Hi
I'm new here...
Just want to know, is there something that can cure or releive some of the symptoms of IBS?
Like, for instance the bloating....what helps for that?
Bloating is usually caused by not having the right type of bacteria in your gastro system.
To re-balance the bacteria you could eat a good brand of yogurt like Stonyfield Farm that has 6 different cultures in it(the best I've used) and take a probiotic capsule at bedtime because stomach acid and bile salts is lowest when you haen't eaten and they destroy alot of the good bacteria before it gets to your intestines. PB-8 is a good brand--- the biggest seller--- they claim. It contains 8 active culture orgaisms but there are others on the market that may be just as good???
Sometimes Bloating is also linked to Yeast Infection(Candida) in the Gastro tract that may have to be dealt with.
I disagree with eating the yogurt. Any type of dairy, even if you are not lactose intolerant, is an IBS trigger that can cause attacks and will actually cause more gas, bloating, and other symptoms in someone with IBS. There are supplements out there that have probiotics that help promote good bacteria in the intestines but yogurt being dairy would hurt more than help.
I too have gas and bloating with my IBS-d. I use a fiber supplement called Metamucil which helps me a lot. Before I started on the fiber I had severe gas and bloating all the time and diarrhea constantly. Adding the fiber helped give my colon something to hug and absorbed excess water in my colon which can cause the spasms that cause the gas or fermentation in the gut. Give it a try and let me know how it works out! I think you will definately see a difference.
When I do still get gas once in a while I will take simethicone (like Gas-X). That seems to help with the bloating and gas some to relieve the pressure.
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Jennifer<p>[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-15-2002).]
Jenifer---People that are intolerant to dairy products have problems with the difficult digestion of milk sugar ---lactose. The lactose in milk is use up in the process of making yogurt by two active culture organisms.
It is very rear for a person with lactose problems to have any eating yogurt.
If you have any other Info other than your opinion please let us know???
I have been taking a simple fiber pill, like fibercon. Does that work just as well as metamucil or do you (or anyone) recommend trying the metamucil or citrucel? Thanks
<p>[This message has been edited by ascension (edited 07-04-2002).]
I take a fiber mix and it works great. It is a prescription kind that they also use to lower cholesterol. What kind of results have you had with the pill form? I really want to try that, but am afraid that it will not work. thanks
The Probiotic capsules are normally Acidophilis caps and these can be obtained from the cold cabinet in a Pharmacy. Keep them in the fridge. Take them on an empty stomach and without hot drinks, as these kill bacteria. Normally, they can be taken twice daily.
I got a catalog last week from Vitacost and their prices on vitamins and supplements are the lowest I have seen PB-8 (120 caps) that retail for $25 are 50% off. Also, Natures Way has just started putting out a Primadophilus Reuteri, 30 enteric coated Caps, for $3.59. Shipping cost $4.95 regardless of how much you order.
I rearly go to the local health food stores or drug stores for these items and vitamins. You just save too much with the discounters!!!
