Natural Remedies for IBS Relief: A Holistic Approach to Gut Health

I have acid reflux and also have concurrent IBS. My IBS has been helped greatly by a high dose vitamin D. I took a lower dose vitamin D and it didn't help.

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~

I have ibs and I get bad bloating after I eat salads and some steamed vegetables. I eat fennel seeds to help. Any other suggestions?

Another help for the beans is to soak them 2-3 days. Rinse and refill water each day. All seeds and beans have phytic acid, and antienzyme chemicals that prevent sprouting except for ideal circumstances- this is why we can eliminate some of these antinutrients by soaking.

ICV and Candida: 2012 was a tough year after 2 surgeries that lead to much research. In fall 2012, my period became quite heavy where I couldn't leave the house for more than 3-4 hours. In March 2013 was given a prescription to clot menstrual cycle, which resulted in a thrombosed vein - I believe was caused a blood clot (April 2013, surgery #1). Anemic and weight loss for a few months, then had ablation July 2013. Since ablation, symptoms of menstrual discomform persisted (low back pain and what seemed to be swollen ovaries). November 2013 had painful intestinal reaction after reintroducing wheat, dairy and sugar back into my diet (and probably stress). Took ACV and high quality aloe vera juice successfully with a couple bouts during the holidays. In late December, visited gastero doctor who diagnosed it as IBS. He suggested colonoscopy and CAT scan. The day after colonoscopy (December 21), I was in a fetal position in great pain. MD, Gastro and OB said it was probably yeast from drugs after surgeries. After consulting with a host of non-traditional resources, it seems my ICV (ileocecal valve) is problematic and bloating a sheer misery for 5 weeks.

Earth Clinic has helped immensely as well as Jini Patel Thompson's site to heal my inflamed large intestines. Looking back, my occasional symptoms have included bad menstrual cycles, sinus problems, tinninus, brain fog, heart palpitations and muscular issues. ICV symptoms can be many and is known as The Great Mimicker. The recommendation is to resolve inflamed intestines to alleviate it turning into IBD or Crohn's. There is a massage technique to address the ICV online; peppermint tea (enteric coated peppermint is excellent to help the peristaltic movement of the intestive), marshmellow and slippery elm to coat the intestines. I'm eating bone broth (made from organic grass fed beef bones and chicken, carrots, celery, onion, zucchini and garlic. I eat all except the celery and easy to digest foods such as avocado, banana, pear; juicing green vegetables with apples, parsley, cilantro and fresh ginger; avoiding dense foods, chips, sugars, wheats, dairy, fermented foods, legumes that cause gas (a little hummus is good), spicy hot, carbonation, scratchy veggies, grains and processed foods. I've also been doing allergy elimination via acupuncture which seems to help. I'm also taking wild oil of oregano and Grapefruit Seed Extract to kill bad bacterial and repopulating with a super good probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, NAS super strain, 5 billion cfu (colony forming units), Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, LB-51 super strain, 5 billion cfu), Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. Also incorporating oil pulling and castor oil packs (3-4 x per week) and activated charcoal 2-3x per week to help flush out the bad. Will start an Elemental Diet this week for 10-14 days, then plan to begin eliminating the candida through continued diet, rife and acupuncture (the candida diet is basically what I'm doing now to keep the pain away).

Moral? If you're suffering from any type of intestinal problems, please consider having olonoscopies and GI tests carefully. Even though my physicians were talking with one another, not one thought of telling me about the potential yeast problem nor did they caution me not to have the colonoscopy while my intestines were in a very fragile state. This ordeal has diminished my health considerably and is costing me financially, physically and emotionally just to get my life back to normal. Blessings and healing to those of you with any form of IBS.

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

For Ulcer, you have to take 1 raw egg early in the morning in empty stomach and you have to supplement with vitamin C. But this can work for IBS-D as well, you have to try and see. IBS, CROHNS, stomach ulcer, UC, lactose intollerance, IBD, sibo all are just the branch of the GI disease manifesting simple and aggressive symptoms. Never heard of taking raw meat, myself at least.

I read on Natural News about a woman with ibs-d who said she ate only raw eggs and raw meat for a month and it cured the ibs-d. I'm okay with raw, but has anyone else heard of this? Some folks appear to make comments that are far-fetched on purpose, like a troll, with no care of the consequences. I'd like to do research first.

