Hi! I seem to have made my way onto many of the boards. I suffer from IBS with constipation. Is there anything I can possibly do for my lower belly? I mean I'm always bloated or I always have gas. My upper belly is somewhat flat but then "the tire" appears. I take Senokot b/c nothing else works, not even Zelnorm. I try veggies but I bloat with no relieft. Senokot is the only thing that works. I do my best with water. When I feel bloated, I don't want to bring water to my mouth. Any advice to reduce the bloating? HELP ME PLEASE!!!

Jenn

Jenn,

Have you tried a probiotic? Sometimes bloating w/constipation is due to gut dysbiosis -- "bad bugs" taking over the good guys. Many people swear by Activia yogurt (assuming you can do dairy), although probably any yogurt w/active cultures would be helpful. There are also probiotic supplements with similar activity. So, if you haven't tried a probiotic, give it a whirl for a few weeks, see if there is any improvement.

Have you completely ruled out food intolerances? Food intolerances are notorious for causing bloating. The most common offenders are dairy, gluten, egg, corn, soy, yeast.

There are many meds that can slow down digestive function & leave one predisposed to bloating & C. Sub-optimal thyroid function will do the same.

Best wishes.