Here is an article I just posted to my fibromyalgia blog. Feel free to post your suggestions you or those you know have found helpful for IBS. Sunday, August 5, 2007 - Helpful Hints for Those With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Posted in Fibromyalgia Symptoms Here are some hints for those with irritable bowel syndrome, which is often associated with fibromyalgia. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. If you eat too fast you will swallow air, plus your digestion actually begins in your mouth. Your saliva starts the breakdown of food. Drink fresh water frequently throughout the day, but don't drink it ice cold. Limit the amount you drink with meals so your food can digest better. Your stomach acids will not be diluted with too much fluid. Don't chew gum because it can cause you to swallow air. Eat small portions of food at one sitting, as large portions are more difficult to digest and can cause an attack of IBS. Cooked fruits and vegetables are more easily digested than raw ones. Limit your intake of dairy products, as many people have trouble digesting the lactose. You can buy tablets which will help you digest dairy products if you can't do without them. Use fat-free salad dressings or mayonnaise. Try acidophilus capsules. These help normalize your intestines and may decrease diarrhea in some people. Stay active after eating. Do not lie down for 2-3 hours after eating. Exercise for about 30 minutes a day, most days. This will help your body function better. Eat frequent small snacks to keep food in your system. Take a fiber supplement. You may need to experiment with different types of fiber and different brands to find one that helps you. Limit caffeinated beverages and carbonated beverages. I hope these hints are helpful. _____________________________________________________ http://www.bizzyblogz.com/fibromyalgia DonnaZ

Hey Donna Z,
Thanks for those great tips. I have had IBS for about 5 years now. Some days are worse then others. I think the hardest part about having it is that everything can be a trigger!

I have a large family and stress triggers episodes. I have found when It comes to IBS eating foods with less fat helps me. Foods like turkey, fish, chicken, etc...I often times bake my food and some of the grease will cook out. I also Barbaque a lot more now.

I hope to read more on this topic with you and help out when I can!

Smiles,
Lisa Robertson
www.diabeteswatch.bravehost.com
www.findingfriends.braveblog.com

Symptom Criteria for IBS
Continuous or recurrent symptoms for at least three months of:

1. Abdominal pain or discomfort, relieved with defecation, or associated with frequency or consistency of stool; and
2. An irregular (varying) pattern of defecation at least 25% of the time, with three or more of:
   • Altered stool frequency;
   • Altered stool form (hard or loose/watery stool);
   • Altered stool passage (staining or urgency, feeling of incomplete evacuation);
   • Passage of mucus; and/or
   • Bloating or feeling of abdominal distension.

Thanks for sharing your tips Lisa. I recently read an article that confirmed that the worst thing for IBS is fatty food. I was surprised by that. I knew fat is bad for you, but not specifically for IBS. When I cook meat I degrease it by laying the cooked meat on a plate with paper towels to absorb the grease. I also pat the top of the meat with paper towels or napkins. I rarely eat fried foods. Alas, this is not enough, as I still have IBS, but it doesn't bother me every day. DonnaZ