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.

What is the "Mother" they are referring to when mixing these remedies with apple cider vinegar or whatever? I have seen with the Mother and seen another with the X... I am skimming thru the articles but don't know what they are talking about. It is under Irritable Bowel Syndrome/ Treatment for IBS.

Any answers would be great :). Thanks

Having ibs-d can really be a battle. Blackberry liquid stops diarrhea pretty fast, like 2 days. I don't battle with ibs-d anymore as it really works. I haven't been losing weight anymore because of diarrhea, and my hubby uses it too. Who'd guess sucha simple solution...

Thanks Ed2010, it's clearer now.

To Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe

Good question.

You can drink Ted's Alkalizing formula at any time of the day, there are no rules. However, there are certain times when you take, it will assist in digestion and healing.

Why after Lunch and dinner?

When you eat your food, the stomach secretes the acid HCL to pre digest the food, break the proteins and creates an acidic mixture. When this predigested food (which is still acidic) enters the Small Intestines the pancreas releases the bicarbonate to neutralize the acid and make it alkaline and to create a healthy environment so the intestines can digest the food normally.

So as I said approximately after 10 mins or 15mins the food enters the small intestine, when you take ted's alkalizing formula at this time, the already acidic small intestine environment( for a person with IBS CONSTIPATION) will be neutralized and the food is properly digested. And this alkalizing mixture inhibits the bacterial activity. When the digestion is normal and complete, the excretion is is natural and complete. No constipation.

Why After Bowel Movement?

After a bowel movement the fecal matter in large intestine is almost empty and digesting foods in the small intestines are minimal (if this is a morning bowel movement).

Now you have more region to be easily reached by the alkalizing formula. This alkalizing formula acts an intestinal ointment. The empty(nearly) small intestines which has more bacterial overgrowth that release acids can inflame the intestines and cause constipation as well. When the alkalizing formula reaches the intestines it will neutralize the acid and also inhibit the pathogenic overgrowth. Neutralizing the acid in the small intestines relieves constipation and promotes intestinal rejuvenation.

Depending on the type of bacteria or parasites IBS can vary from Constipation to Diarrhea.

This is only a first step towards the treatment of IBS, fortunately this is alone enough for few people.

Hope I explained well.

Good Health

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?

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.

I've tried this in the past, but when I need a super-fast fix I grab the immodium. I usually don't know my belly will act up until I'm out on the road driving to work. I get up and eat breakfast 2 hours early to allow for this, but still.... Will have to give charcoal a better try. Thanks.

Hi Trudyg... Comfrey Tea and Slippery Elm would both be fine for the diarrhea form of IBS. Slippery Elm is actually used for both constipation and diarrhea. It is a very gently and effective stabilizing herb. Hope that helps.... ~Mama to Many~

Trudyg - have you ever tried activated charcoal for your IBS? My husband had chronic diarrhea for years. (Decades?) He never saw a doctor for it, just suffered and took a lot of Pepto Bismol. After learning about IBS I figured that was what it was. It did seem somewhat diet related (ice cream especially aggravated him) but he isn't much for dietary changes. A few years ago I started to learn about charcoal and was using it for lots of things. I started to give it to him for diarrhea. He was skeptical, but did start seeing it helped him a good bit. He now reaches for it himself. I realized at some point, that I haven't bought Pepto Bismol in years! And he doesn't seem to need the charcoal much anymore either. His diet has slowly improved and he has given up some foods as they cause heart arrythmia for him (caffeine). Anyway, John Dinsley, in his book, Charcoal Remedies, talks about using charcoal for IBS. You can take the tablets - 4-6 between meals. He says if this is too much to put 4 T. In water, shake it up, strain out the particles and then drink the water. (6 oz. ) I think. You can reuse the charcoal again and again to make more grey water to drink. Jessie

In the classic book on the beneficial use of Apple Cider Vinegar, "New England Folk Remedies" ACV's anti bacterial quality and helpful digestive capability effectively deals with diarreah. I've used it many times over the years for any kind of lower track issue especially diarrhea. Use a tablespoon or two in a glass of water and sip over thirty minutes. If you can take it faster than that do so. Repeat an hour later. You might need more depending on the severity of the microbe.

