Starch... Intolerance? Or Not?

[ThatNerdyScienceGirl]

I have not commented here in while, for various reasons, but hello everyone ^_^

Just to put it out there, I am no longer vegan. I started eating meat for a couple of months due to various reasons but I have been back as a lacto-vegetarian for almost a month now. And yes, I know about the whatnots and health issues associated with dairy.

But the main issue I have is this. I don't know if I mentioned this before, I probably did, but I have this severe gastro digestive stomach issue thing going on, in where I cannot eat a large variety of foods, including, but not limited to, rice, pasta, potatoes, etc. I did not think potatoes of all things triggered the digestive issues, but after eliminating them, including sweet potatoes (which sucks, I love sweet potatoes... and rice, and pasta), I guess I simply cannot eat them without nausea and vomiting, which I used to do up to 10 times a day. Bread doesn't seem to cause it much though... especially not tortillas, as that is my main bread source now

But then again, carrots cause the same issue, so I am thinking it might have to do with the digestibility of the food? Food that takes longer to digest often causes the issues far more than food that digests more quickly. I have also gotten this issue in a much smaller effect when consuming beans as well, but I will muscle through for my beans. But I have noticed that after I quit eating rice, pasta, potatoes, etc, I can now drink coffee and eat spicy foods with almost no nausea, which makes me question my diagnosis of Acid Reflux, in which medication never worked for it.

That is another reason I have tried an failed many times to go back to being full vegan, and I know the "restrictive diet" argument is old, but a vegan diet devoid of most vegan staples is REALLY restrictive, which is why I added cheese and yogurt back into my diet. Not alot, but enough to make sure I don't starve to death. It also makes me feel more at ease and not having to constantly check my vitamin and mineral intake all the time on Cronometer, I have more time to relax.

I guess there really isn't much of a question here, I just wanted to see what others might think of whatever the hell is wrong with me. Any tips or whatnot?

EDIT: Other foods I cannot eat includes Nuts and Seeds (unless it is made into a paste like Peanut Butter), TVP, Stuffing, Chia, Flax, Mushy or Creamy foods like stews, soups, or mashed potatoes, etc. There is more, including Chicken, Eggs, and Steak, but I don't eat those anyways.

[brimstoneSalad]

Well, I'm glad you're trying again. It's important to keep at it.

EDIT: Other foods I cannot eat includes Nuts and Seeds (unless it is made into a paste like Peanut Butter), TVP, Stuffing, Chia, Flax, Mushy or Creamy foods like stews, soups, or mashed potatoes, etc.

Why? How do these give you digestive issues?

It sounds like it may be largely psychological if the texture of the food is affecting you. You may have a combo of issues.

But the main issue I have is this. I don't know if I mentioned this before, I probably did, but I have this severe gastro digestive stomach issue thing going on, in where I cannot eat a large variety of foods, including, but not limited to, rice, pasta, potatoes, etc. [...] I guess I simply cannot eat them without nausea and vomiting, which I used to do up to 10 times a day.

Nausea and vomiting can be strongly psychological, or they can be physiological.

You may want to see somebody about this.
Digestive issues usually affect the lower digestive system, not the stomach.

But then again, carrots cause the same issue, so I am thinking it might have to do with the digestibility of the food?

It's so unlikely. But you can try cooking them longer to make them softer.

But I have noticed that after I quit eating rice, pasta, potatoes, etc, I can now drink coffee and eat spicy foods with almost no nausea, which makes me question my diagnosis of Acid Reflux, in which medication never worked for it.

Yeah, you need to see a specialist. GPs will often say "acid reflux" give you meds and send you off. To be fair, they're right 90-something percent of the time, but it's a mindless guess.

That is another reason I have tried an failed many times to go back to being full vegan, and I know the "restrictive diet" argument is old, but a vegan diet devoid of most vegan staples is REALLY restrictive, which is why I added cheese and yogurt back into my diet. Not alot, but enough to make sure I don't starve to death. It also makes me feel more at ease and not having to constantly check my vitamin and mineral intake all the time on Cronometer, I have more time to relax.

Dairy isn't providing you a substantial amount of nutrition, it's mostly fat and sugar. You should take a multivitamin if you want to be secure in your nutritional needs due to a limited diet.

You may want to consider a digestive aid, to see if it works. Like beano or even "digestive enzymes" which have all sorts of stuff in them. Probiotics won't really affect your stomach. You could have an infection or ulcers though, so you need to go to a specialist and get your stomach checked out.

[ThatNerdyScienceGirl]

I had a full on ultrasound by a specialist and they claimed there was nothing up as well. This has been going on for about 7 years now, and it appeared after I had a severe stomach flu. I don't believe it is psychological, because I don't like vomiting.

[brimstoneSalad]

I had a full on ultrasound by a specialist and they claimed there was nothing up as well. This has been going on for about 7 years now, and it appeared after I had a severe stomach flu.

So it's not an ulcer, but have you been tested for a pathogen? It could be H. Pylori or something despite lack of ulcers.

I don't believe it is psychological, because I don't like vomiting.

People with psychological issues don't like having those issues. I'm not accusing you of enjoying vomiting.

If texture triggers it, then psychologically, something about that texture makes you feel nauseous (due to some past experience or aversion or whatever), and the expectation of being nauseous and vomiting basically bring it on despite your not wanting to do it. Nocebo effect -- it's real, and it's not fun.

It's the fixation on the nausea and fear of vomiting that exacerbates the issue. Just distract yourself, and think about something else (I know that can be hard). If it's in your head, you have complete control over it, and once you realize that the effect should go away as you redirect your attention.