Hi!
I just wanted everyone to know that after years of IBS (since I was a child), and unbearable symptoms over the last 5 years (hard rocks and persistant cramping and spasms, always constipated, no real bowel movements, chronic use of fiber, laxatives, some enemas, etc) I have found the one single remedy: enteric coated probiotic, one brand in particular that really works!
I tried the recommendations here on this site, but the soluble fiber always made me worse, and still does.
It has taken several months to be able to truly say I'm actually normal, with full evacuation every day and even when I have bad days with a clenched gut, the next day I still have a normal bowel movement.
Now, I know everyone with IBS is used to being descriptive about symptoms just to try to understand what is going on, so, as a student in the biological sciences, I will proceed with the theory behind this success.
In the first place, studies using probiotics may have a few flaws, explaining why there are always mixed results. Scientific studies require that only one variable is isolated for study. But I believe the problem is not corrected with only one remedy.
Second, probiotics must make it down to the colon to be effective. Only enteric coated probiotics escape the stomach acids. I'm not aware of studies which use enteric coated probiotics.
Third, there are foods which many people have trouble digesting such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, onions, etc. These are the foods that bothered me, as evidenced by the immediate bloating and gas. So a study can't ignore the effects of undigested food on the gut.
The theory is as follows:
The stool should be made up primarily of bacteria. The main role that fiber really should play is that of feeding the bacteria in the gut. Too much fiber actually adds too much bulk to the stool and is a hardship on the gut, especially if you have irritable bowel. For me, all fiber supplements are a problem and cause me to revert to cramping and inappropriate peristalsis of the colon, causing hard dry balls and rocks, even rectal impaction.
If irritation occurs, either from undigested food or other factors, including laxatives and enemas, inflammation and inappropraite peristalsis can occur including cramping along the entire digestive tract. This can also lead to a reduction in the necessary flora and an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Other factors can also cause this including the use of antibiotics. The lining is compromised and a vicious cycle results.
When probiotics are initially reintroduced into the digestive tract, they must first establish colonies in the lining. This is a slow process because healing must also take place. All irritants must be removed such as undigested food. So cruciferous veggies, along with onions, peppers, etc must not be consumed.
Plus, the environment must be made more acidic for these "acid loving" bacteria. That's where acid fruits and veggies come in. Also, milk products help promote the growth of friendly bacteria.
I have not used a laxative or other remedy for 4 months. I avoid the so called "healthy" foods such as broccoli, cabbage, radishes, turnips, beans, onions, peppers, and too much spice.
I enjoy 1% milk, Nancy's cottage cheese and fat free yogurt, Wallmart brand bran flakes, most fruits, including raspberries, coffee, tea (not peppermint,it gives me a stomach ache, as do all herbal teas, but not consistently!) I don't worry about how much or what type of fiber is in my food. I do avoid white bread, except once in awhile, because it has always caused me problems. So I eat whole wheat bread. I also eat English muffins, brown rice, potatoes, carrots, green beans, peaches, pears, apricots, raisins, dates, pecans, walnuts, bananas, salad, tomatoes, tuna, chicken, sausage, eggs, and just about anything I want. If I have a bad day (which are now few and far between) I just make sure I eat some cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit or veggies, and a bowl of bran flakes.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Just remember its a slow process and at first it's hard to see any difference...but results can first be noticed within a week.
The specific brand of probiotic which really delivers what it says it delivers is by Nature's Secret: Ultimate Probiotic 4-Billion. I get 45 tablets for about $28. I use one per day, but at first I found it necessary to use more. Solaray also makes an enteric coated one called Multidophilus-12 enteric coated (be sure to look for the enteric coated label). I found Solary less effective. Perhaps the potency is compromised, since refrigeration is required on that one.
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PROBIOTIC SUCCESS! ENTERIC
