IBS. Tips and tricks to be happy. FODMAP doesn’t really help.

Hi Sam @sammillsaps1, Sorry to hear you are struggling with IBS. I'm not sure how much research you've done or if you have seen these but hopefully you will find something that rings a bell or gives you something to try that helps.

--- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Irritable bowel syndrome and lifestyle changes: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-lifestyle-changes/
--- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/irritable-bowel-syndrome-1/
--- The role of lifestyle-related treatments for IBS: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/the-role-of-lifestyle-related-treatments-for-ibs/mac-20431272

1. Try zero or trace FODMAP foods. Simply low FODMAP foods are not good for me.

2. Try a bit of apple cider vinegar with meals (1/2 teaspoon for starters). I have trouble digesting my food. Good digestion may help your IBS. And try less meat protein and more egg white (no yolks) and pea powder protein.

3. Try no grains ( I do all sorts of things with green plantain flour, green fresh plantains, and potato starch) and I only eat little fat (vegetable and nut fat is best).

4. Give up coffee and alcohol. Even a cup of low-acid decaf was a problem for me.

5. Try peppermint oil pills before each meal. They can relax the stomach muscles so they don't spasm.

6. Destress; it is a matter of becoming a new "you." It takes awhile to do. And you may like the old attitude and activities better (as I do).

7. Consider if sugar is a trigger; it is for me.

8. Try only cooked veggies and fruits. Raw is not good for me-- a trigger.

9. Mineral oil for constipation (I have IBS-C). Surprisingly gentle. Try a smaller dose than recommended at night. I use 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon only as my gut is super sensitive.

10. A heating pad can help calm the spasms.

As everyone's gut is different, it is just a matter of experimentation. Trying what you learn by Googling and in support groups. It takes a while to figure it out; it took me at least 1.5 years to feel some level of control. And I am still learning.

Thk u 4 all Ur suggestions. I will try some. Some I’m already doing now

I’ve learned that certain foods cause explosive diarrhea so I don’t eat them. One is dairy. My IBS reacts to stress. If I’m in a stressful situation I’ll have an explosion. I can’t really predict these. What I’ve learned is to use incontinence products. The best I’ve found are sold by Northshore. https://www.northshorecare.com/ They’ve got everything and are very helpful. Good luck. I’ve gone through much trial and error to finally find things that really work to help manage my diarrhea and urinary incontinence.

As many have commented, it has been trial and error over many years, and I have experimented with many of the great suggestions made on this post.
I have been using the probiotic Align over the last two years, which keeps me regular and seems to help.
The most significant help for me lately a simple one: chewing my food slowly! For whatever reason, this has helped me.
It is always on my mind and always looking for suggestions…

Welcome @lhe, It definitely is a trial and error process that seems like no one solution that works for everyone. Thanks for sharing what has helped you. I definitely need to work on eating slower and chewing my food slowly.

Stress is a huge factor affecting our digestive tract. A helpful way to reduce it is to either meditate or learn to relax yourself using breathwork. Both relax the body. First you must be aware of how your body is feeling when stressed. Pause and either take just even 5 minutes to mediate or do breathwork. There are great meditation apps to help - Headspace or Insight Timer are 2 that I use. It’s been enormously helpful.
Second, the suggestion to chew slowly is an excellent one. The more you chew before swallowing, the easier your food will be digested.
Third, low fodmap doesn’t work for everyone. I went dairy free, gluten free and sugar free on my own and it helped tremendously as well. I slowly added back but remain gluten free and sugar free. Gluten free products so much better than they used to be. I only eat fruit from the berry family due to lower sugar content, use organic stevia as a sweetener, and read labels all the time specifically looking at the sugar content. If there are added sugars, my goal is to only purchase items with total sugar content at 15% or less and you’d be surprised how many healthy brands are out there. I even found a chocolate bar that is low in sugar and I think tastes great called HU.
Also as mentioned, probiotics are excellent in pill form but also in food - look for fermentation- Kefir in the dairy case, pickles in the refrigerated section, Greek yogurt.
It takes time to find what works for you and what’s in the market that’s healthy.
Best to you as you work through this.

I have been suffering with IBSD since my colorectal cancer surgeries. In the last week, I have had three episodes of diarrhea after dinner, which only increases my anxiety.
Has anyone found a medication that works for them? I was prescribed Viberzi but it only worked if I took Imodium as well.
Now my gastroenterologist is trying the drug Alosteron. This drug was recalled in 2000 by the FDA because of a serious adverse effect. It caused ischemic attacks along the colon. That part would die off because of lack of bloodflow, therefore; no oxygen.
I am on a very low dose 0.5 mg....now increased to twice a day.
Otherwise Imodium is all I can get to work.
Anyone , I will try your wonderful suggestions along this journey.

I am so very sorry you had colorectal cancer.

Good afternoon,
For IBS:
Pray
Meditate
Deep breathing
Good thoughts
Find something to
do that brings you joy
If know of someone
who needs support,
help them
Good posture
Probiotic
Metamucil
Drink plenty of water
Chew food well
FODMAP diet
Take care.
💗🌸