Tips for relaxing gut when going to bed

Thank you!

Good to know about that colitis condition, and yes, I am consulting with a gastro doctor who has a pancreas sub-specialty. He is also listed on Castle and Connally. Thank you!

That’s interesting. I also have microscopic colitis. I didn’t have constipation after diagnosis and budesonide -treatment. But about 4 months later I had lung surgery and the narcotics in the hospital did a number on my colon that ultimately required a fleet suppository.
And it’s never been the same. I was also put on a statin and now I’m constipated all the time. I think I should discuss these enzymes with my GI doc.

About 10 years ago, there was a NIH (U.S. National Institute of Health) article published about a study done by Israel and Greece medical professionals of nursing home patients bothered with mostly constipation and indigestion. For 20 minutes a day, while sitting, the patients wore a massager that worked on their abdomen. After 6 weeks, 85 percent of the patients reported less gas, bloating, and constipation. I purchased a neck massager (the closest I could find to the massager the researchers used) and tried it. It seemed like it started working after the first couple of weeks and then stopped working. (Which is the reason that I sometimes think my digestive problems are emotion-related. Or maybe I just fell in that 15 percent the study didn't help; lucky me.)

How did you convert a Neck massager to the abdomen?

This is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/Nekteck-Back-Neck-Shoulder-http://tinyurl.com/ycy236wp. (If that link doesn't work, on amazon search for Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager, I paid $49.99 for it.) Hope you can see the pic below, if I figured out right how to upload it, lol. Anyway I held it with the red massager balls facing my abdomen and those hanging down "arms" going around my sides toward my back. The paperwork that came with it showed a person using it that way too.

The medical study had the participants using it for 20 min. and this massager has a safety auto-shut off after 15min, but I was able to immediately start it up again for another 5 min.

Anyway good luck if you decide to try it. I should try to start using it again; it worked for 85 percent of those study participants.

Hi Susan,

This is what I do:

Upon rising, Frontier-brand Slippery elm (inner bark) "tea" made with 1 teaspoon of this powder. Soothes, likely heals, and provides slip.

My carbohydrate dietary enzymes:
Intoleran brand:
Starchway
Fructase
Fibractase Forte

I started with the Starchway for a few days, then added the Fructase for awhile, then the F. Forte. I noted a different gastro improvement with each one.

But I wasn't perfect. I then added Biotics Research Hydro-Zyme to help with protein digestion and noted another improvement.

Lastly, I added Pure Encapsulations Pancreatic Enzyme for its lipase to help with fat digestion. With that last puzzle piece, all my symptoms disappear.

For each meal, one pill each, except if I eat protein other than Lactaid milk, pea protein isolate, or egg whites, then I need two protein digestive aid pills. This means fish or meat (and I don't eat much. If I want to eat more fish or meat, I will try a more potent pill, Standard Process brand Betaine Hydrochloride).

I have my three Intoleran pills (all for carbs) before the first bite of anything (or they don't work well) and I try to make that first bite something that is carbohydrates. I then take the protein and fat digestive aids.

These changes come on top of eating grain-free, lactose-free, meat-free, yolk-free, etc., and only eating the Monash Green Light fruits and veggies, but all of this was starting to not work, and I was never perfect on this limited diet.

With the enzymes, I still eat my limited diet and am branching out slowing so I can figure out what works and what doesn't. I now have introduced turkey breast, raw blueberries (pureed), and nuts and seeds. Not large portions, though.

I also have had a big issue with nerves (anxiety) for the last and that is a huge trigger, even with the digestive enzymes. I did Hynosis CBT. I also take a magnesium supplement: Hilma Gentle Bowel Movement Support (1 after breakfast and 1 after dinner). My GI Doc recommended it as a stool softener, but magnesium also treats anxiety, and that is where I get my real benefit. If I get wound up, I have to use my CBT skills right away to limit the "small" IBS-C flare.

Intolerans is for food intolerances, but I want to consult a GI Doc that specializes in the pancreas and other GI organ issues, to see what the doc says, as it is curious.

Consider experimenting slowly as I did, pill type by pill type. It is all expensive. However, I would live in a shoe box to stay clear of my IBS-C.

Good luck. Feel free to reach out again, on anything.

Judy

Judy,
So kind of you to provide me with a detailed account of what has worked for you. It gives me hope. I’m with you, it’s worth doing without other things to get real relief from IBS-C.

I do eat more meat (poultry mainly) and fish so I’ll likely have to get the other more potent pill, Betaine Hydro. I had never heard of the Intoleran brand but they seem like a good brand and the fact that they’ve worked so well for you means I’ll give them a try, doing one at a time like you suggest. My doctor wants me to take Xifaxin (methane SIBO) so I plan to if I can find a program to buy at a significant discount.

I may have more questions after I get the things you recommend and will reach out if I do. I have learned so much from over people like me who suffer from this stuff and are just trying to get better. I am grateful for your help and kindness. Thank you!
Susan

I have had IBS for years. It started after I had water contaminated with E-Coli.
What has always helped me is not to eat after 6pm. Dinner would be very light. Making my main meal lunch.
I would have chamomile and peppermint tea an hour before bedtime. If needed a heating pad and if you can soak in a bath with salts. SO many to choose from.
I also make sure and have yogurt every day and VSL#3 Probiotic. If really bad gut, you can take capsule with meals.
You can get from Amazon but, I order directly from the site. Shipping is expensive because it must stay refrigerated.

What's the website you purchase the VSL#3 from that comes refrigerated? I used to take it years ago from a local pharmacy.