Top products from r/ibs

Hi Julie,

It took me over a year to alleviate most of my constipation but all the above definitely helped.

-Slippery Elm - 1 Capsule 2x a day - taken between meals. Good for calming inflammation in stomach and helps repair and coat the stomach lining. Also helps with constipation and diarrhea. Makes a big difference on settling down stomach and soothing stomach pains. It can lower blood pressure.
https://www.amazon.com/Foods-Slippery-400mg-Capsules-100-Count/dp/B010VOZ2MK/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1529628232&sr=1-6&keywords=slippery+elm

-Psyllium Husk - 1 Capsule 2x a day (for moderate to severe constipation) - taken between meals. A gentle insoluble fiber and really does a good job of moving things along.
https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Psyllium-Husk-500-Capsules/dp/B0013OW2KS/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1542294329&sr=1-4&keywords=psylium%2Bhusk&th=1

-Marshmallow Root - 1 capsule 2x a day - taken between meals. Similar to Slippery Elm benefits. Very good for stomach lining. It can lower blood pressure.
https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Marshmallow-Root-Capsules/dp/B001E10JKU/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1529628409&sr=8-5&keywords=marshmallow%2Broot&th=1

-Magnesium Oil Spray - Good for calming the body and for aiding digestion. I do 6-8 sprays on my stomach and chest before bed. Helps constipation and aid digestion.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CKEBFSE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-Triphala - Generally good for digestion. Helps fight H Pylori and helps with Detoxification. I take 1/8 to 1/4th tsp every night. Mixes in water.
https://www.amazon.com/Banyan-Botanicals-Triphala-Powder-Detoxification/dp/B005EIK9Z4/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1529707176&sr=1-7&keywords=triphala&th=1

-Tulsi (Holy Basil) - Good for all around health and promote energy and sleep. I take 1/8 tsp every night. Mixes in water.
https://www.amazon.com/Banyan-Botanicals-Tulsi-Powder-Pound/dp/B0058AASOA/ref=sr_1_28_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1529707224&sr=1-28&keywords=holy%2Bbasil&th=1

Probiotics

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They've been pivotal in restoring more balance to my stomach, digestion, and overall health.

I've resolved on taking three different probiotic products because variety can help crowd out H Pylori and heal your stomach overall.

-Custom Probiotics - 11 Strain Probiotic Powder - 100 Gram
It seems expensive but it's super cost efficient and lasted me about year which is amazing.
For dosage, I only use the small plastic spoon that it comes with because the standard dosage of "260 billion" per day seems a little too intense to me.
I started with taking 25 billion (one small plastic spoonful) per day mixed in water. Stomach upset and gas is normal at the beginning stages so starting small helps your stomach get acclimated to the new strains.
I'm up to 100 billion per day (4 small plastic spoonful) now, 30 minutes to 1 hour before a meal.
https://www.customprobiotics.com/custom-probiotics-11-strain.htm

-Renew Life Extra Care Probiotic - Ultimate Flora - 150 billion - 30 Capsules
This probiotic is amazing for adding tremendous amount of variety to the strains in your stomach. It also contains "L Reuteri" which is effective in reducing and suppressing H Pylori.
Whenever I start a new bottle, I start with approximately 1/4 capsule (I open up the capsule and pour some it's contents in water) for the first week and move up to 1/2 capsule till the end of the bottle. Makes it last longer and because I'm already supplementing with another probiotic.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IN7867Q/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-Bronson Saccharomyces Boulardii - 20 Billion - 180 capsules
Good for restoring balance to gut biome. I start out with half a capsule (approx 5 billion) in water at mealtime, once per day.
https://www.amazon.com/Bronson-Saccharomyces-Boulardii-Clinically-Vegetarian/dp/B01DWMC794/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1529676374&sr=8-5&keywords=bronson+saccharomyces+boulardii+probiotic


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Timing of Probiotics

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This was a super tricky thing to figure out. A lot of conflicting reports on what time you should take it, with food, without food, at bedtime, or first thing in the morning.

Here's the best two times that have worked for me. I go back and forth to accommodate schedule changes if need be:

1. 30 Minutes Before Breakfast - Custom Probiotics and Renew Life mixed in water.
   Take S Boulardii with other food enzymes. Make sure to take herbal antibiotics at another meal time.
   
   
2. 30 Minutes Before Dinner - Custom Probiotics and Renew Life mixed in water.
   S Boulardii with other food enzymes. Make sure to take herbal antibiotics at another meal time.

