Apple cider vinegar is low FODMAP: http://fodmapfriendly.com/blogpost/weve-tested-apple-cider-vinegar/

Avoiding FODMAP should be something done, in my opinion, short-term to reduce symptoms. I do not think it is a good strategy long-term.
You must know that a lot of prebiotics are FODMAP, such as onion/garlic (these contain oligosacharides). Yet for me these oligosacharides are very important now since they help establish a healthy gut flora. They "feed" bacteria.
I personally am not a big fan of FODMAP avoidance. For me it didn't work. It might work for others, I strongly recommend to test things yourself. Since IBS is very complex everyone reacts differently.

I am supplementing with inulin as one of my prebiotics. This is a "pure" FODMAP. It caused me some bloating and gas yes. But I reduced the dosage, and started building up slowly. Within a few days I could already handle a couple grams more of inulin. Basically you are letting your garden of bacteria get accustomed to having a good amount to eat. (When they eat they produce gas).
Inulin raises beneficial bacteria including akkermansia / roseburia etc. These are very beneficial for a healthy gut flora.

There has been done a lot of research with adding prebiotics to a diet. They seem to greatly improve the health of the host. They do this by producing substances (short chain fatty acids) like butyrate, which have a repairing influence on the colon and other organs.

A very gentle prebiotic seems to be the acacia gum fiber. Atleast from what I read in amazon reviews about it check: https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0002ON8DU#customerReviews
I also use this since a bit and it does help me into fixing that last 10%.

You should know that this is a high FODMAP thing. (Acacia gum). Yet look at the reviews and the positive effects they have for many people. I think a lot of people can greatly benefit from slowly building up with some prebiotics.

The research also found a lot of benefits from taking prebiotics such as inulin:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21091293
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15877886
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951492
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26619790
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25433109
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10395607
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16087995

If you do decide to try out prebiotics, please make sure you start very very very low dosage!!!! There have been people starting out way too big getting huge bowel pains. (As in, typical huge IBS "attacks")

For probiotics I'd recommend things like sauerkraut/kimchi/kefir/kvass. (also start very slow, and make sure they're not heated/pasteurized. best is to make your own at home, it's easy! just check on google: "how to make x")

From my "journey" to fix this problem the best thing for me was to throw all "theories" out of the window, and just started experimenting.

The below is a copypasta of a comment I made on another thread... it applies. I have a couple addendums:
>I don't understand why I should still be alive because what else is there to a person's life apart from family. That's the only thing keeping me around and even they resent me.

There's plenty apart from family, it's just hard for you to be able to experience them right now. That's okay. Humans are social creatures, and we need those kinds of interpersonal interactions. None of us deserve life or suffering any more than anyone else - we just got dealt a shitty hand.

Onto the copypasta:

Hi you! First off internet hugs (if you want them). This shit is the worst, and you're not alone.

This is going to be a hot mess of a comment, as I'm getting the important stuff down before leaving before work, so I hope you'll bear with me.

The stuff about your body: It sounds like you're discovering this for yourself, but (depending on your underlying condition) most medical practitioners have no idea what's actually going on. I'm glad you're getting tested for the IBDs, because that shit is diagnosable. As are parasites and some kind of infections - does C. Diff sound like it matches your symptoms? What you have may not be easily (or at all) diagnosable with the current understanding of medicine (both western and alternative), however, probably because ppl don't have any idea of how the microbiome / enteric nervous system actually work on a day to day basis (or what a healthy system looks like and the kinds of troubles it can go through). My recommendation is to start doing your own research (/r/fodmaps, /r/microbiome, /r/gutscience are good starting places) and forming your own hypotheses (oh hey, SIBO matches a lot of my symptoms! I should get tested for that) and trying new things in a smart way - don't immediate believe what most people say (especially me) right off the bat. However: I would highly recommend trying the low-FODMAP diet - it's super restrictive, but appears to alleviate the symptoms of ~70% of people with IBS. It's really helped me out. I also get some short term nausea relief from ginger (the candied stuff at Trader Joes is cheap and portable) and peppermint tea - peppermint capsules (like pepogest) didn't have much of an noticeable effect on me, but they've helped other people. I'm also a big fan of probiotics, but they're not curative for most people. Oh! And also start keeping a health journal - for me, it a record of everything I eat (and when I eat it), what my bowel movements are like (yay), and how my mental & emotional states are doing.

