Does Lactic Acid affect the gastrointestinal system? [Archive]

cherinyc

08-08-2006, 11:36 AM

I just mentioned this on another thread, but I am not sure that anyone will ever see it, so....sorry for the duplicate, for those that see it twice.

I can't figure out how to search for info on what happens to me after I go on a strenuous ride.
Everytime I have been on one of those rides where, by the end I am dying to get off the bike - heavy exersion, something happens to my bowels afterwards. I am thinking there is something chemical going on, but I can't figure out the appropriate terminology to look it up on any website.

Basically...Saturday, go on hard bike ride. Sunday into early Monday, have to go to the bathroom many many times.

What's up with that? (I'm probably alone in this - just setting myself up for more embarassment)

chickwhorips

08-08-2006, 11:49 AM

do you have ibs (irritable bowl syndrome)? (you actually don't have to answer that question, just something to think about)

i do and i sometimes have problems after i ride really hard. though i get really bad intestinal distress. such bad pain sometimes i can't move so i just lay on the floor by the bathroom.

just a thought for ya.

Eden

08-08-2006, 11:55 AM

Could something in your sports drink be disagreeing with you? Maybe try changing brands for a while - one of the sugars (which one?- fructose?) can give some people GI problems.

mimitabby

08-08-2006, 12:08 PM

before i got into the condition i am in, sometimes rides would stress me out and the same thing would happen.
think about it; if you push yourself too far your body goes into high stress mode; symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. your body eliminates all that will hinder it in the short run (for a quick escape, shall we say)
We learned early on not to push me too hard or this would happen.

As i have gotten stronger, it happens less and less. So you are pushing too hard, ease up. It took me a while before I was comfy doing 40 mile rides
and at much lower speeds than you are riding.
I have also learned to not eat such rich foods; instead when i am doing a long ride;
i eat oatmeal for breakfast; lots of bananas, nothing real rich, lots of simple carbs including cookies and even candy; stuff i don't usually eat.

it's a big mistake to eat like you normally do and then get out and do a hard bike ride.

mimitabby

08-08-2006, 12:10 PM

i re-read your post. what described is different. happens DURING the ride..
sorry.

mosaic

08-08-2006, 12:21 PM

I doubt you are alone. I have known many people that have this problem with various sports. It would be hard to narrow down to one thing to reference, but exercise and the chemicals and/or hormones associated can have a harsh effect on your body. The real benefits or exercise is in the recovery.

If you are curious, start with epinephrine and it's effect on the system. If you really just want it to stop, experiment with food and times of eating. Try cooling down the intensity. I don't know if you are new to this or how good your fitness level is, but exercise causes blood to move away from the GI tract. It could be that the blood moving back in post workout is kick starting your GI tract. You might just be sneak attacking yourself, so to speak.

But, you did ask about lactic acid. Lactic acid is normal in the body. Exercise at high intensity causes spikes in lactate levels is more an indication of the buffering system not being able to keep up. This is an indication that you are doing anaerobic work as opposed to aerobic work, which is in a zone where the buffering system is working at similar rate to lactic acid release, so there is minimal build up.

Really, you probably eat more acidic foods on a regular basis and certainly your stomach acid is more acidic than the drop in acidity in your blood stream. Your blood stream just can not get significantly lower than pH 7 without killing you. So, the buffer system is always working, even if it needs time after the fact to catch up. You might try a more alkaline diet or supplementing with bicarbonate contains substances. Realistically, you might just being doing too hard, too long or having a bad reaction to your eating plan though.

somewhere in here I just confused myself, doh. I hope you will at least find some keywords to search.

Kitsune06

08-08-2006, 04:47 PM

I would also second the IBS thing...

Awhile ago, strenuous biking (the 'chase,chase,chase' game w/hubby) combined with work/life/etc stress made for serious gastrointestinal problems. In addition to lots of bowel pain/problems (curled up in a ball in front of my computer or elsewhere) I also had (thanks to the stress) ulcers and had a hard time eating enough... and then problems absorbing enough... etc etc, long story short, I lost way too much weight and got sick way too often.
If you have ulcer/heartburn issues in addition, I'd almost second mimitabby's reccomendation of the avoision of rich foods, and try prilosec otc to see if the p-pump inhibitors in the medicine actually reduce the acid in both your stomach and (later on in digestion) the amt of abdominal pain you experience later.
Be careful to stay adequately hydrated- not just when riding, but all the time, too.