I'm sorry you're going through this, OP. I have terrible constipation as well and the bloating is one of the worst symptoms for me. It's such an uncomfortable feeling. I'm by no means cured, but I've tried several things that have really helped. Especially with my bloating. I recommend looking into these.

 

NOW Probiotic: This is one of the best probiotics in my opinion and is a must if you have IBS. I take one capsule 30 minutes before eating and it helps reduce my stomach pan and improves my digestion. This is one of the things that has made the most difference.

 

Chamomile: I take this after I finish eating. It settles down my stomach and reduces the likelihood of me experiencing stomach pain after eating. I take it not just after eating, but also whenever my stomach acts up. It almost always relieves any sort of stomach discomfort I'm experiencing. Chamomile is particularly good for improving digestion, reducing gas and bloating, and promoting smoother and more frequent bowel movements. If you experience any anxiety, which is pretty common among people with IBS, chamomile can really help with that as well. It's a mild sedative and is very calming. It's useful for lowering anxiety as well as improving sleep issues like insomnia.

 

High Absorption Magnesium: Most people have some level of magnesium deficinecy. People often don't eat foods that are high in magnesium and to make matters worse, things like sugar, caffeine, and certain medications, can lower your magnesium levels. Magnesium is a very important mineral and getting enough magnesium can help you feel less constipated and help you have smoother bowel movements. It's also good for lowering anxiety as well.

 

NOW Candida Support: It's believed that some some people with IBS may have candida overgrowth. CO can contribute to IBS symptoms. This supplement does a good job of managing this. I take 2 capsules with a meal.

 

Senna: Senna is a mild, but effective herbal laxative. I take one capsule 2 to 3 times a day and I've been having bowel movements a lot more often and I'm not as constipated. My doctor had me on Miralax previously, but I switched to senna because Miralax was too strong and harsh. It would help me poop, but I would poop too much. So much that it was even painful. Senna is far less harsh.

 

Triphala: I take triphala right before bed and I'm usually able to have a bowel movement once I wake up the next morning. It helps the liver and kidneys do a better job of detoxifying the body. It may help kill certain bacteria that could be contributing to your IBS. It seems to work because I noticed that all my acne cleared up and my skin looked so much smoother when I started taking triphala.

 

Besides these supplements, a diet change can lower the chance of your IBS symptoms triggering. I personally like a gluten-free diet because it's not as strict and difficult to follow as some other IBS diets. Gluten is one of my biggest bloating triggers and avoiding it when I can really helps.

Apple cider vinegar is low FODMAP: http://fodmapfriendly.com/blogpost/weve-tested-apple-cider-vinegar/

Avoiding FODMAP should be something done, in my opinion, short-term to reduce symptoms. I do not think it is a good strategy long-term.
You must know that a lot of prebiotics are FODMAP, such as onion/garlic (these contain oligosacharides). Yet for me these oligosacharides are very important now since they help establish a healthy gut flora. They "feed" bacteria.
I personally am not a big fan of FODMAP avoidance. For me it didn't work. It might work for others, I strongly recommend to test things yourself. Since IBS is very complex everyone reacts differently.

I am supplementing with inulin as one of my prebiotics. This is a "pure" FODMAP. It caused me some bloating and gas yes. But I reduced the dosage, and started building up slowly. Within a few days I could already handle a couple grams more of inulin. Basically you are letting your garden of bacteria get accustomed to having a good amount to eat. (When they eat they produce gas).
Inulin raises beneficial bacteria including akkermansia / roseburia etc. These are very beneficial for a healthy gut flora.

There has been done a lot of research with adding prebiotics to a diet. They seem to greatly improve the health of the host. They do this by producing substances (short chain fatty acids) like butyrate, which have a repairing influence on the colon and other organs.

A very gentle prebiotic seems to be the acacia gum fiber. Atleast from what I read in amazon reviews about it check: https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0002ON8DU#customerReviews
I also use this since a bit and it does help me into fixing that last 10%.

You should know that this is a high FODMAP thing. (Acacia gum). Yet look at the reviews and the positive effects they have for many people. I think a lot of people can greatly benefit from slowly building up with some prebiotics.

The research also found a lot of benefits from taking prebiotics such as inulin:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21091293
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15877886
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951492
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26619790
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25433109
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10395607
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16087995

If you do decide to try out prebiotics, please make sure you start very very very low dosage!!!! There have been people starting out way too big getting huge bowel pains. (As in, typical huge IBS "attacks")

For probiotics I'd recommend things like sauerkraut/kimchi/kefir/kvass. (also start very slow, and make sure they're not heated/pasteurized. best is to make your own at home, it's easy! just check on google: "how to make x")

From my "journey" to fix this problem the best thing for me was to throw all "theories" out of the window, and just started experimenting.