I was overseas a few months ago and knew that the area along the Mediterrainian where I would be, would likely give me a bad case of lower track infection and sure enough it hit me hard; but I'd brought a small container of AcV. I found some more in a local market and between the two warded off a really nasty assault by some unknown microbe.

Which kind of ibs? I have predominantly diarrhea and when people say 'this is great for ibs' they typically mean constipation. In that case, this thing they are suggesting is the last thing I need to take!

Jessica, 1 T. in 8 oz. of water, morning and evening is generally enough to help with tons of health problems. But you might want to start with 1 t. per glass of water for a few days first and then work up to 1 T. I know it has made a big difference in my own digestive challenges. (reflux and gall bladder.)

If you have not tried Slippery Elm, you could try that, too. It is a great herb for IBS. You would take 1 t. Of powder 4 times a day. Rachel Weaver recommends this in her book, "Be Your Own Doctor. " For IBS, she would also recommend 2-3 cups of comfrey tea each day. Both herbs are excellent for IBS and other disorders. She would also say you must resolved the cause of IBS, be it constipation, diet, etc. But that the slippery elm and comfrey will help give much relief. Both are healing to the digestive tract.

Let us know what helps you!

~Mama to Many~

Does this really work? How much should I take?? I've been suffering from ibs for so long and I'm miserable!! I've tried ginger tea, Rolaids, ect and nothing works for me. I'd really like to try Apple Cider Vinegar so please can someone help me out on how I should be taking it?? Thank you!!

Re: Advice Sought for IBS

First, you need to watch your diet. Keep a journal and record what you eat, when, how you felt, etc. Also note if you are stressed, tired, that sort of thing. You will notice in a short time what foods bother you when eaten often/occasionally/very rarely/in great quantities. For instance, I can drink 1 c of coffee but not 2 in a day. Some foods are definite triggers--chocolate, tomatoes, high fats. We are always told to eat whole grains, but this is very hard on ibsD. Well-cooked without peel is usually safe for fruits & vegs. Then, look at fiber. There ar 2 kinds, soluble and insoluble. The soluble is goopy, as in oatmeal and lima beans. The insoluble is roughage, like celery. Avoid the insoluble and increase the soluble. If you eat things like nuts, chew very well. Make sure you stay hydrated, water is usually good. Peppermint is an antispasmodic and can help with cramping--comes in capsules, too. good Luck. I've been helped by folks on EC so much, I'm glad I can pass it on.

The buttermilk has live probiotics, that's why it helps. I would never say I'm cured because it does come back--eat the wrong thing or stress and I've got a flare that can last a year. I've been making and drinking my own kefir which has been a fantastic help, so if you can't get good buttermilk you can try kefir. I haven't taken supplements for my insomnia the last 3 day, took ambien b/c too much going on & had to sleep. Plan tonight to take l-glutamine + 5-htp+ taurine + vit e. Any thoughts? It's morning now & I can change it if you have any ideas. Thanks.

I totally agree, when my allergies were just starting to be relieved I started eating bran buttermilk muffins with apples, nuts, wheat grem, flax seed, sesame seeds, whole wheat mixed with 1/2 unbleached flour, the neighbor kids would visit and eat up all my muffins. Sometimes I used half oat bran with my wheat bran. I like to pour them into the muffin papers with a large ice cream scoop, less mess. Buttermilk pancakes are good too with cooked apples and cinnamon on top with a dash of powdered sugar. They also help clean the pipes while they rejuvenate the intestines.

I want to say how grateful I am to find this site and the buttermilk suggestion cure for my IBS - D. I'm absolutely amazed, I have suffered severely for at least 15 years with absolutely no other helpful treatments or cures at all until now and within one day Yes only one day and I'm cured. I couldn't eat or drink anything without having to run to bathroom and I alway felt like I was starving even nauseous feeling even during and directly after eating. Organic buttermilk was suggested but I could only find CULTURED or regular buttermilk so I chose the cultured at my local grocery store in milk section [ just FYI info for other desperate people ] to someone else that may not have acsess to healthfood stores and it was very inexpensive aswell... Cultured Buttermilk worked a miracle for me. Thanks for reading and I hope this helps other aswell. Cindy

I think my last post didn't make it! If this is redundant- my apologies. I fought with e-coli, and started losing 1/2 a lb a day. I took pro-biotics, anti-biotics, nothing helping. I take D____, a blackberry liquid. I can only find it on Amazon, and a few nutrition stores in Dallas, TX. It totally helped. I suffer from IBS, as well, and I take the it about 2-3 x a week. It lets me live normally!!!