BleeckerSt_Girl

08-08-2006, 05:05 PM

If you get lots of cramping and diarrhea after eating things like big salads with raw leafy stuff (lots of insoluable fiber), then IBS would be suspect.

Kitsune06

08-08-2006, 05:45 PM

...but doesn't everybody?

tulip

08-08-2006, 06:03 PM

First we give her asthma, now we've given her IBS!

Honey, you are not falling apart, trust me!

Did you have this problem prior to taking up cycling? Maybe things are just moving through better now, and after an adjustment period, will settle down.

But keep track of what you eat, your activities, and how it affects you. And see a doctor (again) if this keeps up.

deidre

08-08-2006, 07:03 PM

I suffer from the same things that you mention but usually before and after I run (it's much worse the morning of a race). I am a biking newbie and don't ride for too long or too far yet so I have no idea if this will also be the case for me when biking.

I read something in Runner's World and online that might be informative. I have posted the link to the runner's world article and copied a couple of sections I found interesting (and you might as well). While this seems to be written regarding issues with nausea (and even undigested foods), I find that I have something that happens with my stomach and this causes me to spend a lot of time in the bathroom/porta potties before or after a run.
________________________________________________________________
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-53-84-0-1040-1-3-2,00.html
Solution: Settle your stomach and mind.
Eat a light meal that is low in fat, protein, and fiber at least 2 hours before a race or hard workout. Also, practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress. If throwing up has become a conditioned response to hard races or a particular workout, give yourself a reward every time you finish a race or workout without getting sick. And always have positive mental images to recall if you're on the verge of becoming sick. Recall a cold, clear mountain stream, or something else refreshing.

Problem: Slow digestion
When we exercise, blood is shunted away from the stomach in order to supply the muscles and skin. As a result, your digestion slows. So, for example, if the sports drink you use during competition is too concentrated, it will not be absorbed and will either sit in your stomach or be expelled.

Solution: Reach for less-concentrated drinks.
Make sure your sports drink is at most 5 to 6 percent carbohydrate, and drink it on your long training runs. If you know a race is going to be offering a certain sports drink, practice with it beforehand. If you find that the carbohydrate concentration is too high for you, try drinking half water and half sports drink at each fluid station.

Problem: Anxiety
When we become nervous before a race, our sympathetic nervous system is triggered. This fight-or-flight mechanism is what prepares us for action. At the same time, the parasympathetic system, which directs digestion, is slowed. The bottom line: If your anxiety is too great, the undigested food in your stomach may want out.
_________________________________________________________________

Bruno28

08-09-2006, 02:27 AM

I sympathise -

I have Crohn's disease and have just started cycling. I'm experiencing the same problem but I put it down to the extra exercise jiggling things up, so to speak. I'm hoping it will settle down.

Loads of really great info for us newbies on these forums BTW!

betagirl

08-09-2006, 04:44 AM

Hey Bruno, another crohnie here :D I'm doing pretty well overall, but if I push myself too hard my guts go haywire on me. I've been riding since I was diagnosed, and overall it makes me feel better. I get pretty bummed when I have a flareup and can't ride. Last season around this time I simply tanked, lost all my speed and stopped riding for like 6 months. It was bad. I'm hoping to avoid a repeat of that.

I was riding with my club today and my god I thought I was going to hurl. It was me and 2 guys, and they were pushing the pace to 25mph. I just kept falling off to keep my guts in check. So for me, I get the pukey feeling mostly when I'm anerobic.

bikerbarb

08-09-2006, 04:57 AM

Bicycling magazine had an article this month on stomach upsets, you should look for it. Basically, it said that people shouldn't overdo the carbohydrates while riding--sports drinks or food carbs, but diagnosed this guy's problem as his system couldn't handle too much. I personally eat sparsely before and while riding or I feel really bloated and slow. I also stick to simple food, mostly fruit, don't do processed or junky food while riding. I feel much stronger and faster.
I was amazed on a week long 500 mile tour that some people would down big cafe breakfasts of pancakes and bacon and eggs, coffee, etc. and get on their bikes and ride. I would start w/a banana and eat another or half a cup of cereal and milk by 25 miles. Then they would repeat the process with lunch stops. I just can't do it, much as I love food.

