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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx)
★★★★★
I have been taking coconut capsules for the digestive tract and IBS lately and they have worked wonders.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/02/2010
Why don't you take just a spoon full of oil? Is there any benefit by taking the capsules?
Equalactin
Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 05/18/2025 133 posts
★★★★★
Someone on here mentioned Equalactin for IBS-D and it caught my eye. I remember it being advertised on TV but didn't pay too much attention to it years ago. However since I have fibromyalgia, IBS-D is a natural part of that package. I was able to find it on Amazon and ordered, just in case. Last night was one of those cases. I experienced an IBS-D attack after supper and followed my usual routine but this time it didn't work. I decided this was an excellent opportunity to try out the Equalactin. I only took one and within a few minutes I noticed immediate relief in my GI system and that's a good thing. Just wanted to share this for anyone experiencing an attack at a very inopportune time which is most times. Hopefully it will work as good for you as it did me.
SIBO Connection
Posted by Marnie (Nampa, ID) on 09/14/2019
Hi Cathie,
Yes, I found Dr. Axe's SBO Probiotic. It contains “soil based” organisms. If you do decide to order another brand on Amazon, make sure you're double checking who the seller is. Many sellers are peddling counterfeit products (and many are selling from overseas). However, in many cases it is Amazon itself who is the seller. It will say “sold by Amazon.com.”
I believe Garden of Life was one of the original makers of of soil based probiotic supplements. They were bought by Nestle ,unfortunately. So I don't trust their products anymore.
Cumin
Posted by Laura (Yorba Linda, CA) on 02/22/2021
★★★★★
THAnk YOU! I used to give black cumin seed extract oil already prepared to my son regularly - just to stave off stuff... But I stopped a while back and he has now developed Ibs type issues. THANKYOU for the good reminder. I've taken it out of the cupboard and am returning to using it. We will hope and see. Thanks and my 16 year old thanks you
Dietary Changes
Posted by Elizabeth (Ny) on 04/19/2017
Art, thank you so much for replying. I will speak with my doctor about the vitamin D and the Melatonin. I used to take Melatonin just to help me sleep, but did not realize it had so many other good factors as for the IBS. I believe I will start taking these myself because I feel if I can get this under control myself then I won't have to go to the doctors. As I said, I am up during the wee hours of the morning up until about 7/8 am when things settle down and I don't have any issues for the rest of the day or evening until after I got to bed and sleep for a couple of hours then awakened to an urgent need to go to the bathroom. It is so frustrating. There are things I want to do but I have limited my time out because I am so afraid of having an "accident" or an episode. This is nothing I have experienced before with the IBS and as much as I do get some bloating, the pain is very annoying and aggravating.
I have been drinking coconut water, one bottle or so a day, using coconut/almond milk in my coffee, eating very blandly such as plain scrambled eggs, plain toast with just jam or a waffle or two with peanut butter. It seems no matter what I have done though has helped. So frustrating.
Thank you again for your response. All is taken with great hope that I can get this under control.
Elizabeth
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mt (Bucharest) on 04/19/2017
Infusion: The Calamus root tea is only prepared as a cold-infusion. A level teaspoon of Calamus roots is soaked in 1/4 litre of cold water overnight, lightly warmed in the morning and strained. Before using, warm the tea in a waterbath.
Take 6 sips of Calamus root tea daily (one sip before a meal and one sip after it).
Eating green bananas (not ripe, hard to peel) will rebuild the intestinal lining. Carrot juice is also helping
Look also in the Pulse test book (by Arthur Coca) to learn how to determine if you have some allergies.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Eleanor (Atlanta) on 05/18/2017
Thank you, Janet. Can you please clear up the dose of lithium and pregnenolone? You have mg but I see mcg when I go to order--that would make a big difference! I already have gaba, l-tryptophan, dhea, borax, sea salt. I ordered kelp powder so I can fine tune the dose, same with b1. I already take B3 for cholesterol (1000mg 2x/d). I didn't see 12.5 dhea anywhere, so I'll just cut my tablets in half. On another note, to those who can't get the correct dose--try to dissolve the tablet/empty the capsule into a known quantity of water. Then it is easy to pour off half to get half a dose, half again for 1/4 the dose, etc. This method works for most things--1 drop in 1 glass water, pour off half and you have 1/2 a drop left.....
