Calcium Citrate (with vitamin d3) for IBS-D?

[MollyMouse]

I have been struggling with my IBS of late. I am on a vary blan strickt diet which I have brought upon muself - mainly consisting of boiled potato and chicken.

Even with my strickt diet, after dinner I always feel uncomfortable (that's the easiest way to explain it). So no matter what I eat, I feel as though my stomach suffers.

I am close to giving up as I have had all the tests, and take tablets such as Imodium and mebeverine but obviously still struggle in the evenings.

I have just recently read that Calcium Citrate has been a life saver for other IBS sufferes and wondered if anyone on here takes it and if it actually helps?

Any help would be much appreciated

[dipsy14]

Dont know about calcium citrate, but I do take magnesium citrate and its really helped. The medicines prescribed were very unnatural and I felt I was getting worse. It isnt a cure but its certainly helpful. Problem is for you or anyone else, you wont know if it'll help until you try it or if you will get some relief. I guess not everyone will show any improvements but I went on it from recommendations on this site. So glad I did! Dont know if thats helpful to you?

[PeekabooFace]

Just looked these both up and the calcium one is noted to have some possible side effects that could cause gas and constipation, apparently.

I’m thinking of trying the magnesium one for myself as I too have the uncomfortable feeling a lot and am also eating quite a bland diet to try and figure out what causes my issues :/

Just thought I’d flag that up

[MollyMouse in reply to PeekabooFace]

Thank you so much for responding and for your research! I think I'm going stay clear of it, thank you you are a star ⭐

[Eastbourne11]

Hi have you looked at the FODMAP diet? It was worked wonders for me. I started in January and have had NO flare ups since (crossed fingers). i had IBS D.

[MollyMouse in reply to Eastbourne11]

I have heard of it yes, may I ask - what exactly have you been avoiding?

[Eliana5]

Hi, magnesium citrate might make things worse..because that is more used for people who struggle with constipation. Do you see a Gastroenterologist or Colon and Rectal Surgeon? I would definitely insist on testing for SIBO, food triggers, parasites, Ulcerative colitis, gastritis, inflamed colon..Sigmoidscopy or Colonoscopy. I have a spastic colon, and it seems everthing I eat, I cramp. Fiber only makes things worse. As I have IBS with Diverticulitis, Chron's disease and severe constipation..chronic. Not a good way to live. Have not been able to find a good Gastro or Colon and Rectal Specialist.

Have you tried Bentyl or Levsin? These are medications you can take up to 4 times a day, 1 hour to 30 minutes before a meal or even after a meal. This helps stop cramping, diarrhea, even anal spasms. A low FODMAP diet can help as well, as well as a dietician. Hope this helps.

[MollyMouse in reply to Eliana5]

You're a star thank you so much for taking the time to help me!

[Eliana5 in reply to MollyMouse]

Let me know how it all works out for you, I would be interested in knowing what has helped others..nothing has seemed to help with me, if so..only temporary. I'm glad you we're able to get some good advice. ☺

[Alchamilla]

Have you tried digestive enzymes? I used to find that no matter what I ate as an evening meal as soon as I went to bed it felt like I had swallowed a brick! There was a suggestion on this blog about digestive enzymes so I thought it was worth trying and they seem to have helped.

[MollyMouse in reply to Alchamilla]

Many many thanks for the suggestion! I will look into it

[sweetsusie]

I don't have Celiac (was tested for it0, but I had chronic diarrhea for years and years. Going the same as you...5-10 times a day sometimes. It was awful. Anyway, I finally found a doctor who help me out! He's put me on a drug called "Welchol," and it has helped immensely! I no longer have diarrhea daily and my "movements" are totally back to normal! I was amazed at how quickly it cleared up. Now...maybe once every other month or so, I still have a "bout," but I can handle that. If you get a prescription, do not take more than 3 pills twice a day..that's the max...that's what I am on.

[MollyMouse in reply to sweetsusie]

Many thanks for your suggestion, I will look into it! I hope it continues to help you

[sweetsusie in reply to MollyMouse]

MollyMouse: So far...so good! I'm so relieved....hope you get better soon.

[Merth83]

I kept reading about calcium carbonate for IBS-D, just bought some a few weeks ago and started taking half a pill at night before bed with my other vitamins. I was skeptical but honestly, my BMs have been better these past few weeks than they have been in years. No other explanation as my diet hasn't been very good lately, I haven't been doing anything else different. I still carry imodium at all times and will take it if I start getting worried about my tummy, but overall I am really optimistic about this treatment. If you do decide to try it, maybe do half a pill every other day for a few days to make sure it doesn't upset your stomach. If not, then maybe do half a pill a day. I think the max dosage for it is two pills per day. Good luck!