Hi -

Like most of you I never connected my IBS w/ Anxiety. The truth is that when you get tense, your stomach muscles do too and hang on to everything that in your stomach & intestines. It's having all that old "stuff" (sorry I know that sounds gross) in there that causes the gas and bloating.

I use Psyllium Husk (in the raw form). It's a pure source of fiber that keeps your system regular. I found it to work much better than Metimucil since it dosn't have fillers like sweetners etc. It keeps your insides so clean that there's not a chance for the gas and bloating to begin.

It's not medicine, just a basic fiber supplement and most dr.s will tell you that the standard american diet is deficient in fiber to begin with, so psyillium can help even if you don't have IBS.

I've been taking it for 7 years, and I no longer have IBS.

You can get it at Whole foods, any vitamin store, Trader Joes (Secrets of the Psyllium).

Good luck!

I actually have psyllium husk from Colon Cleanse and I used it once (stupid anxiety made me stop 'cause I was scared to use it!) Recently I went to my doc and he thinks I have IBS so I will try it again. I notice that when I'm nervous I get stomach problems. Maybe it'll calm my stomach. Thanks for the info.

I am scared to death that I will have an accident in a public place. I have been dealing with the stomach problem for 2 years now. I am now on 5 different medications and I just know it is my nerves. I recently lost a loved one and I can not turn my mind off. I just started the program this evening. I pray this will help me.

I am currently 24 years old. I had my first colonoscopy when I was 9! I have suffered from anxiety since I was 8. To be honest I am not sure what pinpointed my genesis of anxiety. I have suffered from "IBS" since then. I know it is all in "my head" I know it is and I have realzed that for years! I cannot leave my house without going to the bathroom. I know where every bathroom is in my home county!

Wow I just figured out what was causing my stomach pain about 3 motnhs ago. I had a colonoscopy, EGD, CT's ultrasounds, and xrays and everything came bk normal. so they diagnosed it as IBS. But it gets extremely worse 2 weeks b4 my period. Could it still be related to my stress? I take Bentyl for it and its not helping anymore.

Would psyllium husk be useful in just maintaining regularity?

I suffered for years with IBS induced by anxiety/panic. I have worked through most of that and while I still have occasional flairs during high stress moments, I don't suffer quite like I used to, thank goodness.

I have actually found that upping my water intake helped tremendously. I now drink between 4 - 6 8 oz. glasses of water a day and have very few issues with the gas/bloating, but am still looking for something supplement wise that will help me to stay more regular. I hate metamucil.

YES LovePhob! You are so right. Psyllium husk has really cured my IBS. I make certain to use the all natural form without any sort of sugar or fake sugar. The Doctor told me that the reason it works so well is that the contracting colon wants something to "bite down on" to offer it relief, and psyllium is best for that. (Sorry if that verbiage is too odd...)

And yes, aworkinprogress, the psyllium label says that it's designed to help with regularity.

Hope this helps.

Stressed Momma.....

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/dig...e/disorders/112.html

The link says symptoms of IBS are worse near the menstral cycle.

Where to you find Psyllium Husk in the raw form?

I got my natural psyllium at the regular drug store. It's called "Original Konsyl." Really helps the IBS.

I found out my IBS was actually a wheat intolerance!!!! After almost 20 yrs of suffering it seems I have Celiac disease! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO AVOID THESE FOODS!!! It is actually a pretty common diet intolerance, worth a try....went gluten free about 5 days ago, and I have never gone this long without one of my "attacks". All this time I thought anxiety was the cause, but it seems this was a cause for my anxiety!!!

I bought some Metamucil the other night and it is working great. I take it right before I eat dinner and I have no issues for that evening on through the next day.

hunnie33,

Yes I know it is worse exactly 2 weeks before I start my period. That's kinda how we figured out what it was cuz I was having pains and bloating before my period and we had no idea what was going on.

I found that a raw vegan/vegetarian diet helps immensely in this area. At first you might get a little detox in the intestines while the body adjusts to eating fresh foods, but after you get over that hump everything regulates. You can google raw food and IBS or Paul Nissan or Raw food & Chron's Disease to get more info, I'm not sure if links are acceptable here.

I agree that wheat is a huge trigger with IBS. Also spicy foods.