mimitabby

08-09-2006, 06:44 AM

Bruno28

08-09-2006, 07:19 AM

Hi betagirl. Glad things are ok with you. I've just started cycling after not being on a bike for 30 years (hit 50 a couple of months ago and decided it was time to take things in hand!) So far I'm just doing short trips locally over a variety of terrain to try and build up some strength in my legs without over tiring myself. I've noticed that my abdominal muscles seem to be more painful than my legs (I think this is what is irritating my guts rather than being a flare up of the Chron's)...is this normal or am I doing something wrong? :confused:

cherinyc

08-09-2006, 08:06 AM

Bicycling magazine had an article this month on stomach upsets, you should look for it. Basically, it said that people shouldn't overdo the carbohydrates while riding--sports drinks or food carbs, but diagnosed this guy's problem as his system couldn't handle too much.

Hello everyone - bikerbarb - I did read this article in Bicycling, a couple days ago actually. Don't think that's my problem though.
I do have IBS, and know my sensitivities. I typically don't eat much before a ride - maybe a Lara bar or something. But my point is that I am perfectly fine on the ride. The effect isn't happening until many hours later, or the next day. Nothing terrible, it's just that my IBS is the "stopped up" kind. The more stressed I am, the longer it is between....BM's. (sorry, TMI)
So, since I am not someone who really has that everyday, regularness...it is surprising to me that after a long ride, I have to go like 3-4 times the next day. Like everything wants OUT. It's not that I have eaten a huge meal or anything either. I don't know where it all comes from. :o this is embarassing to talk about.

chickwhorips

08-09-2006, 08:34 AM

cheri don't be embrassed. from other things we've talked about on here this is nothing!

i would keep a close eye on the ibs thing. it does weird things to you. i got the tummy fiber from here: help for ibs (http://www.helpforibs.com/) and it helped big time. being up here i don't get a lot of veggies and fruits so my fiber intake is low. i noticed personally if my diet had lots of fiber in it my ibs didn't bother me. that websight is good for a bunch of other stuff too, not just the tummy fiber. i did this dr natura cleanse (www.drnatura.com) and it helped with the ibs (and weightloss).

happy movements http://www.smileypad.com/v224/Rude/On-Can.gif

im4smiley

08-09-2006, 08:37 AM

Hi, I noticed on my longer rides if I drank gatorade endurance during the ride, as soon as I stopped riding my tummy would start gurgling. And the next day I would go more (kinda soft). So I have been trying different things. Last night I tried just regular gatorade and tummy was ok. So maybe you just have to experiment with differnet drinks? just a thought :confused:

Bikingmomof3

08-09-2006, 08:40 AM

Hello everyone - bikerbarb - I did read this article in Bicycling, a couple days ago actually. Don't think that's my problem though.
I do have IBS, and know my sensitivities. I typically don't eat much before a ride - maybe a Lara bar or something. But my point is that I am perfectly fine on the ride. The effect isn't happening until many hours later, or the next day. Nothing terrible, it's just that my IBS is the "stopped up" kind. The more stressed I am, the longer it is between....BM's. (sorry, TMI)
So, since I am not someone who really has that everyday, regularness...it is surprising to me that after a long ride, I have to go like 3-4 times the next day. Like everything wants OUT. It's not that I have eaten a huge meal or anything either. I don't know where it all comes from. :o this is embarassing to talk about.

Do not be embarassed. I have the same issues, so you are not alone. I do not know why it occurs after big events, it just does and for me, I just know it will happen and expect it. Not fun, but it is what my body does and I have learned to except it. If it is really distressing you, it is definitely worth a talk with a doctor. I just wanted you to know you are most definitely not alone.

cherinyc

08-09-2006, 08:52 AM

I take comfort in knowing that I am not alone. And especially since, most of time I feel like I have to go to the bathroom (gas, gurgling, bloating, etc) and I can't go,iIt's actually, ummm....refreshing? when I feel like I have "flushed" out everything :D
I am laughing to myself at all the puns and jokes that are just flying around in my head.
Anyway - I have been eating for my IBS (monitering fiber intake, etc) for many years, so I really don't think it's what I am eating.
My other thought was that I have been fairly nervous, before and during these rides - afraid my lungs would give out, or I wouldn't be able to go the distance. Maybe just the relief of being finished with the ride is relaxing my colon (which is usually very very spastic).
Mosaic's explanation of the blood moving away from that area and then moving back after the ride kinda makes sense too. Like how I get at the beginning of my period.