The below is a copypasta of a comment I made on another thread... it applies. I have a couple addendums:
>I don't understand why I should still be alive because what else is there to a person's life apart from family. That's the only thing keeping me around and even they resent me.

There's plenty apart from family, it's just hard for you to be able to experience them right now. That's okay. Humans are social creatures, and we need those kinds of interpersonal interactions. None of us deserve life or suffering any more than anyone else - we just got dealt a shitty hand.

Onto the copypasta:

Hi you! First off internet hugs (if you want them). This shit is the worst, and you're not alone.

This is going to be a hot mess of a comment, as I'm getting the important stuff down before leaving before work, so I hope you'll bear with me.

The stuff about your body: It sounds like you're discovering this for yourself, but (depending on your underlying condition) most medical practitioners have no idea what's actually going on. I'm glad you're getting tested for the IBDs, because that shit is diagnosable. As are parasites and some kind of infections - does C. Diff sound like it matches your symptoms? What you have may not be easily (or at all) diagnosable with the current understanding of medicine (both western and alternative), however, probably because ppl don't have any idea of how the microbiome / enteric nervous system actually work on a day to day basis (or what a healthy system looks like and the kinds of troubles it can go through). My recommendation is to start doing your own research (/r/fodmaps, /r/microbiome, /r/gutscience are good starting places) and forming your own hypotheses (oh hey, SIBO matches a lot of my symptoms! I should get tested for that) and trying new things in a smart way - don't immediate believe what most people say (especially me) right off the bat. However: I would highly recommend trying the low-FODMAP diet - it's super restrictive, but appears to alleviate the symptoms of ~70% of people with IBS. It's really helped me out. I also get some short term nausea relief from ginger (the candied stuff at Trader Joes is cheap and portable) and peppermint tea - peppermint capsules (like pepogest) didn't have much of an noticeable effect on me, but they've helped other people. I'm also a big fan of probiotics, but they're not curative for most people. Oh! And also start keeping a health journal - for me, it a record of everything I eat (and when I eat it), what my bowel movements are like (yay), and how my mental & emotional states are doing.

The stuff about your mind: this shit is real, and science doesn't quite understand how these systems effect each other. In mouse models (which are apparently insufficient, but still) changes in microbiome have been shown to affect anxiety & behavior. The shitty thing (as you've noticed) is that anxiety can feed physical symptoms and those symptoms can feed anxiety. My slowly-developing understanding is that is (in part) because of the sympathetic nervous system (simplified as the fight, flight, and freeze responses) and parasympathetic nervous system (simplified as the rest and digest response). When our anxiety kicks in, it actually physically affects digestion (who needs to digest food when you're running from a tiger?). What I've been trying to do is develop habits that both calm stress (i.e. the sympathetic nervous system) when it happens and also to keep that stress from happening. That second part plays into what you think (and therefore how you feel) about how you feel - I've developed a lot of negative cycles of thinking that definitely play up my stress response (this is never going to end; I deserve to feel like shit all the time; etc). This shit can be addressed with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) I'm stealing a lot of ideas from this book, which I'm currently reading. I don't buy into all the claims made in it (I happen to think that emotions can cause thoughts to occur, and she claims that emotions only come from thoughts (I'm personally curious as to how our emotions interact with / arise from our enteric nervous system)), but it's walking me through CBT and it's been a least a little helpful. (Edit: there are some people trained to teach CBT, and that can be helpful. Regardless, I'm of the opinion that everyone should see a counselor or a therapist - being human is hard enough, and we have conditions that really mess with us. It may take a few tries to find someone who "clicks" with you, but that's totally fine and part of the process, and it can be sooooo helpful). Other things that are easier to start that help get the parasympathetic nervous system going (as far as I understand): meditation (I listen to some guided ones on Spotify that I love dearly), yoga, deep breathing, etc. Long story short: changing how you feel (emotionally) about how you feel (physically) can help improve how you feel (physically). However, don't listen to the bullshit that IBS is "caused" by anxiety - it's (imo) arising from a biological process that happens to interact with your emotional states. Ninja(?) edit: these practices gain more traction as you make them routine - it's taken me a loooooong time to get decent at calming my mind, but it's so helpful. Edit edit: any sort of exercise is also great - it's apparently way to get your sympathetic nervous system going "naturally" and then calmed down how it's supposed to (especially when followed by stretching and/or yoga). It also has the added benefit of mechanical action on your GI system, which can be helpful - but I know how hard it is to exercise normally when your body is a mess of pain and bloating.

