Remedies/Routines to manage IBS

hi all:

I am a 47 year old female. I started suffering from symptoms of IBS about 4 years ago. I tried every over the counter medications available for gas, bloating, indigestion, diarreha and constipation, to no avail. I also tried anti-depressants (prozac and zoloft), with no relief. A few months ago I was reading a book about peri-menopause and menopause, and was surprised to learn that this condition is not uncommon among women my age. The author stated she was surprised to see how many women suffering from IBS (or tricky gut) showed improvement after starting hormone replacement therapy. Desperate, I went to our local health food store and purchased a product called "PhotoEstrogen Plus EFA's by a company called Solaray. After a couple of weeks on this supplement, my symptoms lessened, and in time, my symptons subsided completely. When I came across this forum I felt compelled to share my experience, as I know what a frustrating and debilitating condition this can be. I hope this helps someone. Goodluck.

Hi All,

I'd like to share a website I came across recently which is a great resource for fitness and exercise:

www.sparkpeople.com

Recently, I have been trying to work on sensible eating and fitness goals and have had amazing results. I did not realise until now how important regular exercise is. I started by joining a gym within walking distance of my house and attending as often as possible. They have many fun activities such as latin and belly dancing, pilates, yoga, etc. which makes it interesting and enables meeting new friends and sharing interests.

I have noticed that with regular exercise my bowels have started evacuating much better and it has also reduced the bloating and gas problem significantly. I seem to have better sleep and more energy as well. Also a good opportunity to take those long walks now that we are having such good weather.

Cheers and Best Wishes to all.

I would be very interested in learning better breathing techniques. Correct breathing techniques are vital for good health and help in stressful situations. My e-mail address is . Many thanks.

***good point, I have taken out your email address because it makes you very sucepticle to spammers.  I think havafree was able to get your email address but if not, you may want to email havafree.  Thanks, des

Post Edited By Moderator (dbab) : 5/11/2007 8:49:10 AM (GMT-6)

Hi All,

Here's another interesting link. I am really amazed with the results of a regular fitness routine, and thought I'd share this interesting article. My IBS symptoms are 50% reduced with exercise alone - highly recommended.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=840

Best Wishes to All.

Brandii, all I did was make your link linkable. -- Lil 

Post Edited By Moderator (7Lil) : 6/11/2007 1:48:10 PM (GMT-6)

Hi All,

My special thanks to this forum. Looking back on all those years of struggling with IBS symptoms, I really wish I had come across this forum sooner. My symptoms date back to over 20 years ago and now over the course of a couple of months they are almost gone. I am not a very disciplined person, especially when it comes to food and medication, but here's what has helped:

1) Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily, two glasses in the morning (first thing), one glass with each meal and two glasses at bedtime.

2) Eating smaller meals more frequently - a good breakfast, a mid-morning snack, light lunch, mid evening snack, light dinner - Total 1500 calories. Cutting out fried, spicy and fast foods, carbonated drinks, and pastries completely and reducing intake of milk and sugar to a minimum.

3) Introducing probiotics and fibre into my daily diet. Occasionally having green teas and peppermint capsules. Took a course of natural herbal/medicine to get rid of intestinal parasites (if anyone is interested in the details, I can let them know).

4) I have joined a gym close to home and attend aerobics classes 3 times a week. I walk to the gym and do some treadmill, exercise bicycle workouts, yoga, pilates and some Latin and Belly dancing which is great fun. I haven't experienced great weight loss, but my metabolism seems to be much better - I don't feel so tired climbing stairs and seem to have much more energy. Symptoms of Bloating and Gas have almost disappeared and my body tone has improved a lot. Exercise is a great antidote for stress.

Considering the length of time I was struggling with IBS, this is close to a miracle and I would encourage others to give it a shot.

Best Wishes and Regards to All.