IBS-C - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

mushroom1 · 10-21-2002, 01:18 PM

I have IBS-C. Can someone please tell me what helps this condition, aside from eating right and exercising.
Thank you very much.

Harry · 10-21-2002, 08:00 PM

Sorry about your condition. I don't know what you have tried but for your Gastro tract to pass food you have to intake fiber---- 20 to 35 grams daily. That just the way our systems function.

Alot of people I know have no idea how much fiber they eat daily ---- basically you have to know how much and the different kinds. All meat including seafood and all dairy products contain NO fiber. Fiber is in fruits and veggies.

God Bless---Harry

mushroom1 · 10-21-2002, 09:14 PM

Thanks for responding, Harry. I do eat a lot of fiber...I am a strict vegetarian (I eat no meat or dairy) My stools are not hard or dry at all. I simply have no "urge" to go. However, after 2 or 3 days of not going, I feel terrible and my stomach makes disgusting noises. I began to use glycerine suppositories every day, about a year ago and they work pretty well, but I don't understand why I need them at all! I am 40/F. Any ideas??? Thanks a lot.

Harry · 10-21-2002, 11:00 PM

Mushroom,
I think what is happening is you have what is called Lazy Bowel problems. It's usually caused by using too many laxatives that cause your colon muscles not to work properly. Even prolong use of suppositories can cause this because it is what is inducing perislaisis ---your colon muscle contractions.

As you may know constipation can be related to low thyroid harmones, diabetes, high levels of calcium, all types of medications, muscle disorders. If you have had these things checked out. Then as you may know I am a big believer in taking psyllium that is in Metamucil daily. It's a water absorbable fiber that is safe and will bulk up your stools more and cause your colon muscles to work better. I use it twice daily but I use the orange flavored sugar free type sold by Wal Mart ---Equate.

I think you should also make sure your intestial bacteria is in good balanced condition by take a probiotic supplement and eating a good brand of yogurt. Lack of enough friendly in your intestines can cause constipation.

Harry

Tamsin · 10-22-2002, 01:05 PM

Harry,

What do you do if fruits and veggies give you gas? And regarding fiber supplements, what if your stools are too bulky already??

Thanks!