The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Avoid Dairy, Drink Raw Milk
Posted by Lauramcp (Picayune, Ms Usa) on 11/26/2012
★★★★★
I suffered from IBS for many years and after 1 month of avoiding all pasteurized dairy and drinking 1 8 oz cup of RAW goats milk per day my symptoms are greatly improved.
General Feedback
Posted by Solenia (New York, Ny) on 07/04/2012
Dear I Have Had It All, You could investigate Dr. Schulze's Intestinal Formula #2. I've been having sporadic IBS-type problems for 6 months post-food poisoning, and every time I take this it relieves the problem and I function normally for the rest of the day. I am considering doing their full 5-Day Bowel Detox, with multiple doses a day -- or maybe two 5-day detoxes back-to-back, to wipe out what I suspect is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and attempt to restore normal motility.
General Feedback
Posted by Healthminded (Alabama) on 09/24/2013
When you see "the mother" in reference to Apple Cider Vinegar (apple cider vinegar) this is referring to a natural raw pure vinegar. It should have a "muddiness" appearance to it, not perfectly clear. There will be sediment in the bottom and this is the good stuff. :) It has all kinds of beneficial healing properties in it. Organic is also best.
Konjac Mannan
Posted by Amy (Bc, Canada) on 07/08/2011
★★★★★
I struggled with IBS type symptoms for 6 months following a c. Diff infection. I tried almost every natural remedy on this site with no luck. Within one day of starting Konjac-mannan, I had a noticable improvement in after meal bloating and distension. My bowels returned to almost normal after alternating between diarrhea and constipation. I read that it helps normalize bacteria in the gut so maybe that's why it helped me. To me it's been a miracle cure.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Lisa (S. California, Ca, Usa) on 04/11/2011
★★★★★
I've been struggling with IBS and Celiac for a long time. I still get cramps even though there is no more gluten ( or hidden gluten) in my diet.
I found a softgel that has peppermint oil, fennel and ginger in it from iherb. Wow, do these things work great and really tame the tummy!!! I finally have some relief! I take 1 at night and one in the morning. If I still get painful cramps, I take another one. They don't help with diaherra though.
They are a bit hard on the stomach at first so take with a bite or two of food until you get used to them.
Iodine
Posted by Mike (Vancouver, Wa) on 02/03/2011
★★★★☆
I was recently researching the link between iodine deficiency and anxiety. I didn't find a lot of convincing information, so I decided to try it on myself.
I've had IBS for at least a year now and strangely enough, I found it to be completely anxiety related and not at all to do with the bowels themselves. I also have regular anxiety as well, but I haven't seen any doctors about either condition because I refuse to get on the meds wagon.
Two nights ago, I painted two squares of 2.5% iodine tincture onto my wrists. I could feel the effects of that by the next day, I went the whole day without any symptoms. One important thing I did find in my research, was that selenium deficiency apparently aggravates iodine deficiency, so naturally, I took 200mcg of selenium the next night in addition to painting iodine on my biceps this time. Still no symptoms of anxiety or IBS on the third day now and I'm hoping this is the real deal. Another interesting bit, I used to take selenium regularly as part of my supplement routine and then stopped for a long time without any obvious reason (ran out and forgot to replenish.. ). For informational purposes, I'm 23, smoke regularly, drink on weekends, eat relatively healthy (always home cooked) but not a ton of fruit and vegetables in my diet.
Interesting Fact: The iodine painting deficiency test is not an indication of anything. Most of it evaporates and becomes colorless, and the rate of that is dependent on the environment that you are in. It does absorb into your system, however, in small amounts. To back that up: When you do this so-called test, wait until it disappears, then get some hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the area; you will see that the whole thing is actually still there.
Best of luck!
IBS and Parasites
Posted by Jules (Brooklyn, Ny) on 02/25/2012
★★★★★
Hi there, I was reading your post because I found myself in a similar situation about a year ago, only I was told I didnt have chrones or ulcerative colitis, yet, still had all the symptoms. I then went to a naturopath who tested for yeast and parasites and I tested positive for both. Do you feel any better?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pocketmonkey (Colmesneil, Texas) on 01/09/2013
What is ACV? I have chronic IBS, severe constipation and have had blockage 3 times this year. I have suffered for 6 weeks and could use some good suggestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ed2010 (Oakville, Canada) on 07/21/2013
This is to Pocketmonkey from Colmesneil, Texas:
Constipation due to IBS is caused by severe acid in the intestines released by the pathogens(bacteria, candida). This acid should not be confused with HCL secreted by stomach(simply acid in the stomach ).
