has to deal with that, but I don't think he minds very much :D Anyway, thank you for sharing! I still have many more thoughts in my head but I can't semm to put them into words... I don't know how you manage to make videos about things like this...

When I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and before my kidney transplant, I was put on a low-sodium, low-phosphate, low-carb diet! Yes it was awful, but post-transplant it made me take control of my diet in a healthy way by understanding food inside and out. I recommend learning to cook alternative versions of your top 3 favourite dishes (bbc good food is unreal) and that helps to cope with the changes far better! 💕

I don't have IBS but I do have celiac. So there's some solidarity there. You're absolutely lovely and gorgeous :) I'm sending positive vibes.

I relate to you so much, I know exactly what you're going through and I know it is so hard, but you are so inspirational for talking about this and seeming so positive. This video has given me the courage to go see my GP to talk about my tummy cramps and issues with gluten which I have been sweeping under the carpet for too long! I know it's probably IBS but it's just the stigma and embarrassment around the topic which puts me off. So yeah, I'm very glad that you've talked about this, it's really helped me. And you look beautiful as always in this video Melanie xx

I also have had IBS for yeaaars but only recently found out about it because I just always thought I was allergic to something but turns out that isn't the case.. Really annoying not knowing what you can and can't eat (or at least that's what I have). I also experience it more during some weeks and less during others, is that the same for others? 💚

my IBS comes about mainly from underlying stress and anxiety BUT what happens is- I prepare to go travelling/ do anything exciting/out of my usual routine, then i get stressed that i might have an IBS flare up cause i know i'll struggle trying to cope with it when i'm not at home, and then because of that stress about having a flare up actually, then LEADS to a flare up! Its such an annoying and restricting cycle that is quite honestly horrific to live with. But i couldn't agree more with you in that, I do feel grateful thats it not something more serious because i spent months constantly upset and terrified i was gonna have to go to hospital or anything like that. The lack of control and knowledge makes it so much more scarier. And so, video like these are SO USEFUL in helping to understand and relieve some of those worries to an extent which is so beneficial when trying to live with this health condition, so, thank you x

💚 The best thing I found was the Monash Low FODMAP App!! You can search for different foods and it will give you a green light if that food is fine, a yellow light for 'eat in moderation', and a red light for 'sorry, this ain't great for the tum'. It also tells you what serving sizes make it okay to have a bit of. You can also add in foods that you note trigger symptoms, and it also has a journal section which is great for tracking symptoms. Highly recommend!!!

I have struggled with some of the things you're talking about and you're the only one I've ever heard talk about it, thankyou xx

I hate feeling bloated. I feel your pain. Have to say though your hair colour is absolutely gorgeous ☺

This really hit me because even though I don’t have IBS I do have problems with my eyes and seeing someone who feels how I do about their illness really helps me feel less alone.

I myself have IBS, and honestly the only thing that has helped my stomach issues is changing the way I think. 99% of my IBS flare-ups are all related to stress. If I felt like my stomach was going to be sick, the only cure was to calm my anxiety down, and magically I wasn't really sick anymore. I used to have ( or should I say I thought I had) sensitivities to dairy products. But then one day my friend asked me if I was actually getting stomach aches from consuming dairy products or was I thinking that my stomach would hurt because I was feeling conflicted about animal cruelty. Honestly it was the ladder and ever since then I haven't had any kind of stomach related pain if I accidentally ate something with dairy in it or cheese (I eat 90% vegan diet). I never tried any kind of crazy diets to control IBS. I guess if I was going to say something that did kind of help diet-wise would be increasing fiber intake and water intake but that's about it. The rest of solution was just controlling Stress and Anxiety.

💚 I've struggled with IBS and lactose intolerance for the majority of my life. I know it can be so hard and it can feel restrictive and daunting, but you can do it! It can really take a toll on your emotions and mental state and I don't think many people are aware of that. I try my best to keep a food diary to recognize where any discomfort is and what has caused it and to possibly see any patterns that I can. I love you Melanie! Thank you for being so strong and sharing such a personal part of your life with us.

Such a great video! Thanks for your honesty Melanie!❤️

Im on the same boat! Diagnosed with IBS, but im sure I have a gluten intolerance. I also have relatives who are celiac. What has helped me is to think of what you CAN eat, not what you cant. I love the Oh she glows book!! I gained so much knowledge, and great food ideas which helped with the fear and not feel like u are missing out

💚 I've been on a diet since I was 13 and I'm now 51. Type 1 diabetes in my case (Diet plus all those lovely injections and blood tests). I will say that over time it has become easier and easier. These days it's almost subconscious a lot of the time.

I'm a flight attendant since 3 years, and I can definitely and a 100% confirm that traveling between different time zones and being in a plane all of the time has a huge impact on your digestive system and causes a lot of health issues. Talking bout personal experience.

I suffer from IBS too and I’m irritated by dairy and vegetables 😢 two things I love! Finally went to the drs and I have tablets I take before meals, which does help, but being constipated makes me sooooooo miserable 😂 feel your pain

I've been dealing with IBS for about 9 years now and for the past few days it's been very difficult to deal with. Thank you so much for opening up and talking about this, it can really be an embarrassing topic and I think that embarrassment often makes matters worse!!!

