Can you help me with my ibs?
I am a 17 year old boy who has been diagnosed with diarrhea-predominant IBS and acid reflux do you think probiotics might help the diarrhea and what probiotics should I try?
IBS and diarrhea
Diarrhea-predominant IBS can be helped by probiotics. I normally use VSL #3 or ProVen. ProVen has some evidence behind it and can be obtained at http://www.verywisenutrition.co.uk/. VSL #3 is also readily available.
What sort of foods do you eat in your diet? Some young peoples foods can exacerbate symptoms. Fizzy drinks often contain sorbitol, a sugar substitute that can act as a laxative. Also, a lot of sugar-free chewing gums have similar sugar substitutes that can cause diarrhea. Try to avoid fatty foods and keep to a low carbohydrate diet.
Reflux is common and often due to poor diet. Have a look at the IBS indigestion section that will give you more detail. Ask your doctor to check your Helicobacter pylori IgG level or do a Urea-Breath test (UBT). Don't get bogged down with the detail, but if either test is positive then you should consider having this treated with PPI's and antibiotics. Your doctor will be able to help. Have you had any investigations before the diagnosis of IBS was made?
Regards
Peter
Comments
Yes I have had a urea breath test and they found out that I have an infection but nothing to worry about. They don't think I need antibiotics for it because it is not too bad.
Also I keep getting bloated a lot. What do you think that could be due to? Also I forgot to say I have anorexia do you think that could be the cause of my diarrhea and would probiotic yoghurts be okay to take?
Peters Comment
Bloating is a common symptom of IBS. No one really understands the cause, but it can be helped with probiotics. The yoghurts may help, but they are not really of any proven medical benefit, unlike the probiotics mentioned in my previous posting.
Sorry to hear you have anorexia as well. Anorexia means off food to doctors, but I assume you mean an eating disorder. I'm not a specialist in this area so I would seek help from your local medical services. I wish you well.
