I started suffering about 14 years ago and it took a long time to figure out my triggers. The main one was alcohol - particularly vodka, so I don't drink that anymore. Red wine is a lot better for me. Rich food or fatty food is definitely a trigger and its ruined many a meal out.
When my husband booked us 4 days in Florence, I was completely panicked about eating and being near toilets and just thinking I was going to have the whole time spoilt. I went to my doctor, who was very understanding and she prescribed Amitryptiline. It was generally used as an an anti depressant but in small doses it has been found to be a great to help with IBS-D. I've been taking 10mg a night for the past 6 months and, whilst things aren't perfect I would still say its changed my life. I'm still very careful about what I eat and drink but I don't panic so much which I think also helps.
Perhaps you should see your doctor and mention Amitryptiline - my doctor says she has had huge success with her IBS patients that take it.
Have had IBS since my teens although am now in my forties and cope with it fairly well.
I also find that rich, fatty, spicy and fried foods make it a lot worse.
Caffeine and alcohol really set off the cramps as does too much high fibre food, which also make me constipated.
I find I can cope with the cramps now but the bouts of flatulence can be horrendous and so anti social! They definitely flare up when I am anxious which is really not helpful. It's bad enough being in an anxious situation without producing horrible smells!!
My period also sets off the diarrhoea, so it is most certainly hormone related.
I find peppermint tea does help as well as cutting out caffeine since Jan. I limit alcohol too (may as well be a nun!!) and am careful with my diet.
Fun isn't it???
I started suffering about 14 years ago and it took a long time to figure out my triggers. The main one was alcohol - particularly vodka, so I don't drink that anymore. Red wine is a lot better for me. Rich food or fatty food is definitely a trigger and its ruined many a meal out.
When my husband booked us 4 days in Florence, I was completely panicked about eating and being near toilets and just thinking I was going to have the whole time spoilt. I went to my doctor, who was very understanding and she prescribed Amitryptiline. It was generally used as an an anti depressant but in small doses it has been found to be a great to help with IBS-D. I've been taking 10mg a night for the past 6 months and, whilst things aren't perfect I would still say its changed my life. I'm still very careful about what I eat and drink but I don't panic so much which I think also helps.
Perhaps you should see your doctor and mention Amitryptiline - my doctor says she has had huge success with her IBS patients that take it.
Good luck - I know how awful it is.
My Dr prescribed amiltryptilene for me for diabetic neuropathy but it made the IBS so bad I couldn't get out of the bathroom. It obviously doesn't suit everybody.
I keep Immodium instants in my bag and take them if I'm out and have problems, they are a short term solution.
Its evident that there are many of us suffering with `IBS` so we all know how painful & unpleasant it can be, I'm not going to suggest a remedy as most will have found something that gives them some relieve.
But it does get very frustrating when you go from a bout of diarrhoea to constipation, start a course of constipation powder and then back to the diarrhoea, you then have to stay at home or quickly learn where all your local loos are situated, or your in trouble.
This has been gradually getting worse for me over the past 2-3 years now. Its started of I noticed the like of sugar free mints and gums set me off, even just 1 and I'd start getting the dreaded cramps. I've been to my doctor a few times now and had all the tests done which ruled out anything serious but all she could give me was peppermint oil capsules which I don't think actually do any good. I did keep a food diary to try and find my triggers but all I noticed was that I could eat say dairy one day and be fine and the next be in pain all day so it seems to be totally random. But lately it seems to be a torture every day, stomach pain, cramps and swinging back and forward from constipation to diarrhoea.
Ask your doctor if s/he will prescribe 'Movicol' for you it is a powder that is added to water and drunk before bed. I have been using it for about 2 years and have had only a few IBS episodes in that time - during the 6 months before it was prescribed I was ill 3-6 days a week - if the Dr won't prescribe Movicol ask the chemist I believe there is something similar over the counter!
My teenager is beginning to show the classic symptoms, and I'm not sure whether to attempt to manage the condition ourselves, principally through diet, or to go straight to a GP. Any thoughts?
Go and see your gp. It can sometimes take a while to get the meds sorted out as to what suits best. I hope you get things sorted out quickly.