The stuff about your mind: this shit is real, and science doesn't quite understand how these systems effect each other. In mouse models (which are apparently insufficient, but still) changes in microbiome have been shown to affect anxiety & behavior. The shitty thing (as you've noticed) is that anxiety can feed physical symptoms and those symptoms can feed anxiety. My slowly-developing understanding is that is (in part) because of the sympathetic nervous system (simplified as the fight, flight, and freeze responses) and parasympathetic nervous system (simplified as the rest and digest response). When our anxiety kicks in, it actually physically affects digestion (who needs to digest food when you're running from a tiger?). What I've been trying to do is develop habits that both calm stress (i.e. the sympathetic nervous system) when it happens and also to keep that stress from happening. That second part plays into what you think (and therefore how you feel) about how you feel - I've developed a lot of negative cycles of thinking that definitely play up my stress response (this is never going to end; I deserve to feel like shit all the time; etc). This shit can be addressed with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) I'm stealing a lot of ideas from this book, which I'm currently reading. I don't buy into all the claims made in it (I happen to think that emotions can cause thoughts to occur, and she claims that emotions only come from thoughts (I'm personally curious as to how our emotions interact with / arise from our enteric nervous system)), but it's walking me through CBT and it's been a least a little helpful. (Edit: there are some people trained to teach CBT, and that can be helpful. Regardless, I'm of the opinion that everyone should see a counselor or a therapist - being human is hard enough, and we have conditions that really mess with us. It may take a few tries to find someone who "clicks" with you, but that's totally fine and part of the process, and it can be sooooo helpful). Other things that are easier to start that help get the parasympathetic nervous system going (as far as I understand): meditation (I listen to some guided ones on Spotify that I love dearly), yoga, deep breathing, etc. Long story short: changing how you feel (emotionally) about how you feel (physically) can help improve how you feel (physically). However, don't listen to the bullshit that IBS is "caused" by anxiety - it's (imo) arising from a biological process that happens to interact with your emotional states. Ninja(?) edit: these practices gain more traction as you make them routine - it's taken me a loooooong time to get decent at calming my mind, but it's so helpful. Edit edit: any sort of exercise is also great - it's apparently way to get your sympathetic nervous system going "naturally" and then calmed down how it's supposed to (especially when followed by stretching and/or yoga). It also has the added benefit of mechanical action on your GI system, which can be helpful - but I know how hard it is to exercise normally when your body is a mess of pain and bloating.

Oh, yeah - NOBODY FUCKING TAUGHT ME HOW TO ACTUALLY DO ABDOMINAL BREATHING. That sucks, because it's one of the best things to do for stress - and what most people think of as "deep breathing" is more chest breathing, which actually activates the sympathetic nervous system. You can probably find some good resources on your own, but I can point to some later.

I saved this for last because it's been affecting both my mind and my body in very positive ways: CBD. Apparently there are like 85+ cannabinoids in MJ, but only THC is psychoactive. The research on CBD is still in it's infancy, but it's been show to reduce nausea. Anecdotally, it significantly reduced my daily pain and bloating and improved my bowel movements - but I've only been taking it for about a week now, so ymmv. Also, it's in a weird grey legal area, but I got mine from http://www.cwhemp.com/ and they ship to all 50 states. Also, some people I know have found that full bud (with THC) helps their nausea even more - but I can't recommend that unless you're in a state where it's legal, and it can also cause unpleasant levels of anxiety and paranoia (possibly especially for people like us who have a compromised / overexerted anxiety system anyhow).

You got dis.

</wall 'o text>

Please check this out:

http://breakingtheviciouscycle.info

The specific carb diet saved my life, it might help you too. It has a legal/illegal list so you can see what you can and cannot eat. After 3 months on this diet I am finally feeling decently better. You can read all about it if you want. Just thought I'd give you the heads up.

I also experienced something similar where I was on antibiotics and felt great until I went off of them. As far as I understand it has an Incredible amount to do with diet. When you take the antibiotics it kills most of the bad bacteria but never all. Since many of the them consume carbs , if you continue to eat the wrong things they'll grow back and you will become sick again.

Please at least give this a look. I understand what your going through and it's awful. Just maybe this will help you too.

Anyone who commented here as well please look at this, I see others have already talked about diet. As well I've noticed that many people suggest the low fodmap diet but to be perfectly honest it didn't do shit for me. SCD changed everything.

