ZaRaya, I have no objections to vegan diets (my niece is a wonderful vegan chef, and her carrot cake is the best in the world!), and I like the food. I just don't agree with all of the restrictions or the reasons behind them. It didn't work for me, but as I said before, we each have our own dietary needs and triggers. I didn't do well on a macro or gluten free diet either. I still don't drink milk, personally. I prefer almond milk. My mother drank a glass of milk every day of her life, and lived a healthy life to 88 years old, yet my grandson is allergic to it. So everyone is different.
I use and trust both Western trained and Alternative doctors and medicines. If they are knowledgeable, open minded and caring, I stay with them. The doctors I don't trust are the ones that say absolutes or insult other professionals or seem to think they have the only answer.
No one has found a "cure" for IBS, but every time there is a new process or medication or dietary recommendation, believe me, I have tried it. So please don't assume I haven't done the research. Some control symptoms better than others, but these are symptoms controls, not cures.
I'm not saying your way doesn't work for you, or someone just like you, but the science doesn't back up your blanket statement regarding meat and milk. That doesn't mean that animal proteins and fats can't cause inflammation; they can, especially when eaten in excess or not prepared safely, and if the rest of the system is compromised (gallbladder, pancreas, liver, kidneys, biliary tract and all the related hormones and enzymes), it can get quite bad. If one is dealing with another underlying disease, your recommendations might work.
We WERE designed to eat meat, however...that is how our brains evolved to where they are. That is why a healthy gastro system provides the enzymes and hormones needed to digest it. Supplementary replacements can be helpful if part of the system isn't doing its job, but knowing what isn't working can help determine what supplements would be useful.
Please understand I am not disrespecting your decades of nutritional studies; I just don't agree with your universal conclusions, although I'm very happy that it helped you. If anyone wants to try it, it's a personal decision. I would still recommend they see a doctor first, to rule out other potential causes of their issues.

I used the expression crusty buildup as an analogy to give an idea. It's more like a thick heavy mucus build up. Humans are NOT cows. We are NOT Meant to consume anything from cows. Milk or meat. Doctors are "educated" in controlled curriculums of Universities. Half the time they are learning half the info they need. I don't care if anyone agrees with my decades of nutritional studies. I'm just planting the seed. Do the research and all I talk about is repeated my many professionals.

Arleeda, my IBSD was diagnosed almost 30 years ago by a top gastroenterologist in the DC area. I have been through several research projects as well. IBS is diagnosed mostly through a process of elimination (haha..no pun intended!). I get a colonoscopy every 3-5 years depending on my symptoms. I also get an endoscopy because I have had Barret's Esophagus since the early 80's. It is well controlled, unlike the IBSD.
Your doctor may also want to do a barium X-ray or a sonogram to make sure there are no other issues. Biopsies and blood tests can determine if you have colitis, Crohn's or Celiac disease, or an underlying infection. Although I had occasional issues with IBSD when I was a young adult, it was after a week long stay in the hospital due to food poisoning from raw oysters that the issue started getting worse. Then I had too many months on antibiotics, which I have since developed an allergy to, that cinched it and pushed me over the edge. Oftentimes, it will be a mix of immune-battering issues that will start the cycle.
Not to disparage previous comments here about milk building up a crust in your intestines, but I think my doctors would have seen that by now. Just out of curiosity, I called my doctor and asked him. He said milk sensitivity causes inflammation, not a "crusty buildup". I'd like to see the science behind that explanation, and pictures of colonoscopies that proved it. Healthy guts have a mucus coating that lines the intestines. Occasional diverticulitis can snag a seed or rough piece of food and cause a painful flare or infection, and some people may develop a blockage for other reasons, but that's not the same as a "crusty buildup". Check with your doctor before taking Serrapeptase, especially if you are on any kind of blood thinner medication. It can interact with other medications. Always see a medical professional before trying too many home remedies. You want to be sure you aren't overlooking something potentially deadly like a cancer or other serious disease that could be treated differently!

