Just read article that Kefir (drink) is better than Probiotic yogurt for IBS and IBS-C. Does anyone take this..is it helpful for IBS, IBS-C?

[Eliana5]

Hi, I have severe and chronic constipation, and nothing helps..nothing! I have tried it all. My last options are 2-3 stool softeners a day (Colace), and Senna once a week on Sundays which is an excellent laxative. But it disrupts my life, I have been on once a week Senna for about 8 years. Stool softeners are not working well, produce little and I still have to strain. The only other thing that helps sometimes, is strong black instant coffee with Stevia. Please don't tell me my IBS-C is anxiety related. I don't have anxiety or cramping, just unrelenting constipation. Yes, I have tried yogurt, fermented foods, pickles, that awful Miralax, all other laxatives, magnesium citrate tears up my stomach. I am unable to "make my own" kefir due to lack of transportation. Does anyone take this drink, what type if it has helped or if you take Kefir supplements, what kind work for IBS-C? I have a weak pelvic floor which is a big factor for my IBS-C, so please don't tell me "it's all in my head" thanks. No online bullying please!

[Sabab172]

I have been drinking Kefir Goats Milk for the last month and my symptoms are so much better. But I am more IBS-D but my symptoms are more bloating and pain which Kefir has definitely helped. I also take high strength magnesium twice a day and this helps relax everything which might be worth a try? Give that a whirl with daily Kefir and hopefully, you might see your symptoms improve.

[Eliana5 in reply to Sabab172]

Hi, thanks for responding..going to try the Kefir..hopefully not too expensive, as I am on SSDI..low fixed income per month. Do you mind sharing what kind of magnesium supplements you take..is it citrate, Glycinate? And what a strengh. Thanks..☺

[Sabab172 in reply to Eliana5]

You can make your own Kefir which just keeps growing every day which is the cheapest way of making it. Google "How To Make Your Own Kefir" and you will find the help you need. The outlay is buying your first Kefir grains and then just using what milk you choose whether that is cow's, goat or soya etc. I used Magnesium Citrate 400mg per tablet which I take twice a day from Holland and Barrett. Again shop around for a good price but make sure you are taking the higher strength. Hope this helps.

[Eliana5 in reply to Sabab172]

Yes sounds good, but Doctor said we can have too much which is actually bad for us, "magnesium overload" men only 480mg a day, and women 320mg max..so I don't know..thanks for responding..☺

[Bellyboy13 in reply to Eliana5]

You can buy kefir in any Polish shop and some Tesco’s, it’s just over £1 for a litre.

[Eliana5 in reply to Bellyboy13]

Thanks! ☺..but I live in United States..

[Pat1]

Hi, I think I have replied to you before. I take magnesium and it is the only natural thing that works for me after years of suffering. There is no cramps of bloating. If I don’t take it I don’t go. Have you tried a high enough amount? I take 600 - 800mg last thing at night on an empty stomach with lots of water. It has been a saviour for me.

If you don’t want to take magnesium citrate why don’t you try magnesium oxide products for the colon that are excellent although more expensive but worth it. They are in order of my preference, Aerobic Mag07, Oxypowder and Colosan. You can get them on Amazon or a place called the Finchley clinic in the UK. They are very helpful and you can call them for advice.

[Eliana5 in reply to Pat1]

Magnesium oxide poorly absorbed. One of the worst I read in an article. I can't take it. Even at small doses I get runs most of day. Magnesium Glycinate best absorbed, like citrate. Doctor said we could get overload of magnesium which is not good..make sure to check with your doctor taking that much. Women should only have no more than 320mg and men only 480mg a day. I may try the Glycinate. Thanks. ☺

[Jts1]

I die from pain if I take senna, laxatives, magnesium tablets and probiotic pills etc but found so far the best combo which worked well if I ate healthily too (low FODMAP but with green veggies) was a mix of triphala pills, magnesium oil spray and coconut milk kefir (am very lactose intolerant). Not cheap but so far only thing that remotely worked.

[Eliana5 in reply to Jts1]

Senna gives me no pain..thank goodness. That once a week and daily stool softeners all I take, but not producing enough from stool softeners. Probiotics won't give you pain or kefir. They are gentlest to your stomach..

[Audy]

I was taking Kefir and at the time i was feeling alright no pain and no upset stomach but i had a difficulty in getting it and as it took me some time to track down a place that sold it i went back to stomach pain,bloating and upset,now i found a polish shop i will get it again and see if it was a coincedence.?

