Irritable Bowel Sydrome
- Thread starter Stacy
- Start date
JenL13
Cathlete
I used to have this issue but mine was IBS w/ constipation... not sure if that is what you are dealing with but if so this is what helped me.
Before I really cleaned up my diet the only thing that helped me get back on track while working on getting my system to function normal again was drinking hot water every morning. It took about 2-3 weeks of drinking a big glass of hot water at the same time every day before I became "regular" again but it did work. After about 3 weeks of doing this, 20 min after drinking the hot water I would be able to go and feel much better. This actually worked for about 4 years for me and just in the past year or so my body is finally functioning on it's own without hot water. I eat a much higher fiber diet in the past 2 years than I ever had so I believe that is what has finally made my body be able to function even without the hot water. I had talked to my MD about this 4 years ago and he said that hot water/coffee does help a lot of people. Also just start really paying attention to what you've eaten when you start feeling horrible. For me it is anything deep fried and really greasy- even to this day if I eat anything like that my stomach is in knots for hours! hope that helps and good luck, I know how painful it can be.
Before I really cleaned up my diet the only thing that helped me get back on track while working on getting my system to function normal again was drinking hot water every morning. It took about 2-3 weeks of drinking a big glass of hot water at the same time every day before I became "regular" again but it did work. After about 3 weeks of doing this, 20 min after drinking the hot water I would be able to go and feel much better. This actually worked for about 4 years for me and just in the past year or so my body is finally functioning on it's own without hot water. I eat a much higher fiber diet in the past 2 years than I ever had so I believe that is what has finally made my body be able to function even without the hot water. I had talked to my MD about this 4 years ago and he said that hot water/coffee does help a lot of people. Also just start really paying attention to what you've eaten when you start feeling horrible. For me it is anything deep fried and really greasy- even to this day if I eat anything like that my stomach is in knots for hours! hope that helps and good luck, I know how painful it can be.
nkhansen1
Cathlete
I have IBS with constipation, and I've been dealing with it for about 17 years. I also have a congenital kink in my colon which makes everything even more fun.
What helps me is a very high fiber breakfast and lots of water during the day. I also snack on fibrous foods like apples, prunes, raw veggies, wasa crackers, etc...
Anything high in fat or sugar nearly kills me. I will have severe cramping for days. Chocolate in moderation doesn't bother me, but any type of candy is off limits for me.
I have one drug called Buscopan (smooth muscle relaxer) on hand for severe flare ups, but I rarely use it. Fiber and water seem to do the trick.
What helps me is a very high fiber breakfast and lots of water during the day. I also snack on fibrous foods like apples, prunes, raw veggies, wasa crackers, etc...
Anything high in fat or sugar nearly kills me. I will have severe cramping for days. Chocolate in moderation doesn't bother me, but any type of candy is off limits for me.
I have one drug called Buscopan (smooth muscle relaxer) on hand for severe flare ups, but I rarely use it. Fiber and water seem to do the trick.
Too much info probably, but I have IBS with the opposite problem. Everything I read says to increase fiber in the diet, that's disastrous for me! It's hard to plan trips, dinners out etc for fear of having an attack. I'm sick of living this way! I know some foods that cause flareups but for other foods it's so random, one time I eat a certain something I'm fine, another time, it's not. I'm just frustrated! Most of the meds on the market are geared toward constipation as well. I carry Immodium around and pop them like candy which I'm sure it's healthy in the long run but I dont know what else to do. My doc hasnt offered me much help either. I'm sure it's something I just have to manage but it's so random that trying to keep a food diary doesnt help much. Thanks for listening to me vent!
allwildgirl
Cathlete
Stacy: I found this good article at WebMD. Maybe there's some info in it that will help you and there seems to be some stuff you could take to your doctor regarding therapies and treatments.
http://www.webmd.com/ibs/treating-diarrhea?page=1
http://www.webmd.com/ibs/treating-diarrhea?page=1
lainiefig
Cathlete
I was diagnosed with IBS a few years ago, and in my case nothing the doctor suggested (diet, meds, etc.) seemed to help until the school year ended and I left my job as a high school teacher. I was just so stressed that it affected my health. I am now rarely struck with symptoms until I am under stress again (which happens rarely for me) and occasionally I have some trouble just before my period. I don't know if it truly was IBS that only flared up with the stress or if it was some other issue caused by stress, but it did seem to be entirely stress-related. (I really hated teaching high schoolers and was miserable every day.)
I don't know what your situation is, though, or whether stress plays any part, but you probably know whether it is a factor. Like I said, changes in diet did not seem to help me, but I was also so stressed that I didn't eat much at the time anyway.
[font face="comic sans ms" font color=teal]***Lainie***
My fitness blog: http://web.mac.com/lainiefig/iWeb/Site/Exercise/Exercise.html
"The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself." -- Mark Twain[/font]
I don't know what your situation is, though, or whether stress plays any part, but you probably know whether it is a factor. Like I said, changes in diet did not seem to help me, but I was also so stressed that I didn't eat much at the time anyway.
[font face="comic sans ms" font color=teal]***Lainie***
My fitness blog: http://web.mac.com/lainiefig/iWeb/Site/Exercise/Exercise.html
"The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself." -- Mark Twain[/font]
jdawnc
Cathlete
Someone I know has IBS and she said that her problem cleared up after eating Activia Yogurt everyday. I am sure you could have any type of yogurt with good bacteria.
I am a firm believer of probiotic culture and think it's the number one reason I don't get sick very often and regular. You can also buy probiotic pills at the Health Food Store.
I would definatley check out the research done on probiotic culture for curing certain aliments.
I am a firm believer of probiotic culture and think it's the number one reason I don't get sick very often and regular. You can also buy probiotic pills at the Health Food Store.
I would definatley check out the research done on probiotic culture for curing certain aliments.
hokypoky
Cathlete
After a gazillion tests, my gastro was about to write me off to IBS. I went to a naturopath, who found out I was allergic to eggs, bananas and dairy. Since I ate all of these almost everyday, I was pretty miserable. All I had to do is have blood drawn and it was mailed off to the lab for testing. Would have saved my HMO a ton of money if the gastro had thought of this!
By the way, I'd been eating these foods all my life with no problems. The allergies just started about 2 years ago.
By the way, I'd been eating these foods all my life with no problems. The allergies just started about 2 years ago.
Jess_jugs
Cathlete
Yep, another IBS suffererer, I was diagnosed about 4 yrs ago. Starting out my day with plenty of water & a cup of coffee helps me. I've also really cleaned up my diet- I found that High fructose corn syrup is a BAD thing for me. Lots of fruits & veggies, high fiber cereals, etc has helped. I used to take meds for it, but hated to do that. I do eat plenty of yogurt, the light activia kind and found that Kashi has a new cereal called VIVE that has probiotics.
Good luck!
Good luck!
cwsoxfan
Cathlete
>IBS is sometimes wrongly diagnosed when someone has Ciliacs
>disease.
>Make sure your doc rules out food allergies and
>sensitivities.
I agree with Elaine. I eliminated gluten from my diet and have not had the stomach issues I've had in the past. I would definitely look into food sensitivities or allergies. I can't have dairy either, but I've known that for awhile now.
Good luck. Let us know what you find out.
>disease.
>Make sure your doc rules out food allergies and
>sensitivities.
I agree with Elaine. I eliminated gluten from my diet and have not had the stomach issues I've had in the past. I would definitely look into food sensitivities or allergies. I can't have dairy either, but I've known that for awhile now.
Good luck. Let us know what you find out.