Another thing that happens to people is, when they eat milk products and drink milk - the milk creates a hard crusty mucus build up in the intestines. Then all that is left is a very small hole that only liquids can get through. There is a back up of solid proteins from milk and meat. To help eliminate this, if a person takes serrapeptase as well as full spectrum digestive enzymes on an empty stomach in morning, the enzymes eat away this hard crusty build up and help return digestive system to normal. And, never, ever take so call acid help items like tums or rolaides. These block the pores in the stomach and then the stomach cannot produce the hydrochloric acid it normally generates to help digest food.

Cherokeewaha: I also have weight issues, and the worse the IBS-D is, the more trouble I have losing weight. My doctor explained to me about the starvation mode my body goes into because food I eat doesn't stay in my system long enough to provide sufficient nutrition. So my body doesn't want to give up what it has. I also don't get nearly enough exercise because even walking can cause control issues and accidents. I recently bought a treadmill and a fitbit to keep track of how much I move, so I have no more excuses! I'll post here how successful I am! ;)

Thank you for your article. A son and I have this problem and we can relate to the panic it can create in one's life. I think the medical profession tends to ignore the problem and offers fixes that just don't work. And they really don't have any answers because the cause is not clearly defined. It's not easy to be told it's stress when the IBS is causing the panic that sets up the stress. And at times a doctor will prescribe a medicine that causes the IBS to really kick in, when I complained about the oral Diabetes and Cholesterol medicines the complaints were ignored and the dosages went up. Eventually I could not leave the house and took myself off. I wasn't going to start take something else to block me up like some patients have done. So I decided to go off the meds and do what I could otherwise. That was my choice I don't know if it is the best for another. It's not the 24 x 7 problem anymore yet I still have my moments and I always must know where the restrooms are. The problem is always something I must consider. I could go by car however the idea of being in any line, like in an airport is a horror to me. It's hard to explain to other people, they don't really get it unless you get graphic. I never know when it will hit or what is triggering it although I know stress often can. It can be a nightmare! Thanks again!

I started reading this and thought I had written it and didn't remember!! I would love to go to a nice restaurant (which would require leaving our small town) for a 45 minute drive but, there is no way I could make it home. I have learned to just not eat when I have to run errands or go to the nursing home each week. It is hard since I am considered a borderline diabetic. I take 5 immodium before leaving the house and carry a bottle in my purse, one in the glove compartment and a prescription for the cramping in my purse. Also a bottle of water. I have discovered that I do not have triggers. EVERYTHING but BelVita breakfast cookies cinnamon flavored causes problems. Even a slice of bread, a bite of fruit, vegetables, everything! So I also carry a package of the breakfast cookies in the car and in my purse. I use them only when I begin to feel shaky or weak and disoriented. I take virtually the same meds you take also. This has been going on and worsening for several years. My brother has it, my mom has it, my son has it and now, my daughter has it. I truly believe it is genetic. I get so tired of begging my husband to speed up, get to the house, get out of my way, don't block the bathroom! We only go to two restaurants here and they are 6 blocks and one is 1 mile from the house and that is frequently too far. I do wish I knew why I can't lose weight. I can't eat much and it doesn't have time to digest!

How was this diagnosed? I thought I had IBS but specimens taken from the colonic mucosa revealed microscopic colitis. I was told to take 3 Pepto-Bismol 3 X day, and it worked like a charm. After a month I cut back to 2 PB tablets 2 X a day, and all is still well. When I travel I take Imodium every other day as a precaution unless it makes me constipated. No one except my closest friend and travel buddy is aware anything is wrong. My children don't even know!