Final note: yogurt yogurt yogurt. Fage is good and has more bacteria than most other commercial yogurt, but making homemade yogurt is incredible and keeps my BM normal, I'd highly recommend this, and as well it is quite easy to make. There are several good machines on Amazon as well.

This is what I use and I eat two a day, if your interested also please look up a guide on how to make home made yogurt, it's very easy.

Euro Cuisine YMX650 Automatic Digital Yogurt Maker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BQ98EU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_W6GSybTXW5M3T

Three thoughts.

First, if you have tested positive for celiac disease, then you absolutely MUST avoid gluten. There is hidden gluten all over the place and you need to do your homework at the grocery store and be careful when you eat out. (For example, lots of fried or roasted potatoes at family style restaurants are coated in wheat flour to give them a nice crispy crust. So even though you're ordering potatoes, which are themselves gluten free, you're getting a solid dose of gluten along with them. There are phone apps that cover a lot of this that can be helpful when shopping.) Remember that celiac is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system responds to gluten with an all out attack on the cilia that line the small intestine. Celiac disease does NOT require medication (although iron infusions and B12 shots are sometimes very helpful in replacing missing nutrients that the damaged small intestine is not absorbing well.) You just need to avoid gluten and give your small intestine time to heal.

Second, SIBO is pretty much a myth flogged by Pimentel who get tons of drug company funding (the company that happens to make Xifaxin) and does mediocre research that is usually NOT replicated by other scientists in other labs. The scientific consensus is that SIBO is very unlikely to be the cause of IBS. The whole theory was developed prior to our understanding the importance of the microbiome in digestion and the immune system. (The microbiome is comprised of the trillions of symbiotic bacteria we house that live primarily in our gut.) Killing off huge swaths of gut bacteria is really a pretty bad idea, and does nothing to establish the health of the ecosystem in there. In fact, antibiotic overuse is strongly linked the development of autoimmune disorders (including celiac disease) in the developed industrialized world.

The best treatment for IBS is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. It reduces visceral hypersensitivity and helps normalizes the disrupted brain/gut axis that gives rise to IBS symptoms. Probiotics can certainly help (because they replenish the microbiome, rather then killing it), but CBT is the best long term solution. There are several good self-help books out there specifically on CBT for IBS. These include Controlling IBS the Drug Free Way (https://www.amazon.com/Controlling-IBS-Drug-Free-Way-10-Step/dp/1584795751) and Reclaim Your Life from IBS - which was actually tested in a clinical trial and was proved to work. https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Your-Life-IBS-Scientifically/dp/145491887X

People who worked through Reclaim Your Life reported significantly fewer bothersome GI symptoms, reduced visceral hypersensitivity, less depression and significantly improved QUALITY OF LIFE - which is what it sounds like you're desperate for. You really have nothing to lose by taking a look at it.

Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Fodmap-Vegan-What-When-Anything/dp/1570673373

Edit for more detail: Partner has IBS. He was vegan for a year, which was really tough because it involved preparing literally all food. Now he's mostly vegan but eats eggs and occasionally fish.


Veg-wise, we mostly have potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. I just made an amazing pasta dish where you julienne carrots, bell pepper, and zuchhini and sautee them, then toss with homemade parmesan (garlic oil, walnuts, nutritional yeast, salt in a food processor) and the herbed tempeh nuggets from that book I linked. SO GOOD!


Roasted fingerling potatoes, carrot, and zucchini tossed with Thyme, Olive Oil (garlic infused or not), and nutritional yeast (and salt/pepper ofc) is good as well.

​

There's a really good Indian-style chard, potato, and carrot recipe in that book as well. We make seitan "chicken" balls (they're just shaped like balls, we call them chicken balls lol) that go really well with them.

​

You can totally be vegetarian and low fodmap, even vegan and low fodmap. It does mean eating out a bit less and preparing more of your own food. But it's definitely doable.

​

For processed foods: If you're in U.S. you might try the Potato and Pea Samosas from whole foods (they have wheat but it's a small enough amount to not bother him, miraculously no garlic or onion!) and the Japanese Fried Rice from TJ he also can eat without issue. Both are vegan.

I'm vegan, and my IBS switches from D to C (and everywhere else in between!). I've not had to go low fodmap, but here's a few resources that might help:

• https://ibsvegan.wordpress.com/
  
  
• http://thefodmapfriendlyvegan.com/
  
  
• https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1570673373/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_x_7ejBybV5R0FJQ
  
  I don't know how good the recipes are, but they're definitely a start.
  
