In my last post about my gut health issues I mentioned I’m taking IBgard and FDgard which were both recommended by my gastroenterologist, and that my IBS & gut health symptoms dramatically improved taking those before every meal.
I love that the IB/FDgard are all natural, they’re simply peppermint oil supplements – but they WORK.
I spoke too soon though…
I had my first normal bowel movement in over FOUR months the morning after I wrote that post, and for 3 days straight now… and haven’t taken the laxative at all for over a week.
I also ate cauliflower twice over the weekend… with NO adverse effects.
ANY vegetable usually put me back in gut-wrenching pain for DAYS. Eating vegetables usually results in immediate hiccups, indigestion & acid reflux followed by abdominal pain and intestinal spasms.
But this time: no symptoms, no suffering – at all. 🙂
My guts are back on track!!
WIN! ✔
I got samples of both the IBgard and FDgard from my doctor, and when they worked so well the FIRST time I took them, I ordered more on Amazon. He told me that was the cheapest place to get them:
FDgard – for upper digestive/stomach issues (indigestion, acid, etc)
IBgard – for lower digestive/intestinal issues (IBS, constipation, diarrhea, etc)
That stuff is like magic!!!
It took almost a week to fully kick in, although the symptoms were immediately better with first use, but wow… my guts actually feel normal today! 😁❣
I’m ecstatic!! lol. What a RELIEF.
I’m taking them both. I highly recommend them if you have ANY kind of digestive issues or IBS – because IBS is absolutely miserable and totally takes over your life…
I love that it’s all natural too, it’s just a peppermint oil supplement, but it works SO well.
I felt SO good yesterday that I got outside and played with my new water toy (a pressure washer, lol) and worked for FIVE FULL HOURS washing decks and different areas of the house.
That was an amazing full-body workout! 💪
Up until now, since I got sick four months ago, it’s been hard to do any exercise or anything physical at all really, because my entire CORE was so sensitive and sometimes in terrible pain.
In the beginning, the inflammation and spasms in my guts were so bad it hurt just to TOUCH my abdomen – and you could literally see it moving (the spasms) from the outside, like a freaky X-files episode lol. Ugh 😜
I was able to alleviate that excruciating pain using MCT Oil, which is a natural anti-inflammatory for the digestive system – among many other great health benefits! But I wasn’t able to totally get past the IBS and abdominal bloating & discomfort – until I started taking the IBgard regularly.
I cannot tell you how GREAT it feels… to FEEL great!
My hope is that my story proves a shortcut for others suffering, at least where to start and what to try. 🥰
A total elimination diet is ideal to start collecting real data about what’s going on in YOUR body. Start with plain meats, and add in one new food at a time every 4-6 days. It takes ~72 hours to fully digest any foods you eat, so you want to fully monitor the results of one single food at a time so you KNOW what affects you – and how.
Logging details about your symptoms and timelines, what causes digestive flare-ups, what you’ve tried and the results, etc is VERY helpful if you ever find yourself needing to seek the help of a specialist.
Oh – and my lab results came back!
Everything looks great, all tests for possible infections/conditions came back negative, my organs are in good shape (whew!), and I have my next appointment on Friday morning with the gastroenterologist on Friday morning as a follow-up.
I’ll let you know what he says, but I have a feeling he’ll simply say to continue taking the IBgard and FDgard and continue adding foods back in one at a time to test what I can (or can’t) eat now that the worst of it is over.
Which is all GOOD news! 🙂
Thank you again for your support, well wishes, all your notes, positive thoughts & prayers – and just being here with & for me through it all. 💝
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
p.s. I’m off to get my nails done, AGAIN. The collagen has been a great gut health supplement, but it’s really going to keep my hairdresser and nail guy BUSY. 🤣
It’s amazing how fast my hair & nails are growing again, which makes me smile about what the collagen must be doing for my insides. 🙂
It’s great for hair, skin & nails (skin elasticity, even) but also for joints, gut health, your brain, etc. Our bodies are made up of SO much collagen and we start losing it rapidly as we age – which is why we get joint aches, wrinkles, etc.
I’m using the Unflavored Collagen Powder, MCT C8/C10 Oil & collagen keto bars – plus the portable collagen packets when I travel shown below, but I use the tubs at home – all from Perfect Keto. My coupon is LOWCARBTRAVELER for our discount there.
I tried another collagen powder but it was funky/salty and RUINED my coffee. Perfect Keto has great prices and high quality products, so that’s the one I ended up sticking with for collagen & mct oil.
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
WOW that’s wonderful!! I’m so relieved too, you were stressing me out being so sick :). But you threw me when you said “I spoke too soon”? I was despressed expecting you to say the IBgard and FDgard didn’t help after all! I don’t know what you mean you spoke too soon because you did say it helped right away. But whatever you mean I’m so happy you’re feeling better!