Hi MovesYM;
Being Vegan doesn't mean all raw and it includes a very wide variety of foods. There are millions of delicious reciepies Just nothing animal in them. Most people who think they need dead animal flesh, which is the major cause of ALL disease, do not understand what Vegan means. It does NOT mean all raw. Research what is Vegan or how to become Vegan. Many diabetics have CURED themselves by fasting. Google - I cured myself of diabetes with fasting.
This is just knowledge I know to be true and I'm just sharing. Unfortunately, few people who believe that only drugs will help them, will go the total REAL health route.

I have fought ibs D since I was a kid. But wasn't diagnosed till I was 21. The antispasmodic was of little help as was antidiareah medications. I called the doctor one morning and told him I had to go to work, he told me to take three aspirin I did and have been using it to stop diarrhea ever since. I also eat oatmeal cookies to sooth the intestinal track. And ginger, peppermint ,and clove oil mix from McNess. For the sore Ness and pain during an atack. Along with xanx.

Sorry, my post was sent before I finished. She stays off of things with aluminum in them. Of course everybody is different. This is just what helps my mom
Everybody is different, so it might not help others.

My mother has the same problem and for a few years psyllium husks helped but no longer does. Now what helps is a certain type of granola bar. Also she eats raw pumpkin seeds and takesd pumpkin seed extract. She sta

I can empathize with you and your problems. Your side effects is exactly like I had when I was taking Protonix, a med for GERD. Look at all your meds and see what the generic name is of each and take a list down to the library and look them up in their PDR (physicians desk reference) and read about all the side effects of the meds. You may be taking something that you wouldn't dream cause IBS but you'll be surprised at what can cause it. I've had it for over 30+ years and it started out by flaring up when I ate something I was allergic to. Over the course of many years, I finally either cut out those foods that caused it or my 14 years of allergy shots helped stop many others. In the last couple decades, I was given Protonix for GERD (acid reflux) and I had your same symptoms. I was at the point of just sitting on a curb somewhere and just letting it go. Of course you can't do that but I did, unfortunately, have several accidents because I was somewhere too far away from a restroom and had to finally stop going somewhere that would take over 1-1/2 hrs maybe 2 hrs at the most. I also found that taking lowperimide (spelling?) 1 an hour until it stopped would help. Imodium is the brand name. Also, this last couple of years, I tried making vegetable soup and this was the one thing that helped the most to control it long after I stopped the Protonix. The Dr. was angry at first when I stopped because I apparently insulted him when I began treating myself instead of listening to him. He wasn't listening to me when I said I needed to change meds and he said no. I did anyway. I somehow knew it was the Protonix that was causing the problem because it was the last med I took before I started having trouble. I lost a job over it because I couldn't control it. I also changed doctors too. I now examine EVERY medication that is given to me. I have an old PDR and a drug guide book that I bought at a book store and I look up all meds that I take and those that are newly prescribed to me. Several I have to let the dr. know I won't be taking a med and she changes the med for me to something I can take. I like a woman doctor because they know how to listen to another woman and when you say that doesn't work, she believes me and we try something else. Always be your own advocate and KNOW what and why you are given a medication and how it works. PS my vegetable soup with meat is delicious and anyone who wants a copy of the recipe can email me and I'll give you a copy. It is filled with 7-8 vegetables and usually 2 types of meat, and it will be the best fiber filled food you can make in 30 min.

LivingSouth, I understand the fructose issue. I found improvement when I gave up HFCS, MSG, and several types of emulsifiers, including Carrageenan. Improvement is always a good thing. Sadly none of them are cure, and my issues continue daily.

ZaRaya, I am diabetic so fasting is out of the question for me. I also cannot tolerate raw vegetables more than once or twice a week because the fiber is too hard for me to digest. There are numerous thoughts on the causes of IBS-D. One person's triggers may not be the same as others. So far, short of remedies for symptom control, there is no "cure". Everyone responds to treatments differently, and finding one's triggers or helpers is a lonely and solo venture. It is helpful to hear from others on the same journey, and share suggestions.