  Remember that veganism seeks to avoid animal products as far as is possible. If you are medically unable to be fully plant-based it's okay to eat some animal products. Ideally try to minimize your consumption of those products, and try to find the most ethical options.
  
  Seitan is a great source of protein and is okay according to the Vegan RD, but wheat is otherwise not okay. Quinoa is fantastic for you and really high in protein. I don't know if hemp is low fodmap, but it's really high in protein and I find it easy on my stomach.
  
  I'm not sure where bivalves fall on the fodmap spectrum, but they have a very rudimentary nervous system and don't seem to experience pain the same way that other animals do. Bivalves also do well in farmed environments, which means that harvesting them is less likely to damage oceanic ecosystems. If bivalves don't bother your stomach, they might be a good option for more ethical animal proteins.
  

Tools:

I ordered Life Extension Bifido Gi Balance capsules on AmazonThis is what I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008968GLW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Whole milk - it seems that people recommend using regular whole milk (non organic or raw etc.) because it yields the best result in making the yogurt. If you want less whey/waste, use Fairlife brand milk Whole. It is ultra-pasteurized but expensive.

I probably have to buy a whisk for stirring, a cheesecloth for straining, a food thermometer for checking temperature, maybe containers to keep the yogurt in, and large-cube ice tray for freezing the starter.I'd recommend a strainer such as this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRDZXXK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1And these bags, big enough for a gallon, instead of cheesecloth: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071CWTLY5/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Starter: from what I understand, you have to make the "Starter" first, which is basically a small, concentrated batch of yogurt, made from the contents of the probiotic capsules and prepared milk.Starter can take up to 24 hours. I use a programmable food dehydrator to set the starter on to keep it consistently warm. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012CG8N26/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sterilize the cooking container, in my case the Instant Pot cooking pot ("how to" in This Old Gal's recipe).I have never sterilized the container, my dishwasher sanitizes which seems to be enough.

1. Pour 6oz (u/resistingdopamine says 3oz, so I'm not sure which) of milk into the room temperature/cool pot and warm it to 180F (Do you keep it there for a few minutes? how to keep it there without its temp. rising above 180F?) Whisk the milk every 10 mins to keep the temperature even throughout the pot - make sure to whisk before checking temp to get an accurate reading. With Instant Pot this is done using the "yogurt" button, then "adjust" button until it says "boil" It doesn't matter how much inoculate you make. I use a small sauce pan and thermometer for such a small amount of milk for the inoculate. Stir constantly to avoid scorching. I am generous and usually add two capsules per ounce. Using the IP for this step is way, way overkill.
   
2. When it reaches 180F, remove the pot from heat, and place it into a sink filled with cold water. Whisking often (again to keep temp. even), cool milk down to around 105F. Remove from water. Skip the sink, use a small bowl of cool water for such a tiny amount of heated milk.
   
3. Inoculate the milk with the probiotic: Open up the capsule(s), and dump the contents into the prepared milk (u/resistingdopamine says to use 1 capsule, while u/pammylorel says to use 3, so perhaps they can clarify). Throw away the empty capsule(s). The more you use, the quicker the inoculate will set up. It's not really a precise science but I use more to be on the safe side.
   
4. Incubate the mixture: Put the pot back on the heat source (your oven, food dehydrator, yogurt maker, instant pot or w/e you're using). In my case put it back inside the Instant Pot and use "yogurt" function on "normal". You need to keep this at 105-110F for around 15 hours, until it becomes a solid mass. (Not sure if needs to be whisked during this time to keep temp. even during incubation - need clarification) If you use the IP for inoculate, instead of a food dehydrator, I would put water in the large IP pot and the starter in a smaller bowl in the water, like a hot water bath, until inoculate is firm.
   
5. Remove from heat source and chill in refrigerator, covered an undisturbed, for about 7 hours. No need to chill it before using.
   
6. Strain the Whey out: line a strainer with a cheese cloth and place the contents of the pot inside, allowing it to strain, over a pot/bowl (Covered?) in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. No need to strain inoculate. Just stir it up.
   
