...this is what I would do...
1) Put the diarrhea sufferers on calcium carbonate, and the constipation sufferers on magnesium (probably the citrate form)
2) Tell them all to stop drinking alcohol and any caffeinated drinks
3) Put them all on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet
4) Tell them to cut out all artificial sweeteners, and keep sweets and treats to a minimum
5) Tell them to take a fiber supplement (NOT bran or anything with wheat in, something like Citrucel or acacia fiber) with lots of water
6) Tell them to start hypnotherapy with a specialist IBS therapist, or use the IBS Audio Program 100
And that's it! Now, that's a lot more advice than many sufferers get from their doctors. What do you think - how many people would get at least some relief? What would you advise people with IBS if you had to do it in a generalised way?
(This post comes with the usual boring disclaimer that I never ever offer medical advice, I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV).
1) Put the diarrhea sufferers on calcium carbonate, and the constipation sufferers on magnesium (probably the citrate form)
2) Tell them all to stop drinking alcohol and any caffeinated drinks
3) Put them all on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet
4) Tell them to cut out all artificial sweeteners, and keep sweets and treats to a minimum
5) Tell them to take a fiber supplement (NOT bran or anything with wheat in, something like Citrucel or acacia fiber) with lots of water
6) Tell them to start hypnotherapy with a specialist IBS therapist, or use the IBS Audio Program 100
And that's it! Now, that's a lot more advice than many sufferers get from their doctors. What do you think - how many people would get at least some relief? What would you advise people with IBS if you had to do it in a generalised way?
(This post comes with the usual boring disclaimer that I never ever offer medical advice, I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV).
I began having IBS at 40 and now 75, still have it and in some ways worse. My attacks always begin with cramps, excessive sweating, explosive diarrea, paleness,eventually fainting and falling. I also have times of constipatiion and one can begin from that. I have sent years at drs. offices and was first diagnosed about three years ago by a physicians' assistant. None of my treatments have worked and I am becoming paranoid about being away from home. Does anyone else faint with these attacks? I do know it is from the vegas nerve running from brain into intestine, thus cramps iirritate it, my blood pressure drops and I faint. Frances
Hi Frances - welcome to IBS Tales. I've never fainted from an IBS attack, although I have occasionally fainted for other reasons, mainly heat and/or skipping a meal I think.
Hi Sophie,
I'm afraid in my experience, I do not agree with your list. I agree that IBS is (or was in my case due to my diet [and other] changes) an awful but I feel you are suggesting overly limiting peoples life experiences. I admit that all of the things you suggest will likely help everyone, *but* not *all* of the things you suggest are necessary for *everyone*.
Evaluation of suggestions:
1) I have never tried either of these - maybe that is because my predominance has changed depending on what I eat. My view (discussed later) is that if you find the things that your intestines do not like then you should not need either of these (assuming you eat an otherwise healthy diet and have no other underlying condition).
2) Interestingly my intestines (without my intolerant foods) do not react any worse to alcohol then anyone elses, i.e. if your intestines are not unwell then alcohol is ok as there is no condition to worsen (i.e. find your intolerant foods). Equally caffeine has no effect on my intestines, *but* coffee does.
3) Gluten seems to be difficult to digest across the board, even for some non-IBS people and so I heartily agree with this. As for dairy, I did not eat dairy for several years but have now found out that casein (the protein in milk) has no effect on me. Note that people who cannot digest lactose which can be tested for should use special milk or avoid it, though this condition is *not* related to IBS, this is just as a result of failure to have adequate lactase, an enzyme that digests lactose. I now eat dairy and have no problems. Dairy is a very important food group.
4)None of these have ever had any affect on me. In my opinion these are all urban legands either relating to the dangers of sweetners (no scientific proof/confirmation bias etc.) or excess sugar and excess yeast growth (again no scientific proof/confirmation bias).
5)Again, better to fix the problem then paper over the cracks. Interestingly excess insoluble fibre gives me pain so IBS people should actually avoid this (there have been papers on this). Insoluble fibre is found in things like brown rice, high fibre stuff etc.
6) Again, more papering over the cracks. These things may help you manage your condition (like they will help you manage any condition) much better to try to control the conditions in the first place.
I really have completely solved my IBS and want to share my experiences for free (smicken@googlemail.com). I have been posting comments here for nearly four years I think and am glad to have solved it. My belief is that there are certain proteins in foods that people with IBS will suffer pain from. In my case the problems are with gluten and tapioca protein.
My hints are:
1) learn to check the ingredients - do not rely on allergy list - read them carefully!
2) do not assume that the usual list of things that people are allergic too (e.g. gluten, soya, nuts etc.) are the things that cause you intolerance - I would think it could be anything, though in my experence they tend to be cereals. In my case it is gluten (wildly intolerant) and tapioca (this is in most gluten-free bread!!!!).
3) Look out for the dreaded "modified starch". Legally companies only have to say what the starch is from if it is from wheat. If it says modified starch it could be from anything other than wheat, e.g. rice, corn, TAPIOCA!. I know it is starch, but it *will* contain some protein.
4) if you get IBS pain then work out what you ate four hours ago and avoid it as this is about how long your stomach takes to empty into your intestine.
5) if you still get tummy pain, then consider whether you might be "allergic" to something in the air. Unfortunately I also developed chemical sensitivity to a number of detergents, expecially fabric conditioners, all detergents (I use Surcare, which is generally ok if I air the house when drying clothes and wash my bedding a second time with just water) and many cleaning products. These resulted in a number of awful symptoms includibng :(1) depression; (2) personality changes; (3) irritability; (4) uncontrollable diarrhea; (5) constipation; (6) tummy pain; (7) nausea; (8) dizziness; (9) feeling feverish; (10) feeling drunk; (11) extreme tiredness. I now use washing up liquid, pure bleach and Surcare only for cleaning and air my house regularly and am much better. Sometimes me or my partner makes a mistake and am ill, but I now know what to do to get rid of it. The above came on in 2005, I had no idea what was going on, thought I had ME and was nearly medically retired because of it. Sounds crazy but was true.
I hope this provides some people with ideas.
David
I agree with some of this, though it definitely can vary from person to person. In terms of fiber, I've done fine on Citrucel, but recently I tried taking Benefiber, and it was a disaster -- I was stopped up for days then got bad diarrhea. Though I certainly agree with cutting out artificial sweeteners. Sugar used to make me very bloated and gassy, but I've cut out processed sugar. Not I only eat things sweetened with agave nectar or natural fruit juices. I've found some great brands like Innocent Chocolate and Fabe's, which produce sweet-tasting but very natural and healthy treats. It satiates my craving for some dessert, but does not upset my tummy.
Hi David - I think you make a very good point there about not putting unnecessary limits on your life. I do think that each sufferer needs to find their own limits and their own triggers and sensitivities. I guess my "101 sufferers" idea was more to see what broadbrush ideas would help people on average, just as a starting place, and then you could refine from there.