The worst thing about IBS (and IBD/Colitis, which I have) is that there doesn't seem to be one trigger. As we've all found, sometimes we're ok with small amounts of things, and other times it results in carnage. I can't eat much raw food - salad, particularly lettuce nor ice cream. I'd say definitely avoid the 'sugar free' things, as they usually contain aspartamine, which is terrible for IBS/IBD.
I fully agree with the advice here though - try to avoid wheat and dairy for a while, then gradually re-introduce to see if that helps you to discover a trigger. One of the main things for me is stress - so have been trying mindfulness and some anti-anxiety stuff from a homeopath which seems to be working very well. I used to be phobic about traffic jams....having a panic about 'what if I need the toilet' ...I DO need the toilet etc. But since taking them, I feel a lot calmer.
Sorry, am woffling on, but sympathise. I've had problems for 30 years, and only now seem to be managing to cope.
I've had it for about 10 years (I'm 24 now) Started with the 'early morning rush' before school, as my doctor called it. Now I can get it at any time, regardless of what I've eaten. My mum has it too, and she says her worst bouts of it are on a level with labour pains. I've had some very bad episodes myself, so hopefully it's preparing me for that!
Sorry for my stupidity but what foods would contain wheat? Breads, Cereals that type of thing?
Everything that is nice and tasty I would think
Mine is caused from stress and have not even bothered to try to see what else might cause it. I have just brought some Peppermint Capsules to see if they help.
I have IBS-C for 5 years since Uni. Still investigating the causes. Going to Harley Street soon to see a specialist as I can't take much more of it.
The only thing I found to make a difference has been Symprove. I recommend everyone here try a bottle. You'll notice the effects in 24 hours. It helps massively with bloatedness and regularity.
My daughter suffered with IBS for several years. She went to the States for three months and experienced diarrhea almost the whole time. When she returned to the UK it cleared up, but after going back to the US the following year it began again but this time it never ceased on her return. What made it worse was the stress of her finals year at Uni and most days leading up to dissertation hand-in she couldn't leave the house at all in the morning to go to the library with her housemates as she spent most of the time in and out of the bathroom until at least mid-day. She was given different medications from her doctor, some of which helped slightly but only temporarily before the pain and diarrhea returned with a vengeance. Then I heard about Symprove from a friend for whom it had worked well so we decided to give it a try. The transformation was amazing almost from the beginning. She began taking it just before she went back to the US for the third summer (at first also avoiding foods that she felt were 'triggers') and although her three month trial period would have been up mid-way through her time there she carried on with it until she came home. She then began taking it every other day, stopping completely after around five months which was last September. By this time she was eating and drinking whatever she wanted without any recurrence of the symptoms and that's how it's been ever since. I'm sure it won't work for everyone but I would definitely say if you haven't done so already give it a try for at least three months. It is expensive but if it works it may only be a short term expense and it could make a difference.
i was diagnosed with ibs twenty years ago now, my consultant said it one of the worst cases he has ever come across. i was medically retired because of it and can truthfully say it is the most debilitating condition ever, it rules your life.
the pain is excruciating and thats putting it midly, no medication has ever worked for me, and the condition itself has caused other illnesses which apperently is quite common.
anyone who has this horrible condition has my utmost sympathy, i do know some suffer with it only mildy whilst others like myself have had their lives ruined by it.
mine is alternating ibs which is 6 weeks cant go and 6 weeks cant stop going.
i dont have any trigger foods, it simply has a mind of its own and when it wants to cause havoc it sure does.
oh and i do know that ibs can be poo pooed as nothing by some folk as well as gps, trust me you would not want it.
For this past week my IBS has taken a turn for the worst, it feels like someone has kicked me full whack in the stomach with the cramping, Anything I have taken just doesn't seem to be working. I was at my doctors today and she gave me some poo sample cards
I had a bad attack today as I was invited for lunch.... It was a 50 mile drive and I thought I would make it home, then I got the "wind" sensation which went away for a time, but it came back with a vengeance just as I got home....
Ask your doctor if s/he will prescribe 'Movicol' for you it is a powder that is added to water and drunk before bed. I have been using it for about 2 years and have had only a few IBS episodes in that time - during the 6 months before it was prescribed I was ill 3-6 days a week - if the Dr won't prescribe Movicol ask the chemist I believe there is something similar over the counter!