Dietary Changes
Posted by Gert (Va) on 12/11/2017
Janet, thank you for your response. I am already doing all the items on the first section, elimination. I will get the items needed for the rest of your post and start that when I've gotten it all. I have some lysine, but probably not enough, and the dhea but will have to get the methylene blue. I may have the l-threonine, will have to look. I have tried everything! When I try something new, I usually stick to it rigidly for at least 1 month and then reassess to see how it's affecting me. Thanks again.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Gert (Va) on 12/14/2017
Thanks, Janet, I've got some mb on order and will follow your directions when it arrives. Just wanted to make sure. And to the other poster--I have gone gluten free, strictly, for over 2 months in the past and it didn't change anything. I've always wondered--I had chemo as a child (18 months, so I don't remember it & my parents wouldn't tell me what or why--said I'd never get life insurance if I mentioned it). Did that start my problem? Is there any way to fix it now? I'm 60, so I guess all I can do at this point is live as well as I can. But, wow, that ibs d really makes life hard.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Janet (In) on 12/23/2017
Gertie
For the remedy it is one dose per bottle.
Some folks take more sodium ascorbate, per day as a normal thing. This is based on Ted's doses for the remedy.
In his instructions it is the first dose. All of the sodium ascorbate. I changed it because, "six people" Leaving the house with remedy in hand for work etc. It works this divided up way for us.
Ted's actual instructions call for the Threonine, methylene blue and sodium ascorbate to be dosed first in am. The lysine hourly. I got so confused as to who had what when. 2 people work third shift here. It is even more confusing as 1 third shift is Sunday that is counted as Monday. The other starts Monday but that is really Monday that is actually Tuesday. 1 works second shift. 2 work mornings with different start times. I could not keep it straight. I still cannot. Lol.
So I experimented on myself first. Thank goodness it worked.
Janet
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Rocky (Saudi Arabia) on 12/16/2016
★★★☆☆
I'm suffering from ibs for 3 years. the test that im positive before is h. pylorie and was cured by medicine but later diagnosed of ibs. symptoms are bloating constipation diarhea acid reflux. im look soome older post in your website may be the cause of my ibs is a bad bacteria. im trying now ACV/BS and lemon for two weeks now I have some distention still and acid reflux. could it be cured? taking probiotics acidofilos and yugort hoping for your kind reply.
Magnesium Chloride
Posted by Leila (Europe) on 03/16/2015
Hello everyone,
I am writing regarding what I believe is an IBS problem that I developed around 5 years ago, when going through a stressful situation. I was severely constipated for a few months and began noticing the presence of mucus in my stools (until then I never noticed anything of this kind).
Although I have manage to improve a lot my condition, and rarely suffer from acute pain nowadays, I still tend to get constipated when there is a change in my routine or when I am feeling stressed.
What helps me best to "go" in the morning is one or two teaspoons of ascorbic acid mixed with bicarbonated sodium.
On the other hand, the only thing that has helped regarding the presence of mucus in the stool is when I take one teaspoon of magnesium chloride with water first thing in the morning, but it is not as effective as the ascorbic acid + baking soda for my constipation. When I discontinued the use of magnesium chloride and started taking the ascorbic acid again in the morning, the presence of mucus returned.
I read conflicting views regarding the use of bicarbonated sodim so I am uncertain if I should continue taking it, or if it s best to opt for the magnesium chloride. Just wondering if anyone had the same result with the magnesium chloride or has any thoughts regarding this issue.
