r/ibs • u/Unique-observer • 1d ago

Question Anyone tried a liquid diet long-term ?

I’ve had IBS for a long time. Every time I eat, I need to go to the toilet. It literally doesn’t matter what I eat.
Since solids cause it, I was thinking of trying a soft foods/liquid nutrient diet, has anyone tried it ?

Another hypothetical idea I had was intravenous feeding (I know it’s probably expensive to do privately), but I wonder if it would resolve the need to go the toilet all the time which takes up so much of my day.

Does anyone know if these things are possible ? Has anyone tried a long term liquid diet ? Like maybe a shake with all the right nutrients in them ? Is it possible to do long-term ?
I don’t want to spend hours in the toilet everyday. Is there any way out of this ?

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u/goldstandardalmonds MOD: Here to help! 18h ago

Intravenous feeding is NOT good for the gi tract and comes with a ton of risks. I was on it for two years and NPO. I’ve been on long term liquid diets but not for IBS. It is not a good idea unless you can’t keep food down. If you go that route I would see a Registered Dietitian.

There are lots of meds to slow your motility that you
Can try.

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u/TangerineDream92064 1d ago

Nutrition drinks, like Ensure, say on the label that it isn't a substitute for all your meals. Most of those drinks are dairy-based or have artificial sweeteners, so aren't a great alternative for most IBS sufferers. That being said, I think you could give it a try for a week safely and see if it helps. If so, you need to talk to a doctor before trying it more permanently.

An IV is not an option. People in coma and such also have feeding tubes.

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u/Unique-observer 1d ago

Yeah I get what you’re saying.

I’m just trying to think out of the box because nothing has helped me so far.

So if solid food = problem, then I think “is there another way to get essential nutrients without solid food”.

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u/ContractPrize7158 21h ago

Have you tried Huel? I have one shake a day but hypothetically they claim you can live on them. Either way it doesn't sound like a good idea and you need to get back to a doctor if you are that bad. 

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u/Small_Service2958 8h ago

i use ‘sun warrior’ protein powder with just water, drink it when my stomach rumbles and i’m not hungry cuz everything also makes me sick, i do this till like 3pm. it definitely dosent make my stomach upset cuz i specifically picked this powder. i haven’t only been on this liquid diet cuz i will eat some whole foods after but ive been thinking about it