Have you tried cutting all forms of Gluten out of your diet. I used to be like you and I am much better. You probably have undiagnosed Celiac Disease. It is very hard to diagnose even when you take all their tests. The only way to know for sure is to study gluten and all the names for it in food and remove it totally from your diet. If you have Celiac Disease and you don't remove Gluten from your diet you will get intestinal cancer. Celiac is an autoimmune disease that manifests with intestinal damage when you eat gluten products. If you have any problems eating dairy products that is also a big tip off that you have Celiac. I got lactose intolerant from intestinal damage due to Celiac. I have been gluten free for 9 months and I can eat some dairy now. Get the book "Wheat Belly", it will save your life.

Hello Wildstormy1, IBS [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] is caused by variety of issues, even hiatus hernia can manifest IBS or low stomach acid can also show symptoms of IBS or hypothyroid can also show the same symptoms. Main reason, infection in GI.

First start with Ted's alkalizing formula 3 times a day.
To heal the intestine, drink wheat grass juice 30ml a day. Colonize your intestines with probiotics by taking Milk Kefir, Miso, Saurkraut.

Once the intestines starts to heal your digestion will improve. This will take long time.

I urge you to read Hemorrhoids section in EC, it is has more information regarding UC and IBS.

There are variety natural treatments to treat IBS, above said are the simple ones. Ted's alkalizing formula is a must, Without alkalizing your body the healing process will not begin.

Good Health

I have had IBS-D for more than 20 yrs. Now that I've been Gluten Free for about a year, I have alternating bowel functions. Do you think that coconut oil will help with the dual functionality? I am so willing to try anything.

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.

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.

I have had IBS / Chrohn for awhile now. Probably over 10 years or more. I always thought that I was weak and was easily food sensitive or that my intestines were weak and it would constantly get scarred and bleed. I often get diarrhea after eating and my stools would often contain Mucus and Blood. Never knew that it was abnormal. Not until my sister was diagnosed with an intestinal infection that was resistant to anbiotics and displayed the same symptoms as me, and that was when I became aware that probably I had an infection as well.

I read that alot of times, IBS could be caused by a parasite infection. These parasites are very hard to detect in the stool samples and hard to kill, because they live in your mucus membrane of your intestines which is very thick in Fat and the parasites themself also have a very thick layer of cell wall protecting their bodies from regular treatments as well, making them extremely difficult to get rid of. If you want to get rid of these Parasites, you need to strip the Fat off 1st, and a good way to do this is by Sea Salt. and These parasites also live off of carbohydrates and feed off our foods. So we need to cut off their supply of foods as well. So I decided to go on a Flush and Fasting for the next 4 days. Here is what I did below.

1st Day: Drink 2 teaspoon of Sea Salt mix in 1 Liter: Early morning before eating or drinking anything. within 30 minutes, I went to bathroom and alot of diarhea and gunk came out. Then I Prepared 2 Liters of Lemon Mixture. Each Liter contained Water, 2 lemon, 6-8 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup (100%, Grade B), and 1/2 cayenne pepper. Mix well. And drink about 8-10 oz every hour or so for the whole day.

2nd Day: (Same as 1st day). But, I flushed with sea salt 2x. One time in morning and one time before I go to bed. and I also added 2 tablespoon of Applecider Vinegar mixed in 8 oz of water after each flush. I waited for 30 -45 minutes after the Sea Salt Flush to go through, then I would drink my Applecider Vinegar in 8 oz of water. Wait for about 15-30 minutes, and then drink my lemon mixture (8-10oz every 1 hour or so, until I am done with the 2 liters).

3rd Day: (Same as 2nd Day). But, I flushed 3x with Sea Salt (and now, I increased by 1 teaspoon, so each time I flushed, I was using 3 teaspoon in 1 liter of water), followed by 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar within 30 -45 minutes after each flush.

