What to eat for bowel movements?

[arty_1]

Hi folks,

When I first posted on here, I was IBS D which I think was a flare up due to stress, as I had a lot going on in my life. Things have settled a bit more now, I’m feeling better, but I’ve gone back to IBS C. I’m constantly constipated and bloated, I’ve been offered Movocol (?). Just looking at the boxes makes me not want to take them, I have never wanted to take any type of fluid meds as they make me heave and vomit.

I’ve asked to be referred to a dietician, but don’t know if and when I’ll get a referral. I’m not in agony at the moment thankfully, but I don’t feel fully evacuated.

In the meantime I’m actually going against the FODMAP diet, as I need to get bowel movements (BM). What should I be eating in order to get BM?

[Munchkinfeet]

Aloe vera juice or tablets work for me, I'm on fodmap just kow, it made me v constipated at first but it wears off

[xjrs]

If you prefer to take pills, I take Magnesium Oxide at bedtime (titrated until I get a response) - I need 1500mg, but you can start as low as 800mg or less. There is some advice here on constipation: theibsnetwork.org/constipat.... Personally I couldn't tolerate the psyllium based products but everyone is different. In terms of diet I am trying to gradually increase fibre (adding 2 tablespoons of oat bran to porridge plus 1 tablespoon of flaxseed), although I know from experience I will need to expand my diet further to get more fibre than this to come off the Magnesium Oxide. I am also going to try introducing prunes very slowly knowing these are high fodmap, but hoping the sortibol will help my stools and that might body might get used to them if I do it gradually, but let's see.

[Slowdown]

Astronauts are sent 'to the moon on a prune' to counteract deterioration in bone and muscle mass due to living in space. I have 3 non-sulphide soft prunes a day - one after each meal, this usually keeps things regular - if I veer towards IBS C a slice of papaya (contains papain, an enzyme that aids digestion) as well as fibre and a host of other nutrients. Stop when the desired effect is achieved as it can be too much of a good thing!

[grufjones in reply to Slowdown]

Amazing insight - I wonder how many IBS sufferers can control symptoms with a Prune vs Papaya balancing act.

[Viklou]

Prunes