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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be difficult to treat,
but some simple self-help strategies may be the answer. The self-help tips
in this article have all come from IBS sufferers who have found a way to
control their irritable bowels. Before trying any form of self-help, please
make sure that you have your doctor’s approval, and check that anything you
try will not interfere with any medication you are taking. Calcium tablets
Linda, who suffers from severe diarrhea, says: “What has helped me for more
than two years is calcium carbonate, an over-the-counter supplement. I take
three tablets a day, one at each meal. The most success has come from using
any formula of calcium supplement that is like Caltrate 600 Plus with
vitamin D and minerals. The only side effect is at the beginning of taking
the calcium you may have some gas or indigestion, but this usually goes away
after a few days.” If you suffer from constipation rather than diarrhea, you
could try magnesium supplements instead, as these can have a slight laxative
effect. Digestive enzymes and probiotics Kim, who also suffers from bad
diarrhea, says: “I tried taking digestive enzymes with acidophilus and found
significant relief within three days. I have also added a cup or two per day
of peppermint and chamomile tea. When I do have an episode it occurs late in
the day and by the next morning I am feeling back to normal.” Looking at
your diet Laura describes how a close examination of her diet helped her
IBS: “I was placed on every kind of medication, and sometimes they worked in
the short term, sometimes they didn't work at all. The doctor finally
suggested trying to alter my diet in cycles, and we discovered that eating
meat was my problem. I became a vegetarian and no longer have constant
problems. It's worth all the effort you put into it when you finally feel
better.” Flaxseed Marion says: “I take a tablespoon of freshly ground
flaxseed with a glass of water or juice every morning. Pre-ground flaxseed
doesn’t work because flax seed starts to oxidize as soon as you grind it,
and whole flax seeds are no good either, because they cannot be digested
properly. After years of IBS, in about two weeks it just went away.” Fiber,
water and yoga Pam, who struggles with constipation, has developed a
combination of things which work for her: “I drink Metamucil (psyllium fibre)
every day and try to relax, pray or meditate, even do a little yoga. The
more I make myself relax and take time to de-stress the better I can manage
my problem. I try to drink at least three bottles of water a day. I also
take a mild anti-depressant. This has helped a bunch in my stress department
and in turn has helped my IBS.” Soluble versus insoluble fiber Some
nutritionists believe that IBS sufferers’ intestines react differently to
soluble and insoluble fiber, and this has been Stu’s experience: “It is
soluble fibre that settles the colon apparently. I quickly searched on the
internet for recipes high in soluble fibre and I have improved. I don't
avoid insoluble fibre as it is essential for the body, but I recommend that
you eat it on a full stomach.” |
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