Movicol is an osmotic laxative and would not be suitable for all sufferes of IBS
While it works for you it may not be at all the right thing for the OP
i was diagnosed with ibs twenty years ago now, my consultant said it one of the worst cases he has ever come across. i was medically retired because of it and can truthfully say it is the most debilitating condition ever, it rules your life.
the pain is excruciating and thats putting it midly, no medication has ever worked for me, and the condition itself has caused other illnesses which apperently is quite common.
anyone who has this horrible condition has my utmost sympathy, i do know some suffer with it only mildy whilst others like myself have had their lives ruined by it.
mine is alternating ibs which is 6 weeks cant go and 6 weeks cant stop going.
i dont have any trigger foods, it simply has a mind of its own and when it wants to cause havoc it sure does.
oh and i do know that ibs can be poo pooed as nothing by some folk as well as gps, trust me you would not want it.
stargirl, I understand. Being invited to friends is horrendous for me as I can control what I eat at home and the toilet is never too far, but driving home from as far as 30 miles is horrendous as the gas gets trapped and makes the whole situation worse....
I had a bad attack 2 weeks ago, perfectly ok one minute then 5 mins later did it start >:( Could feel a strong cramp coming on spo went to the loo and it felt normal what came out, went back to the room for 10 mins and then i had to go again but this time 100 times worse. it just came out of me and could not stop, it felt and looked like something that has been mixed & poured from a blender, even it sounded like it splattering going in the loo
I felt horrible for 2 days after and it took 3 immodium to stop it
Glad to have found this thread. I have self diagnosed myself today with IBS. Will be making appt at GP tomorrow.
I have to get up earlier than I otherwise would before work, as I can go to the loo up to 4-5 times in the morning. And sorry for TMI, but I have explosive, semi diarrhoea and urgency in the morning. And then sometimes I am constipated!This has gone on, on and off for a few months. I am now experiencing nausea, today was really bad.
I get really hungry, but dont fancy anything to eat, although if I do eventually eat, the nausea subsides. I also get a feeling of fullness.
Having researched it alot today as I felt so rotten, I see that IBS is very much linked to depression/stress. Great! I hope it wont be something that my GP will dismiss as not being a 'proper' illness. I have been under a very great deal of stress lately. Now my body is telling me that I am 'mental' as well as my mind!
I've had IBS for a while now. In my teens it was definitely anxiety related. After having a C-section at 21 it was terrible. I didn't have a solid poo for two whole years after that. Wind pain and cramps that could cripple and all that jazz.
What I found really helped was when I went to slimming world. I cut back on white bread - (actually I cut it out). Almost all my food was 'clean' and cooked from scratch, sauces etc. I favoured the 'red days' as it was known then, not sure about now. Which consisted of veg/salad/fruit (Not oranges) and non-processed protein. Honestly, I had never felt healthier or looked better. Obv. you don't have to go to slimming world to do all that.
Recently I've noticed I react to MSG. I swell up the next day, can't get my rings off and my eyes puff out A LOT! It's way more than normal water retention, it's much more exaggerated. I've also noticed that when I eat a lot of wheat/gluten the diarrhoea returns AND my joints ache. The MSG thing takes about three or four days to settle - the wheat/gluten thing about a day. So the day after I've returned to good habits, I notice my joints aren't stiff and achy.
Being honest, I've always poo-pooed ;-) most of these wheat free, gluten free, this/that/the other as fads. I put my IBS and aches and pains down to age and being overweight. And it almost pains me to say it's not - it's diet related.
Glad to have found this thread. I have self diagnosed myself today with IBS. Will be making appt at GP tomorrow.
I have to get up earlier than I otherwise would before work, as I can go to the loo up to 4-5 times in the morning. And sorry for TMI, but I have explosive, semi diarrhoea and urgency in the morning. And then sometimes I am constipated!This has gone on, on and off for a few months. I am now experiencing nausea, today was really bad.
I get really hungry, but dont fancy anything to eat, although if I do eventually eat, the nausea subsides. I also get a feeling of fullness.
Having researched it alot today as I felt so rotten, I see that IBS is very much linked to depression/stress. Great! I hope it wont be something that my GP will dismiss as not being a 'proper' illness. I have been under a very great deal of stress lately. Now my body is telling me that I am 'mental' as well as my mind!
Any advice please!
