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Suggest Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Posted on Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Question: I am 71 years old and came down with irritable bowel syndrome 5 years ago and for the most part I get along alright. my problem is that I wake up every singe morning around 5am with a bloated feeling. I have to get up and go to the bathroom. I find that I have to drink a cup of warm prune juice and have a bowel movement within a hour. occasionaly if that does not work I drink milk of magnesia and that works if the prune juice does not but that's only maybe once or twice a month. my question is two fold. is there any suggestion for not waking up with the bloat so early and is drinking prune juice every morning harmful to my colon. XXXXXXX XXXX
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
prune juice not harmful

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

No the prune juice would not cause any harm to the bowel. It would be considered fiber and the use of fiber is recommended in every one.

The XXXXXXX heart association recommends 6 to 8 servings of grains and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This is just average, some persons may need slightly less and others may need more, it depends somewhat on the daily calorie intake.

Your use of the prune juice would count as one of these servings. It is helpful not damaging.

The bloating would related to your IBS and any associated bowel issues such as constipation. It can also be caused by some foods or GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Foods that may have been used the evening before may cause bloating. Some examples of these foods are broccoli, cabbage, beans, turnips, carbonated drinks, brussel sprouts, fried foods, spicy foods.

GERD or reflux may also cause bloating and GERD symptoms tend to be worse early morning or in the evening.
It is associated with some of the foods mentioned (spicy, fried), also with fatty or acidic foods.

You can try to examine your diet to see if there is any link between the particular foods and the am bloating.
If so, you may consider avoiding them.

Summary: (1)prune juice is not harmful

(2) bloating can be due to IBS, constipation (with or without IBS), certain foods, GERD

Ensure adequate fiber intake to prevent constipation if this is an issue.

If it is not an issue then look at whether bloating related to certain food use.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Brief Answer: prune juice not harmful Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic No the prune juice would not cause any harm to the bowel. It would be considered fiber and the use of fiber is recommended in every one. The XXXXXXX heart association recommends 6 to 8 servings of grains and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This is just average, some persons may need slightly less and others may need more, it depends somewhat on the daily calorie intake. Your use of the prune juice would count as one of these servings. It is helpful not damaging. The bloating would related to your IBS and any associated bowel issues such as constipation. It can also be caused by some foods or GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease). Foods that may have been used the evening before may cause bloating. Some examples of these foods are broccoli, cabbage, beans, turnips, carbonated drinks, brussel sprouts, fried foods, spicy foods. GERD or reflux may also cause bloating and GERD symptoms tend to be worse early morning or in the evening. It is associated with some of the foods mentioned (spicy, fried), also with fatty or acidic foods. You can try to examine your diet to see if there is any link between the particular foods and the am bloating. If so, you may consider avoiding them. Summary: (1)prune juice is not harmful (2) bloating can be due to IBS, constipation (with or without IBS), certain foods, GERD Ensure adequate fiber intake to prevent constipation if this is an issue. If it is not an issue then look at whether bloating related to certain food use. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions