Vitamin D

[Just-hanging]

Has anyone used Vitamin D to help their stomach problems?

After a couple of bad weeks I've been left exhausted and miserable. I have IBS-D and felt it was getting better until I got a cold which has also irritated my stomach.

I have had IBS for over a year now since my son was born, I have had many tests to rule things out .

I have depression and am on antidepressants for this and although they have helped it is still early days.

My mum done some research yesterday and found that a Vitamin D deficiency can cause depression, tiredness, weakness and a problematic stomach. All of which I have.

I know I need to lead a healthier lifestyle but that is better said then done with a 1 year old to chase around.

But I was going to look into taking a Vitamin D supplement to see if that helps at all. Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks

[Haylesss]

Hi LynLoo.

I too did some research and found the same results as your Mum.

I’ve been taking Vit D tablets every morning since the beginning of the year as a result, but unfortunately my symptoms have been really bad in recent weeks.

I don’t think that’s a result of the Vit D of course, so I would say give them a go, stay positive but don’t expect miracles unfortunately.

Good luck!

[Just-hanging in reply to Haylesss]

Thanks for your reply Haylesss.

Have you found taking the tablets helped at all?

I know everything is trial and error but as I have found no food triggers I want to try some Vit D.

Thank you

[Haylesss in reply to Just-hanging]

Well, I had my bloods taken and my Vit D levels were good, so that’s a positive - as my husband’s weren’t, and I believe most people’s aren’t - so it can’t hurt to take them for that reason. Overall, that’s got to make things better for your body I would have thought.

I had a really good stretch feeling better earlier this year, when I first started taking them, but atm I’m feeling worse, so I can’t really say if they helped or not tbh now!

It’s tricky isn’t it?! But I would say you have nothing to lose by trying them!

[Just-hanging in reply to Haylesss]

From what I remember throughout my teens I had low Vit d. Was always told to just sit outside more but as I have very fair skin I always wore light layers so I wasn't getting much sun.

After speaking to my mum again I will get some. Even if it doesn't fully help my IBS it hopefully will do more good

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Just-hanging]

Hi LynLoo,

My OH used to get SAD every winter, he has a history of depression and is more or less housebound, so very little sun exposure even in summer.

For a couple of years now, he has had vitD tabs every day and it does seem to have helped his mental health. He doesn't have IBD, so can't comment on whether it helps for that. But it won't hurt to try. Good luck.

[Nicki1984]

Hi I've found Magnesium very beneficial for body and mind alongside a good multivitamin and probiotic. X

[Just-hanging in reply to Nicki1984]

Thanks for your reply

Have these helped any digestive issues?

[Nicki1984 in reply to Just-hanging]

I have found them all helpful in overall health and digestive health. I also take digestive enzymes and peppermint Capsules. Alongside the right diet you should see improvements. Be aware though when starting a probiotic your symptoms may worsen for a few days - this is normal. Have a look at a low FODMAP diet. Also consider getting tested for candida overgrowth which gives you IBS symptoms and food intolerances x

[Just-hanging in reply to Nicki1984]

I started taking probiotics but kept forgetting and truthfully my diet isn't great at the moment but I have followed a low fodmap diet before to no avail. Can I ask my gp for a test for Candida? Or do I need to go elsewhere? X

[Nicki1984 in reply to Just-hanging]

I think it depends on your gp - I asked mine but they said they didn't test for it so did mine privately. Have a look at candidatest.co.uk/ they were very professional and I had a very detailed report back. X

[Just-hanging in reply to Nicki1984]

Thank you so much for your help. I will have a look into this x

[Nicki1984 in reply to Just-hanging]

Your welcome x

[Chrissyx]

Hi I suffer from asma and ibs both of which I’ve had for a few years now i started taking vitamin d for my Asma but found it helped with my ibs too because I felt better in myself ask your doctor what they think about you taking it or your chemist may give you some advice good luck hun chrissyx

[Just-hanging in reply to Chrissyx]

Thanks for your reply. I'm glad it has helped both your issues. Unfortunately my doctors have no available appointments till the new year. The receptionists aren't helpful at all. But I will see if the chemist knows much about it. I think I will give it a go regardless to add to creating a healthier lifestyle x

[Hidden]

Many people with IBS have a vitamin D deficiency. You can take a supplement for this. But by far the best way to up this (without having to digest anything) is by getting outdoors as often as you can. Plus you get exercise and fresh air to boost.

Another thought for you Lyn: When we give birth our newborn takes all available sources of omega 3, and this can leave us depleted and depressed if we don't consume enough in our diets (or digest enough). If you need a boost, you can get Omega 3 supplements (fish or krill oil with vitamin E). Research has shown that these help with depression. Also try to consume more omega 3 rich foods like wild salmon, haddock, sardines, whole anchovies, tuna (even tinned), and fresh spinach.

Hope this helps,

Alison

[Just-hanging in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. I do get out most days but in the summer I still have to cover up because I am very fair and burn so easily. So I don't get much direct sunlight.

I've never heard about the omega 3 thing. I shall give that a go though

Thanks

[Lulububs]

I have ibs c and i have been taking vit d for about a year. I cant tell if it helps me on own as i also take a probiotic, a peppermint cap and a digestive enzyme and all in all they all help me.

[Just-hanging in reply to Lulububs]

Thanks for your reply. I'm glad they all help you, I'm going to go shopping in the morning and get some tablets so hopefully they will all help me also