I just thought I'd throw my tuppence in, as someone told for years they had IBS, or gastroenteritis etc, I ended up being diagnosed with coeliacs disease, and thank god, it is not fun to live this way now, but i KNEW my symptoms weren't just down to IBS or the likes, and that they were 'more serious' if you get me.
I was a little like you, bad in the mornings, could have numerous toilet trips, unbelievable cramps, fatigue, bloating, migraines, anaemia etc.. the works, really! My mum has IBS, and she was convinced my issues were more severe, so get yourself checked out, they can do a blood test in the first instance, as long as you're currently eating wheat, just to see if you have the antibodies in your blood, if you do, then endoscopy etc and help to get sorted.
I wish you luck, and be persistent, I was mucked about, fobbed off and as a result undiagnosed for over 15 years, leading to additional health issues as a result, so tick it off your list, if you can!
I'm sure all of us with IBS sympathise with you, happy-camper!
I've been suffering with it for over 30 years and it does somewhat blight my life.
I've had a range of symptoms from c & d to constant bloating, migraine, embarrassing flatulence etc etc. My latest bout lasted 3 months and I had to nerve myself up to go and see my GP knowing she would probably advise endoscopy which I had 8 years ago .. and DREAD having again!
I'm absolutely sure that it's mainly stress and worry that sets me off - also depression. The longer the symptoms go on, the more stressed I get ('Is it bowel/stomach cancer etc) and of course the symptoms just get worse and carry on!
I know alcohol (particularly wine) can set me off - not sure about food.
But every autumn without fail I will start the symptoms - simply because winter is setting in and I get so depressed.
I wish I could give you some help - maybe one of the other FMs tips could help.
2 things which have helped me very slightly during this last bout are Aloe Vera drink for stomachs from Holland and Barrett and Colpermine tablets otc from Boots etc.
They might not help you much but they won't do any harm!
I also get bad stomach around my periods and ovulation, do you think it could be hormone related?
Definitely as the same thing happens to me. I also get an urgent need for the loo if I have a big meal at lunchtime. Suffice to say I don't eat at lunchtime except for something small now. Tummy pain is also excruciating.
I've had IBS for a while now. In my teens it was definitely anxiety related. After having a C-section at 21 it was terrible. I didn't have a solid poo for two whole years after that. Wind pain and cramps that could cripple and all that jazz.
What I found really helped was when I went to slimming world. I cut back on white bread - (actually I cut it out). Almost all my food was 'clean' and cooked from scratch, sauces etc. I favoured the 'red days' as it was known then, not sure about now. Which consisted of veg/salad/fruit (Not oranges) and non-processed protein. Honestly, I had never felt healthier or looked better. Obv. you don't have to go to slimming world to do all that.
Recently I've noticed I react to MSG. I swell up the next day, can't get my rings off and my eyes puff out A LOT! It's way more than normal water retention, it's much more exaggerated. I've also noticed that when I eat a lot of wheat/gluten the diarrhoea returns AND my joints ache. The MSG thing takes about three or four days to settle - the wheat/gluten thing about a day. So the day after I've returned to good habits, I notice my joints aren't stiff and achy.
Being honest, I've always poo-pooed ;-) most of these wheat free, gluten free, this/that/the other as fads. I put my IBS and aches and pains down to age and being overweight. And it almost pains me to say it's not - it's diet related.
BIB I agree with you, I have thought for a while that people with genuine food intolerences should look to their genetics. For instance in the UK it used to be unusual to be intolerant to milk, now it is more common, is it possible that the people that are more likely to have this have recent ancesters that have come to the UK in the last 1-2 generations? If you come from a background that is used to eating flat bread and not much else wheat then surely it would be more likely that this type of food make you ill if you eat too much? Even if you have been born in this country. I know that for me basic English food is better, whereas too much peanuts/corn etc set me off. I have no problems with bread/milk etc. I would be no good in America with their love of all things maize/corn and peanut butter
Comments
I've had it 10 years and no-one's ever said anything to me about that.
When my husband booked us 4 days in Florence, I was completely panicked about eating and being near toilets and just thinking I was going to have the whole time spoilt. I went to my doctor, who was very understanding and she prescribed Amitryptiline. It was generally used as an an anti depressant but in small doses it has been found to be a great to help with IBS-D. I've been taking 10mg a night for the past 6 months and, whilst things aren't perfect I would still say its changed my life. I'm still very careful about what I eat and drink but I don't panic so much which I think also helps.