Apart from this I am healthy, eat a balanced diet and so on.
Many thanks! Leila
Onion, Garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar Enema
Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 10/22/2014
★★★★★
I have had IBS for many years and it has taken me this long to find out what it was and a cure if any. I was told by my family Dr. I had a blood disease at the age of approx. 12 or so, since then I have been following these symptoms, I have been constipated since I was born it got worse as I got older, I went from one Dr. to another for way too many years with the same stories, change my diet(?) etc. I was born on a farm so we had all kinds of apple and other fruit tree's that I ate all summer as well as corn and other veggies.I finally went to a Dr. and said listen what is wrong with my bowels(?)he said he would do some tests in the hosp.where I had to drink some barium and loads of other junk along with many tests, I said impossible. Nothing was ever resolved especially with Dr's. Then I asked my aunt what their history was on a farm, she had mentioned there was twins born into the family and one died from pneumonia, because the house was never insulated or air tight. Later on as years passed and my grandparents passed away my parents took the house.My father was fixing the house but not soon enough. There were eight children with colds constantly.When I got older I kept searching, I was very tall (5'11 1/2) at the age of 16-I was 110 Lbs. for many years and could never gain any weight at all, I continued to be constipated and severe back pain. Now here is the deepest secretes kept by the Government as well as the CDC and Drs. When a human is introduced to a very damp home it's generally called mold and/or fungi.For the past twenty plus years I have been trying every thing known to science and man-kind for info.and a cure, but absolutely nothing.
For some odd reason I came across a great remedy; here is the best solution: and harmless; I use a big cup chop an onion into slices or dice them, use fresh garlic (I buy it already peeled in a container) then use ACV in the cup with all the ingredients, it's best to let this solution set in the cup for at least a day or overnight, then take an enema where it cleans all the impurities and inflammation.I was so surprised to see all the foamy white stuff coming out.
I also read where a certain amount inflammation is protection against diseases. Good Luck every one.This remedy is a God send for me. I was almost ready to have a heart attack because of this poisonous inflammation near my heart.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/17/2013
★★★★★
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.
L-Lysine
Posted by Thea (Usa) on 01/30/2017
This fits in with the virus theories above. Lysine used to increase the lysine/arginine ratio to discourage virus replication.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Idow (Miami, Fl) on 04/29/2012
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (California) on 06/16/2013
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!!
Valerian
Posted by Mira (Strathclyde, Scotland, Uk) on 11/21/2011
★★★★★
I have been taking a 450mg valerian root capsule each night before bed for the past week and it has led to a marked improvement in my IBS-C symptoms. It might be due to the fact that valerian has a slowing/calming effect on the body and has allowed my digestive system to relax somewhat. The one night I missed a dose, my crampy/gurgly symptoms started coming back during the day, so I am positive that it's the valerian that is helping.
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.
Magnesium Chloride
Posted by Luana (Hollywood, Fl) on 06/23/2011
★★★★★
Magnesium Chloride cured me right away. I was given a deadly staff infection from a surgery and then tons of antibiotics over the course of a year and became very messed up. Doctors had no answers. I couldn't even digest food any longer and had terrible problems. I tried everything. Learned of the magnesium chloride from Bill from San Fernando here on Earthclinic and followed all the really valuable links he provided on the miracle of magnesium. Don't buy the magnesium in the drug store, its not the same.
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.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Jack (Leominster, Massachusetts, Ma) on 11/25/2009
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with IBS, awful bloating, trouble breathing awful pain. The Dr had prescibed a # of meds that didn't help. I started taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. I had almost immediate results. I wish I started this 10 years ago.I take it in the Am before breakfast and before I go to bed at night.
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 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.
Nystatin
Posted by Jerome (San Francisco, CA., US of A) on 03/10/2009
★★★★★
TRUST ME, THIS IS ABOUT CANDIDA...