Bikingmomof3

08-09-2006, 09:16 AM

I think you summed up everything quite well. Yes, it is how I am as well. On the upside I know where every restroom in the area is located. ;) My family has been very tolerant. I too watch what I eat, yet there are times when the nerves just kick in. Hang in there, you have a lot of support. :)

Kitsune06

08-09-2006, 11:35 AM

that was actually what I wanted to ask, but I didn't want to go out on that limb until it'd been reached by someone else. I've found the 'stopped up kind' reacts wildly with that much physical activity. Yeah, it's cleansing, but I know what you mean thinking "Okay, ENOUGH ALREADY!"

I think the best way to 'treat' this problem is both knowing that it's the result of being 'stopped up' and the activity moving things along, and that you'll have to just keep proper fiber/hydration in mind all the time to minimize being stopped up. =(

D*mn inconsistent guts!

KnottedYet

08-09-2006, 12:10 PM

I'm not IBS or Crohn's, I've got gluten enteropathy. It's also autoimmune, and also gets grumpier with stress. As soon as I read the first post of this thread I thought...

GATOR GUT!!!

I cannot drink Gatorade much at all without a serious case of the runs-bloats-gurgles later and the next day. (same thing with alcohol, but that's the price I pay...) I switched to the most natural/normal sugar drink I could find and that was Clif Electrolyte. Oh, happy joy! Not only do I have no nausea etc with Clif, it also helps calm my gut down when it's in a bad mood.

So I'm a Clif devotee: Clif Electrolyte, Clif Bloks, and Clif Recovery. (the Recovery is fun, but not so important)

My gut handles it just fine. Try a few different drinks/energy foods and see if one works better. I also eat a lot of candied ginger when I'm having a bad day, and that helps.

cherinyc

08-10-2006, 06:11 AM

You know, I don't think my tummy, and other parts like Gatorade either.
Also, the bf and I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on Luna bars, Clif Bars, Powerbars, Lara Bars, and a Clif - Nectar bar.
Turns out that soy really really bothers me. Which sucks, because it seems to be in EVERY DAMN THING!! :mad:
Except the Lara bars and the Nectar bars, which are nuts and dates, pretty much.
I actually like Tofu too - but I have found that consuming even a little bit of soy - anything - causes gastrointestinal distress for like 2 days. Edamame is the worst. Seriously, it causes the "I wish I lived alone" type of bad.:eek:
Oh well.

Bikingmomof3

08-10-2006, 06:28 AM

Cheri,
One of my boys has the same intestinal issues I have, only soy REALLY causes him discomfort and it is in almost everything. If you know of some sport bars he can eat, please let me know. Poor kids just gets miserable and he needs to gain weight. :(

KnottedYet

08-10-2006, 07:22 AM

Bikingmomof3

08-10-2006, 08:22 AM

Lara bars and Clif Nectar bars have no soy.

Clif Shot Bloks have no soy, and are like easy-to-swallow-and-chew gummi bears.

(no gluten, either! Regular Clif bars have oats in 'em, which make me sick sick sick)

Thank You! I am writing these down. I have not personally tried Lara or Clif Shot bloks, but I like The Nectar bars and so does my son. I will look for the other two. Thanks. :)

Dogmama

08-10-2006, 11:59 AM

I was amazed on a week long 500 mile tour that some people would down big cafe breakfasts of pancakes and bacon and eggs, coffee, etc. and get on their bikes and ride. I would start w/a banana and eat another or half a cup of cereal and milk by 25 miles. Then they would repeat the process with lunch stops. I just can't do it, much as I love food.

I don't see how people eat that much fat & ride. I can barely choke down a protein drink before I go out.

I have IBS too - same kind as you, Cheri. They call it "IBS-C". You might want to start a food diary & see what upsets you. Soy is obviously a culprit. Coffee and carbonated soft drinks can affect IBS too.

