Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Evie, I only wish I had a quick and easy answer for you...

I've been there myself (many many times). I was the girl who grew up thinking 2 bowel movements a month was normal!

I can only really give you a couple of suggestions, plus lots more questions...

As you're already taking lots of fibre, you could try either Vitamin C - in a high dose, which can be effective for constipation. If you're taking an oral contraceptive, the max daily dose should be 1000mg. Try 1 - 3 grams of vitamin C in divided doses through the day.

Or, magnesium (calcium is generally constipating) which can improve constipation - take about 200mg once or twice a day.

Are you getting enough Vit C or magnesium generally in your diet? Are you taking any other medications or supplements which can contribute to C?

Are you sure you have IBS? What has your doctor said and have you had any tests at all?

Are you following ALL the IBS diet guidelines - are you cheating AT ALL, however small? Do you drink coffee, smoke, are you getting too much insoluble fibre or not enough, what is your fat intake like (in my experience too much is very very bad, but so is too little).

are you stressed? Are you exercising? Are you sleeping OK or getting enough sleep? Was anything at all different in your life just before or during those 3 days when you were ok.

WATER: You say you're drinking plenty...how much is that. If you're constipated, drink more. Try hot water rather than cool/cold, use a heat cushion on your stomach every time you eat. Take hot baths. Do some gentle exercises shortly after each meal (if possible) - a walk or try some of the yoga positions for this - VERY effective.

Finally, could you have any food allergies/intolerances - are you relying too heavily on any one or two types of food - try writing down everything you eat and see if anything strikes you.

I hope something here helps you (and fast). Remember, you're not alone in this. Let us know how you go on. I'm sure Heather might be able to offer some insight. If I had the perfect answer for this I'm sure I'd be rich by now!

Thinking of you
Shellsbells

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