Perhaps you should see your doctor and mention Amitryptiline - my doctor says she has had huge success with her IBS patients that take it.
Good luck - I know how awful it is.
I also find that rich, fatty, spicy and fried foods make it a lot worse.
Caffeine and alcohol really set off the cramps as does too much high fibre food, which also make me constipated.
I find I can cope with the cramps now but the bouts of flatulence can be horrendous and so anti social! They definitely flare up when I am anxious which is really not helpful. It's bad enough being in an anxious situation without producing horrible smells!!
My period also sets off the diarrhoea, so it is most certainly hormone related.
I find peppermint tea does help as well as cutting out caffeine since Jan. I limit alcohol too (may as well be a nun!!) and am careful with my diet.
Fun isn't it???
I am not sure what you mean, but isn't D for diarrhea and C for constipation?
I keep Immodium instants in my bag and take them if I'm out and have problems, they are a short term solution.
But it does get very frustrating when you go from a bout of diarrhoea to constipation, start a course of constipation powder and then back to the diarrhoea, you then have to stay at home or quickly learn where all your local loos are situated, or your in trouble.
Ask your doctor if s/he will prescribe 'Movicol' for you it is a powder that is added to water and drunk before bed. I have been using it for about 2 years and have had only a few IBS episodes in that time - during the 6 months before it was prescribed I was ill 3-6 days a week - if the Dr won't prescribe Movicol ask the chemist I believe there is something similar over the counter!
Go and see your gp. It can sometimes take a while to get the meds sorted out as to what suits best. I hope you get things sorted out quickly.
I fully agree with the advice here though - try to avoid wheat and dairy for a while, then gradually re-introduce to see if that helps you to discover a trigger. One of the main things for me is stress - so have been trying mindfulness and some anti-anxiety stuff from a homeopath which seems to be working very well. I used to be phobic about traffic jams....having a panic about 'what if I need the toilet' ...I DO need the toilet etc. But since taking them, I feel a lot calmer.
Sorry, am woffling on, but sympathise. I've had problems for 30 years, and only now seem to be managing to cope.
Everything that is nice and tasty I would think
Mine is caused from stress and have not even bothered to try to see what else might cause it. I have just brought some Peppermint Capsules to see if they help.
My daughter suffered with IBS for several years. She went to the States for three months and experienced diarrhea almost the whole time. When she returned to the UK it cleared up, but after going back to the US the following year it began again but this time it never ceased on her return. What made it worse was the stress of her finals year at Uni and most days leading up to dissertation hand-in she couldn't leave the house at all in the morning to go to the library with her housemates as she spent most of the time in and out of the bathroom until at least mid-day. She was given different medications from her doctor, some of which helped slightly but only temporarily before the pain and diarrhea returned with a vengeance. Then I heard about Symprove from a friend for whom it had worked well so we decided to give it a try. The transformation was amazing almost from the beginning. She began taking it just before she went back to the US for the third summer (at first also avoiding foods that she felt were 'triggers') and although her three month trial period would have been up mid-way through her time there she carried on with it until she came home. She then began taking it every other day, stopping completely after around five months which was last September. By this time she was eating and drinking whatever she wanted without any recurrence of the symptoms and that's how it's been ever since. I'm sure it won't work for everyone but I would definitely say if you haven't done so already give it a try for at least three months. It is expensive but if it works it may only be a short term expense and it could make a difference.
the pain is excruciating and thats putting it midly, no medication has ever worked for me, and the condition itself has caused other illnesses which apperently is quite common.
anyone who has this horrible condition has my utmost sympathy, i do know some suffer with it only mildy whilst others like myself have had their lives ruined by it.
mine is alternating ibs which is 6 weeks cant go and 6 weeks cant stop going.
i dont have any trigger foods, it simply has a mind of its own and when it wants to cause havoc it sure does.
oh and i do know that ibs can be poo pooed as nothing by some folk as well as gps, trust me you would not want it.
Movicol is an osmotic laxative and would not be suitable for all sufferes of IBS
While it works for you it may not be at all the right thing for the OP
stargirl, I understand. Being invited to friends is horrendous for me as I can control what I eat at home and the toilet is never too far, but driving home from as far as 30 miles is horrendous as the gas gets trapped and makes the whole situation worse....