Oh, yeah - NOBODY FUCKING TAUGHT ME HOW TO ACTUALLY DO ABDOMINAL BREATHING. That sucks, because it's one of the best things to do for stress - and what most people think of as "deep breathing" is more chest breathing, which actually activates the sympathetic nervous system. You can probably find some good resources on your own, but I can point to some later.

I saved this for last because it's been affecting both my mind and my body in very positive ways: CBD. Apparently there are like 85+ cannabinoids in MJ, but only THC is psychoactive. The research on CBD is still in it's infancy, but it's been show to reduce nausea. Anecdotally, it significantly reduced my daily pain and bloating and improved my bowel movements - but I've only been taking it for about a week now, so ymmv. Also, it's in a weird grey legal area, but I got mine from http://www.cwhemp.com/ and they ship to all 50 states. Also, some people I know have found that full bud (with THC) helps their nausea even more - but I can't recommend that unless you're in a state where it's legal, and it can also cause unpleasant levels of anxiety and paranoia (possibly especially for people like us who have a compromised / overexerted anxiety system anyhow).

You got dis.

</wall 'o text>

Three thoughts.

First, if you have tested positive for celiac disease, then you absolutely MUST avoid gluten. There is hidden gluten all over the place and you need to do your homework at the grocery store and be careful when you eat out. (For example, lots of fried or roasted potatoes at family style restaurants are coated in wheat flour to give them a nice crispy crust. So even though you're ordering potatoes, which are themselves gluten free, you're getting a solid dose of gluten along with them. There are phone apps that cover a lot of this that can be helpful when shopping.) Remember that celiac is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system responds to gluten with an all out attack on the cilia that line the small intestine. Celiac disease does NOT require medication (although iron infusions and B12 shots are sometimes very helpful in replacing missing nutrients that the damaged small intestine is not absorbing well.) You just need to avoid gluten and give your small intestine time to heal.

Second, SIBO is pretty much a myth flogged by Pimentel who get tons of drug company funding (the company that happens to make Xifaxin) and does mediocre research that is usually NOT replicated by other scientists in other labs. The scientific consensus is that SIBO is very unlikely to be the cause of IBS. The whole theory was developed prior to our understanding the importance of the microbiome in digestion and the immune system. (The microbiome is comprised of the trillions of symbiotic bacteria we house that live primarily in our gut.) Killing off huge swaths of gut bacteria is really a pretty bad idea, and does nothing to establish the health of the ecosystem in there. In fact, antibiotic overuse is strongly linked the development of autoimmune disorders (including celiac disease) in the developed industrialized world.

The best treatment for IBS is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. It reduces visceral hypersensitivity and helps normalizes the disrupted brain/gut axis that gives rise to IBS symptoms. Probiotics can certainly help (because they replenish the microbiome, rather then killing it), but CBT is the best long term solution. There are several good self-help books out there specifically on CBT for IBS. These include Controlling IBS the Drug Free Way (https://www.amazon.com/Controlling-IBS-Drug-Free-Way-10-Step/dp/1584795751) and Reclaim Your Life from IBS - which was actually tested in a clinical trial and was proved to work. https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Your-Life-IBS-Scientifically/dp/145491887X

People who worked through Reclaim Your Life reported significantly fewer bothersome GI symptoms, reduced visceral hypersensitivity, less depression and significantly improved QUALITY OF LIFE - which is what it sounds like you're desperate for. You really have nothing to lose by taking a look at it.

Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Fodmap-Vegan-What-When-Anything/dp/1570673373

Edit for more detail: Partner has IBS. He was vegan for a year, which was really tough because it involved preparing literally all food. Now he's mostly vegan but eats eggs and occasionally fish.


Veg-wise, we mostly have potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. I just made an amazing pasta dish where you julienne carrots, bell pepper, and zuchhini and sautee them, then toss with homemade parmesan (garlic oil, walnuts, nutritional yeast, salt in a food processor) and the herbed tempeh nuggets from that book I linked. SO GOOD!


Roasted fingerling potatoes, carrot, and zucchini tossed with Thyme, Olive Oil (garlic infused or not), and nutritional yeast (and salt/pepper ofc) is good as well.