Roye, me too! When I first saw the words “I spoke too soon,” I thought the IBgard and FDgard had stopped working! Glad you’re feeling better, Lynn.
I thought the same as you. Iβve started using both IB and FD guard to help me with my 8 year non-stop daily battle with diarrhea after gall-bladder removal surgery AND to come off of Nexium after taking it for probably +15 years. It has helped tremendously with the diarrhea, but Iβm still struggling with terrible daily heartburn on day 13. I never had heartburn before starting nexium, except during pregnancies of course. I was put on it for acid reflux and esophageal spasms. Iβve since discovered that it was never supposed to be a long-term med and causes all kinds of terrible issues in the body. So , even though my drs continued to keep me on it (why I donβt understand???) Iβm taking myself off of it. Hopefully, Fd guard will prevent damage in the esophagus and the heartburn and indigestion will continue to decrease.
Oh my!! I was ready to buy these products last week, but I honestly thought they wouldn’t be worth it. I’ve been dealing with abdominal pain and constipation for the last 2 years. After running so many tests nothing seems to help besides my dieters tea. Thank you so much for your post I’m running back to the store to get them.
Donna, have you found IBgard and FDgard locally?
Thrilled to hear you are feeling better! Don’t over do it with the cleaning/workout. So happy for you!
Yay!
I want to start the collagen but am a little confused on how to use it. Do you put it in your coffee and eat the bars? Or do you alternate between the two? I really think it would help my nails and hair, and I also have achy joints. Would you mind telling me when ( meals, snacks etc) it is that you consume these? Thank you and so glad that you are feeling better !
Hi Cindy,
I use the bars as a meal replacement, or as a bridge between meals on a day where I only have two meals. They’re great as a quick breakfast on the go for me too. π
I put the unflavored collagen powder in my coffee, just once a day – a one scoop serving in one coffee (the tub comes with a scoop). You can also put it in tea, chicken broth, or mix it into any liquid actually. Easy!
I don’t eat the bars daily, I just have one of those when I need a snack or meal on the go (hiking, in the car, at my desk, when I’m traveling, etc) but I do use a serving of the collagen powder daily.
I love all four flavors of the bars but I think Almond Butter Brownie is my FAVORITE. π It’s especially good with a little nut butter to make it a meal – or crumbled up on yogurt or low carb ice cream too.
I get the unflavored collagen from Perfect Keto, and the bars too: https://shop.perfectketo.com/?rfsn=2613505.2973ae My coupon code is LOWCARBTRAVELER for our discount there.
I don’t like the flavored collagen powders. Those are too sweet for me. Plus with the unflavored you can mix it into anything – so it’s great in a mug of broth.
I also use their MCT C8/C10 oil. They have great stuff. I just don’t use ANYthing with exogenous ketones, so skip those things – including their Base which has that in it too.
Do you know if there is any danger of either IB or FD guard raising blood pressure? My husband wants to try FD guard in place of nexium but he takes high blood pressure meds too. Thank you.
Hooray! Very happy youβre doing so well. Fantastic news. But, what was the βI spoke too soonβ part?
Yes, I didnβt understand that either, lol.
I said “I spoke too soon” …about the supplements working, but still having symptoms and having to take laxatives… and still having intestinal issues with ANY vegetables.
It turns out it just a good week for the supplements to REALLY kick in, because I had my first normal BM in 4 full months… for 3 days in a row now!!! β£ Sorry to be so excited about that lol. I also ate cauliflower twice last weekend with NO problem. β
I feel AMAZINGLY better – enough so to get in a serious full body outdoor workout even. π
Wonderful!
I have been having horrible pain on my left side. The gastro cannot see me until 7-31. I am going to try the supplments .
Iβve been complaining about left side pain for 20 years. Either the drs cannot find anything on ultrasounds or they donβt even take it seriously. Iβm very frustrated and have learned to live with it until the day it becomes life threatening. Maybe some dr then will take me seriously and sincerely try to figure out whatβs going on. It may be gynecological, but I had hernia and appendectomy at the same time at age 5 more than 50 years ago, and Iβve had IBS EVER SINCE.
Lynn, what is the mct oil you recommend and where to buy it?
Hi Diane π
When I compared over 50 brands for quality and value, Kiss My Keto had the best price on a pure / high quality oil. My discount code is LOWCARBTRAVELER : Kiss My Keto + Discount But I donβt buy anything else there. I donβt like their bars at all.
I’d like to try their creamer, but I haven’t yet and I’m not sure if I’ll like it or not. I’ll keep you all posted on that!
Iβm using Perfect Keto MCT C8/C10 Oil, also great quality and price. My discount code is LOWCARBTRAVELER there too: Perfect Keto + Discount and I order their bars & nut butter and also use their unflavored collagen.
— So that’s the one I’d recommend, although I have them both.
That’s such good news, Lynn! I can’t even imagine how miserable you must have been the last few months.
