Has anyone tried home remedies to help with IBS-C..such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Mollasses, etc? Anything better than Laxatives?

[Eliana5]

So tired of medication that doesn't work. Can't be on toilet all day cramping because I have mandatory groups. Tired of Linzess and loose stools. Fiber does nothing. Have gone to every Doctor and Gastro..just had Upper GI, and lower Bowel Follow through with Barium Swallow. Everything fine. Colonoscopy fine. Polyps non-cancerous. Tired of taking Senna-Lax every Saturday night because even on smallest dose, having severe weight loss. There has to be something better. Going for a third opinion, but this time a female Gastro..but probably Will be "dismissed" again. Probiotics doesn't work, flaxseed doesn't work..I'm at my wits end. Tired of staying home in bathroom all day on Sunday while everyone out enjoying themselves. Are there any home remedies that do work? Thanks for reading..☺

[b1b1b1]

I use the FODMAP diet for IBS d. It has helped me a lot. It was recommended by my gastro. You can find it on the internet under Monash University. This is where the diet was invented and is in Australia. It helps to have a fodmap trained dietician work with you.

[Eliana5 in reply to b1b1b1]

Thanks..tried it once..it was pretty restrictive, but willing to give it another chance. 👍

[Rozzy46]

Hi Eliana

I share your pain - very similar to mine. Recently I've tried Ortisan cubes which seem to help but start gently - quarter of a cube. They're all natural (figs, rhubarb and tamarind) and they stimulate peristalsis. You can get them in Tesco I think! Good luck

[Eliana5 in reply to Rozzy46]

Thanks, don't have a Tesco here, I live in Ohio..but am writing it down to see where I can find it..maybe online?

[devoted]

I saw a recommendation on here to eat a kiwi fruit every day before breakfast and one after dinner at night. I was sceptical but it has really worked and in fact I only now eat the morning one or I get diarrhoea. This is amazing for me - like you I hate laxatives. Have also been following FODMAP but not very strictly and that helps too.

[Eliana5 in reply to devoted]

I have heard this is really good. I am wondering if it gets bad quickly, as I don't have transportation, and rely on a case Manager to take me to supermarket. I only get to go once a month. I will put this on my list. Thanks so much..all such great advice!! 👍👍☺💡

[Daisychain127]

I alternate from IBS C to D. I have recently started to take a Tumeric tablet in the morning and Aloe Vera drink in the evening. It works a treat for me - at present. I get the Tumeric capsules from Holland and Barratt. I recently read on the internet when researching the benefits of Tumeric that the capsules should be accompanied by pepper corms which I have not done as yet but will when I go shopping. The Aloe Vera drink I get from Tesco. It's sometimes hard to find on the shelf. The litre bottle is in the chill freezer with the other juices. It is reduced sugar but still very sweet and has the Aloe Vera bits in it. There is also a 500mls bottle in the free from area and is made by Sun Crest (I think) not chilled. I think this one is sugar free. I must admit I feel much better on this regime. Long may it last. Of course there is a strong mind body connection with IBS so any stress will affect whatever you take. I have to do a public presentation next week so will take Imodium before hand just in case.

Hope this helps.

[Eliana5 in reply to Daisychain127]

Yes, putting this on my list right now, I am shocked at all the wonderful support and tips from everyone. Thank you so much..I'm excited! 👍😃

[Eliana5 in reply to Daisychain127]

P.S. I hope your presentation goes well. I panic if I have to speak in front of a group or audience. 😰

[sweetsusie]

Eliana5: The only thing that works for me is Welchol (3 pills, twice a day with meals). It's expensive here in the States, though, so my doctor has just switched me to one called "Colestipol." Hope it works as well.

[Eliana5 in reply to sweetsusie]

Another great tip, but my Doctor won't prescribe because it's a medication for cholesterol, and I don't have high cholesterol..rats..😕

[sweetsusie in reply to Eliana5]

I don't have high cholesterol either, Eliana5. Usually Welchol and the other are prescribed with an actual medication for cholesterol, as Welchol by itself, doesn't lower your cholesterol very much. It's also used to treat type II diabetes, so not just one treatment for the drug, as with many other drugs. I'm just glad my doctor prescribed it...I can now leave my house without worrying about finding a toilet everywhere I go and not making it in time. Has changed my life. Anyway, good luck, I feel for you!

