I heard metamucil mentioined on this board a lot. Can someone clear something up for me? Can it be used for D as well as constipation. My problem is cramps and the big D. Do not wish to make it worse if taken. Also what about yougurt? I always wondered if it contained lactose to which I am intolerant of. Can regular store bought yogurt be used? Since I quit using dairy products I would like to have some yogurt ice cream but afraid of lactose. Is acid reflux a part of IBS? Also, does flour have an affect on IBS? Sometimes feel discomfort after eating store bought cookies and stuff like that. thank you

Fiber will usually help D also, I take it twice a day, right when I get up and in the evening. I can't say it's helped cramps though... it might be unpleasant to start at first, it will get better... try using it once a day at first.

If you can't tolerate dairy products don't eat yogurt.. hehe.

I think acid reflux is something else not related.

Also, I don't know about flour having an effect on IBS, but I get store bought cookies have a LOT of fat in them. Just a guess.. that could be it.

ben

Hi Eddie. Keep up with the fiber to help regulate your bowels. It probably won't help with the cramping since that's just part of IBS. However, the fiber should help to bulk up your stools. Yogurt is a good way to reintroduce the necessary digestive bacteria into your system, and from what I've read on other posts, is usually well tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. Acidophilus capsules are also a good way to introduce the good flora into your system, and do not have dairy in them. However, if you're concerned about problems with flour based products, you might want to be tested for food allergies (e.g. wheat and gluten) to see if that's aggrevating your symptoms.

Good luck to you,
Katie G

On the yogurt thing....there is a lactose-free product on the market I think. It's like yogurt made with Lactaid milk or something. You could always just get Lactaid, or...you could buy the bacteria in any health food store.