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Posted 4/14/2007 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
What do you all do to manage your IBS?  Please make a list that is easy to read and follow.

I do the following:

- Eat healthy (no fast food or greasy/deep fried)

- Avoid ALL caffeine

- Avoid carbonation

- Take probiotics daily

- Take fiber supplements daily

- Eat 1 Dannon Activia daily

- Drink 8x8 water daily (8 - 8oz cups of H2O)

- Walk or exercise at least 3 times a week

Tricks:

- I always carry Imodium with me 'just in case' (it helps me relax which helps my IBS symptoms)

- I always give myself plenty of time in the morning to get ready for work (rushing causes anxiety which causes an attack)

- I keep a heating pad handy for pain

- I always have a full supply of teas - mint, fennel, lemon grass, chamomile, ginger

Posted 4/14/2007 11:06 PM (GMT 0)

Hi 7Lil,

This is a great start. Many thanks for starting this thread. I'm sure it will help a lot of us newbies to manage our symptoms better.

Although these questions will sound silly and obvious to many, please explain:

1)  What symptoms does Danon Activa help? 

2)  How do you decide which tea to take?  Do they have different effects, or do you select by the flavour you fancy at that time.  Which brands?

3)  Which fibre supplements do you find the most helpful.

4)  What sort of heating pads do you use?  Brand and where are they available.

5)  Carrying stuff (like Imodium) for peace of mind is a good idea - being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety and stress, and chances are one won't need it if one is relaxed.  Thanks, didn't think of that earlier.

 - Maybe one could keep a small handy pouch ready (with a limited quantity of useful stuff) to take along or keep in the glove compartment of the car for emergencies.

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Guys, please do not hesitate to post even the simplest and most obvious routines/remedies that have been tried and tested which you feel might have helped. Sometimes the simplest and most obvious remedies are the best (like drinking plenty of water) and they escape us because of all the modern strides in medicine that complicates our lives.

I liked the suggestion about the clay/mud bath by a newbie recently. That therapy is known to have worked in India and there are Health Farms that conduct them. Not sure how one can do that ourselves though, with the busy lifestyles we have here.

Let's give it a shot and list everything, and then we can pick and choose which ones suit us best. Remember guys, Sharing is Caring. Cheers!

Post Edited (brandii) : 4/14/2007 5:31:55 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/15/2007 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hi brandii,
I'll do my best to answer your questions:
1)  Dannon Activia regulates digestion within 2 weeks.  It contains many probiotics which stabalizes our gut flora, which helps digestion.  In addition, it has calcium which helps control D and GI inflammation.  I've been eating 1 a day for months and it has helped me stay regular.

2)  The teas all do different things, but really I just pick the flavor that sounds best to me.  Except, let me add, the Ginger tastes horrible.  I only drink the ginger if I am super nauseous.  Here is a breakdown for you:

  • Chamomile (soothes the nerves)
  • Fennel (calms muscles, improves digestion, helps flatulance)
  • Mint (eases GI trouble, relaxant)
  • Lemon Grass (antispasmodic, anti-irritant)
  • Ginger (nausea & cramping)
  • Green (promotes digestion, overall health)

    • The brand of tea doesn't really matter.  I find they all taste the same and do the same thing.  I do, however, boil my own mint tea as I hate the "mint medley" tea you buy.  I grow mint in my backyard and have found that boiling a handful of leaves is way better than using a teabag.  You could do the same with fennel, lemon grass, and ginger.  I recommend doing it for the ginger because the store bought kind has pepper.  It's really horrid and spicy.

    3)  Fiber can be tricky.  I find that Metamucil works great for me.  Citrucel gave me horrible gas and D.  I haven't tried any others.  You will have to experiment and see which is best for you (gives you less gas).

    4)  I have an electric heating pad.  It's a generic Target brand.  You can buy them pretty much anywhere: Target, Wal-Mart, etc.  They are usually found in the same aisle (or near) the feminine hygene products.  I keep 1 heating pad at work and 1 heating pad at home.  If you're prone to cramps, you might consider those sticky heating pads.  They have those in the feminine hygene aisle for period cramps.

    5)  Some people actually carry an emergency IBS backup pack with them, either in their car or in their purse.  The pack usually consists of extra underwear, baby wipes, Imodium, aspirin/tylenol, and any rx medication (antispasmodics, etc.).  I always carry probiotics and anti-gas medication too (Gas-X).  It's good to be prepared; it definitely helps ease your mind.