Note: The reason why, I flushed 3x istead of 2 (and also increasing 1 extra teaspoon) is because , I want to make sure to do it frequent enough and for the Sea Salt to be strong enough to kill all the Bacterias that are harmful and parasites or anything else in my intestines that are living in there that could be harmful to me. And I want to flush them all out. On this 3rd day, I honestly feel like a hollow tube. Flush, Flush, Flush.

4th Day: I also Flushed for 3 times (with 3 teaspoon of Sea Salt in I liter of water), but now, I discontinued and stop using the Lemon Mixture with cayenne pepper. Instead, I bought 3 bunches of Cilantro at the store and I blend it with 2-3 Tablespoon of Milk Thistle ( you could either use milk thistle seeds, roots, or stems). What I had on me was milk thistle seeds that I ordered online (i already had this a few months before), so I ended up using those.

After I flushed with Sea Salt, I waited for the flush to go through, then I would drink the 2 Table spoon of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water and waited for at least 15 minutes, then I would grind 1 bundle of cilantro with 2-3 tablespoon of flax seeds. (I repeat this process every 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours or so, because by this time, I am begining to crave for food and I just wanted to end this 4 day fasting as fast as I could. But I couldnt stop yet, because I wanted to make sure that I got rid of eveything and also I wanted to detox my body from heavy metal and mercury.)

The reason why I chose not to use the lemon mixture with Maple syrup on my 4th day, was because I wanted to make sure that All surviving parasites or bacterias or harmful creatures living in my intestines will finally starve on this 4th day. Also, cilantro and Milk Thistle is a good combo to get rid of all heavy metals, including mercury in my system. So I wanted to also get rid of heavy metals and other toxins in my intestines and body systems as well.

By the time, that I was done with my 3rd and final flush, I got so sick from drinking the Sea Salt water, (Just the smell of it was bringing fear and chills down my spine) That I didnt drink the apple cider vinegar on my 3rd flush, but instead, I just drank the Cilantro bundle blended with 2 tablespoons of Flax Seeds.... And then I waited for a good half an hour to 1 hour before I started to eat regular soft food (I ate 2 big burritos) and NO DIARRHEA OR BLOODY STOOL (usually, I would get diarrhea within 30 minutes or so)!!!

Next day, I ate, and NO DIARRHEA OR BLOODY STOOL... And I was very thankful and It has been that way ever since.... I am just very thankful, and I felt that my prayers has been finally answered. God Luck in using this 4 day method to cure your IBS. You are in my prayers.

Note: There are many times, that I wanted to end this fast early, especially on my 3rd day and 4th day... But I am totally glad that I stuck through it. I dont know if just flushing for 2 days would completely get rid of everything, but I was thinking that I wanted to end this torment once and for all, so I chose to do it in 4 days and slowly built my body up to 3 Sea Salt flushes per day (using starting with 2 teaspoon and ending with 3 teaspoon of Sea Salt). That is alot of flushing though.

Hi kazim I had 99% of the same symptoms u are experiencing. I have tried everything under the sun to cure this condition. To much despair lots of doctors have failed to help and then this one doctor cured my 5 yr old condition. Google "sarotena" and "franxit" and tell your physician these mild anti-depressants will cure take care of your IBS. Now that my problems are better I maintain (helps a lot) my stomach health by doing yoga and excercised (ones that make you sweat) to improve stomach health. Taking Apple Cider Vinegar one a day is also very helpul, so is a cup of probiotic yogurt. Hope my advise can solve your issues.

For some reason whevener I take Vinegar it makes my joint hurt. I feel the pain in my bones! And seems to worsen IBS a bit.

This response is for Kazim from Pakistan - Kazim, I would also recommend reading Jordan Ruben's book entitled, "Patient Heal thyself". Your condition is most certainly resulting from a "Leaky Gut" which is how you have developed so many food allergies. Leaky Gut comes about by way of Gut Flora inbalance (Dysbiosis), or other words, your gut is over run by bad bacteria and other micro-organisms. My 6 year old has had IBS since she was 2. We are currently using the "GAPS Diet" to treat her. In order to heal you must achieve the following. 1st - Starve the bad bacteria through diet. 2nd - Nourish the body with proper food and probiotics. It can take some time to heal. Also read "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" by Natasha Campbell-Mcbride (GAPS) It has the detailed information you need to adjust your diet so you stop feeding your bad micro-organisms. We are starting to see formed excreta (mixed with Diahrea) after four terrible years with IBS. Stomach pains are totally Gone. Quality of life is much improved. Also, find a highly rated Enzyme supplement. This will help you to digest while you are healing. Oh and one more thing. Modern day wheat is a pernicious evil. You must eliminate is from your diet emediately! Good Luck to you! I am 100% certain that you can heal yourself! Keep going! "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. " -Luke 11:9

