charcoal supplement
#92053 - 07/21/04 09:32 AM
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MLB
Reged: 07/21/04
Posts: 8
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Hi,
I was given a trial-diagnosis of IBS by my GI doc last week, who wanted to try fiber for a month before running tests. He also recommended charcoal tablets for flatulence. I didn't see a mention of that on the site- has anyone here tried this? It seems to be gentler on my system than simethicone, though it is messy.
Also, ladies, other than heat therapy, have you found anything that helps during menstruation? I'm miserable during my period.
Thanks!
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Hi MLB,
Welcome to the boards! 
If you do a search with no time limits on Charcoal, you'll find lots of responses from members who have tried it before.
Make sure your GI runs tests anyways, even if he does think it's just IBS. IBS can mimic a lot of other more serious conditions that only tests can rule out.
As for menstrual cramps, try an over-the-counter pain reliever. Just be careful with ibprofin products as they can cause problems with some people.
Hope this helps. 
- Jennifer
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- Jennifer
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Hello,
I've never tried charcoal either, but as angelroses said, if you do a search, you should find some information. As for the cramps, heat and over the counter pain relievers seem to be the best things to do. If your tummy can tolerate them, NSAIDS (like Naproxen) are really good, but they can be hard on the gut. Also, birth control pills can sometimes helps be lessening the cycle.
I agree with the others, make sure you have more tests. IBS should really only be diagnosed after all other things are excluded. Are your period pains really bad? Because if so, another thing you might want to look into is endometriosis, which is a gynecological condition that can cause really bad cramping, and often mimics IBS. Generally, with endo, the pain will only be really bad around your period, but you can sometimes have it all the time and it often goes undiagnosed and passed over for IBS.
Hope you feel better soon,
Kelly
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I used to take charcoal in large quantities -it seemed to help for awhile then it stopped. Someone on another IBS bulletin board says tests show charcoal does not work once wet (in your intestines). This may be true. Don't buy a very large bottle like I did! 
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IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
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I tried the charcoal and didn't really notice any improvement, but everyone is different. I have noticed a lot improvement for gas by drinking fennel tea every night, so you might want to think about that as an option.
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Speaking of buying charcoal tabs, where does one find these? I have been curious to try them, but do not find them stocked by the antacids and such like I would expect. I live in Alberta, if that helps, does anyone know where I could find them here? Thanx!
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Every cloud has a silver lining!
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