You put the collagen power in HOT coffee? I tried a different brand in porridge, stirring it in afterwards (not cooking it) and it formed really hard, gluey lumps. It suggests taking it in water or fruit juice, but I don’t like it in water and I don’t drink juice … so I obviously need to switch brands, if yours dissolves easily in hot liquids. Have you ever tried yours in hot food?
I am so glad this is working for you. I had a lot of the same issues and discovered it was the artificial sweeteners. Specifically, Splenda and whatever that stuff is that is in diet drinks.. Completely gave up on diet drinks (best thing I ever did) and no more Splenda. Tough when you’re on low carb and want something sweet. But, my bowel issues are much less (everyday to 1-2 times a month.) Just a thought…
So glad you are better. Prayers for healing and comfort
How often do you take each supplement daily?
Thank you for sharing all of your journey, and not just the good stuff. Being sick is hard and exhausting, and we don’t talk about that enough, especially when it comes to internal digestive issues. Talking about it helps to normalize it and let other people know they’re not alone in their struggles, we definitely need more of that kind of thing in life.
I just started the FDgard today after several failed PPiβs and side effects from them. The doctor suggested FDgard, I have taken one so far and my stomach is a gurgle mess. I also take a probiotic. Mine all started after a round of antibiotics and then GERD symptoms started and so began my nightmares with PPI and H2. Iβve been down for 2 months so I am in hopes and pray this works for me.
I talk to the GI tomorrow but all my test and blood work so far are fine.
I wish the doctor would have suggested this first… as the Omeprazole and other PPi really messed up my body.
Prayers that we all feel great !
Wendy
Hi Lynn,
I follow you religiously, and these issues you have are so spot on to how I’ve been feeling lately. I’m wondering if you’re still taking the supplements regularly or if you were able to wean off them? How are you feeling now? Do you still have flare ups? I’m ordering some MCT oil now. I can’t drink coffee at all, as it makes my stomach a million times worse, but I’m thinking I could add it to a protein shake in the morning.
Hi Stephanie! I am no longer taking the supplements, but still eating simple and sticking to foods that don’t cause flare-ups. I also find stress & anxiety causes flare-ups so that’s something I try to control as well. Easier said than done, lol.
The mct oil worked WONDERS for me, as in INSTANT relief! I got where I didn’t like it in my coffee (anymore) and found it easiest to just take straight. I didn’t think I’d be able to do that, but I just measured it out and threw it back first thing in the morning… then brushed my teeth a few minutes later. π
One of the highest quality AND lowest price mct oils – and the one I use – is Perfect Keto. I also use their unflavored collagen powder, which is also great for gut health.
This link has a 15% off discount coded into it for us: http://perfectketo.com/lynnterry and their mct oil is back in stock now finally! π
I hope that helps. Gut health issues are MISERABLE – definitely try the mct oil, start with one teaspoon first thing in the morning and work your way up gradually (second week: 2 teaspoons, third week: 1 tbsp) just to make sure it doesn’t upset your stomach.
I have been fighting this same stuff for months. Just started the FDgard and IBgard myself today. Still crampy like muscle spams but I guess it takes a while for it to work?? My GI doc recommended taking these along with the Omprazole. I know one thing for sure…really tired of this. Hoping this helps.
That is awesome, I have IBS-D. I have recently started taking ibgard and I have seen an improvement, but still have issues. Ill try the fdgard. How many pills do you take at one time? And how many times per day?
Hi Serge,
I took two of each (four total) 30 minutes before every meal – per my GI doc’s instructions. Hope that helps!
Hi! People with issues with vegetables esp FODMAP ones like brussel sprouts, broc, cabbage etc will find help in Beanzyme as they may lack the ability to break down these complex carbs – so they ferment causing excess hydrogen gas – bloating, IBS-D which will eventually turn into IBS-C when the methane overgrows enjoying all of the hydrogen gas excess….that being said, motility with IBGuard looks like a good idea along perhaps bean beanzyme…
Good luck!
Brenda Marshall MD
Thank you, Brenda! π
Hi Lynn. I read your article about the FDgard and IBgard.
Are you taking them both?
I am taking FDgard for 1month now and seems like its working. But these past 3 days im really bloated again especially in my lower abdomen and feels like heavy and need to poop but nothing comes out. I wanted to try the IBgard as well.
Do you take it at night?
Hi Diana,
Yes. The FDgard is for your (upper) stomach, the IBgard is for your (lower) intestines. The gastrointerologist I saw told me to take 2 of each 30 minutes before every meal, up to 3 times a day – which was 12 a day total (6 of each) I was taking when I was at my worst (having a flareup or chronic issue).
IBS is so miserable. I’m sorry you’re going through that right now. I like that these are natural supplements, and that they actually work! In addition to that, take note of any food or ingredient that consistently causes a flare-up. I did a pretty strict elimination diet to identify & cut out culprits to get my guts back to functioning properly.
Wishing you all the best! xo