[Eliana5 in reply to Audy]

Oh..wow..and here I thought I could get Kefir drinks at grocery store..dang! 😪😕 Just ordered a free bottle of "Rhubarb complex" for constipation. Keeping my fingers crossed..👏

[Eliana5 in reply to Audy]

twentyfirstcenturyherbs.com...

[Tony84 in reply to Audy]

Hi Audy

Just read your post and was wondering if you brought some kefir again and if so was it a coincidence or not.

I myself am thinking of starting kefir and would love to know if it is as good as I've read online.

Thanks

[Eliana5 in reply to Tony84]

It hasn't helped me. It's really just drinkable yogurt I think. Let me know if it helps you.

[Tony84 in reply to Eliana5]

Hi Eliana5

Can I ask you how long you were using kefir for? Reason being is that

I was talking to a guy in his 70's who has has IBS for 40 years and nothing has worked until he started drinking kefir, he did say that it took nearly 12 months to work properly but now he can eat and drink anything he wants.

[Eliana5 in reply to Tony84]

Oh..wow..I didn't know that. But my colon is so stubborn..only Senna stimulant works for me now..😞

[b1b1b1]

I do drink kefir sometimes. I can't say if it does much or not as I don't really notice any change, however it does contain probiotics and I guess its healthy.

[Eliana5 in reply to b1b1b1]

It's good to hear from you..hope you are recovering well from your surgery?

[b1b1b1 in reply to Eliana5]

Thanks. Miss the boards. Xx

[Eliana5 in reply to b1b1b1]

Just wondering how you are doing?

[b1b1b1 in reply to Eliana5]

Eliana the surgery was OK, but my husband died three weeks ago. I am very sad. Thank you for asking. Love b1 xx

[Eliana5 in reply to b1b1b1]

Oh my God..I'm so sorry for your loss. I just lost my 1/2 sister from Pancreatic cancer. I also have to have hemmorhoid surgery asap. I hope you are okay? There are no words, I can say for such a loss, but my thoughts are with you. Looks like this has not been a good year for us both..xx

[Alig1011]

I drink Kefir find it helps my IBS C a lot x

[Eliana5 in reply to Alig1011]

Okay, thanks..☺

[Risita]

Hello Eliana I’m new hereI think we have a lot in common?!!

[Eliana5 in reply to Risita]

Hi! Thank you for writing. It's nice to know I am not the only one with this issue (although I wouldn't wish it on anyone). You are always welcome to on me..I would love to chat with you! 😊

[Sisysu]

yep, kefir works for constipation plus for more results add 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds in 1 glass of kefir amazing taste😍also for constipation eat more vegetables mostly boiled veggies or soups 👌sport and water should be your best friends 😉

[Eliana5 in reply to Sisysu]

Sadly this does not work for me, but happy to hear you are having success with it. 😊

[Dolly38 in reply to Sisysu]

I have tried flax seeds but not kefir. Where do you buy it? Thank you lally

[Eliana5 in reply to Dolly38]

I used to buy Kefir in a grocery store. Basically I think it's just drinkable yogurt maybe a bit thicker. It's more of a probiotic so it didn't work for me. Hopefully others will come up with suggestions for you..xx

[Daveskin]

Ive only just got some I don't know if it works ive got ive had chronic upper stomach pain ibs c ive been bad for a year lost some iam diabetic worried whats going on

[Eliana5 in reply to Daveskin]

Have you tried to request a test called an upper and lower barium follow-thru. I had crummy insurance at that time but it still paid for it. It's basically wear you go in and they have you a tiny cup of what tastes like a thick vanilla milkshake and you then lie on a table and there is a Gastro/Doctor and radiologist and it shows how it is traveling down your trachea all the way to the end of your small intestine. It's too measure for any complications..etc..

[Dolly38]

Well I feel your frustration and pain. Many people think constipation is a bit of a joke. I was diagnosed with IBS in my thirties. Suffered all that time. Bloating haemorrhoids pelvic floor problems. I was seen about two years ago by a locum who did a simple test and diagnosed Coelliac. I'm still struggling but just keep trying things. I try so many different things. BW Lally

[Eliana5 in reply to Dolly38]

I guess when they get it (constipated) which happens in one in three people they won't think it's a "Joke" anymore. People can be so ignorant. Are you saying they diagnosed you with Celiac disease? I have heard of that and will have to research. Yes..they are great at "diagnosing" but then they scatter and leave us in the dust to suffer..