​

There's a really good Indian-style chard, potato, and carrot recipe in that book as well. We make seitan "chicken" balls (they're just shaped like balls, we call them chicken balls lol) that go really well with them.

​

You can totally be vegetarian and low fodmap, even vegan and low fodmap. It does mean eating out a bit less and preparing more of your own food. But it's definitely doable.

​

For processed foods: If you're in U.S. you might try the Potato and Pea Samosas from whole foods (they have wheat but it's a small enough amount to not bother him, miraculously no garlic or onion!) and the Japanese Fried Rice from TJ he also can eat without issue. Both are vegan.

I'm vegan, and my IBS switches from D to C (and everywhere else in between!). I've not had to go low fodmap, but here's a few resources that might help:

• https://ibsvegan.wordpress.com/
  
  
• http://thefodmapfriendlyvegan.com/
  
  
• https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1570673373/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_x_7ejBybV5R0FJQ
  
  I don't know how good the recipes are, but they're definitely a start.
  
  Remember that veganism seeks to avoid animal products as far as is possible. If you are medically unable to be fully plant-based it's okay to eat some animal products. Ideally try to minimize your consumption of those products, and try to find the most ethical options.
  
  Seitan is a great source of protein and is okay according to the Vegan RD, but wheat is otherwise not okay. Quinoa is fantastic for you and really high in protein. I don't know if hemp is low fodmap, but it's really high in protein and I find it easy on my stomach.
  
  I'm not sure where bivalves fall on the fodmap spectrum, but they have a very rudimentary nervous system and don't seem to experience pain the same way that other animals do. Bivalves also do well in farmed environments, which means that harvesting them is less likely to damage oceanic ecosystems. If bivalves don't bother your stomach, they might be a good option for more ethical animal proteins.
  

Nausea is my most disruptive symptom :p I take an prescription antiemetic (not odansetron which gave me the worst, most painful constipation of my life when I was on it for a month), but if it's just occasional that this happens you might try dramamine/gavrol; if nothing else it's sometime to try if you can't get to the doctor for an Rx right away.

I started out really disliking ginger, but now I love it, lol. But these The Ginger People tablets are amazingly effective at controlling nausea. They're chewable, but you can just swallow them whole w/ a bit of water and you won't get much ginger flavor (if you do chew them it's like getting punched in the mouth by ginger root, just fyi). I've tried other tablets and capsules, and though they all work to some extent, these one are the best. I do find that taking a peppermint supplement helps, but even taking it on an empty stomach and using an enteric coated variety doesn't always stop it from flaring up my gerd; most days I just deal w/ it.

I'll just say that, based on a few accidental encounters with soy protein replacements over the past year, that if I ate what you're eating I would be exactly as sick as you are in the exact same way.

I was surprised to learn this, as beans were a staple of my diet for years, and never a problem. Until they were.

A few resources:

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Fodmap-Vegan-What-When-Anything/dp/1570673373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1456250598&sr=1-1&keywords=low-fodmap+and+vegan

https://www.reddit.com/r/FODMAPS/comments/dl6zam/vegan_lowfodmaps_cookbook_w_meal_plan_does_it/

https://www.reddit.com/r/FODMAPS

Buy the Monash app and live by it. Look up everything.

You can eat like half of all vegetables and fruit. So read up on those (Monash app) and eat the ones you can in the quantities you can.

Fats are AOK on Fodmap, so no problem there.

The difficulty is filling the protein needs of your diet. Beans and rice are a common approach but beans are pretty well out on Fodmap.

Canned lentils in limited quantities are good. Tofu in limited quantities, maybe. Quinoa. Rice is good.

Peanuts and some nuts good. Look them up, as Fodmap values vary.

If you can stretch your diet to hard cheese and eggs, that might be helpful.

Oh buddy, I understand and just hate that feeling that doctors aren't really on your team. Or that they will throw treatments at you but don't take your quality of life seriously as an important part of your concerns. You should absolutely keep your appointments and keep working with specialists, but I have to say that a lot of the big leaps forward I have made have been self directed. If you haven't tried the low-FODMAP diet yet, you can start right now, this instant! So many people on here have had amazing success with it. It doesn't cure IBS, but the degree of relief is worth the hassle. I'd say the only caveat is that if you need to get tested for celiac disease that you shouldn't cut out wheat yet, but if that isn't a concern then you don't need to wait to ask your doctor. I can't even say how much this book helped me http://www.amazon.com/Digestive-Health-REAL-Food-Anti-Inflammatory/dp/0988717204. The elimination diet is very strict for a few weeks, transitioning into low-FODMAP, but the biggest leap forward I have had was when I buckled down and followed this protocol.