To get immediate relief from constipation and to start curing IBS take Ted's Alkalizing formula 3 times a day. One time after lunch, one time after dinner and 3 time is immediately after your bowel movement, the reason is your intestine is empty and you have more space for the alkalizing formula to reach all the regions of the intestine to start the healing process.
Do, this for 3 months once your bowel movement is improving you can explore the possible cause of IBS.
Taking Ted's Alkalizing formula is the first step towards the healing process of any chronic disease.
Good Health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/22/2013
Ed2010, if Ted's formula is to be taken on an EMPTY stomach/intestines, then why do you recommend taking it AFTER lunch and dinner?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marcig (In) on 07/14/2018
Seems like a healthy swig first thing in the morning would be beneficial too since stomach and everything else 'downstream' is empty and open!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/23/2013
Thanks Ed2010, it's clearer now.
B12, Bee Pollen
Posted by Kylwel (Gilmer, Tx) on 11/26/2009
★★★★★
Hello, Earthclinic readers. I'm a 46 y/o woman. A few years ago as I was going through a divorce, I developed severe abdominal pain. It would be located high, or near my ribs, off to one side or very low in my abdominal area. Hardly ever in the same spot. My Dr. did a few tests and sent me to radiology for a sonogram of my gall bladder, appendix and ovaries. The sonographer told me my symptoms sounded like IBS, she had it. Coincidentally, I had run out of my multi vitamins some time ago and hadn't replaced them. Sometime after that Dr. appt I did get more and noticed a few days after taking them again that the pain went away.
I was talking to a friend of mine whose granddaughter had been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and in doing her own research discovered that B12 and Royal Jelly could be beneficial. She opted to try this rather than put her 8 y/o granddaughter through the recommended surgery. It worked! The pain was completely gone in no time. I looked at the label on my vitamin bottle to find that they did indeed contain a hefty dose of B12 and bee pollen, but not Royal Jelly. Subsequently, I ran out of vitamins again and after several weeks without them - you guessed it - the abdominal pain returned! I didn't waste any time getting to the local health food store to get my multi-vitamin and sure enough, after a few days, the pain was completely gone again. I'm convinced, B12 and bee pollen or Royal Jelly must be good for the digestive system. My vitamins are Nature's ___ ___ ___. It's a whole food and chock full of good stuff.
Fennel
Posted by Tommy (North York, On, Canada) on 02/13/2011
Hi,
I'm happy that Fennel has saponins that could explain why it relieves your IBS. Saponins have some activity against protozoa and bacteria. Your testimonials are another prouve that IBS is an infection.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 03/31/2009
★★★★★
Peppermint Oil can cure IBS in many people. It also kills candida.
http://www.webmd.com/ibs/news/20081113/peppermint-oil-fiber-can-treat-ibs
"Based on the combined data, the researchers estimated that one in 2.5 patients would get significant relief of symptoms if treated with peppermint oil, compared to one in five patients taking antispasmodics and one in 11 patients taking fiber. Peppermint oil is sold in capsules, and the study participants took about 200 milligrams two or three times a day.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 06/21/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I had no success with the Peppermint Oil. Although I've tried Caprylic Acid, and alot of it, that had no effect either.
I have some kind of fungal infection, probably candida, could be a different fungus though. I've had success with two things so far:
1. Mega-Garlic (to the point that you smell offensive).
2. Coconut Oil (2 TBSP, morning and evening)(this is a bunch of calories, though). I'm sold on the coconut oil
I suspect mega-iodine (see Sporotrichosis for doseage) may help, but I can't confirm yet. Iodine is twice as strong of an antibiotic as Chlorine, less toxic, disolves starches(and yeast), and heavy metals. I've seen some success in the mouth with iodine, where success has been dificult to come by.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Moises (New York, Ny) on 11/02/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I have tried enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules numerous times and they had no effect on my IBS.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Natasha (Winnipeg, Manitoba) on 02/12/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I tried peppermint oil capsules for my severe IBS C and they gave me a severe attack. They are way to strong for my sensitive stomache sadly.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Mel (Kobe, Japan) on 11/10/2011
★☆☆☆☆
A friend had success with these but said you need to take them for a few weeks before getting results. That said, they didn't help my IBS-D.