Mel, I am so sorry that you are in pain and that this has decreased your quality of life, I honestly understand, even though I am not going through the exact same symptoms. A couple of years ago doctors put me through anti-biotics, on and off for about a year to battle something else, and that ruined my gut and that's when it started with me (but it is partly psychosomatic with me, too) - I basically have stress-induced diarrhea (and other "fun" symptoms that come with that) and it sucks and it had such an awful impact on my life to the point where I couldn't even travel any more, do my classes or even go out with friends. I am better now, and even though we don't share the same experiences, I think I can give you some helpful tips: 💚 I think the most helpful thing in my list for you might be the squatty potty, so it goes first. It's basically a little stool to put your feet on when you sit on the toilet, so you get into a squatting-position and that helps your bowels out so much. In short, the way we sit on the toilet doesn't help, it actually bends the bowel, so you need to strain more to get stuff through - but when you squat more the bend is gone. I don't have the original squatty potty (which is a brand), I bought a little stepping stool intended for children to reach the sink to brush their teeth or wash their hands or whatever - but it works just fine and was more easily accessable for me, where I am from. 💚 The thing with the bend in the gut and a lot of other interesting things about our gut are written about in the book "Gut: The Inside Story of our Body's most underrated Organ" by Guilia Enders. Guilia Enders is a German student of medicine (at least when she wrote it, I think she has finished her degree by now) who specialised in the gut and she wrote this charming and easily understandable book to break the taboo and to teach people more about what the gut actually does and how it all works. It's very interesting and, at least in German, it is a very well-written and charming book. I cannot recommend it enough. 💚 You have already mentioned it but for probiotics I can recommend "Kijimea Irritable bowel" for supplements, it helped me a lot, and foodwise yogurt (from milk or soy or coconut or whatever) or Sauerkraut - every now and then. 💚 I don't know about this diet you mentioned (so please excuse my ignorance) but for fiber I can recommend shredded flax seeds or chia seeds - they are easily integrated into - at least - my diet (mix it in some yogurt or a smoothie or sprinkle it on a salad). I have also noticed a significant difference in how my body reacts to the quality of food (My gut prefers organic and unprocessed - I try to have as much organic food and try to cut out a lot of processed stuff, so I cook a lot from scratch). I cannot remember why but I don't eat fresh bread (it has to be good bread, from quality flour/starches etc., I ,for example, have next to no sandwich bread/toast), I leave it out for a day and then it gives me less troubles. My gut is also more upset with whole-grain bread, I prefer mixed (for example I don't respond well to a full rye bread, but I can eat a mixed bread from both wheat and rye - it's weird). I also try to minimize yeast. A friend of mine reported that it helped her to stay away from foods that can easily constipate you like rice - her favourite thing to eat is (different types of) Curry (with potatoes or something like a pita bread). 💚 And you have already said it, but it is a big part, apart from exercising: De-stressing your life, changing your life-style from a fast, work-oriented life to a "calmer" more "you-centered" life, if that makes sense. I enjoy mindfulness a lot, having spa days etc - just taking care of myself and my needs. 💚 Another thing you are doing already, but it is important: Talking about it with your friends and family/loved ones. It can be hard and sometimes uncomfortable but it helps them understand better and it lifts off pressure, I feel like. I hope, I have remembered everything important. Definitely look into that little helping stool - it makes a world of a difference. All the best, I hope it gets better for you soon. Love from Austria

I’m struggling with symptoms of IBS and seeing gastro people at the hospital tomorrow to check for anything else and get an actual diagnosis! The gut is like a second brain, and I think when digestive and bowel issues start to show it is more important than ever to practice self care and relaxation. Make sure you have time every day to unwind and do something you enjoy! Don’t push yourself too hard, and just be your own best friend and take care of yourself. 💚💚💚

💚💚💚💚 I understand how you’re feeling! I find that when I’m bad with eating eg eating junk food and really carby food my guts just haaaaate me and I’m constipated and bloated and just generally feel really shitty. But then i reduce the carbs and pump more veggies in me, my stomach is like ‘😍😍😍 thank you, you fool, don’t do that again!’ I totally understand the whole pasta love too and the realisation that gluten is what’s causing a lot of my issues (not gluten intolerant, I’ve been checked). But yeah rice pasta is almost as good as the real thing! It’s such a good substitute and then my tummy doesn’t hate me! Would love to keep this topic going, because honestly I don’t hear many people talk about it, either in my life or on the internet cos poo talk is so taboo. But honestly as a person with IBS it’s something I’m always thinking about and keeping mental tabs on cos it can go really bad really quick and it just feels shit. So Wooh! Mel! Good on you girl ! Talk about that taboo shit (pun intended 😝) I hope that anyone who reads this, feels a little bit comforted that they’re not alone in this

When I first went vegan, I too thought of how holidays and things like that would be sad and hard (food wise). But after awhile of living this lifestyle, I’ve learned so many different foods that I can have and lots of different versions of the food I would’ve had. You start to adapt after a few months of research. It becomes so much easier, even enjoyable. What helped me was watching lots of recipe videos and reading lots of recipes. I know you’ll find a way to make this better, you’re a strong woman who can overcome any challenge! I wish you the best of luck:)

I relate to this, in the way that things that don't seem huge can be really hard and upsetting. I do not have ibs (though some food intolerances, but they are manageble). My "small" thing is allergies. I have quite severe pollen allergies, which really affect my life a few months every year. I don't leave my house unless I have to, I never open any windows to let air in, I can't join picnics or go out to run or enjoy the sun. I sometimes feel so pathetic for crying about those things, because they are "just" allergies. But I try to remember that only breathing fresh air 2 hours a week is going to take a toll on anyones mental health. A bit rambly, but I what I want to say is that it is okay to feel sad about not being able to eat garlic bread or ice cream. All those small things really add up, and you feel disconnected from other people.

💚 My lovely nutritionist told me that sometimes adding one more yoga class, meditation, walk in the nature etc to your week can help as much if not even more than stressing about what you eat. I also have a orthorexic background and noticed that I started to obsess about the low fodmap diet which just made the symptoms worse. So try not to get too strick about it and remember that working on your mind can do even more than following a low fodmap - this made me feel really hopeful that I dont have to limit myself from all fodmap foods forever.