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allie.a

630d

I have IBS (I think, I haven’t gone to the gastroenterologist to rule out IBD) that seems to be triggered by stress/anxiety. Growing up I would get diarrhea before every sports event. I have it now almost every day, and I think it might be related to caffeine consumption - I’m trying to reduce the amount of coffee I drink but I love it, so it’s hard! Anyone have a similar experience?

Top reply
    • Adita

      606d

      What do you guys take to control the urge to go to the bathroom so much? In my case, I've been years taking the generic brand of Immodium. I take 6 of them almost every single day to be able to work, because if I don't, I'll be in the bathroom all day.

    • Adita

      606d

      What do you guys take to control the urge to go to the bathroom so much? In my case, I've been years taking the generic brand of Immodium. I take 6 of them almost every single day to be able to work, because if I don't, I'll be in the bathroom all day.

    • MrsB3922

      630d

      It seems that stress always made/still makes me run to the bathroom. I also have IBS, so I understand. Wherever I go, I have to know that a restroom is nearby.

    • Sunflower.System

      630d

      Could you switch to decaf coffee? If it's the taste you're after, that should satisfy it. Caffeine in any form is a common IBS trigger. And yes, stress and anxiety are known to exasperate symptoms of IBS. Mine also started as only when I was anxious and evolved into the full syndrome in time. To ease my symptoms, I went gluten free and vegan. I still have a single cup of coffee most days. For some reason, brewed coffee tends to irritate my GERD but instant expresso doesn't (maybe since lower caffeine content?) Now I rarely ever have a flare unless I ate something I shouldn't have

      • allie.a

        630d

        @Sunflower.System I think it’s mostly the taste but also caffeine addiction 😅 I’ve also found that drip coffee usually is worse for me than espresso (although not totally). I’m not sure why but dairy isn’t usually a trigger for me. Legumes, especially lentils, and eating too much fruit will def upset my tummy. Although I have probably had coffee every day for the last few years so I don’t really know what my symptoms are like without it! And that’s on me…

        • allie.a

          630d

          @allie.a I also have depression and possibly sleep apnea (haven’t done a test yet but I snore and have gained weight recently) so I am usually fatigued. I’ve been steadily reducing caffeine consumption - during peak pandemic Id have like a whole pot a day.

    • goblin49

      630d

      Actually this sounds a lot like me! When I was younger, I only had stress related symptoms, but now I deal with it almost every day. If you really feel like you can't give up coffee, I would try eliminating some other common ibs triggers (ie. Gluten or lactose) or other high fodmap foods you feel like you can let go of. Hopefully then you would see a little improvement!

      • allie.a

        630d

        @goblin49 I cut out gluten for a few years in high school and didn’t really see that good of results. Lactose honestly doesn’t bother me that much either. Honestly I think my mood is much more connected to it than what I eat!

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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