    Posted 4/15/2007 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
    Thanks again, 7 Lil, this has been a great help. Is Danon Activa available over-the-counter? It seems to be just what I need. Over the last week, I have been able to manage my symptoms really well, thanks to this forum. I guess being at home has also reduced the stress, though I cannot afford that luxury for long. I plan to carry a handy kit with me when I return to work. Thanks for answering my questions, I now have a much clearer picture of how this works - I was too embarrassed all these years to even admit I had this problem, let alone ask questions, and doctors never bother to explain anything.

    Has anyone tried a Colon Cleanse course using natural products (e.g. Dr. Natura)? I tried it once with excellent results. It has been a year now and I was thinking of trying it again (along with a recommended detox course) after I have tested a few new natural remedies that I learned on this forum. The course is a bit expensive, but it got my bowels working like when I was a kid. Please let me know your views on this.

    I have also noticed that having a certain brand of Chinese tea (used for slimming) before bedtime at night helps to have a gentle but almost complete evacuation of the bowels in the morning. Do any of you use this or similar method on a regular basis? Please advise.

    Post Edited (brandii) : 4/14/2007 11:29:34 PM (GMT-6)

    Posted 4/15/2007 5:27 AM (GMT 0)

    Brandii,
    Don't ever be embarassed or shy about asking anything on this site.  It's the great thing about internet... we're all annonymous.  tongue

    Dannon Activia is yogurt you can buy at pretty much any major supermarket.  I even find it at Target (cheaper than at markets).  Dannon even offers a money back guarantee if it doesn't work for you in 2 weeks:  http://www.activia.com/

    I'm so glad you've found this site so helpful!  I'm not sure where I'd be if I hadn't stumbled here myself.

    Posted 4/15/2007 2:18 PM (GMT 0)

    Hi 7Lil,

    I checked the Activa website and it looks like an amazing product; however it is not well known in Canada as it is in the US.  Will do some checking around today for Activa and also for the teas (I know the teas are easily available here).  Does jasmine tea help - I had some at home and I am trying it presently.

    BTW has anyone tried "Healthy Gut" probiotic capsules made by NorthStar Nutritionals, I checked their website and they claim that each capsule contains 6 different strains of healthy bacteria and 21 billion active cultures in each dose.  Do you think its worth a try for overcoming bacterial overgrowth, which seems to be a big part of my problem.  Their website is http://www.northstarnutritionals.com/p/Healthy_Gut.htm?gclid=CKnGuJ37xIsCFR0CPwodEkZnHw  Please let me know your views on this.

    Exercise is another important factor.  Do you do brisk walking - how many minutes/km each time?  Would appreciate input from anyone who has found an exercise routine, yoga postures/classes, useful websites that have helped them.

    How about compiling 3 lists, a sort of "IBS for Dummies" tongue

    A) Do's

    B) Don'ts

    C) Tips and Tricks

    Cheers!  yeah   


    Post Edited (brandii) : 4/15/2007 9:02:55 AM (GMT-6)

    Posted 4/15/2007 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
    Hi brandii,
    Hmmm... I'm not sure about Activia in Canada. Sorry. I hope you can get your hands on some. If not, probiotics should pretty much do the same thing. That 'Healthy Gut' probiotic looks good. I like taking different strands of cultures, which is why I take 3 types of probiotics. I must say, however, that 21 billion cultures in each dose is a whole lot. It is good for you BUT watch out because in the beginning you might get a lot of excess gas. It could be worth it though in the end. Keep us posted.
    Jasmine tea is essentially green tea laced with Jasmine (for the taste & fragrance). It is VERY healthy; great for overall health.
    I walk about 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. I'm not sure how great it is, but I personally feel that it helps me keep regular and keeps the gasses moving. There are a few people on here who say Yoga is awesome for IBS. I think it's all about relaxing and de-stressing as well.
    Posted 4/16/2007 10:25 PM (GMT 0)

    Hello ya'll!!!

    been a lurker for a few weeks/month......I have been living with this IBS BS (first with the D kind...after my gallbladder was yanked...NOW with the terrible C kind). I also suffer from diverticulosis and adhesions ALL over my poor, sore gut....so....after 10 plus years suffering with NO help from the medical community (except to have MORE surgery....no thanks) I took it upon myself to DO something for myself......so this is what I have done so far....with some result:

    I take acidophilis tabs (the cheapo ones because until I read here, I thought they were pretty much all the same) every morning. I stopped drinking beer every day (I was using it to help me relax) I take magnesium/calcium/zinc suppliments....(these help me with some surgical menopause symptoms too)......One week I took the "active" yoghurt drink with Soy, (I am lactose intolerant) and I drink this Polish tea (gastrosan?) that has camomile/mint/marshmallow root, etc and ginger tea for nausea.....I ride my bike to work (when the adhesions aren't causing problems) and walk everywhere I go....I live in Chicago....downtown...and don't own a car....I also swear that drinking aloe vera juice everyday has help the most....along with using flax seed meal in my cereal........