Does your insurance let you self-refer? I had a difficult time making that call as well, but I was able to refer myself for therapy and I actually have one regular therapist and one who specializes in IBS. Neither of these are a cure, but have helped me navigate this experience of being chronically sick.

Anyway, I am just so sorry you are having a frustrating time right now and I want to give you hope that there are some things in your power to do for yourself as well as waiting for help from your doctor.

I don't know what you have tried or haven't tried. But try applying some of this to your tummy before eating. It's natural and it's been giving me great relief. It can be found on amazon too. http://www.mynaturalfamily.com/symptoms/food-allergy/doterras-digestzen-essential-oil/

Now that we get some digestive relief in there, let's see about getting things moving. http://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0009XFYSG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413958670&sr=8-2&keywords=heathers+tummy+fiber

This is good, organic fiber. It may take a while to build up to the dosage you need.( In the meantime, if you are having a bad episode try a tblsp or two or milk of magnesia to get you some relief. )

Now with IBS, diet has a lot to do with it. Try an elimination diet like the the Low FODMAP diet to rule out trigger foods.

I also take time to sit quietly in the evening and meditate. Stress and ibs aggravate each other. At least in myself. There's no such thing as overkill when it comes to looking after your mental well being.

I have suffered for years with IBS-C. I really hope some of the info I'm giving you helps.

Sure! CBT is basically a form of psychological therapy that has been successfully applied to individuals with IBS to help manage and better live with symptoms, and regain some of the quality of life aspects. It sounds to me like a lot of your symptoms are exacerbated by stress, and CBT definitely helps with that! Take a look at this book https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Your-Life-IBS-Scientifically/dp/145491887X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=melissa+hunt&qid=1569725019&s=gateway&sr=8-1.

I've bought a few of these over the years and they are worth every penny! Your burning butt hole will thank you. Had some people laugh but later came to me and said they bought one too and love it. Haha! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TPGPUW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_9QeNwbV0WBVEP

Yes just do the Amazon search and you'll see a few models that are all highly rated. I got this one for $35 because it was the highest rated and had the most reviews (and has the cleaning function). I honestly can't tell what the difference is between the other models besides a few basic functionalities. The one i got works perfectly and is a great price.

I've had good luck with NOW Foods Super Enzymes. I also like their papain.

These are just what benefited me, obviously YMMV. :)

Elimination diet would be a good thing to try.

I experienced something similar recently and these are what help me:

https://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Saccharomyces-Boulardii-Intestinal-Digestive/dp/B0013OVW0E?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CTCATS4/

White rice, watery fruits (no bananas & dates), cheese, romaine lettuce, curry powder, and avocados are the main things I've found to be safe. Apple juice fasting also helps me a ton. Olive oil had significant effects as well.

Iron can feed pathogens, so try avoiding foods with it.

Some of the books that I have found helpful, over time (in rough order of importance to me):

The Microbiome Cookbook

The Well-Fed Microbiome Cookbook

The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-term Health

Reclaim Your Life from IBS: A Scientifically Proven Plan for Relief without Restrictive Diets

Fast Tract Digestion

Eating for IBS

I did. I went from two years of daily misery, to maybe a small mild episode once a week on average, and I'm still improving slowly. I followed the diet based on the book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle"

https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Vicious-Cycle-Intestinal-Through/dp/0969276818/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478021388&sr=8-1&keywords=breaking+the+vicious+cycle

It's an extremely strict diet that is difficult to keep, but I promise you it will help a ton if you give it time to work.

The VSL-3 is great too. It's a probiotic made for people like us. You only have to take it for a month and then the bugs will proliferate on their own.

I take a small dose of zoloft to help with the stress an anxiety too, but that's optional.

A bidet might help. You can get a good one that's easy to install for less than $35. Luxe Bidet Neo 120 - Self Cleaning Nozzle - Fresh Water Non-Electric Mechanical Bidet Toilet Attachment

No worries. My post about my pee smelling sweet was hilarious.