I felt horrible for 2 days after and it took 3 immodium to stop it
I have to get up earlier than I otherwise would before work, as I can go to the loo up to 4-5 times in the morning. And sorry for TMI, but I have explosive, semi diarrhoea and urgency in the morning. And then sometimes I am constipated!This has gone on, on and off for a few months. I am now experiencing nausea, today was really bad.
I get really hungry, but dont fancy anything to eat, although if I do eventually eat, the nausea subsides. I also get a feeling of fullness.
Having researched it alot today as I felt so rotten, I see that IBS is very much linked to depression/stress. Great! I hope it wont be something that my GP will dismiss as not being a 'proper' illness. I have been under a very great deal of stress lately. Now my body is telling me that I am 'mental' as well as my mind!
Any advice please!
What I found really helped was when I went to slimming world. I cut back on white bread - (actually I cut it out). Almost all my food was 'clean' and cooked from scratch, sauces etc. I favoured the 'red days' as it was known then, not sure about now. Which consisted of veg/salad/fruit (Not oranges) and non-processed protein. Honestly, I had never felt healthier or looked better. Obv. you don't have to go to slimming world to do all that.
Recently I've noticed I react to MSG. I swell up the next day, can't get my rings off and my eyes puff out A LOT! It's way more than normal water retention, it's much more exaggerated. I've also noticed that when I eat a lot of wheat/gluten the diarrhoea returns AND my joints ache. The MSG thing takes about three or four days to settle - the wheat/gluten thing about a day. So the day after I've returned to good habits, I notice my joints aren't stiff and achy.
Being honest, I've always poo-pooed ;-) most of these wheat free, gluten free, this/that/the other as fads. I put my IBS and aches and pains down to age and being overweight. And it almost pains me to say it's not - it's diet related.
I just thought I'd throw my tuppence in, as someone told for years they had IBS, or gastroenteritis etc, I ended up being diagnosed with coeliacs disease, and thank god, it is not fun to live this way now, but i KNEW my symptoms weren't just down to IBS or the likes, and that they were 'more serious' if you get me.
I was a little like you, bad in the mornings, could have numerous toilet trips, unbelievable cramps, fatigue, bloating, migraines, anaemia etc.. the works, really! My mum has IBS, and she was convinced my issues were more severe, so get yourself checked out, they can do a blood test in the first instance, as long as you're currently eating wheat, just to see if you have the antibodies in your blood, if you do, then endoscopy etc and help to get sorted.
I wish you luck, and be persistent, I was mucked about, fobbed off and as a result undiagnosed for over 15 years, leading to additional health issues as a result, so tick it off your list, if you can!
I've been suffering with it for over 30 years and it does somewhat blight my life.
I've had a range of symptoms from c & d to constant bloating, migraine, embarrassing flatulence etc etc. My latest bout lasted 3 months and I had to nerve myself up to go and see my GP knowing she would probably advise endoscopy which I had 8 years ago .. and DREAD having again!
I'm absolutely sure that it's mainly stress and worry that sets me off - also depression. The longer the symptoms go on, the more stressed I get ('Is it bowel/stomach cancer etc) and of course the symptoms just get worse and carry on!
I know alcohol (particularly wine) can set me off - not sure about food.
But every autumn without fail I will start the symptoms - simply because winter is setting in and I get so depressed.
I wish I could give you some help - maybe one of the other FMs tips could help.
2 things which have helped me very slightly during this last bout are Aloe Vera drink for stomachs from Holland and Barrett and Colpermine tablets otc from Boots etc.
They might not help you much but they won't do any harm!
Definitely as the same thing happens to me. I also get an urgent need for the loo if I have a big meal at lunchtime. Suffice to say I don't eat at lunchtime except for something small now. Tummy pain is also excruciating.
BIB I agree with you, I have thought for a while that people with genuine food intolerences should look to their genetics. For instance in the UK it used to be unusual to be intolerant to milk, now it is more common, is it possible that the people that are more likely to have this have recent ancesters that have come to the UK in the last 1-2 generations? If you come from a background that is used to eating flat bread and not much else wheat then surely it would be more likely that this type of food make you ill if you eat too much? Even if you have been born in this country. I know that for me basic English food is better, whereas too much peanuts/corn etc set me off. I have no problems with bread/milk etc. I would be no good in America with their love of all things maize/corn and peanut butter