I have to give this one a nay. I have in the past been able to take this herb with no problems as a sleep aid, but ever since my gastrointestinal problems got worse, I can't take Valerian without experiencing an IgE response. I can't see how this would possibly be healing to the gut given that reaction, and I would use it with extreme caution if you do have similar problems.

After I saw the recommendations on this site, I started mixing coconut oil into smoothies, adding to butter on toast etc and within hours of the first time I used it my stomach stopped hurting and making that percolating sound for the first time in over a year. I take a little bit now whenever my stomach seems out of sorts (I can even eat a bit of chocolate which is an IBS trigger for me if I have some coconut oil afterwards) and the chronic discomfort is gone.

I've suffered from IBS for over a year and tried various remedies without success. I read an article on the internet that stated taking L-Lysine tablets could help cure IBS. I started taking one tablet (500mg) each day on an empty stomach. I noticed an improvement within a week and now two weeks later all symptoms of IBS have disappeared. I mentioned this to the owner at my local health store but she was adamant that L-Lysine would not ease IBS symptoms. I feel totally free of all the symptoms that I have suffered with over the past year so would suggest to any IBS suffers just to try L-Lysine for a month in hope that it works for you. Good luck.

Kazim, I sympathize with you. Please read Jordan Rubin's book The Maker's Diet. Jordan nearly died from Crohn's disease and searched the world over for a natural cure. The doctors wanted to remove his colon, but he was determined to not let that happen. He tells his story of healing in great detail. You may find help and inspiration from his ideas.

Jordan is a huge proponent of organic foods, friendly bacteria, and raw milk. After getting well, he founded his own organic health food company, Garden of Life. Products are pricey, but superior in quality. I order mine from vitaminshoppe.com where they are discounted. Good health is an investment.

Good luck to you.

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.

<<<>>> I have had it all , IBS Diarhea for 30 years, Seriously, it lead to colon cancer, 25lbs of it taken out, I am now in remission, everything is going great for me, CEA of 05 out of 0.0-2 5 , so the doctors think it was related to IBS. Please be careful, I was careful and the doctors drop the ball on me. I went to my appointments and their nurse found out I was anemic as the doctor said I was good to go. Now I still have cronic Dia f- n ria which has always taken over my life for 30 years, can you believe this? It has, I am the most patient person on this earth. I have written down 11 answers to the question as to how to CURE this disease of IBS w/ D, I want, where is a bathroom, gone from my life. I have been passed on to Dr. To Dr. Idiot to Idiot if you want my opinion, the last GI Doctor just let me go one month ago, very kind of them. They had no more answers for me as to how to cure or even help the problem except for DTO / Opium, it works, it slows everything down but not always. D is stronger than anything I have ever known and I am a cancer patient. I should know, you wouldn't believe the pain from chemo drugs and having Diarrhea, its like walking in a field of flaming hot fire, well as I close here thank you to all IBS suffers you know how I feel. To all GI Doctors, You are all full of C_HIT! Sell your Crap to someone else and keep on pretending to be a Doctor, your not anywheres near being anybody- your lower than a used cars salesman. Well I am off to the bathroom AGAIN!!!

I had suffered for so long with bloating and stomach pains after meals. Nothing the doctor prescribed made any difference. I tried altering the diet, eliminating gluten, lactose and vegetables, but nothing made any difference. I was becoming very miserable, because as well as the physical side, IBS is a horribly embarrassing problem, and I was loathe to stay in friends' houses.

Then I discovered Kefir, a probiotic. Even my GP had never heard of it, but it's made so much difference. My stomach is flatter and the pains have disappeared. It couldn't be simpler to use. Just add a sachet of Kefir to a jug of milk or soya milk (keep covered and out of bright light) and up to 24 hours later it will have fermented, like yogurt (but the effects for me were far more beneficial than yogurt). I eat it every morning on cereal with a little honey to taste.