    We'll see what this will all do...so far I "go" everyday....but the bloat is still as bad as ever......

    Good luck to ya'll!!!

    Posted 4/17/2007 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
    Hey Brandi.  Activia is definitely available in Canada.  I've been using it for a while now.  Not sure if it does anything or not but I am a newbie and not quite fully in touch with my system.  All the supermarkets have it. Not sure about any of the teas yet.  Still trying to kick the coffee.
    Posted 4/17/2007 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
    Hi All,

    Glad to report that for the first time in months I had no IBS symptoms all day today. I was out of the house really early today, used public transport (over one hour each way) and did not get my usual gas/bloating/tummy-rumbling stress/anxiety symptoms all day although there were meetings and other stressors.

    I took 7Lil's advice to give myself plenty of time to get ready, practised some breathing exercises, and had a large mug of jasmine tea before I left. Didn't take fibre or probiotics though, because I had to leave so early, but I took those when I got back. I guess the vigilance with diet, the general awareness about the do's and don'ts, and the efforts to stay relaxed are helping. Going to try and keep this up for as long as I can. BTW, sleeping on my right side seems to be helping with the gas and bowel movements. Noticed that jasmine tea helps to relax my gut and help expell the gas; noticed some belching as well during and immediately after the tea, it also relieves the bloating and feeling of fullness. The 8 glasses of water and the probiotic yogurt also seem to help a lot. Couldn't find Danon Activa yet, but there is another probiotic yogurt (Elite) at the Indian store which I always keep handy. I will keep you posted on the effects of the "Healthy Gut" probiotic capsules which I should be getting this week.

    Thanks to this forum it looks like I may be on the road to managing my symptoms at last. Read somewhere that IBS sometimes goes into remission. Has anyone here experienced that? What bliss!
    Posted 4/17/2007 4:36 PM (GMT 0)

    I would like to ask, Are any of you taking medicine and still doing all this other stuff.

    I went to the Dr. this past thursday, he gave me medication but I a kinda hesitate to take it.  I actually get up in the mornings and my ritual now is:  I take a scoop of Green Miracle food with 8 ozs of water (this contains all the green vegatables I need for the day and it give you energy) I combine trace minerals with that, and papaya juice.  I take my probotics and digestive enzemes.  about 30 mins later I eat my yougurt.  I was doing Activa but I found some yougurt that was lower in sugar so I bought that.  I am making sure that I drink my require amount of water for the day.  Yesterday I felt bloated all day.  Today I feel fine.  No gas that is trapped or anything.  I acutally had a good bowel movement this morning that was actually intact.  When I get to feeling well is when I get myself in trouble because that is when I want to eat whatever.  Then I pay for it the next day.  I need also to know what do you all eat.  I have finally noticed that when I eat potatoes and pasta I don't have problems.  Keeping it plain.  Yuck!  I love pasta and can eat it everyday but I sure do miss the other stuff. 

    I like the idea of the heating pad.  Never thought of that.  Thanks for any ideas.

    bennettgirl

    Posted 4/17/2007 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
    I have not yet started on any medication, but I may need to if the results of my H-pylori test are positive - should know about that by the end of this week. I am really reluctant to take medicine unless I really have to. I have been managing these symptoms for a very long time now, only with natural stuff and only recently decided to get checked out by a doctor. I have not been diagnosed with IBS yet, but some of the symptoms are present. I plan to persist with the natural treatment since my condition has improved considerably now that I am taking a disciplined approach.
    Posted 4/17/2007 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
    If your H Pylori test is positive then you will definitely need to take meds. You will be given antibiotics and a possible PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor). Make sure that you take probiotics with the antibiotics so you can keep the good flora going which antibiotics will kill. Good luck to you.
    Posted 4/17/2007 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
    Thanks Des,

    I will be starting on a new probiotic (Healthy Gut) which I described in an earlier post. The recommended dose is 2 capsules, but I plan to take 1 capsule twice daily at first and then only 1 capsule daily since they claim each capsule contains about 10 billion colonies with 6 different strains of healthy flora. I am afraid of the gas build-up, I may go up like a helium balloon (lol) :D

    BTW, how should one time the probiotics to avoid healthy flora being wiped out by the antibiotics? Please advise.