Fructose intolerance can cause IBS severely. Corn syrup is the worst for me and I think that IBS is definitely hereditary. There is supposed to be an app for smartphones that will tell you the nearest public toilet.
Aggravating thing is how some businesses are now locking their restrooms so the public cannot use them.

Believe it or not, fasting and vegan diet will help you heal your problem and you would never get it again - if you stuck to healthy vegan lifestyle. So much is written about this, a google search would lead you to understanding. Fasting for a few days at a time helps your body heal it's digestive system too.

Maureen, thank you for your suggestion. I am on other medications that are contraindicated with Imipramine, so I can't take that.
MilshyHaran, I was gluten free for two years, and it made no difference with my stomach, but made my diabetes worse. I can't eat raw vegetables more than 1x per week or my symptoms become worse, and more painful. Currently I am taking Colestipol, which is the best improvement so far, but not 100%.
I'm curious if anyone here has tried Viberzi (eluxadoline) or Xifaxan (rifaximin)? If so, I'd love to hear how well it worked. I am allergic to most antibiotics, but would risk it if I hear enough good feedback!

Have you already tried going gluten free or grain free? Do you take probiotics? I agree that stress is a huge factor in IBS. I hope things improve for you.

Imipramine, 10 mg, a prescription drug taken at bedtime, has been my lifesaver.

I've suffered for over 30 years from what my doctor calls "the worse case of IBS-D" he's ever seen. I've tried Lomotil, Lotronex, Imodium, dietary changes, gluten free, probiotics, even an experimental new Rx "Food" called Enteragam that has had wonderful results for others. Over the years I have had temporary remissions, only to have my body start rejecting the medications. I now am taking Colestipol twice a day, and if I time my medication dosing just right, I can leave the house by noon and have a relatively stress free day. If and when this one stops working, I will probably consider surgery, unless some new medical solution is revealed. This is no way to live. I wish you all the best of health, and don't stop trying to find the remedy that will give you relief, even if just for a time. Every moment you get to leave your house is precious! Make it count!

Food does make a difference! And you have to keep track of what sets it off. I find that veggies are a problem; but one of the worst for me is peanuts. I friend took me out for Thai food, which had peanuts in everything, and by the time I got home it was pretty bad. Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter are OK.

These are the foods/drinks that I have found are the catalysts for IBS: alcohol, dairy, gluten, sugary goods, processed foods, lunch meats, hot dogs, high-fat fried foods, too much salt or overly salty foods, too little fruits/vegetables each day. On the flip side, to maintain a much healthier feeling and regularity, eat 4-6 fresh fruits/vegetable servings daily, drink lots of natural tea/water, exercise, sleep at least 7-8 hours, drink light alcoholic drinks (rather than heavy cocktails, beer), keep stress at a minimum. It works.

Marlis, I can certainly relate to what you're saying. I've been suffering with IBS for about 30 years! It's hard to find out just exactly what causes it because many things, both medically and environmentally, cause it as well as emotionally. I think mine started with events that caused major stress. My husband and mother passed away in the same year 31 years ago 5 months apart. Also, in less than a year, I was laid off after over 9 years on the job so I had the worst year of my life! I have found out that stress causes more IBS than anything else. I've also had certain foods and medication that helped cause it but the stress is by far the #1 factor. Not to mention the fact that I had a houseful of kids and I was a single mother after my husband was killed in a car accident. Anyway, when it started, I talked to my doctors who really didn't know how to control it any more than I did back then. I learned which foods triggered it, which meds could possible cause it and changed meds, and tried to control the stress as much as possible. It would come and go just like a bad cold so I stayed at home during those times. I decided not to let it control me so I would get up early, enjoyed 2 cups of coffee, ate my oatmeal and let it roll and rumble all morning long and I stayed in my bedroom most of the time. Usually, IBS will run its course within 5-6 hours and I wanted the mornings to get it over with. Now, I schedule all shopping, doctor's appointments, etc. in the afternoon. I only take short trips 3-4 hours at a time and I always research highways on the internet to see what's available along the way. My 2 cents, Marlis, is not to let it rob you of living your life. You know you have to deal with it so try to control it as much as possible. Loperimide or Imodium pills are a lifesaver! Whenever I know I have to take a flight (which causes stress), I take one to begin the trip. I have them with me at all times and take them whenever it tries to get out of control. Take the 3-week trip south with your daughter. You won't get many chances to do things with a family member. Take the Imodium before you get in the car and keep them with you. Enjoy life as much as possible because enjoyment brings happiness and that helps to keep the stress down. Most of my family know of my condition and we all keep in mind what I have to do but I come and go as much as I possibly can.

