does anyone have any ideas on how to ease irritable bowel syndrome?

Question

I have suffered from ibs for about 5 yrs now only got properly diagnosed bout 3yrs ago take the tablets and they work wonders but would rather not be reliant on medication. What things should i include/exclude in my diet.

Answer 1

if you havent been diagnosed with a food allergy you shouldnt omitt anything, moderate stuff you know is going to irritate, drink at least 3 half pint glasses of water a day, try a yakult or actimel everyday because they can help keeping you regular without using laxatives and can also help ease the runs by replacing good bacteria. try to fit a portion of grapefruit in every day and drink cranberry juice, finally the thing which has helped my symptons the most is to drink fruit tea (takes awhile to get used to) and stir the teabag round with a stick of cinnamon, helps relax the stomach, and take up pilates. once you have mastered the breathing technique the moves are easy and the relief can be enormous just by learning how to breath properly

Answer 2

One of the big causes of IBS is a wheat/dairy allergy - it might be worth asking your doctor about an allergy test diet where you rule out these things (as well as others) and work out what you are allergic to, or at least what inflames your bowel. Experiment a little as everyone has different triggers, my personal ones are tight grain meat (beef/lamb), spicy food and dairy.

If you get bad cramps try heat packs, or just a warm towel as these can alleviate the pain.

Caffeine works to relax the muscles but is not a good idea to take too often or too much as it is also a diaretic.

Answer 3

I've had IBD for six years (not IBS) and I've looked into lots of things to do with guts. I've read a bit about IBS in my travels and known a few people with the condition. I think that if I were in your shoes I would get a food allergy test done and try taking some probiotic capsules. There are a few other things I would think of trying or looking into but I don't want to end up writing an essay! :-)

Answer 4

I have contained that problem with a lot of water, fruits & (higher fiber foods, taking that in moderation, so when to be in public, it's ok) to stay regular. If I have been off the regular path for a couple days, I have to be particulary careful...I am more vulnerable to a flare up of IB. The hidden animal products, such as shortening, in the creamy frostenings from the bakeries are a no-no for me and greasy foods in resteraunts are culprits. Everyones system differs, but if you monitor what and when...elimination from your diet ,will someday eliminate the pills. It's been a self observation on my part. Try it...you have nothing to lose!

Answer 5

Hi there,

treatment depends on whether or not you have diarrhea or constipation predominated IBS. Bulk-forming agents such as psyllium (metamucil) can help in both cases. Make sure you aren't taking any other medications that can worsen your symptoms (such as sleep aids like dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine). If you have constipation keep your diet high in fibre and make sure you are exercising about 30 min 5 times per week. If you have diarrhea make sure you're not eating foods high in mannitol (a common additive in foods). Prescription agents such as tegaserod (zelnorm) may help, but they've only been studied well in females (because IBS is more common in females). I hope that some of these suggestions work for you.

Answer 6

I have it too. This is what helps me. I make sure I have a very high amount of fiber every day. I drink 64 ozs of water everyday. I do not eat high fat or fried foods and eat red meat minimally. It also helps if I avoid dairy. At first it sucked, but now I'm used to it. I have very little trouble with IBS living this way!! I also do yoga to keep my stress level to a minimum.

Answer 7

Some foods make IBS worse.

Here are some foods that may cause symptoms:

fatty foods like french fries
milk products like cheese or ice cream
chocolate
alcohol
caffeine (found in coffee and some sodas)
carbonated drinks like soda

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs_ez/

Answer 8

yakult, also alo vera juice helps you can also take digestive enzimes that will help you digest food properly.
i have had it for over 15 years but the best thing that I ever did to get rid of a lot of my intollerances is come of the pill and stay off the pill, a lot of my problems were actually caused by that.

Answer 9

I do believe that Aloe Vera liquid can be a good alternative for irritable bowel syndrome.

Answer 10

Avoid fatty foods like fried sausages, streaky bacon, cheetos, fish and chips, high fibre foods and coffee. Eat milder foods, mashed potato instead of french fries, rice, steamed fish instead of fried. soups but not 'cream of' soup, stews rather than fatty roast, chicken and fish in preference to meat. Avoid KFC and pizza but do eat boiled pasta.