I've seen lots of docs & they don't know what is up with IBS. Stress is a biggie, though. I take "gentle fibers" by Jarrow and "greens plus" (get the berry flavored, otherwise you won't be able to choke it down.) plus probiotics and that seems to help. I also take Miralax daily with my "green fiber cocktail." Drink fast!

cherinyc

08-10-2006, 12:17 PM

Dogmama - IBS-C - is that what they're calling it? Hmmm. About 2 years ago I had a colonoscopy just to make sure that there was nothing else - and the doc said he could see the signs of IBS. Not sure how, but....
Thankfully I am not a big fan of carbonated soft drinks, though every once in a while (1 in 2-3 months) I crave a diet coke from the fountain (never bottle or can). I do have an ice coffee in the morning - but it's pretty watered down. Other than that, I have tried acidophillus (sp) and every brand of anti-bloating/gas remedy available OTC - nothing seems to work.
Anything made with white flours will hurt me for 2-3 days. Can't eat beans (except green ones). Can't eat pasta or rice. I can eat some whole grain stuff though, so I don't think I have a wheat allergy. Corn about kills me. Popped -kernel - or cob - doesn't matter. Can't eat potatoes - but I can eat french fries for some reason. I think it's the grease - helps it move along;)
Sorry - rambling now.

But I should mention - I eat lots of greens...I love veggies. Most don't bother me at all. I eat PLENTY of fiber. Lots of nuts.

nicola77

08-10-2006, 12:19 PM

i have read some where that to many carbs can make the stomach to swell .i also have ibs and i found to much bread and not enough water can make my symtoms worse maybe trying a very simple diet if you do drink tea and coffe try decaf .

chickwhorips

08-10-2006, 01:05 PM

cheri i was about to wonder what you could eat. at least you can have veggies.

Geonz

08-10-2006, 02:31 PM

I don't have IBS (tho' I can't eat/drink a whole, long list of thigns that are acidic or strong on an empty stomach - like tea- without it simply bouncing back 20' later)... but Clif bars definitely, always give me stinky gas (tho' not *severe* - like Marge's great-tasting onion/garlic roasted veggies...) . If it's all there is at a rest stop for a long ride, I'll eat 'em but not happily.

I tend to be a free-flowing person, myself and have pondered wehther that's correlated to my free-flowing personality... I don't keep much inside in many different concrete and abstract ways :-)

bcipam

08-10-2006, 02:50 PM

Sortof wandered into this thread late and I'm glad to read it. I'm 55 and for most of my life have had no problems. I am lactose intolerate but that's easy to deal with and have some food allergies (garlic and onions) also easy to deal with. But for the last few months I've developed this horrible stomach/intestines/bowel problem (yes I'm been to a doctor and now have a colonscopy sch'd). My stomach or bowels (I can't pinpoint the exact location) literally hurts all the time. Upon waking, I have a terrible urge/cramping need to use the restroom. It also usually happens later in the day (around 5p). I can't connect this problem to anything other than stress. I have a number of events happen in my life this year that have been extremely stressful. But not like that hasn't happened before. This stomach thing has me blaffled. Only good thing is I've lost some weight cause when I eat I get crampy so I don't eat (OK, OK I do eat - trust me not anorexic!, just not as much).

The doctor did mention that stress can cause my problems but I wonder if this has happened to anyone else. The doctor didn't seem particularly worried. If so, was there a way to eliminate/change the problem? I have been taking fiber as recommended by the doctor. I want this to stop. It at times keeps me from riding!!!! :(

KnottedYet

08-10-2006, 08:16 PM

Do you eat wheat, oats, barley, or rye?

Is the horrid cramping gotta-go-NOW the "free-flowing" kind?

How's your B12 level?

Dogmama

08-11-2006, 03:55 AM

Bikingmomof3

08-11-2006, 07:02 AM

Seems like "modern" medicine can't help with this. My gastroenterologist just doubled my Zelnorm, said fiber really doesn't help and nobody has an answer.

Has anybody seen a naturopath? I am thinking about going that route.

I have not tried a naturopath. If you do, please tell us about it. My gasteroenterologist is at a loss. There really is nothing he can do. I know IBS is different for each person. For me, the biggest trigger is stress.

bcipam

08-11-2006, 08:29 AM

Do you eat wheat, oats, barley, or rye?