I started an elimination diet with the help of this book https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988717204/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_038vzbNHJX37A

Typical meals for me right now: eggs, coconut oil, meat, avocado

Fish/chicken, carrots, olive oil. Almost always have a can of sardines with this meal

A smoothie with full fat coconut milk, hemp seeds, sunflower seed butter, cocoa butter, trace minerals (by Morningstar minerals), frozen raspberries & ice

This site has some good info on why special low carb diets help IBS&IBD http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info

I just started (since the new year) taking peppermint oil every morning, and I have to admit I think it really helps. I also don't mind burping a little peppermint in the morning lol

 

I only take it once a day, but also take 1-2 imodium a day to be safe, does anyone take peppermint oil more than once a day?

 

Here are the one's I'm taking: http://amzn.com/B0002UDK4Q

I have tried so many supplements, probiotics, digestive enzymes and prescription medications that it's ridiculous. Lomotil helps a tad but not enough, and it's not something I want to take every day. But then someone on here suggested Saccharomyces Boulardii (I take this one http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Sacharomyces-Boulardii-Capsules/dp/B0013OVW0E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426438763&sr=8-1&keywords=saccharomyces+boulardii) and it has made a world of difference. Thank you, whoever you were, for the suggestion. Finally I can keep food inside me long enough for it to do some good.

Digestive advantage on amazon. Recommended by GI and definitely helps.

I also react poorly with any SSRI antidepressant, but this is an old tricyclic antidepressant which has very minimal side effects. You take it right before bed so you'll wake up a bit groggy. But the rest of the day is pretty smooth.

Try peppermint oil immediately. It will give you instant relief.

http://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406125765&sr=8-1&keywords=peppermint+oil+capsules

or

http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Peppermint-Oil-ounce/dp/B00028MKRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406125773&sr=8-1&keywords=peppermint+oil

I usually shoot it with a shot glass and chug water to chase it. It's been a life-saver.

Try Heather’s Tummy Tamers. They’re all natural peppermint, fennel, and ginger pills made specifically for IBS. You can get them at CVS or buy them on amazon. People swear by them, and i just bought them for my fiancé and he has had a ton of relief already.


here’s the link to amazon.

Review of Heathers and proof!

Thanks for all your help.

I am going to try the following:

• L-Glutamine in powder form (ramp up slowly)
  
• milk kefir made at home (does not contain lactose) [start slowly, only a teaspoon or so, and then raise it gradually]
  
• prebiotic (https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0002ON8DU/#customerReviews) [start slowly, 1 gram a day]
  
  What do you think?
  

I get lots of sharp pains and burning, but Calmoseptine ointment has made a huge difference for me. I’ve tried probably a dozen other products and all were more expensive and less effective. It’s not meant for internal use, but I highly recommend for external discomfort.

I'd highly suggest getting the book "Eating for IBS" by Heather Van Vorous. It's a cook book, but it also has an intro to typical trigger foods, and ways to eat (grains first, then raw veggies, etc) that help relieve symptoms.

https://www.amazon.ca/Eating-IBS-Delicious-Nutritious-Low-Residue/dp/1569246009

All of us will have different triggers but there are several that seem to be hard for IBS sufferers to digest properly... here's some of the triggers mentioned in the book above:

-Red meat

-Poultry dark meat and skin

-Dairy

-Egg yolks

-Fried foods

-Coconut milk

-Oils, shortening, fats, butter, margarine

-solid chocolate

-Coffee (regular and decaf)

-Alcohol

-Carbonated beverages

-Artificial sweeteners

-Artificial fats

​

I hope this helps!

These things are awesome for travel. But for home use, get a bidet!

I'll tell you what is so very helpful during these times is this simple to install (10-15 min) bidet attachment for your toilet. works just just like it should so you aren't endlessly wiping your butt sore. (that and my squatty potty and magnesium glycinate) have improved life for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TPGPUW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can order one that connects to your toilet on Amazon.

Luxe Bidet Neo 120 - Self Cleaning Nozzle - Fresh Water Non-Electric Mechanical Bidet Toilet Attachment (blue and white) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A0RHSJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gUn-AbXK9FPHH

Everyone on this subreddit, go on Amazon and get yourselves a bidet! Less than $30 to access that cooling booty relief, it’s also a major toilet paper money saver. This is the one I have, godspeed y’alls’ buttholes.

I have two different add-on cold water-only bidets:

1. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075MMHQX7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TPGPUW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   Both are less than $30. Installation is easy for an existing toilet.