    I have eliminated coffee and tea from my new diet (since I enjoy them only with milk and it seems like I am lactose-intolerant) - stopping them seems to be making a big difference.

    Could there be a problem if one experiments with natural stuff while on medication - somebody please confirm. I will also be checking with my doctor to get his views. Thanks.
    Posted 4/18/2007 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
    Raise your hand if you hate IBS (hand is being raised here). I have tried numerous remedies, some outlandish and some simple. I am currently feeling as good as I ever have and I attribute it to a few things...

    1) Exercise

    2) Watching my diet, healthy eating

    3) Flaxseed and Fiber

    4) Exercise and a POSITIVE OUTLOOK!!!

    5) I also take all-natural supplements and probiotics

    Thanks for listening!

    God Bless!
    Posted 4/18/2007 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
    Brandii,
    If you get on antibiotics you should take the probiotics no sooner than 2 hours AFTER the antibiotic. Any time sooner will kill the probiotics.
    As for the natural stuff interfering with the meds... Yes, that can happen. I don't know exactly which don't mix, however, you should talk to your doc about everything you are taking (natural) before he gives you rx meds. To be safe I'd also talk to the pharmacist when you pick up your rx. Sometimes I feel like the pharmacist would know more (my OB/GYN didn't know what probiotics were!).
    Posted 4/18/2007 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
    Thanks for the advice on the antibiotics and probiotics combination; that's going to be quite a challenge since I am not very careful/organized when it comes to taking medications - I tend to skip one or the other. Curious to know the approximate duration of treatment for H. Pylori. Does it tend to recur?

    Re. Flaxseed: What role does it play? Does one take it in addition to fibre supplements? Please confirm. Thanks.
    Posted 4/18/2007 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
    When I had a duodenal ulcer caused by H Pylori, my treatment on antibiotics and doubling up on my PPIs was 2 weeks. I'm not sure if thats the standard but I believe so. Once you have it, you are at a greater risk of getting it again if the drugs do not completely eradicate it. In all these years, I have only had two bouts which did lead to ulcers.

    Flaxseed is an omega 3 supplement and fish oil as well. I take omega 3 and you can take it along with all of your other supplements. Just make sure to follow up with your doctor when you add any supplements to your diet because some interact. I don't believe omega 3 is to worry about however I am not 100%. I do always make sure to check with my doc about any supplements and adding them to my current meds regimen.

    Take Care
    Posted 4/18/2007 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
    I tried Danone Activia for a month but I noticed no improvement in regularity. Drinking a lots of water, eating fruits and vegetables also are not helping me.
    I'm going to try fiber supplements.
    Posted 4/19/2007 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
    Hi Karen B,

    Have you tried taking Probiotic capsules? These may help you in addition to taking yogurt, which may not be a sufficient source for healthy flora. I too am a newbie, so anyone please correct me if I am wrong.
    Posted 4/19/2007 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
    Brandii,
    You're right. The probability of the cultures from yogurt to live past your stomach and into your intestines are low. It is more efficient to take a probiotic supplement.
    Posted 4/19/2007 10:38 PM (GMT 0)

    brandii said...

    Has anyone tried a Colon Cleanse course using natural products (e.g. Dr. Natura)? I tried it once with excellent results. It has been a year now and I was thinking of trying it again (along with a recommended detox course) after I have tested a few new natural remedies that I learned on this forum. The course is a bit expensive, but it got my bowels working like when I was a kid. Please let me know your views on this.

    Still curious about the above, and wondering whether to try it again - Please advise. Thanks.

    Also came across literature on Sun Chlorella - they claim it addresses a number of ailments, including loss of energy and joint stiffness. If anyone has tried it with good results, please let me know. Thanks.
    Posted 4/20/2007 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
    Brandi,
    If it worked in the past it is always worth another shot... That is if your pocketbook can afford it...

    Have had pretty good success with it... I have heard of Sun Chlorella, mostly good things too, so that seems like a viable option as well...

    GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR HUNT!
    Posted 4/26/2007 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
    Hi, I'm back after a very busy week. Good news, the H.Pylori tests were negative for myself as well as my husband; so that's one less problem to worry about, thank goodness!

    Started on the Healthy Gut probiotics, 2 capsules daily, which seems to be helping a lot as also the 8 glasses of water and walking (the dog as well) whenever I get a chance. I haven't noticed any extra gas with the new probiotics (despite the high dose of healthy flora); there is occasional belching however especially with the jasmine tea.

