Does anyone have tips for dealing with IBS-C?

Hi ! A registered dietitian just recently submitted an article about this topic: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/constipation-tips/ I am sure community members here will have more insight, as well. I hope you have a good night! - Sam, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team

I have been doing the Fobmap diet since before Christmas and still nothing is happening with the complete change of my life. Thank you for sending the article it was very interesting

I have found Peppermint Essential Oil to be so effective for constipation. I use the brand Young Living and I apply it topically on my abdomen whenever I struggle with constipation. It works wonders.

Elizabeth (team member)

Common treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome such as colon cleanses, laxatives, bran, senna, insoluble fiber supplements, and psyllium are all GI irritants or stimulants, and can make IBS symptoms worse, not better.I have suffered with IBS-C since a young child but wasn't diagnosed until 2014(63 years later). I have bouts occasionally of IBS-D but I can usually trace it to something I recently ate that was out of the ordinary. I try to not eat lots of fiber because I found it makes the constipation worse. I do eat oatmeal with prunes(3-4)and prune juice honey and cinnamon a 1/2 piece of sourdough toast with a small amount of non salted butter and grape jelly for breakfast. I also take Vitamins C, D(5000IU)plus a multivitamin & 25 mg of Valium with various amounts of supplements. I drink approximately 750 ml of water at breakfast. This usually does the trick in approximately 2 hours. If not I mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with honey and more water(12oz). Finally, if this doesn't work I take either a 1000mg of milkthistle capsule and/or a stool softener (1-2) if needed. Don't normally need the milkthistle or stool softeners. Only if I consumed too many processed carbs the previous day. I can eat broccoli, pinto beans(soaked prior to cooking) green beans, cooked spinach, turnip greens and steamed cabbage and carrots. I don't eat fast food only fresh and stick with lean beef, fish and occasionally baked pork for protein. If I experience any bloat or gas I take Beano and/or a food digestive enzyme. This diet has made a considerable difference in handling my IBS-C symptoms for the past 4 years. Everyone's body chemistry is different but this works for me.