Bentyl or Zelnorm work (medicines)
Why may fibre be helpful?
Fibre can be helpful because it improves how the intestines work, whether you have diarrhea, constipation or both. Fibre also may reduce bloating, pain and other symptoms of IBS. It does this by bulking the stools and making them softer.
What foods are high in fibre?
Fibre is in fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals. Eating any of these things will add fibre to your diet. You can also add fibre to your diet by eating bran.
If you eat bran, start with a small amount, like one teaspoon a day. Slowly increase the amount you eat, up to nine to 12 teaspoons.
Increase the fibre in your diet slowly. Some people feel bloated and have gas if they increase how much fibre they eat too quickly. Gas and bloating usually improve as your system gets used to the new amounts of fibre you’re eating.
When you start eating more fibre, drink more water too. The fibre needs to absorb water to work. It may take a while for you to feel better after you’ve started eating more fibre. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better right away
symptoms worse?
Foods that may make symptoms worse include foods that are high in fat or caffeine. Fat and caffeine can cause your intestines to contract or spasm, which may cause cramping.
Foods that contain sorbitol (an artificial sweetener often used in sugar-free candy and gum) can cause diarrhea. Antacid tablets that contain magnesium can also cause diarrhea.
If gas is a problem for you, you might want to avoid foods that tend to make gas worse. These include beans, cabbage, some fruits, and sodas. You also may want to avoid apple juice and grape juice, and you may want to eat fewer bananas, nuts and raisins.
If you have pain after eating, you might want to try a low-fat diet with extra protein.
2006-10-03 09:55:40
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answer #1
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answered by Jamie, FNP 4
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Buscopan is a great relief, available over the counter at the chemists. Diet is also a major factor. There are recipe books on the market to help with this aspect. Another is not to get stressed as that will cause a bout of IBS. Good luck !
2006-10-03 10:00:30
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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I have IBS and find that a wheat free diet helps control the symptoms, i also take Buscopan for the spasms and they work wonders, so it might be worth giving either or both a try. Buscopan is available from your pharmacist without a prescription.
2006-10-03 10:01:15
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answer #3
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answered by denise4264 3
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I know of nothing that works better than Peppermint Plus, by Enzymatic Therapy. Also, take the best probiotic supplement you can afford. Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb also discusses: glutamine, Cal-mag Butyrate, Boswellia and Turmeric, Vitamin E, Nutritional vitamins and supplements, and Enteric coated Fish Oils.
2006-10-03 10:05:40
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answer #4
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answered by Mad Roy 6
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I read in a book that if you leave peeled potatoes soaking in a bowl of water overnight, then drain and drink the water, its pretty effective at getting rid of the symptoms. Sounds disgusting i know, but just maybe it'll be worth a try! good luck!
2006-10-07 05:41:09
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answer #5
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answered by sausagejockey 4
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i suffer ibs and find if i take 2 tsps lactulose syrup daily it prevents cramping and symptoms of ibs. hope this helps as it really helped me x
2006-10-04 11:07:05
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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peppermint is good, Ginger is also good for digestion, and also a good antiemtic (anti sickness) Try to eliminate certain types of food from your diet to see which foods are making you ill.
MSG - monosodiumglutamate
Gluten
Aspartame (sweetener)
All of the above and others can irritate your bowel.
2006-10-03 12:08:22
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answer #7
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answered by mad4kitty 2
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1
2017-01-25 14:02:31
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answer #8
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answered by ? 3
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Cut out the wheat, and if you want a medication free answer, peppermint..... anything with peppermint in i.e. herbal tea, peppermint cordial, believe it or not tic tacs and polo's, but not gum.... try it and you wont look back.
2006-10-03 11:31:28
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answer #9
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answered by fluffy bunny 2
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diet is the best way. keep a food diary...pretty soon you will know what aggrivates your ibs.
good luck
2006-10-03 10:08:44
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answer #10
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answered by Stephanie 6
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