Is the horrid cramping gotta-go-NOW the "free-flowing" kind?

How's your B12 level?

Actually no it's not "free flowing"... the "substance" appears normal but it's just accompanied with lots of severe cramping (as if I'm having a bad period).

I do eat some grains in bread and cereal (Cheerios and wheat bread) but not alot.

Not certain how my B12 level is. I'm scheduled for a blood test next week. Will that determine if my B12 is low?

cherinyc

08-11-2006, 12:58 PM

bcipam - if the colonoscopy doesn't find anything, then you will probably be stuck with the same diagnosis as the rest of us - IBS (Intestinal Bull Sh--)
It's gotten me really depressed before, b/c my clothes don't feel right, or I feel way too "gassy" to go out in public, and I certainly can rule out any intimacy with my SO. Of course the catch-22 of that, is that the more it's on my mind, the worse I feel. Isn't there some theory that your body goes through allergy/tollerance cycles every so many years? Maybe the foods you used to eat, just won't work anymore.
My IBS started when I was 14, though I didn't know it had a name. I just felt terrible after lunch when I was at school. Like my colon was being pumped with air. My clothes would hurt, and I was always terrified of having an "oops, that one just slipped out" moment, and having "Fart girl" written in the high school yearbook:eek:
'sigh'....memories. Wasn't high school great?
Regardless - I have wondered about Zelnorm, b/c laxatives and such don't work for me. It's like everything just gets stirred up more, but still won't leave.

bcipam

08-11-2006, 01:22 PM

Cheri:

Sure sounds like my problem but boy hope not... doesn't sound good. Actually I tease some of my friends that although I'm crampy and gassy I can't fart. I've lost my ability to fart (or maybe its fear that keeps me from farting - fear that something will slip out! :eek: ). My stomach just hurts all the time and I've lost my true love for food (maybe not a bad thing) as after I eat, I get sick and have to use the restroom so better just not to eat.

I'm trying something different right now. A reverse diet. I'm eating dinner in the morning (this am a chicken breast, some brocolli and alittle rice), lunch is lunch and then just cereal, toast or fruit as my evening meal. It did appear to help me this morning as I didn't wake up having to use the bathroom. Still crampy but not so bad. I just started this week so I'll see how it goes.

Still appreciate what everyone has to say. Makes me feel alittle better.

RoadRaven

08-11-2006, 01:27 PM

I do eat some grains in bread and cereal (Cheerios and wheat bread) but not alot.

Excues me while I interject with a slightly sidewyas OT...

but Cheerios???
these are a bread or a cereal???

ROFL...

Over here a cheerio is a mini-party sausage - bright red... like a mini savaloy... I wouldn't class them as bread or cereal

Bruno28

08-11-2006, 01:48 PM

Hmmm seems there's a lot of us out there with these problems. I've already said I've been diagnosed with Crohn's (it took about ten years to get a diagnosis) but I think I have a stress/ anxiety thing on top of that which manifests itself as cramping and loose bowel movements- some of it related to the fact that when my Crohn's is flared up I need to find a restroom fast and it's unpredictable when it flares up so I worry about it a lot:o .

I use Imodium (loperamide Hydrochloride- not sure if its called the same thing Stateside) as a short term measure - I think it would work for a long ride (but I've not ridden far enough to test it being a total newbie). You can't use it too often or you end up with the opposite problem:rolleyes: If you have an established medical condition you should talk to your doctor before self medicating with this.

I have less problems when I relax but I have the kind of personality where I worry about everything all the time unless I'm in my house or tootling about on my bike. The trouble about this stuff is its all very embarassing -Especially if you are British:eek: and the embarassment causes more stress which causes...its a vicous circle.

I'm not usually this frank, but I'm just back from the pub, hic.:D

Dogmama

08-11-2006, 03:32 PM

Regardless - I have wondered about Zelnorm, b/c laxatives and such don't work for me. It's like everything just gets stirred up more, but still won't leave.

I take Zelnorm. It worked in the beginning and now works intermittently. My gastro-doc said keep taking it because it takes 2-3 weeks to build up a blood level if you stop. She also said that it isn't unusual for it to stop working at times.

Stress and having my period bring it on big-time. And I'm in an incredibly stressful job AND peri-menopausal, so it's just grand <not!>.

