Irritable bowel syndrome: Simple self-help tips
By: Sophie Lee

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be difficult to treat, but some simple self-help strategies may be the answer. The self-help tips in this article have all come from IBS sufferers who have found a way to control their irritable bowels. Before trying any form of self-help, please make sure that you have your doctor’s approval, and check that anything you try will not interfere with any medication you are taking.

Calcium tablets

Linda, who suffers from severe diarrhea, says: “What has helped me for more than two years is calcium carbonate, an over-the-counter supplement. I take three tablets a day, one at each meal. The most success has come from using any formula of calcium supplement that is like Caltrate 600 Plus with vitamin D and minerals. The only side effect is at the beginning of taking the calcium you may have some gas or indigestion, but this usually goes away after a few days.”

If you suffer from constipation rather than diarrhea, you could try magnesium supplements instead, as these can have a slight laxative effect.

Digestive enzymes and probiotics

Kim, who also suffers from bad diarrhea, says: “I tried taking digestive enzymes with acidophilus and found significant relief within three days. I have also added a cup or two per day of peppermint and chamomile tea. When I do have an episode it occurs late in the day and by the next morning I am feeling back to normal.”

Looking at your diet

Laura describes how a close examination of her diet helped her IBS: “I was placed on every kind of medication, and sometimes they worked in the short term, sometimes they didn't work at all. The doctor finally suggested trying to alter my diet in cycles, and we discovered that eating meat was my problem. I became a vegetarian and no longer have constant problems. It's worth all the effort you put into it when you finally feel better.”

Flaxseed

Marion says: “I take a tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseed with a glass of water or juice every morning. Pre-ground flaxseed doesn’t work because flax seed starts to oxidize as soon as you grind it, and whole flax seeds are no good either, because they cannot be digested properly. After years of IBS, in about two weeks it just went away.”

Fiber, water and yoga

Pam, who struggles with constipation, has developed a combination of things which work for her: “I drink Metamucil (psyllium fibre) every day and try to relax, pray or meditate, even do a little yoga. The more I make myself relax and take time to de-stress the better I can manage my problem. I try to drink at least three bottles of water a day. I also take a mild anti-depressant. This has helped a bunch in my stress department and in turn has helped my IBS.”

Soluble versus insoluble fiber

Some nutritionists believe that IBS sufferers’ intestines react differently to soluble and insoluble fiber, and this has been Stu’s experience: “It is soluble fibre that settles the colon apparently. I quickly searched on the internet for recipes high in soluble fibre and I have improved. I don't avoid insoluble fibre as it is essential for the body, but I recommend that you eat it on a full stomach.”

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Sophie Lee has suffered from irritable bowel syndrome for 15 years. She runs the IBS Treatment website at www.irritable-bowel-syndrome.ws where you can read reviews of all the treatments available for IBS.

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