What are some ways to ease the discomfort of IBS (Irritable Bowel Sydrome)?

Answer 1

heating pad

Answer 2

I have suffered from IBS myself for several years and through trial and error over the years here is what I have found to help me. I have eliminated all caffeine and from my diet (a known trigger), I avoid a lot of sugar, drink pretty much only water, I very rarely drink any alcohol (also another known trigger). If i do indulge in a drink or more I am well aware that I could be paying the price for a day or so. Dairy is also a trigger for me so I have elimnated dairy from my diet and solely use soy products. I eat high fiber cereals and breads, I also add a powder fiber supplement to my morning orange juice, amount tolerated varies per individual. I also take probiotics twice a day and when the diarrhea flares up there are some peppermint supplements that I take. I have found the peppermint supplements to work much better than Imodium or Pepto. I also found this great cookbook for suffers of IBS. It helps you avoid the known trigger foods and still eat tastefully. A great website I found is http://www.helpforibs.com. This is where i got the cookbook from and also where I get my fiber supplements. I highly recommend this sight it has helped me quite a bit.

Answer 3

Along with the other answers also I'd suggest looking into celiac disease.

They're starting to say that if you've got IBS, you should be tested for celiac because celiac is commonly misdiagnosed as IBS.

This is an informational page about celiac by the National Institutes of Health http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/

If that starts ringing bells here are a couple of message boards for people with celiac disease and other forms of gluten intolerance.

http://www.glutenfreeforum.com
http://www.celiacforums.com

If it's not anything like that, you should look into food intolerances in general. There are other foods that can cause problems such as soy, dairy, eggs, nuts, fish and yeast.

Hope you feel better soon.

Nancy

Answer 4

I have had this for years myself.You have to identify what triggers the pain.I have learned to stay away from;dairy,and any type of caffeine,and chocolate.I also take Bentyl(dicyclomine).These things together help a LOT,but i occassionally still have symptoms.Ussually a trip to the ER and a shot of Toridol will do the trick for another six to eight months.There again,as long as I take my medicine and watch what I eat.You need to start by seeing a Gastroenterologist.

Answer 5

ok ... you need to learn what triggers the pain. i know someone when ever she'd eat a salad, it was pain all night !! so now she doesnt eat salad. that is the easiest way to not get it. as for easing the pain once it starts, try to use the restroom or lay down and drink some tea or water.

Answer 6

peppermint is very soothing to the digestive tract, I recommend herbal tea as opposed to candy because of the sugar.
There is also a medication that a doctor can give you that is called Bentyl, or generically Dicyclomine, that is helpful in easing the cramping.

Answer 7

Take Metamucil on a daily basis. This helps to soften constipation as well as solidify loose stools. I have IBS and it does help.

Answer 8

go to webmd.com
it helped me
keep hydrated avoid fatty food and red meat
caffeine sometimes makes it worse(i will not give up my coffee)
there are medications
try to avoid stress
you may need to see a nutritionist
take fiber supplements or flax seeds daily
talk to you doctor
hope this helps
it's a bummer i KNOW

Answer 9

Modify your diet, use stool-softening remedies. If your digestive system is intolerant to certain foods, such as dairy products, exclude them from your eating habits.

Answer 10

do not snack,eat your 3 squares and give your bowels a chance to rest between meals.

Answer 11

stick to specific IBS diet