Diving Deeper into Supplements, Probiotics, and More

As I've mentioned in previous articles, I take IBGard when I absolutely know I'm headed into where I'll need it. Honestly, I probably don't take it enough. But, every time I do take IBGard, it really helps me. Just a spot of concentrated peppermint oil in the shape of two capsules (yes two!) and I am golden to eat whatever I want. I have raved about it to others and I can usually find a bunch of capsules in my purse wherever I go (just in case!). Also, I'll use Metamucil, Pepto-Bismol, and Tums when needed.

Lately, though, I have been thinking more about other ways I can remedy and manage my IBS symptoms.

Tea and IBS

I have started drinking more tea in the morning (peppermint tea with coconut oil, ginger tea, or even just hot water with apple cider vinegar, honey, and cinnamon) to combat against bloating and indigestion overnight (or waking up with constipation). I have definitely noticed a change in my morning symptoms (if there are any), and it also gives my body *something* to nourish itself in case I am struggling to eat in the morning (which sometimes will happen if I push myself too far the night before, ie. non-safe foods, too much food, too much alcohol, just a bad night, too little water, etc). As I am typing this, I am having one of those mornings.

Research into probiotics and other supplements

I have also been doing more research into probiotics, prebiotics, and other supplement options. I have been looking at different companies, locally and internationally based, to see what products and ingredients consistently help those with gut and bowel issues.

I have also looked into purchasing digestive bitters (apparently, they taste awful but are effective) to remedy symptoms. Digestive bitters are designed to stimulate your bitter taste buds, which then helps "turn on" your digestive system to higher efficiency and higher speed than normal.

I have also looked at adding collagen into my newly-formed morning routine of having tea (I am more of a coffee person). I have learned through research that collagen helps to strengthen the digestive tract.

It is really important to experiment with what works best for you and your gut and bowel health, but these are just some ideas I've seen.

I want to decrease IBS symptoms

I want to start trying harder to lessen symptoms and drop the number of flare-ups I have. I think I have taken a back seat in my own IBS journey/struggle for far too long, and I refuse to accept that for me any longer. I am also notoriously bad at drinking water/hydrating myself in general, so that is something I need to work on to better my gut and bowel health. Obviously, also this is a note to please be careful when doing your own research. I will do a follow-up article once I have tested out different methods and products.