Nystatin
Posted by Randy (Jersey City, Nj, Usa) on 04/18/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I had a lot of success with nystatin powder as well. bloating, gas, and constipation reduced 95% over a couple months. after stopping, however, my symptoms came back. the doc said I might need to continue using periodically. also, I've found a few side effects, including fatigue and pimples
Cold Showers
Posted by Moises (New York, Ny) on 11/02/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I have taken cold showers daily for a number of years. I heartily recommend them. I find that my skin is better and my resistance to colds and flu is much stronger. But, unfortunately, it had no effect on my IBS. My IBS is the same whether I take my showers cold or hot.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Nihal (Sydney, Australia) on 06/03/2010
★★★★☆
a vegan diet definitely helps manage condition. for me this is 100% crucial in management of condition. it won't cure it, but it'll give you some breathing space and energy. a lot of animal products cause IBs and bloating/Diarrhea.
Gelatin
Posted by C (United States) on 06/07/2020
★★★★★
This helped me out so much. Thank you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Elizabeth (Ny) on 04/17/2017
★★★☆☆
I was diagnosed with IBS back in the late 90's. As the years passed I found more and more discomfort with belly bloating and pain and on occasion constipation. About one month ago I started to experience the symptoms of IBSD and I am here to tell you, I was practically living in my bathroom for three days. I then changed over my diet to no dairy, less fiber because I noticed when I ate things like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, etc. I would be running to the bathroom shortly after.
I began to drink coconut water, having coconut/almond milk in my coffee, supposedly non dairy, cut out ice cream and even had to cut out frozen yogurt and tried the lactaid products and still I am having issues. It is not as bad as it was last week, but it seems no matter what I eat, I am running a short while after or by the wee morning hours up and about with pain, discomfort, nausea. I have no clue what I should do anymore. I have plain Italian toast with jam, plain scrambled eggs, coconut water, etc. etc. and still, I wake up during the night in pain. I had tried the essence of peppermint like I used to take and still no relief.
I don't know what to do anymore..I am so tired and trying to make sure I stay hydrated at the same time. It has been one week today when this all got worse. Please help me!
Fennel
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 05/07/2014
Dear Amy,
There are a couple of things that I would try.
One would be charcoal. If you know you are going to eat something that will aggravate you, take a couple of charcoal tablets (not capsules) or a teaspoon of charcoal in 6 ounces of water. This will often help with gas/bloating.
Alternately, there are some herbal things to try. (Don't use charcoal within two hours of medication or herbal treatments.)
Peppermint - Have a cup of peppermint tea when you have something that may disagree with you. Or even easier, keep a bottle of peppermint essential oil with you and put a couple of drops into some water and drink it when you have something that might bother you.
Or
Comfrey - You can make a comfrey tea to take with or after eating potentially offending foods.
You could also try just drinking comfrey and peppermint tea regularly. This may give some healing in the long term. You could drink 3-4 cups a day.
Let us know what you try and if it helps you.
~Mama to Many~
Dietary Changes
Posted by Andrea C (Wales) on 10/02/2013
I eat a Paleo diet and I had terrible IBS for years before I ate Paleo, I eat certain meat and offal raw, a lot of people on Paleo eat raw eggs as well. I was bought up on raw eggs with warm raw milk with honey in. I was a happy, fit child and I swear it was the raw eggs and milk etc. Great stuff, and since I've been eating the meat raw, or nearly raw, mine has corrected itself, and a long standing bowel problem has gone, and I feel many other benefits. It's early days yet but it can only get better if it's got me here so quick? Other things need mending bodily, but it will come, thanks to this way of eating, and I eat loads, its not a diet, its just an eating plan, but it's doing me good. Love Andrea C xxxxxxxxxxx
General Feedback
Posted by Megan:) (Ballarat, Victoria, Australia) on 01/29/2012
Hi, I have tried the FODMAP diet, roughly :) I have cut out some fruits such as apples, as they send me straight to the loo! Also I try not to eat fruits containing polyols or excess fructose. It seems to have worked but I am know suspecting it could be the tap water. Am definatly going to supermarket to get 20L of spring water. Am also trying the apple cider vinegar with water X
Valerian
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 11/22/2011 2048 posts
Mira, Valerian has a natural healing agent and is recommended for digestive diseases, but is mostly known as a nervine.
L-Glutamine
Posted by Nancy (Mineral City, Ohio, Usa) on 11/20/2011
★★★★★
I go to Dr. Frackelton in Westlake, Ohio for cancer prevention. (I already had it once) I have suffered from spastic colon off and on for years. I was really in pain one time when I went for my routine blood work and mentioned it to him. He said, "I know what will fix you up right now. " He told me to take 1 tsp of l-glutamine 3 times a day. I had been suffering with this for 4 weeks. I had already gone to my regular doctor who prescribed a medicine that did give me some relief from the pain. I quit taking that medicine the day before I went to see Dr. Frackelton. I took the l-glutamine later after I got home. I was taking my third teaspoon of it when I realized that I was fine!!! It worked that fast. When Dr. Frackelton told me it would fix me up right now, he was right! The l-glutamine really worked. I hope this helps someone.
