Does anyone who have ibs constantly feel tired and depressed? Any tips?

[Bamboopanda]

I am so tired and the IBS is really weighing me down. I do an online uni degree and it's just so hard to focus and I am dreading the day of getting a job! I suffer from horrible symptoms.... constant nausea... tiredness.. bloating... and food seems to be my enemy.

I don't want it to ruin my future and my life but at this moment I am not feeling too good about it all! How does everyone else cope with this? it makes me feel weak and sometimes I wish I could shake myself and toughen up!!🙁🙁

[xjrs]

It isn't a case of toughening up, but I found the thing that's been most helpful to me is to take action towards improving symptoms. When you take action, you feel a more in control. One step was to contact people on here for advice, which you have done, so well done for that. I used to have a list of things to try, i.e., try this, if that doesn't work, try that etc. This gives you hope. Hope that if this thing fails to assist, that might help instead - this keeps your mind moving forward working towards a goal. It is good to have goals.

If not tried already, the order I would try things in is Alflorex probiotic, which has been scientifically studied for IBS (since many people's IBS is due to a gut bacterial imbalance), failing that the FODMAP elimination & introduction diet through a dietitian - this will additionally involve keeping a food diary - this is helpful since you can see the progress that you are making. Alongside this you can try the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app.

Additionally, exercise helps, not only with IBS, but also your mood. Try to get out in nature even a short walk in a park will help. Running is even better or any form of exercise that gets you out of breath. This may exacerbate IBS-D without other measures (but may not).

If you are weak because you are losing food due to diarrhea, white jasmine rice, even as a snack can add calories, is easily digested in the small intestine - adding in protein to this will even out your blood sugar. In fact, weakness can be related to too many high glycaemic index foods, which can lower your blood sugar levels. If you can tolerate porridge oats (non-processed), these might bulk out stools and give you energy for longer.

If you are so down that you don't have the motivation to take action, please speak to your GP. You might temporarily need antidepressants to get you into a space where you can start helping yourself. Good luck.

[Jacksback]

I understand how you feel as I had IBS which has now progressed to an inflammatory bowel and I get really tired to and very down so please go back to your doctors ASAP and don’t let it progress good luck and stay strong

[ForViolet]

Some interesting comments here:

raypeatforum.com/community/...

[Blearyeyed]

Changing your diet helps a lot .Not everyone has to go full FODMAP , but reducing refined sugar , getting rid of artificial sweeteners, increasing soluble fibre , but reducing insoluble fibre, having probiotic live yoghurt ( dairy or lactofree) before meals and at breakfast , drinking more water and green teas , trying through trial and error to build a nutrient rich diet with a variety of vegetables and fruit , reducing saturated foods , eating complex carbs instead of white carbohydrates , and being careful with spices , coffee and certain medications can all help. Try smooth nut or seed butters instead of whole or chopped nuts if you aren't allergic . If you tolerate them bananas are a good source of fibre , B vitamins and potassium.

Try eating smaller portions , 5 a day instead of three big meals which can cause more IBS symptoms but also post meal fatigue.

IBS , both C and D , can cause vitamin deficiency problems that add to symptoms like Fatigue , Pain and trouble concentrating among other things.

It can do this by reducing how well you absorb vitamins and minerals from food you eat and causing internal dehydration, which is dehydration in the body which you may have even if you don't feel thirsty.

Common signs are gastric reflux , itchy or dry skin , dry eyes and aching joints.

You can become vitamin deficienct even if you have a good diet and take a daily supplement .

If it is suitable for your medical or medicine needs garlic and Turmeric supplements can also improve IBS symptoms and Fatigue.

It is a good idea to get your important vitamin and mineral blood tests done so you have a baseline to work from.

These include Vitamin B12, Folates , Iron / Ferritin Panel , Vitamin D , Kidney levels , full blood count and Magnesium. These should really be checked by your surgery annually if you have bad IBS , or more often if very low levels occur.

I don't know what the protocol is in the US , but UK guidelines give patients the right to request these baseline tests on the NHS .

Private finger prick tests from health charity recommended websites are also available online.

It can also be useful to have tests for Coeliac , Crohn's , Colitis , IBD , Gluten and Lactose intolerance if you have IBS with more severe symptoms just in case these are the cause of your IBS.

If you already take a daily supplement don't take it for a week before your blood tests as it can prevent accurate or artificially high results if taken close to a test.

After having these , if you don't already take them , have a daily oral supplement after your fattiest meal of the day to give you the most chance of absorption with some type of vitamin C . If you are low on Vitamin B 12 , but not deficient, take this separately with water after some food but without Vitamin C , as this can reduce B 12 absorption B12 can cause a lot of Fatigue , Digestive and Neurological issues and can effect your thyroid function .

If you are Anaemic take iron after the fatty meal or with Vitamin C , try a gentle iron , like the one from Solgar which is non constipating and absorbed with less stomach side effects.

Additional Vitamin D , K2 and Magnesium can also help , especially if they are low in tests , there is an easy spray for this which you can use after your fatty meal.

Better you is a good product easy to take with a soothing mild mint taste.

Folates can also cause Fatigue as badly as low B12 and both cause thinking issues so a B complex can help.

Imbalance in Sodium and Potassium can cause many problems with brain function , sometimes we need to reduce sodium and increase potassium , sometimes an electrolyte drink or supplement us needed for a short time.

If you are not gluten intolerant you may still benefit from a reduced amount in the diet if not lactose intolerant it is a good nutrient source. Symptoms can also occur if you are intolerant to yeast or fungi so it can be worth removing them from your diet for a few weeks then trying bringing in small amounts to test that.

Fighting the Fatigue and its effect on your mood and learning skills is hard. Some tips include improving your sleep routine. Getting 15-20 mins morning sunlight and fresh air either outdoors or sitting near an open window with good light and doing deep breathing relaxation in your chair . Hydration is key. Doing a little gentle activity out if your chair for a few minutes each half hour , just a gentle stroll about your house or garden or some stretching helps. Having a short stroll before eating and for about 5 mins after food can help improve digestion and digestion fatigue. Little bursts of exercise improve circulation and oxygen flow to the brain. Writing a list helps focus but don't make it too long , unrealistic or punishing . Alternating your mental and physical activities or types of brain activities , also helps the brain from losing focus by getting distracted by repetitive behaviour.

If Fatigue and Thinking symptoms continue despite trying diet changes and the above blood tests it is wise to get yourself checked for other causes. Get a Thyroid health check and a questionnaire and clinical check up for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Hope you feel more yourself soon.

[Linley]

Tired-at times yes, Depressed-never use that word would rather say gets me down. I find sharing on this wonderful site is very helpful😁