I didn't get over my illness until:
1) I discovered that I had been living with intestinal parasites. My physicians didn't believe that I was ill at all. They didn't want to waste their time and resources testing, don't you know. I was so happy to have them *diagnose* the animalia I presented to them in a box.
(a) the parasites, worms, protected themselves by secreting a biofilm which is both immunomodulating and immunosuppressing. Do you honestly believe my physicians knew / told me that?
2) My physicians explained, (ie., LIED), to me and explained that I had "IBS". Try googling the two words: "IBS" and "TRASHCAN DIAGNOSIS".
(a) "IBS" is a catch all *syndrome* which physicians use to substitute for real medical diagnosis, given that they do not have the time, inclination, energy or desire to solve your health problems for you. They have other things to think about.
3) Once I discovered, after nearly two decades of living in a near constant state of hopelessness, that there was an alternative, legitimate community of health care providers known as alternative, holistic, integrative and herbal medicine, I decided to take the initial plunge into the world of colon hydrotherapy.
(a) This felt great.
4) I went on a candida free diet. I went to an alternative health clinic. I paid $40 for a refrigerated, very fine grain powder, mycostatin. In 3 weeks, I was 85% better. I can now eat fruit, veggies, grains, eggs, etc.,. I had not eaten these things in over a decade. How awful is that!
5) I returned to my HMO with the good news. They were upset. Pissed off even. They couldn't believe that I would BETRAY them like that! How dare I go outside of my HMO! I had gotten off their hook!
(a) I visited a gastroenterologist at my HMO, for kicks. I asked him to take a look at the word, nystatin, which is the generic form of mycostatin. He had never heard of it before but he was willing to do what I asked. It turns out, my HMO's database stated that NYSTATIN WAS INDICATED IN THE TREATMENT OF IBS. Funny thing is, nystatin is a broad spectrum antifungal. And very, very few doctors in mainstream medicine are using it to treat IBS. I met a woman suffering from the same thing I had. She gave me the name of her gastroenterologist. Same dude. I asked her if he had given her a prescription for nystatin. She told me, "No, what is that!"
And so it goes...
Nystatin
Posted by Linda M. (Newbury Park, Ca) on 02/26/2011
Thanks for the valuable info on IBS and possible link to infection. This has been very helpful to me and I believe I may have an infection that has been going on for some time.
Lemons
Posted by Irene (La Habra Heights, CA) on 08/31/2008
★★★★★
I have suffered intestinal problems for years finally diagnosed by a 'functional' doctor as dairy intolerance. A friend finally convinced me to try taking straight lemon juice from two smaller, greener lemons from Mexico and it has cured my problem almost immediately. Apparently I also cannot handle soy as I had a bad reaction to Chinese food. I have been treated by normal MDs and none have ever diagnosed this dairy intolerance, they only treated the symptoms and never identified the cause.
Probiotics
Posted by germanygirl (hamburg, germany) on 03/01/2008
★★★★★
i suffered from BV for almost six months after taking just one round of powerful antibiotics! the smell was awful, and my self esteem really began to suffer. i just went to work and came straight home! i knew i had to restore my good flora, and it does take time, so i had to be patient. i kept going to my gynecologist, and thankfully, she encouraged my attempts to find a natural cure, and respected my desire to refrain from taking any more antibiotics. after finding out about probiotics, i started with just regular acidophilus, which did nothing! then, i found out that they need to contain more than acidophilus, specifically L. Rahmnosus and bifidobacterium longum. This combination worked magic!! it is sold in the United States...i was living in Atlanta at the time, and found it easily at co-ops and health food stores. also widely available online. just make sure those two are in there along with the acidophilus. i should also mention that i was suffering from IBS at the time, which also cleared up. i still take probiotics (one a day) to maintain intestinal health, and they are great. (this was three years ago.) generally only get sick once a year, and a bad cold doesn't turn into bronchitis anymore. good luck!