5-HTP
Posted by Tina Marie (Indiana) on 12/10/2023
I have mixed and it starts out with severe constipation and I usually pass out and throw up or feel like throwing up.
IBS and Herpes Virus Connection
Posted by Christi (Fl) on 11/26/2022
★★★★★
I have to agree with Megyn and all of the above comments. I have HSV2 and got this after already having IBS symptoms. However, I also wonder if the herpes virus isn't making it worse as well. :( This sucks! I take a monolaurin supplement which is shown to help herpes. If I 'ever' run out of it, I am entirely constipated and impacted. I found it also treats h pylori and I have symptoms which indicate, to me, that I have this as well. So, I began 2 T 3 x per day of 10 ppm silver hydrosol and this has helped when out of the monolaurin, so has oregano oil. However, the monolaurin, is a night and day difference. I know that going with the protocol of low FODMAP, allicin, neem oil, berberine, and oreganol helped me in the past but I ran out and 'cheated' before finishing the treatment effects. So, I'm on the fence as to what is the root cause. At the same time, it's freaky to me how using monolaurin alone will regulate my bathroom habits (petrified to run out). I only take pellet form. I will look into lysine again but found little effect on my hsv2. Found out about monolaurin through Dr. Neil. Also, I believe if I cut out so many nuts (I tend to eat a lot of these) that this would really help my hsv2 symptoms, thereby decreasing the need for monolaurin. I wish I had a fm doctor to wade through all of this. I will look at Ted's protocol above for hsv.
Catnip, Chamomile, Basil and Yogurt
Posted by Anonymous (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Usa) on 04/05/2010
★★★★☆
Chamomile, Catnip, Basil and Yogurt help IBS
I have always had stomach/intestinal issues. Pain, gas, bloating. Probably celiac or somthing like it. For a while I drank too much coffee and at times took asprin with it. This gave me a lot of energy, but aterward my lower legs would swell a little and ache when I lay down to sleep. Aspirin always helped the pain. But it was probably eroding my stomach and such. After doing Slimfast for a year or two (which I really liked) I quit when whatever I ate seemed to just sit there. It was the kind that was supposed to curb hunger. After that quitting the Slimfast and artificial sweetner Splenda, depending on what I ate I would feel very depressed (was on Zoloft and Risperidone for two years about 2 years prior), lethargic, be absentminded, have no appetite (I'd have happily eaten nothing ever again), and at times feel absolutely great. I couldn't tell what was going on, but I figured it had to be food related. And that my digestive system was having problems. After a lot of experimentation I've come up with the following:
Make a tea of 1 tablespoon each of Catnip, Chamomile, and Basil. Cover it and let it steep about 10 minutes. While it's steeping or cooling eat a cup or so of plain (not low fat or anything) yogurt. When the tea is cool enough, drink it.
Horse Chestnut is supposed to be good for leg veins. No doubt it's good for the veins all over. I took some finally and within maybe 5 or 10 minutes my normally cold feet and legs felt nice and warm. I was amazed. After a few days I concluded that eating yogurt with/after the supplement is what caused the warm feeling. One day I took the supplement and had no yogurt. The warm feeling didn't happen. After eating the yogurt some time later, I was surprised to feel my feet and legs get warm. If the IBS is from an issue with the structural integrity of the intestine, the Horse Chestnut with yogurt and tea may be helpful.
I can't drink coffee or tea, or eat chocolate anymore, as this caused the pain in my legs to return. Also a burning sensation when urinating. Bicarbinates help the burning. Probably the leg pain too. Haven't tested that. For a while I was drinking vegetable juice of bok choy, parsley, and fennel. So the oxolates may be a contributing factor...
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sharon (Denver, Colorado) on 02/28/2010
★★★★★
I have IBS with a tendency toward diarrhea. I can't take supplemental mag. at all because it makes me worse. I try to get my magnesium from the foods I eat.
What has really helped me is a gluten-free diet. It takes 4 to 6 weeks to know whether it will help, so be patient. The other thing that has helped is powdered l-glutamine, about a heaping teaspoon mixed in water every day. It's well known as a bowel healer. Powdered vitamin-C can help too but start out slowly because too much can cause diarrhea.
