Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Any hikers out there?

Yes, it can be done, for sure! I absolutely love hiking and could never give it up, although I do have those fears like you that I will have to run for the woods, but I have been hiking for seven years and have never had such an experience. Only once was I in utter pain toward the end of a hike. I am also IBS-D and I find that eating a good soluble fiber breakfast before you leave your house really helps a lot so that you fill up your stomach and won't need to eat as much on the trail. I am also able to use the bathroom then before I leave which is always helpful, to get that out of the way. I tend to pack mostly soluble fiber foods. One of my favorite snacks is the crispy rice bars made by Envirokidz...yummy! and perfect for hiking. I also usually pack pretzels or baked chips, a turkey sandwich with honey mustard and maybe avocado or tomato on it, sometimes rice cheese. Always on white bread, for sure! I might pack some carrots. I never pack any fruit because it's more likely to make me have to go.

I've also just recently started taking a small dose of immodium, as needed. I've found it helpful to take one immodium before I go hiking as my recently new boyfriend loves long hikes (well so do I really) and knowing I've taken an immodium keeps me calm and more at ease about hiking such long distances. You do have to be careful with immodium so that you don't get constipated. It takes a while to find the amount that works for each person. I try to take it as little as possible.

I don't know if you mentioned taking a soluble fiber supplement, but I take Acacia (1 3/4 tsp at breakfast and 1 tsp before bed). It seems that is correct dose for me but I have been trying to figure that out for a couple years so we'll see. But yeah, you might want to try that also.

Hope this was helpful. definitely don't give up hiking...it's therapy in itself. a good way to calm and relax yourself, which ultimately will be good for your stomach.
Good luck, and happy trails!

Peace,
~Kat

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