Something that had a relatively good response with me was the peppermint pills by Heathers on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q

Yes, that should work. You should also check out these pills which have helped me in the past - https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=CjwKCAjw1_PqBRBIEiwA71rmtcbysCU1mRQxgpPZCORE0l7N6SRjyzo-8LfGn_wMeihlzeMMA75DqxoCQ-MQAvD_BwE&hvadid=174279189344&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9009669&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=b&hvrand=10268277466007255026&hvtargid=aud-647006051489%3Akwd-3099308110&hydadcr=21877_9445480&keywords=heather%27s+tummy+care&qid=1566409759&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I've been taking this fiber supplement for about two weeks now and haven't had diarrhea since. I still have yet to find my ideal dose (I have mixed with excruciating cramps), but I'm very happy with how things are going so far. Usually drinking alcohol gives me bad diarrhea the following day, but I've had a couple nights of drinking since starting taking this fiber and had one solid BM the next day. Again, I've only been taking it for about two weeks, so I'm not sure how it will hold up long term, but it's worth a shot, right?

Try to find some Calmoseptine. It will help with the "rawness". It has menthol in it, so a little goes a long way.

I ended up getting these. Hopefully they work. Only 181mg though, but they have ginger and fennel oils too. Any experience with these additives?

https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1505872337&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=peppermint+oil+capsules&psc=1

FYI I have just learned that if you are only interested in my museum for its laxative effect you are better off with a less bioavailable magnesium.

However many many people are deficient in magnesium, especially the chronically ill, because our body's dump magnesium when under stress.

Magnesium citrate: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WJ56QTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_0b1ZCbVAGJYRV

Magnesium glycinate: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BD0RT0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Nc1ZCbA3NFNSD

Magnesium malate:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013GJNWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_xd1ZCbN7ST808

Since I buy these on Amazon I use their subscribe and save feature. This saves me an extra 15% (as I have several subscriptions). Even if you're just trying out a product and are not sure you're going to order more I still do this as you can immediately cancel the subscription.

Here’s the link on amazon if anyone wants to try: Heather's Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules (90 per bottle) for IBS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2pQ1Ab5DRBTXC

http://smile.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0002ON8DU

https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q

Psyllium husk--here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Psyllium-Husk-500mg-Capsules/dp/B0013OW2KS/

Here is the mobile version of your link

This book has helped me out a ton. I also have an allergy-free cook book but couldn't find it online.

edit: Not sure if link works. Try this

Absolutely not. I bought the book on December 15, 2012 and it's been a damn miracle. You probably don't need the book but should read the positive and negative reviews on Amazon to provide further insight.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet https://www.amazon.com/dp/0969276818/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mIsHybT3H7YDZ

You may be able to buy peppermint capsules instead of going to the clinic. You can get them online for sure (http://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q) but I've seen them in many health foods stores and even just some regular pharmacies in the supplement section.

As for the IBS, I'd wait until you see your GP about it, and maybe even a gastroenterologist, until you worry. The doctors at those clinics are just trying to get you in and out as fast as possible, and when there's nothing serious wrong they just want to tell you SOMETHING. Plenty of people have IBS that barely affects their life whatsoever, so IBS is a quick and easy diagnosis to give somebody. Now, lots of people, (like the ones here) are miserable with IBS, so don't scares yourself quite yet with our stories.

A New IBS Solution: Bacteria-The Missing Link in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome Paperback – May 15, 2006
by Mark Pimentel (Author)

https://www.amazon.com/New-IBS-Solution-Bacteria-Irritable/dp/0977435601

Yes! I've had a similar experience. I recently got this book, it's mostly a cookbook but in the beginning thoroughly discusses IBS triggers, what's safe and what to avoid. The biggest things are fat and insoluble fiber.

The woman also sells this supplement that is pure soluble fiber called Heathers Tummy Fiber which I have found has helped me significantly.

I would check it out and see what you think.... the woman who wrote it is not a doctor or anything but is an IBS sufferer and explains how she did a lot of her own research into the topic herself. I've found the advice and info in this book to match much closer to my experiences than the advice to cut out fodmaps/gluten/dairy/whatever else.

I also saw an actual dietician for the first time recently and she also suggested a low fiber diet and said that the evidence is still mixed on the low fodmap diet.


Eating for IBS: 175 Delicious, Nutritious, Low-Fat, Low-Residue Recipes to Stabilize the Touchiest Tummy https://www.amazon.com/dp/1569246009/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ji73ybJWQ4KWN

Heather's Tummy Fiber CAN Organic Acacia Senegal (16 oz) for IBS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009XFYSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_uHM8AjEVwfksg

That tastes really gross though. Very hard to drink. Order the capsules on Amazon.