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Hi,

I've had IBS for about 5 years now and I understand how distressing it can be. I seem to spend half my week with the runs and then the other half I have constipation.

I simply try and manage it as best I can. I've cut down on diary as for me that can make things worse (although I've not completely cut it out). I also try to watch my stress levels and keep myself as relaxed as possible.

But generally I hve to deal with it and adapt day to day. Sometimes an attack can flare up (usually at work when the office is really quiet and everyone can hear my stomach farting!). It's a nightmare, but I try not to panic and remind myself that the condition isn't life threatening. I find that drinking lots of water and practicising breathing exercises can help my stomach relax.

I also take probiotics. I really have no idea whether these make a difference - I guess I have seen all the hype in the adverts and so thought it might be worth a try. I would be interested to hear if anyone else recommends them to you.

Good luck and take care. x

I know what you are going through. It hits me anytime, anywhere. I try and avoid greasy foods, and drink water which I hate. Mainly watch what you eat and I also take vitamins and benefibre on my off days. I have also seen irritable bowl tablets at the supermarket, see if they work. I was going to but didn't have enough money on me. Maybe even seek out a dietitian for advice. I am going to as it gets annoying some times. Good luck and hope all goes well.

IBS is generally caused by specific irritants that your body reactics to in the form of allergies. Stay away from foods that you think might be the cause of such allergies for you. Apart from that drink lots of water and enrich your food with fiber rich diet as in veggies and fruits etc. Both these act as bowel movement stimulants.

I am so sorry for you it is not nice and my Fiance suffers from ulcerative collitis....which is miserable too!

But good news is it does calm down my fiance has one bout a year...and he avoids medication...

If i was you i would try natural treatments such as cutting out Red Meat,Dairy and other foods....do your research....

But in regard to probiotics i think they will help as they are a friendly bacteria that fights the bad bacteria....Good luck!!

Also do some research on the net about Candida Yeast Infections and also i think an Acid alkaline Diet is worth trying....If you get any luck,please would u let me know.Take Care.X

i found stress a big factor, also dairy products, i changed my diet to high fibre, and take boscapan should i feel a bout coming on, but where i was once so bad and hospitalised for this ,i have had just 2 bouts in 14 months,eat 3 meals per day ,a little and often is better than one large meal per day , i sincerly hope all the answers you have recieved will help you , good luck xx

Factors that are linked with IBS include:

- caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee, and colas

- foods such as chocolate, alcohol, dairy products, and wheat

- large meals

- certain medications

- stress

Some women find with IBS that their symptoms worsen during their menstrual period, indicating a possible link between reproductive hormones and IBS.

If you think you have IBS it is important to have a complete physical examination to rule out any other health problems. treatment includes medications to treat diarrhea or constipation, stress management, regular physical activity, eating smaller meals, avoiding foods that exacerbrate symptoms, eating a high fibre diet, and drinking at least six to eight glasses of water each day.

There are heat packs that you can place on your stomatch that could help, you can buy them from your chemist. Make an appointment to see your doctor you may need a check up.

There is information by medical experts at the sites below.

stay away from dairy and any gassy foods, sometimes your stomach can't handle certain foods, see what foods trigger it.

drinking water, eating apple will help