My chronic constipation is going away the more I use my new juicer and use more veggies: at least once a day I make a packed with nutrient juice. I love chunks of cabbage, beets, carrots, cucumbers, cheap grape tomatoes, ginger, parsley, all kinds of leafy greens that I don't usually consume. You can feel the energy for hours after you drink one glass. I was dependent on laxatives (natural ones like flaxseed) but I find juicing keeps me regular and seems to even out and balance the whole body. It's not a substitute for healthy eating,but it's a great boost. I didn't get a juicer for years because I thought I'd have to spend a few hundred dollars: I got my Hamilton Beach on amazon for about $50. Well worth it. IBS is a signal that your diet and digestive system needs help. Are you taking probiotics? Raw food gives you those needed enzymes: so juicing gives you that too. Blessings!

I have IBS - its no fun and though there are "trigger foods/ stress/ ect. there is no telling when something else will set it off - but I found that GRANOLA bars really helped...going on 6months with like 3 episodes!!!! YAY!!

After 4 years of dealing with IBS that stopped my travels, I finally decided to try
100% psyllium fiber caps/pills my medical care providers recommended. I tried the stuff one mixes with water or juice and disliked it.

It seems illogical to take something that is known as a laxative for diarrhea, but it works. Of course, I still watch my diet avoiding known triggers such as beans, high glycemic carbs, fatty meals, etc.

Another thing that seemed to be irritating was the Zoloft I was prescribed for stress (even though I didn't feel stressed). I had immediate improvement after going off the anti-depressive drug. I also stopped taking omeprazole. The system needs acid to digest food.

I've been using the psyllium for a couple of years now and rarely have a relapse.

i have great empathy for you, marlis. i have suffered through the search-for-bathroom outings and have not always been successful. i searched the internet and found this site: helpforibs and i srongly urge its recommendations to everyone who tells me a similar tale (there are many out here). follow the helpful chart for foods to avoid and foods to incorporate carefully and i feel you will find the relief you seek. i remained undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by 2 gastroenterologists. thank goodness i found helpforibs

Very well put. So few people realise how debilitating IBS can be. I too have suffered for 18 years since my husband died suddenly and then I was sole carrier for my Mother and I have found that as I get older the symptoms get worse. My problems are stress related so I have no way of controlling this! I do find that Imodium Comfort seems to control things for me. As the author so rightly says - 'Oh, the joys of getting older!' I also find it a help to read that there are others that understand. My friends are great but they cannot really understand fully. As for the black pepper being a trigger - I love it and use masses of it at each meal. I will try going without from now on and see if I am affected by it too.

I know IBS is bad, but I have IBD-Ulcerative Colitis which has a lot of the same symptoms as IBS, mainly diarrhea, but IBD can kill you in one of 2 ways, one, it increases your risk of colon cancer. Two, it causes these little ulcers in your colon which can perforate your colon, causing fecal matter to leak into your abdominable cavity leading to pertonitis and death. Stress from caregiving has caused mine to flare up. They are trying to control it with steroids, but I know people who had to have surgery to remove part of their colon and now wear a ileostomy bag. I think I would prefer IBS, at least it won't kill you.