7. This is your "Starter" to make batches of yogurt. Set aside 1oz, about 2 tablespoons, to make your actual batch of yogurt and freeze the rest for future batches. You can use the large ice cube trays (made for whiskey ice cubes) to store in freezer. Put about 2 tablespoons in each division, covered tray with a ziplock bag, and freeze. Once it freezes, I pop the cubes into a ziploc for easy storage. You can use regular cube trays, just use two or three per batch of yogurt.
   
   Making the Yogurt: From what I understand, to make the yogurt, you perform almost the same process as you did to make the Starter.
   
   Defrost the Starter: defrost the Starter cube you will be using to where it is no longer frozen. No need to defrost, once the milk is heated and cooled to 105-110 degrees throw the cubes in. They will melt.
   
   You prepare the milk the same way - you can use a gallon now. Sterilize the container (skip)pour in milk, get it up to 180F while whisking, cool in cold water in sink while whisking, take a cup of the prepared milk (cooled to 105-110) and mix it with your starter in that cup to temper it before using it to inoculate the pot, Place the contents of the cup with the starter into the pot, put pot back on heat source and incubate it for 15 hours, chill in fridge for 7 hours, strain for 3-4 hours, and place in a container for storage in your refrigerator (Timing is not relevant, I rely on the appearance of yogurt. I prefer to chill overnight before straining. I also use the aforementioned bag and strainer instead of cheesecloth.)
   
   Dosing and Questions:
   
   u/resistingdopamine mentioned taking 1 BB536 probiotic capsule+1 cup of the yogurt, twice a day, morning and night. Not sure if everyone who had success followed with dose. u/MaddinOrLynch, u/Trindolex are some people who have had success stories that I've seen here.
   
   I've read advice to avoid probiotics and fermented foods while doing this, to make sure that they don't out-compete the BB536. I'm not sure if you can start eating them again (I personally love sauerkraut)?
   
   So from what I understand, the first batch takes a couple of days to make as you have to make the first Starter, and then use that to make the first batch - so two batches back-to-back? Yes
   
   Should I keep the milk at 180F for a few minutes, or transfer it to cold water immediately? How does one keep it at 180F without the temp. rising further? Cool immediately. I have found that my IP is really good about beeping at the perfect 180 but use a thermometer too.
   
   I know most IBS sufferers seem to have negative effects from dairy products, including yogurt - is it different with this yogurt? The bacteria eat the lactose which is the bad guy.
   
   Should a person be whisking during incubation (when it's standing at 105F for 15 hours)? NO NO NO
   
   I've heard the longer the incubation period, the more potent the yogurt becomes and less lactose it has - is there a point of incubating for over 15 hours? Once it sets up, it's done.** No more incubation needed**.
   
   I have read that you shouldn't keep the Starter for more than 3 weeks. Should you just freeze parts of the new batches for Starter after? No, use starter as the primary basis for new batches. If you just use yogurt, the bacteria get weak. Should you add another capsule at any point when making new batches? I use a bit of the last batch of yogurt and a couple cubes of frozen starter in each new batch. I have never had a bad batch and it gets much quicker to make once you do it a few times, practice makes perfect.

Nausea is my most disruptive symptom :p I take an prescription antiemetic (not odansetron which gave me the worst, most painful constipation of my life when I was on it for a month), but if it's just occasional that this happens you might try dramamine/gavrol; if nothing else it's sometime to try if you can't get to the doctor for an Rx right away.

I started out really disliking ginger, but now I love it, lol. But these The Ginger People tablets are amazingly effective at controlling nausea. They're chewable, but you can just swallow them whole w/ a bit of water and you won't get much ginger flavor (if you do chew them it's like getting punched in the mouth by ginger root, just fyi). I've tried other tablets and capsules, and though they all work to some extent, these one are the best. I do find that taking a peppermint supplement helps, but even taking it on an empty stomach and using an enteric coated variety doesn't always stop it from flaring up my gerd; most days I just deal w/ it.

I'll just say that, based on a few accidental encounters with soy protein replacements over the past year, that if I ate what you're eating I would be exactly as sick as you are in the exact same way.

I was surprised to learn this, as beans were a staple of my diet for years, and never a problem. Until they were.

A few resources:

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Fodmap-Vegan-What-When-Anything/dp/1570673373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1456250598&sr=1-1&keywords=low-fodmap+and+vegan

https://www.reddit.com/r/FODMAPS/comments/dl6zam/vegan_lowfodmaps_cookbook_w_meal_plan_does_it/

https://www.reddit.com/r/FODMAPS

Buy the Monash app and live by it. Look up everything.