I hope this helps other people as it helped me.

I swear by ____ ACV with the "Mother" in it. I use it for cold remedys, upset stomachs, constipation, you name it! My son has been taking it for colds and other things since he was 10 years old. He actually asks me to make it when he's not feeling well. He hates the taste. Lol but he knows it will make him feel better. I generally put 2 tbsp of ______ ACV with 1 tbsp of honey in hot water. It makes a great tea and tastes like hot apple cider! You can even breath in the vapors from the tea for nasal and chest congestion. ______ ACV is truly a great home remedy and I recommend it to anyone who has never heard of it. Glad to hear it's helping others as well!

To Kazim from Peshawar, Pakistan: Some of the symptoms you describe "severe pain on middle and right side of ribs (stomach side), no appetite" point to gallbladder problems or gallstones. I had those same symptoms and had to have my gallbladder removed. The test is a simple ultrasound.

Unfortunately, I still have acid reflux and ibs, so getting your gallbladder removed doesn't fix all issues that you may be having. Try a plant based diet, with lots of natural juices (I purchased a juicer). The juices may relieve the pain in your back & right side of your stomach.

Have you cut out Wheat/Gluten from your diet? And RAW milk would really really help you, check it out on this site and raw_milk_facts.com. RAW is not anything like commercial dairy, it actually will help getting the right bacteria in your gut again so you digest food. Read up on RAW milk so you know how it will help, and on Wheat and Gluten ( I liked the factual info in Wheat Belly--so I understand that today's wheat is not real food anymore and dangerous). Take 1 step at a time in making changes you can health yourself with more success w/o modern toxic meds. Check out info on digestion, food allergies etc.. on site and there are so many helpful hints to get you going to a healthier new life, good health to you.

You might look into the SCD diet (Specific Carbohydrate Diet). I read a book about it called "Food and the Gut Reaction" by Elaine Gottschall. There is a website too that offers lots of info on it. Just type in SCD Diet. Its safe and although its a big dietary change it works. It shows what you can eat while your body repairs itself. Good luck. I've tried it.

Gavin, how long do you have to drink the lemon juice until you wiped out the parasites?

Hi Kazim have you tried lemons? they do wonders for the digestion.. Squeeze a cupfull of lemon juice.. Dilute it five times and add honey to taste.. Then take a glass a day. It also kills off unwanted parasites in the digestive system, it does so many things that are positive its well worth a try.

I'm suffering from food intolerance/allergy and IBS for last 12 years, I have always stomach upset, gas (brosy abdomen) , burning/swelling, when I tap on my back I feel severe pain on middle and right side of ribs (stomach side), no appetite, low mood, weak concentration, sleep disorder, unsocial life, lost weight, fatigue, blur vision, thin thick sticky paste like stool (sticked with intestines/burning while passing/not hard soft but not like watery diarrhea/dont feel urgency to toilet)(1 or 2 times a day to clear bowls. I have severe intolerance/allergy with milk, all dairy products, all kinds of sweets, milk tea, cola drinks, all fruits, fish and eggs, bakery products, everything I eat makes gastro upset. I totally avoid dairy products and sweets.

I have done all kinds of tests ( food allergy test is also normal). endoscopy (5 times)[few years back I had always severe pain in stomach, vomiting with pain but now I feel good after using stomach medicines/h.pylori course etc. ]last endoscopy was normal, barium meal follow through, ultrasounds, stool tests, all tests are normal, but nothing is diagnosed, I also went to psychiatrist but no improvement (im 200% sure these all problems r due to gastro upsetness not due to psychological disturbance. (i have used many medicines advised by GI doctors but no improvement). Do u have any solution?

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. What a wonderful natural remedy. I have been suffering from IBS for years. One evening when I was having too much of problem, I surfed the net and came across this remedy. I took a single dose of ACV and felt better. I took one dose next morning and passed the day without any problem. Now I am taking just one dose in the morning and feeling good. One precaution, n it causes constipation so you have to keep this in mind

Micki from Swindon: which brand of rutin did you use because I tried this per your recommendation but am seeing no results. Thanks so much, Chelsea

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