I have I.B.S and suffer from bad bloating...?

Question

and feeling as though i need to go to the toilet when i don't. Its very uncomfortable and painful. Is there anything i should or shouldnt eat or anything i can take to help releive the symptoms?

I'm in the U.K

Answer 1

You can get books on IBS from the library..IBS alternates between diarrhea and constipation based on what you eat and stress factors in too. Some foods to watch out for (and eat in moderation) are nuts, seeds, popcorn...soda pop, caffeine drinks,salad greens...

Try not to go a long time without eating, and then stuff yourself..that could cause discomfort.

Your doctor can prescribe anti-spasmotics (ie levsin) and/or anti-anxiety pills for the attacks. sometimes people take metamucil fiber or similar item to help regulate BMs.

there is also a lot of websites I am sure on the web.

Answer 2

Is your IBS primarily constipation? If so you might be helped by the drug Zelnorm. It is quite expensive but has done wonders for me.

In general, be sure you eat enough insoluble fiber each day. However, if you are currently not eating much fiber, don't all of a sudden start eating a lot (will create more bloating, etc.). Slowly add a little more fiber to your your diet each day. You need to be consistent and track how much fiber you get. Fiber supplements like metamucil can help. It is best to spread it out through out the day. I eat a bowl of raisin bran in the morning and shortly before going to bed. Along with the Zelnorm and a diet rich in veggies and fruits, this controls the IBS very well for me.

Answer 3

Your symptoms sound familiar! It's not very much fun feeling like that either. My best advice, and this comes from experience, is to avoid foods that can make you bloated such as cabbage, broccoli, sprouts, onions etc and also try and eat wholegrain breads and brown rice. Pasta, I find is pretty tummy friendly when you mix it with something plain like chicken and a spoon of pesto.

You'll ultimately have to find what foods work for you.

Also try taking some supplements. Peppermint is great for easing bloating, constipation and diarrhoea - you can buy them from the health food shop or get some 'Colpermin' from Boots. Probiotics - available again from the health food shop - helps, you can try probiotic yoghurts or yoghurt drinks. I also find aloe vera helps settle my tummy.

Obviously if you are having any kind of pains or discomfort you should really go and see your doctor.

I hope this helps :)

Answer 4

I can't tell you what foods to eat or not eat as every single person is different. Its trail and error really, everytime you have a bout of it you need to look at what you had eaten that day and pin point the foods.

Maybe try the GP and see if he can recommend something, if not go to Boots and ask the pharmasist there.

Answer 5

Modify your diet according to symptoms - you will learn what foods aggravate (likely candidates were listed above).

Avoid constipation - I know, can be difficult with IBS swinging from one to other.

You may need antispasmodics if having lots of pain - they help a lot.

Actimel probiotic first thing in morning before any food or drink - coats guts with good bacteria to fend off bad bacteria which cause some of symptoms of IBS.

Also try to deal with stress - meditation, yoga, swimming, music.....

Best of luck.

Answer 6

Try cutting out grain based food stuffs like bread and reduce or cut out dairy products. Goats milk if you can bear it is good, otherwise soya or rice milk. Don't eliminate alot of food stuffs at once do it bit by bit that way you will see what helps. Visit your local QUALIFIED herbalist for some free over the counter advice.

Answer 7

i to have IBS. don't eat gassy foods. like broccoli. eat light. stay away from red meat. ask your Dr. for a Rx called zelnorm. if have diarrhea take an Rx called lomotoil

Answer 8

go get some aloe vera juice the organic one from your health food store and follow the directions it is excellent for any tummy problem and IBS.

Answer 9

hi try to take a spoonful of pure honey this helps digest the food better .take this before every meal.hope i have helped

Answer 10

i suffer also and i avoid spicy foods which irritate...i take activia which helps the bloating so well!