    Cutting out milk, carbonated drinks, fried food and fast food is well worth the sacrifice; though I sometimes cheat by having an occasional tea or coffee with a few drops of milk.

    Since this seems to be working well, it seems worthwhile stick to the routine and wait and watch before trying anything new. Working on improving eating habits and exercise routine and may get around to some relaxing techniques like yoga. May add flaxseed and fibre to my routine during stressful times.

    Many thanks for all your tips; I feel like I'm well on the road to recovery.
    Posted 4/27/2007 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
    Hi,

    I found this post in another thread and thought it would be appropriate to copy it into this section since it lists a lot of DON'T which could be useful to may of us who are new to this forum.

    I hope this is okay with everyone.

    ===========================================

    Quote:

    From thread "I really need some info"
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    Posted 3/24/2007 5:47 PM (GMT -5)

    Hi All:

    I am a 45 year old women who has suffered from IBS with Diarrhea since I was 5 years old. I can't tell you how many different things I have tried these many years to help alleviate or at least help my symptoms. I too believe in doing things as healthfully as possible. I have suffered every single day with this problem, often, several times a day. I never know when it's going to happen, and the pain and embarrasment can be horrific. I currently have found what I believe to be my best treatment to date:
    1) I take 15 mg of desiprimine (anti depressant) at bedtime daily (10 wasn't enough and 20mg was too much so I cut a pill in half). I was taking Elavil for a year, but it created urine retention issues so I needed to switch.
    2) I take Lomotil (antispasmotic) to stop the diarrhea attacks when I'm in public. Depending on the severity I can take up to 80mg in a day.
    3) I NEVER drink coffee, decaf or otherwise. It is an intestinal irritant, and I discovered just removing this from my diet, improved my symptoms 40% (I often miss it, but not enough to be in pain all the time).
    4) I eat many small meals a day, never a large meal as this causes again intestinal distress.
    5) I NEVER eat foods high in fat or fried.
    6) I NEVER eat anything that contains high fructose corn syrup, also known as an intestinal irritant.
    7) I ALWAYS drink a tremendous amount of water. Helps maintain intestinal balance.
    8) I NEVER drink alcohol, also an intestinal irritant. I can put it in food that I cook the alcohol off, but I don't drink it any longer.
    9) I NEVER drink anything ice cold. This is also a huge tummy irritant. I warm my milk for cereal or orange juice to room temp in the microwave in the morning. I drink my water at room temp and if I need to get water while I'm out I always ask for non-refrigerated water. Most places have water that they haven't put in the fridge yet, sitting in the store room.
    10) I stay away from whole grain foods (again love them, but they don't love me), gassy veggies like broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, beans and the like. White, sourdough, rye, french breads are only ones for me.
    11) I ALWAYS peel ALL my fruits and veggies before I eat them. Most of the fiber is in the skins of these yummy foods, and the skins are hard to digest even for the most normal of tummys. Eat small amounts of fruit at a time as the fructose can cause intestinal distress.
    12) I NEVER, I mean NEVER eat anything with equal, sweet and low, splenda etc. These will ALWAYS cause tummy upset. It's better to eat a little bit of the sugar, than put your poor tummy thru this!
    13) I learned to LOVE peppermint tea. It is such a soothing food on the intestines and dates back for centuries as an intestinal restorer. I always carry a supply with me, and if I feel an attack coming on, I get some hot water and drink some for awhile. This will be one of your best aides.
    All of us are different in our symptoms and what makes us sick, but my entire family suffres from IBS in one form or another (mother, father, sister, daughter, grandson, aunt, grandmothers), and these are some of the "tricks of the IBS trade" so to speak.
    Some people have problems with milk products and some with fructose, if you can, and have insurance or can afford it, I would ask a doctor to administer lactose intolerance and fructose tolerance tests. If all is ok, then you know you can at least have these foods, just low fat varieties, and in small quantities. If on the other hand you have problems with these foods, at least you will have solved a terrible problem, and there are lots of alternatives to cows milk out there;soy, rice, almond milk, soy cheese etc... Fructose intolerance is a little harder, but not impossible. It's better to know than be unsure.
    I also try everything for at least 30 days. Some things will get better right away, and others will take awhile. Give your body the time it needs to adjust to the new foods, way of eating meds etc.
    I hope this helps some of you out there. Good luck and take care,

    Regards, IBS4EVR

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