I have learned to avoid what I know bothers me. At the top of this list are pain relievers (both prescription and OTC), alcohol, milk, horseradish, garlic and raw onion. I have also learned that adding fiber to the diet can make me worse, particularly commercial fiber preparations. I stick with half an apple, a little brown rice, or a very small serving of beans when I need fiber, and I don't eat them every day.
buttermilk
Posted by Zita (Chicago, Illinois) on 02/04/2010
★★★★★
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice and Buttermilk Cure.
I've been in agony trying to find a cure for this new malady called IBS. I've been reading what the subcribers here have tried and I was willing to try anything. I have IBS-D. I read about Molasses, Buttermilk, Royal Jelly and I went to the store to purchase these items to try and see if something would work. That day I was only able to find buttermilk, the Organic kind. I was skeptical but I tried it with ____ [600 mg calcium tablet] at bedtime. The next day I woke up prepared to battle the many washroom runs I'd have and try not to look too conspicuous during my marathon leaps to get there. Funny thing, it didn't happen; I was OK however, I did have irritation and sometimes urges that were nothing but still I couldn't be too sure and I'd wind up sprinting for the washroom just in case. After a month of Buttermilk in the evening with the calcium and still feeling irritations, one evening I was so thirsty; water wasn't something I wanted. I spotted a lemon, squeezed it, added a little sugar and bottled water and drank like a camel. The next day there was no irritation but I did not make the connection right away; I thought it was most likely a food item, a trigger, that I had NOT ingested. That evening and several evenings after that, I continued drinking fresh Lemon Water and I think it's the cure. I've been fine ever since...no irritation, no D or C....I'm fine!
Fennel
Posted by Firminatus (Mansal Lacy, Hereford, UK) on 11/23/2009
★★★★★
There is no doubt in my experience that stress in conjunction with lack of natural food will create IBS. I have had several bouts of this debilitating condition and have cured it by removing stress as much as possible and drinking fennel tea. Make a tea in a small stainless pot,with one large teaspoon of whole fennel seeds and a pint of spring or filtered water.Gently simmer tea for about ten minutes and allow to cool. Drink about a quarter of a pint, two or three times a day. The first cup,I usually take on an empty stomach. Sometimes if it is really bad, I make two pots and allow the seeds to meditate for a day or so which can make it slightly more potent. Don't keep it for too long. Love to you all.
Biotin
Posted by Stacy Mills (Monticello, Arkansas) on 02/25/2009
★★★★★
I have irritable bowel with diarrhea. After my last colonoscopy, no prescription or OTC meds would help. I started taking 5,000 mcg of biotin every day and got relief. Sometimes I do get diarrhea, but it doesn't last long. This even helps the spasms and cramping.
Turmeric
Posted by Gillian (DF, Mexico) on 11/27/2007
★★★★★
have the indian spice turmeric on hand for emergencies. Usually IBS has a lot to do with our emotional well-being and suggests something is or many things are stressing us and we need to make changes in ourselves. However becoming perfect can take more than a life time so i recomend turmeric, i swallow half a teaspoonfull when I have a bad case of IBS and in half an hour I am much better. Only thing is as with lots of cures natural and pharmaceutecal, if the IBS keeps coming back eventually the effect of the turmeric or other cure is lessened. what it gives us is a chance to feel better while we try to solve the underlying problems.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Amanda (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin) on 08/15/2007
★★★★★
I had suffered from IBS for years and years since I was about 11. It got to be so bad that my lower intestine enlarged to a point where it was pushing up against my stomach and causing severe pain. What really seemed to help me is to take a capsule of flax seed oil with a meal along with a glass of water. It made it so that I was regular. In recent years, I've been doing research on just how many illnesses are related to the consumption of animals and their byproducts such as cheese and the like. In an effort to become a healthier and more compassionate person, I became a vegan and it has done so much for me!! Not only has it completely cleared up the IBS, but numerous other things such as hypoglycemia, acne, made my skin more healthy and radient, made my nails harder, I get a more restful night's sleep, I have a TON more energy, etc. I cannot say enough about how much becoming a vegan has helped my health but the most drastic of a chsnge that I have found is the IBS. Within literally two days I was regular without the help of anything. I didn't have to watch what I ate to make sure that everything would be okay either. It was and is awesome! About an hour after I eat I have to go and it is the biggest relief! I hope those of you with IBS take my advice seriously and just think about cutting at least some of the animal products out of your diet.
Lemons
Posted by T.martin (Winslow, Nj) on 08/14/2011
★★★★★
Lemon Water works even better with distilled water. I have had great success with fresh lemon and distilled water:)