Bikingmomof3

08-11-2006, 03:44 PM

Regardless - I have wondered about Zelnorm, b/c laxatives and such don't work for me. It's like everything just gets stirred up more, but still won't leave.

I do not take medication for my IBS. The worst advice I had was to take Metamucil. First off, I get plenty of fiber in a given day. The theory was Metamucil would help make me "regular". And it helps many people, I am not knocking the product. When I took it, my stomach swelled up like I was 9 months pregnant-oh the pain. It felt as though my stomach could be easily popped with a pin. It was absolutely dreadful.

kelownagirl

08-11-2006, 04:49 PM

BleeckerSt_Girl

08-11-2006, 04:54 PM

Yes, soluable fiber supplements (like Metamusil) are MY friend too!

bcipam

08-11-2006, 07:23 PM

Excues me while I interject with a slightly sidewyas OT...

but Cheerios???
these are a bread or a cereal???

ROFL...

Over here a cheerio is a mini-party sausage - bright red... like a mini savaloy... I wouldn't class them as bread or cereal

Cherrios here are a breakfast cereal made from oats. Or is that wheat? Anyway it's cereal.

KnottedYet

08-11-2006, 08:31 PM

I don't eat wheat, oats, barley or rye. Unless its beer. I can cope with the beer effects. It's worth it.

One cheerio, and I'm on the floor in agony.

Even the wheat in licorice gets me ill. (yes, there is often wheat flour in licorice candy)

I sometimes wonder how much "IBS" is actually gluten enteropathy, cuz so many of the symptoms sound the same.

Gluten intolerance/enteropathy/celiac disease/celiac sprue commonly ties in with a thrilling inability to absorb vitamin B12 properly. Even taking 20x the normal amount of B12 a day, my blood levels are only half the average value. Quite a few of the effects of low B12 are digestive symptoms.

Gluten and B12 issues are so prevalent in my family that my doc didn't even bother to test me. Chow down on that methyl cobalimine and don't eat grains!

Dogmama

08-12-2006, 04:10 AM

I
I sometimes wonder how much "IBS" is actually gluten enteropathy, cuz so many of the symptoms sound the same.

I was tested for that & came up negative. But, I think that we can be sensitive to certain foods and not have it appear.

My gastro-doc said fiber is useless in IBS. My PCP says take fiber. Nobody knows & we're all different. Sometimes I can eat salads. Othertimes salads have me running to the bathroom after 3 bites.

cherinyc

08-12-2006, 04:38 AM

...and metamucil is my saviour. As long as I take it immediately before a large meal, I can eat almsot anything I want. It slows down digestion enough to stop the spasms before they occur. If I didn't have it, I could never go out for dinner...

So metamucil RIGHT before a meal? what makes it different than the fiber in say...spinach, or oatmeal? Does it keep your colon calm?
Like I said before, nothing has ever really worked, but I am always looking for what may be my "magic" formula

kelownagirl

08-12-2006, 08:56 AM

I think it calms the colon, for me. My problem is mainly with meat - or any heavy meals, especially fatty ones. Bread doesn't bother me at all, salad does sometimes but only once in awhile. Any large heavy meal is the big problem so it's usually the evening meal.

BleeckerSt_Girl

08-12-2006, 09:32 AM

Cheri, I take my fiber supplement while sipping water right when I start breakfast, then another with dinner. I also take an extra dose with any "iffy" meal at other times. I find I don't need nearly as much as the container says- I think that is formulated for a big man. For example- the Metamucil capsules say to take 4 capsules 3 times a day- 12 in all. That's WAY too much for me! I would take typically either 3 twice a day (6 total) or 2 three times a day (6 total). Taking the full amount would give me gas.

Recently I switched from the Metamusil-type capsules to "Fiber Choice" this chewable tablet fiber:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100101&navAction=jump&navCount=1&id=prod2194337
At first I had some gas, but then my stomach got used to it and now it works great for me. I like that I can just chew up one tablet twice a day and don't have to drink a glass of water with it or swallow pills. They are sort of like big fruit flavored Tums to chew up. It just makes my digestion act close to normal again, Thank God. I do know enough to avoid some problem foods, like pepper skins, beans with skins, soy products, too much leafy raw stuff, eggplant or tomato skins, etc.