IBS

[Folkwire]

Ok, I had been trying to tell myself I didn't have IBS, just anxiety-related bowel symptoms. But I think I might have it.

I'm 18. I have no family history of anything. So colon cancer is doubtful. Also no blood and the symptoms are mild, so I'm pretty sure I don't have crohn's or colitis.

What happens with me is, first of all, fruit gives me absolutely terrible gas. Apples and bananas(w/ sugar, that's how I eat them) especially. Also, while my bowel movements are normal most of the time, I still get about one or two every 10 days or so that come out weird, like in little lumps ie constipation. I eat right and I stay hydrated most of the time.

So does this sound like a mild case of IBS or something like that? My sister has diarrhea a lot and has her whole life, and my mom alternates between C/D relatively often. As does my dad. Both have had Colonoscopies and nothing came up except that my dad had a small amount of polyps. He gets screened more often than recommended now. But my mom's was totally clean. Anyway I'm rambling. What I'm trying to say is that my family has a history of bowel problems with no real cause.

So could IBS or a sensitive colon be something my family just has?

[sanderella]

I think it could run in families. I have IBS and so do both my parents now. Also my family all seem to be inflicted with terrible gas at times.

Raw fruit and vegetables are harder to digest than cooked, so maybe try stewed fruit instead of raw?

Also whole grains are good for the constipation.

The digestive system is often thrown off kilter with anxiety. But it can often be managed quite well with changes in diet if it's mild as you seem to have.

[Folkwire]

Well it was worse before I made the changes in diet.

[ocdengineer]

Do you get Gassy with stomach cramps?  I have IBS pretty bad, but have been able to minimize the effects through Gas-X and Prilosec for indigestion.  It has helped a bit.  I also drink Peppermint tea which works well.  Honestly the best way for me to decrease the IBS was to take the Xanax I am on for anxiety.  I am not sure if it is the lack of anxiety or the relaxing effect of the meds, but for the most part since taking Xanax I rarely have stomach problems regardless of what I eat.  I still have problems on occasion, but nothing like before.

Take care,
OE