Stress related IBS, how can I stop the runs?

I think the key is to reduce the stress.

You're trying to silence your body's alarm system, but for the long-term it's more important to have more peace in your life.

What have you tried for stress reduction? Meditation, prayer, EFT, counseling, acupuncture, etc.?

From personal experience, I know this can take a lot of time & effort, but it's worth it.

I've tried prayer and counseling, it seems to be improving. Thanks for the reply

@ann43 : Add Benefiber in the maximum dose suggested. After several days you should see results.

I’ve had the same due to emotional shock. I take Bentyl 4 times a day to stop the spasm; I drink camomile all day, one sip at a time; I have chicken broth with carrots and rice, or baked sweet potato , one teaspoon at a time and as tolerated; or no food at all. I take herbs prescribed by my acupuncture doctor and acupuncture once a week. I honestly feel that acupuncture and herbs heal me faster and holistically.
After so many episodes since April last year, I’ve started psychotherapy which is doing wonders.
All the above, unless I am running fever. It sometimes can be a virus too combined with the emotional shock.
The bottom line for me is that my gut and my brain are one.

It seems like an acute problem, not chronic.

That being said, if acute, perhaps listening to a meditative recording with themes like "self love," "letting go," "we can't predict the future," "life cannot be controlled, no matter our own goodness or effort," or "the only thing that is certain in reality" would get you out of this acute anxiety/"at a loss" loop your head and gut are in.

Practically, a heating pad can stop the spasming for a time.

If it becomes chronic, and if you tend toward stress. control, a type A personality, or your world is really shaken, consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a gut orientation.

I took a seven week course (once a week for an hour) of CBT hypnosis therapy with an experienced/trained psychologist.

No talk therapy or pouring your guts out. Just putting ones feet up and listening for 25 minutes to the therapist's relaxation imagery reading (teaching the body to relax). You get the recording to do daily as "homework."

It has been a game changer. I did seven virtual sessions with Tina at GI Psychology of Burke, VA. Seven weeks, and when done I can listen to the recordings or induce that relaxation myself (which I do mostly; it takes under a minute). I am so grateful my gastro doc recommended it. I didn't want to take drugs or do a bunch of invasive tests, as I wasn't confident they'd be good or useful for me.

BTW, I actually had an acute emotional trauma that "shook my world" in 2020 and it took years of "this and that" trying to find that CBT is a large part of my solution. I also have food triggers, which I hope you don't.

One more thing, I just caught this from a related post (in case you don't see it):

From my experience: "cinnamon intake relieves diarrhea symptoms through metabolic changes due to changes in intestinal microbial groups" Even fresh nettle tea seems to promote regularity vs diarrhea for me. Biochemical individuality. Other herbs that may help stop diarrhea: Astragalus, Barberry, Bilberry. Fiber, Ginger, Goldenseal, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Peppermint. Have you tried BRAT Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast? Maybe you can check the supplements and foods you eat if they promote regularity too much?

I am taking probiotics, eating applesauce, taking fiber and imodium, pepto, and eating bananas. This is going on now for about 2 weeks, although I am getting long periods of time without the runs, finally got a good night's sleep last night. I am very fatigued.

Yesterday I made up a batch of sloppy joe... had a small sandwich with chips and a few dill chips and nearly immediately got explosive runs which went on for several hours. 2 imodium pills, pepto and prayer got it to stop, and got me through the night. I don't know what to do. Hopefully at some point this will stop. Afraid to eat at this point

You sound like me . I take sane stuff .
Tried everything else under the sun .
11 th year daily , diagnosed w/ 6 or 7 disorders of gut and intestines.

I practically starve myself all day because everything makes me stomach/ intestines constantly churn , diarrhea, 1000 deep wet belching .
The only real meal I eat is a healthy dinner at home .
I can’t eat out for years now .
No take out , never fast food , no caffeine, low sugar , low dairy ( no milk at all ). I’m a mess .
I sleep 💤 terribly even on Ambien .
I take low dose anti anxiety med .
Still I have no life because of this .
I pray 🙏 you find right Dr. to help .
I’m on my 6 th Gastro and seen other alternative doctors still no help .
Keep us posted . I really feel your pain .

I don't see doctors. I got the IBS, Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, and my husband got Crohn's and diverticulitis from a doctor recommended flu shot in 1995. I also have on and off heart flutters, V-fib which I've seen a number of specialists for, I've been prescribed so many drugs which all had terrible side effects and finally gave up, threw them all away and started getting better, eat a healthy diet, Gerson cancer diet, and take a bunch of vitamins, minerals and herbs. Hope you find the right combination. I guess I'm gonna have to just wait this out.

It sounds like you’re on the right track, and I hope both the IBS and your recovery from the shock you mentioned goes more smoothly from going forward.

Looks like you’ve received a lot of great tips. Just wanted to add that if you have trouble with OTC fiber supplements, I’ve had good luck with Sunfiber (there are cheaper generic brands available). It’s been clinically tested for all types of IBS, has no taste, and is unlikely to cause bloating or cramping like other fiber supplements might for people with IBS.

Since you’ve narrowed down the cause to be stress-related, really anything you can do to call your nervous system, that gets you breathing deeply and into a relaxed state, whether it’s actual breath practice, prayer, meditation, reading a book, gardening, stretching or yoga, all those things help. If you can do it at least a little bit a day, it may not be a cure but it usually would help.

As was mentioned, CBT and gut directed hypnotherapy (much like guided meditation) can be really effective. Current research shows it can help up to 70% of people with IBS. Dr. Megan Riehl and Kate Scarlata have a podcast about the mind-gut connection and you can find guided meditations or breathing techniques easily online.

I’m wishing you all the best.