You can eat like half of all vegetables and fruit. So read up on those (Monash app) and eat the ones you can in the quantities you can.

Fats are AOK on Fodmap, so no problem there.

The difficulty is filling the protein needs of your diet. Beans and rice are a common approach but beans are pretty well out on Fodmap.

Canned lentils in limited quantities are good. Tofu in limited quantities, maybe. Quinoa. Rice is good.

Peanuts and some nuts good. Look them up, as Fodmap values vary.

If you can stretch your diet to hard cheese and eggs, that might be helpful.

I still haven't received any confirmed diagnoses. It's just my doctor and multiple gastroenterologists making their best assessments based on my symptoms.

1. I've been on low-FODMAP for about a year now and it's amazing how how much it helps. I feel like my gut is healing because now I can cheat with basically anything for multiple meals when before I had to be 100% strict. So, definite improvement.
   
2. My gastroenterologist was so highly recommended in L.A. I had to wait 3 months to see him. This was the probiotic he recommended (I take 1 in the morning and 1 at night):
   

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DT9B3DM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't know what you have tried or haven't tried. But try applying some of this to your tummy before eating. It's natural and it's been giving me great relief. It can be found on amazon too. http://www.mynaturalfamily.com/symptoms/food-allergy/doterras-digestzen-essential-oil/

Now that we get some digestive relief in there, let's see about getting things moving. http://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0009XFYSG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413958670&sr=8-2&keywords=heathers+tummy+fiber

This is good, organic fiber. It may take a while to build up to the dosage you need.( In the meantime, if you are having a bad episode try a tblsp or two or milk of magnesia to get you some relief. )

Now with IBS, diet has a lot to do with it. Try an elimination diet like the the Low FODMAP diet to rule out trigger foods.

I also take time to sit quietly in the evening and meditate. Stress and ibs aggravate each other. At least in myself. There's no such thing as overkill when it comes to looking after your mental well being.

I have suffered for years with IBS-C. I really hope some of the info I'm giving you helps.

Sure! CBT is basically a form of psychological therapy that has been successfully applied to individuals with IBS to help manage and better live with symptoms, and regain some of the quality of life aspects. It sounds to me like a lot of your symptoms are exacerbated by stress, and CBT definitely helps with that! Take a look at this book https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Your-Life-IBS-Scientifically/dp/145491887X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=melissa+hunt&qid=1569725019&s=gateway&sr=8-1.

I've bought a few of these over the years and they are worth every penny! Your burning butt hole will thank you. Had some people laugh but later came to me and said they bought one too and love it. Haha! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TPGPUW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_9QeNwbV0WBVEP

Yes just do the Amazon search and you'll see a few models that are all highly rated. I got this one for $35 because it was the highest rated and had the most reviews (and has the cleaning function). I honestly can't tell what the difference is between the other models besides a few basic functionalities. The one i got works perfectly and is a great price.

If you're at all interested, this is the probiotic I used that helped out a lot. Of course, it's different for everyone, but it's worth a try if this doesn't work out for you! Best of luck?

Elimination diet would be a good thing to try.

I experienced something similar recently and these are what help me:

https://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Saccharomyces-Boulardii-Intestinal-Digestive/dp/B0013OVW0E?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CTCATS4/

White rice, watery fruits (no bananas & dates), cheese, romaine lettuce, curry powder, and avocados are the main things I've found to be safe. Apple juice fasting also helps me a ton. Olive oil had significant effects as well.

Iron can feed pathogens, so try avoiding foods with it.

Some of the books that I have found helpful, over time (in rough order of importance to me):

The Microbiome Cookbook

The Well-Fed Microbiome Cookbook

The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-term Health

Reclaim Your Life from IBS: A Scientifically Proven Plan for Relief without Restrictive Diets

Fast Tract Digestion

Eating for IBS

I've been doing CBT for nearly three months now and recently started EMDR therapy as well. While both methods are helping my anxiety and depression tremendously, which in turn are improving my IBS, what has helped me even more is being able to live in the present moment and truly being able to fulfill the old cliche' and "let the little things go." Of course, that is the aim of CBT. I was given a book by my therapist called, "Addicted to the Monkey Mind" by J.F. Benoist. It's only $10 on Amazon and a pretty quick read. If you are considering CBT, it's very worthwhile to read. The basic idea is that it helps you be able to differentiate between things that are actually a threat and things that are not, as well as to identify the core beliefs causing issues that someone interested in CBT would want to target. I don't want to get too far into it and spoil it, but if you are interested in CBT, I think it might be right up your alley. https://www.amazon.com/Addicted-Monkey-Mind-Programming-Sabotages/dp/0692978593/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DGO3XFBZJKZ8&keywords=addicted+to+the+monkey+mind&qid=1555445558&s=gateway&sprefix=addicted+to+the+monk%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