[Eliana5 in reply to sweetsusie]

Is this an actual drug than to treat constipation? Sorry, a bit confused..

[Robinrenae]

Hi Eliana5,

Have you tried supplementing magnesium? Magnesium deficiency is one of the leading causes of constipation. It has worked wonders for my son. We use natural calm magnesium. It has a relaxing effect on muscles which can help with the cramping plus it pulls water into your colon which makes the bm easier to pass.

[Eliana5 in reply to Robinrenae]

I ordered magnesium citrate chewable with glycinate in them yesterday..I heard that was supposed to be good...? Natural calm was a bit too much for my stomach..but that's a great idea..thank you! 👍☺

[Pat1]

You need to take a high amount of magnesium citrate or oxide. About 800 to 1200mg. I have had Ibs c almost my whole life and am now in my fifties. This is the best natural supplement to take for this condition and I have tried many. Even my consultant recommended it. I take it every day. You must take it on an empty stomach just before bed with lots of water. I would start with a high dose initially just to clear you out. Even if it means taking a few capsules. I sometimes take 6 200mg capsules. Capsules are the best not tablets and it has to be citrate or oxide as these are the ones that work for constipation. There is a lot of information about constipation and magnesium on the internet. There is a site called Ibs tales that discusses this. The ones I take are either Now foods Magnesium citrate, Solgar Magnesium Citrate or Life extensions. I get mine from the US on a site called iHerb, but you can get them on Amazon. There are other magnesium oxide products specifically for colon cleansing called Mag 07, Colosan and Oxypowder. They are a bit expensive but are amazing. I use these in between. No cramps no bloating, just relief. You can get these on Amazon as well. Don't suffer any longer. By the way I also follow a low fodmap diet through a dietician but this alone does not help constipation.

[Eliana5 in reply to Pat1]

Okay, great tip..thank you so much..will look online now..👍🌸☺

[rozwalts]

I haven't actually tried the FODMAP diet as I know many of the items one is allowed to eat has the opposite effect. The same applies to foods one isn't supposed to eat, so perhaps I am built differently to other folks. Ha, I always thought I was a nutter!!!

When I was doing the five days prep before the colonoscopy I discovered many of the foods I was eating were causing the problems. Soooo I continued on the low residue diet for a few more days, then changed to a low fibre diet. I know the latest thinking is low carb/high fat, which is fine if I want to be in agony.

I don't really like pain and stuff like that, so I am still doing my own thing after five weeks. I have added a few extra items over the last six weeks, I have found cherries are not a good idea, neither is dried fruit, or anything else with skin/seeds, though new potatoes are ok. I tried tomato this morning, but for the small amount I had, it probably wasn't a fair trial. I have also found live yogurt has been a great help, and in more ways than one. I usually have a small pot, or 80 grams from a larger pot, twice a day.

Basically it is trial and error, and of course it is quite restrictive, but anything is better than how it was before. Of course it does mean that the five a day doesn't happen, but I do usually manage two or three, which isn't too bad. My bowel came trough it all with a clean bill of health by the way, not so much as a sniff of a polyp, much less anything else. The lady who did the colonoscopy did take samples just to be on the safe side, but they were clear.

I have since had another blood test which is still showing an abnormality. I don't think my GP will be happy until she has found I have cancer of something or other. Sorry to disappoint her. I have to have another blood test in November, so we will see what happens then.

[Hcharles]

I have found low residue diet works for me but I have four different digestive conditions and I do think this diet adds to other health issues.

[Eliana5 in reply to Hcharles]

Will have to research this..sounds very promising..thank you!! 🌸💐👍☺

[WoolPippi]

Magnesium Citrate a.k.a. Epsom salt. Drink a lot with it. I dissolve 17 grams in a bit of warm water and wait until the crystals have dissolved. I take it once in a fortnight. It will give you cramps and empties your colon without allowing it to take up water. So your stool will be splattery and you need to drink water (with salt/electrolites) to make up for the loss.

Huge amount of vit c. Like 2 grams (2000 mg). Only your body gets used to it.

5-htp, the precursor for serotonine. 4 pills a day give me the runs, it promotes intestinal motility. Also makes you cheerful.

[Eliana5 in reply to WoolPippi]

Thank you! 👍🐇🌻