IBS advice?

Posted , 6 users are following.

i have suffered with ibs for about 3 years now. I know that its all about exersise and diet which is why i have improved and am still improving my lifestyle. I dont smoke or drink either. Does anybody have hard stools which end messy? its quite embarrasing when it happens at work as i have to spend longer in the loo than normal! Any advice on how to avoid this? i have a feeling its todo with too much fat in my diet as i have still been treating myself to the odd takeaway on the weekend like we all do. (im not overweight by the way lol) 

2 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    The evidence suggests you aren't drinking enough water and perhaps not getting enough fibre. Hard stool indicates that the digestive system has removed all the moisture from the waste. The soft ending can happen because the backup caused by the hard stool disrupts normal passage and causes other waste to sit behind the dam, building acid etc. So, try water, eat carrots and try to keep calm and relaxed in addition to the other changes you are making in your lifestyle. 
    • Posted

      thank you. I make sure i drink at least 2 litres of water a day. I suffer with anxiety so i expect that plays a part also.
    • Posted

      I personally believe anxiety is the root cause of my IBS. I am willing to be wrong, but most of the evidence in my case shows a direct link between job stress, anxiety and bowel problems. 
    • Posted

      yes anxiety plays a huge part. its a viscous circle.
  • Posted

    I have gallstones and am waiting to have my gallbladder removed. Before I was diagnosed with gallstones the GP thought it was either gallstones or IBS so the symptoms are obviously similar.

    I have hard stools, also stomach cramps and pain in my right side.

    I am on a low fat diet and I would suggest you didi the same. It's pretty boring but anything fatty sets me off again with pain again

    Hope this settles down

    Take care

    Sarah

    • Posted

      thanks Sarah. i have been checked for gallstones previously but i do need to keep up a low fat diet as this definitley helps.
  • Posted

    I have found if I get chicken out of my diet I am fine bits worth a try
  • Posted

    Hi Beth.

    I was diagnosed with IBS about 7 yrs ago and yes like you I have hard stools ending mucusy. I am a terrible eater just because I go days without eating and then when I do I eat next to nothing so thats not helpful but what I do find helpful is I take vitamn C & zinc tablets. Its not a great suggestion but it helps me most times...diet is the best way along with excercise but due to other heatlh issues I find it difficult.Hope this helps..

  • Posted

    this is a common side effect of constipation as had been said, as the faeces backs up, and in an attempt to relieve the constipation your body reduces the amount of water it absorbs from the stool meaning you get soft stools behimd the solid bit. if it get really bad you can get overflow diarrhoea, where the stool turns to liquid and seep round the blockage.

    try increasing the soluble fibre in your diet, keep up the water and exercise smile

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