A bidet might help. You can get a good one that's easy to install for less than $35. Luxe Bidet Neo 120 - Self Cleaning Nozzle - Fresh Water Non-Electric Mechanical Bidet Toilet Attachment

We have ALL had this happen, please don't feel alone, or desperate. I can say that bidets are LIFE changing. They also really help with irritation. Here's one that you just attach to your existing toilet seat, and costs about $25. Brondell is a great brand, too (they make the super upscale ones, too). It gives you exactly the same effect as a shower, only without having to shower, and only works where you need it to work. (Also, if you feel like there's a little "left over," all you have to do is sit on the toilet and turn the bidet on!) https://www.amazon.com/Brondell-Bidet-SimpleSpa-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B075MMHQX7/ref=pd_cp_60_2?pd_rd_w=AASfp&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=00E2J3KRWWYVEH6XGC8Y&pd_rd_r=e37b109c-a2c9-11e9-a9ae-270e3ef58a57&pd_rd_wg=2kBOB&pd_rd_i=B075MMHQX7&psc=1&refRID=00E2J3KRWWYVEH6XGC8Y

Definitely self experiment. I've been tormented by most fibers but soluble fiber tends to be more gentle on a damaged gut.

This is the only fiber I've ever tolerated well. Heather's Tummy Fiber - Organic Acacia Senegal (16 oz) for IBS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009XFYSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_onZszbHRKEYV7
A good amount of people say taking the max dose of 5tbs per day actually stopped their diarrhea long-term. Could be an interesting experiment.

Used to do this, now I use a more natural "cleanser" like Magnesium pills. These are my absolute favorite: https://www.amazon.com/Global-Healing-Center-Oxy-Powder-Cleanse/dp/B00ZDYWUTC?th=1

I just started (since the new year) taking peppermint oil every morning, and I have to admit I think it really helps. I also don't mind burping a little peppermint in the morning lol

 

I only take it once a day, but also take 1-2 imodium a day to be safe, does anyone take peppermint oil more than once a day?

 

Here are the one's I'm taking: http://amzn.com/B0002UDK4Q

I have tried so many supplements, probiotics, digestive enzymes and prescription medications that it's ridiculous. Lomotil helps a tad but not enough, and it's not something I want to take every day. But then someone on here suggested Saccharomyces Boulardii (I take this one http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Sacharomyces-Boulardii-Capsules/dp/B0013OVW0E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426438763&sr=8-1&keywords=saccharomyces+boulardii) and it has made a world of difference. Thank you, whoever you were, for the suggestion. Finally I can keep food inside me long enough for it to do some good.

I also react poorly with any SSRI antidepressant, but this is an old tricyclic antidepressant which has very minimal side effects. You take it right before bed so you'll wake up a bit groggy. But the rest of the day is pretty smooth.

Try peppermint oil immediately. It will give you instant relief.

http://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406125765&sr=8-1&keywords=peppermint+oil+capsules

or

http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Peppermint-Oil-ounce/dp/B00028MKRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406125773&sr=8-1&keywords=peppermint+oil

I usually shoot it with a shot glass and chug water to chase it. It's been a life-saver.

what are your symptoms . And s boulardii is really good for infection
https://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Saccharomyces-Boulardii-Value/dp/B0056GCLVO

I would totally recommend this yeast for sibo/ candida and other infections. Check it out

Thanks for all your help.

I am going to try the following:

• L-Glutamine in powder form (ramp up slowly)
  
• milk kefir made at home (does not contain lactose) [start slowly, only a teaspoon or so, and then raise it gradually]
  
• prebiotic (https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0002ON8DU/#customerReviews) [start slowly, 1 gram a day]
  
  What do you think?
  

I get lots of sharp pains and burning, but Calmoseptine ointment has made a huge difference for me. I’ve tried probably a dozen other products and all were more expensive and less effective. It’s not meant for internal use, but I highly recommend for external discomfort.

