DEAR DR. GOTT: I just read the article from the person suffering from spastic colon/IBS. I am a 41-year-old women who was diagnosed 23 years ago with spastic colon. I suffered miserably with the same symptoms. It was debilitating. Then I found this website about a year ago. It is www.HelpForIBS.com. It tells about trigger foods, which fiber to use to avoid bloating, fennel, ginger and peppermint teas and to avoid all dairy.

I didn’t start this way of eating until four months ago, because I didn’t think I could give up cheese and yogurt (which I didn’t really have to because there are so many delicious soy substitutes out there now). I started avoiding trigger foods and now I’m 95% better. I can actually leave my house without fear and dread of an attack. I’ve lost the big bloated stomach that wouldn’t go away no matter how little I ate.

I hope this will help. Spastic colon is a horrible and embarrassing affliction to endure.

DEAR READER: Thank you for sharing the information about “trigger foods”. If they can be avoided — leading to a lessening of IBS attacks — I’m in favor of recommending a trial period for those readers who wish to try the diet. Let me know if trigger foods really do reduce the pain and bloating.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.