Both my husband and my mom suffer with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). I also have several close friends that suffer from IBS, and the painful symptoms that come along with the disease. Because I have so many loved ones with problems in this area, I have spent a great deal of time researching the cause of the disease and also ways to elevate the symptoms as there is no “cure” out there.

The first specialist I went to with my husband performed a colonoscopy as well as an endoscopy. The results from these tests showed he had several ulcers in his stomach, as well as IBS. This doctor prescribed a prescription for the ulcers, but for the IBS he basically told my husband to “eat some yogurt and just be happy”. Needless to say, we were both very disappointed in this doctor and his lack of advice, so we sought a second opinion.

The next doctor was wonderful. He took the time to explain in detail the causes and some of the contributing factors of IBS. From there we were able to look for solutions to the major factors that cause my husband to suffer.

The best thing we have found has been fiber. But we had to look into it more than just the basics of “eat more fiber”. We had to educate ourselves as to the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber and the function of each in our systems. My husband is now taking a fiber supplement on a regular basis and seems to have the major problem under control.