I'll tell you what is so very helpful during these times is this simple to install (10-15 min) bidet attachment for your toilet. works just just like it should so you aren't endlessly wiping your butt sore. (that and my squatty potty and magnesium glycinate) have improved life for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TPGPUW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can order one that connects to your toilet on Amazon.

Luxe Bidet Neo 120 - Self Cleaning Nozzle - Fresh Water Non-Electric Mechanical Bidet Toilet Attachment (blue and white) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A0RHSJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gUn-AbXK9FPHH

Everyone on this subreddit, go on Amazon and get yourselves a bidet! Less than $30 to access that cooling booty relief, it’s also a major toilet paper money saver. This is the one I have, godspeed y’alls’ buttholes.

I have two different add-on cold water-only bidets:

1. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075MMHQX7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TPGPUW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   Both are less than $30. Installation is easy for an existing toilet.

Something that had a relatively good response with me was the peppermint pills by Heathers on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q

Yes, that should work. You should also check out these pills which have helped me in the past - https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=CjwKCAjw1_PqBRBIEiwA71rmtcbysCU1mRQxgpPZCORE0l7N6SRjyzo-8LfGn_wMeihlzeMMA75DqxoCQ-MQAvD_BwE&hvadid=174279189344&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9009669&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=b&hvrand=10268277466007255026&hvtargid=aud-647006051489%3Akwd-3099308110&hydadcr=21877_9445480&keywords=heather%27s+tummy+care&qid=1566409759&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I've been taking this fiber supplement for about two weeks now and haven't had diarrhea since. I still have yet to find my ideal dose (I have mixed with excruciating cramps), but I'm very happy with how things are going so far. Usually drinking alcohol gives me bad diarrhea the following day, but I've had a couple nights of drinking since starting taking this fiber and had one solid BM the next day. Again, I've only been taking it for about two weeks, so I'm not sure how it will hold up long term, but it's worth a shot, right?

Try to find some Calmoseptine. It will help with the "rawness". It has menthol in it, so a little goes a long way.

I ended up getting these. Hopefully they work. Only 181mg though, but they have ginger and fennel oils too. Any experience with these additives?

https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1505872337&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=peppermint+oil+capsules&psc=1

Here’s the link on amazon if anyone wants to try: Heather's Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules (90 per bottle) for IBS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002UDK4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2pQ1Ab5DRBTXC

http://smile.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Organic-Acacia-Senegal/dp/B0002ON8DU

https://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q

You may be able to buy peppermint capsules instead of going to the clinic. You can get them online for sure (http://www.amazon.com/Heathers-Tummy-Tamers-Peppermint-Capsules/dp/B0002UDK4Q) but I've seen them in many health foods stores and even just some regular pharmacies in the supplement section.

As for the IBS, I'd wait until you see your GP about it, and maybe even a gastroenterologist, until you worry. The doctors at those clinics are just trying to get you in and out as fast as possible, and when there's nothing serious wrong they just want to tell you SOMETHING. Plenty of people have IBS that barely affects their life whatsoever, so IBS is a quick and easy diagnosis to give somebody. Now, lots of people, (like the ones here) are miserable with IBS, so don't scares yourself quite yet with our stories.

Yes! I've had a similar experience. I recently got this book, it's mostly a cookbook but in the beginning thoroughly discusses IBS triggers, what's safe and what to avoid. The biggest things are fat and insoluble fiber.

The woman also sells this supplement that is pure soluble fiber called Heathers Tummy Fiber which I have found has helped me significantly.

I would check it out and see what you think.... the woman who wrote it is not a doctor or anything but is an IBS sufferer and explains how she did a lot of her own research into the topic herself. I've found the advice and info in this book to match much closer to my experiences than the advice to cut out fodmaps/gluten/dairy/whatever else.

I also saw an actual dietician for the first time recently and she also suggested a low fiber diet and said that the evidence is still mixed on the low fodmap diet.


Eating for IBS: 175 Delicious, Nutritious, Low-Fat, Low-Residue Recipes to Stabilize the Touchiest Tummy https://www.amazon.com/dp/1569246009/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ji73ybJWQ4KWN

Heather's Tummy Fiber CAN Organic Acacia Senegal (16 oz) for IBS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009XFYSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_uHM8AjEVwfksg

That tastes really gross though. Very hard to drink. Order the capsules on Amazon.