The Best Remedy for IBS May be All Natural
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known as IBS, is an unpredictable and sometimes debilitating condition. For days, you may not be able to go to the bathroom. You may feel bloated and experience uncomfortable gas. Then out of nowhere, you may begin to feel painful cramping, at which point you know you need to head for a bathroom and FAST.
Worst of all, you may feel frustrated that these episodes of IBS have no known cause. A diagnosis of IBS is usually made when all other potential problems are ruled out. Now what do you do? Conventional treatment for IBS is marginal at best. Finding natural remedies for IBS is the key to managing your health condition and starting down a better path! First, let’s talk about what’s going on with that crazy digestive tract of yours.
Understanding IBS
Peristalsis is the gentle motion of the digestive tract triggered by food. Slow, muscular contractions guide the food through your digestive tract and the food is digested, nutrients absorbed and eventually the waste is disposed. IBS is exactly as it sounds. Your bowel is “irritable.” Peristalsis is violently triggered, sometimes by the mere thought of eating.
The food may be rushed through the tract and expelled rather quickly resulting in a bout of diarrhea. Or, the contractions may have come on just long enough to get the waste to the colon where it may sit for awhile and cause constipation.
Ultimately, there is something wrong with the signaling process between the nervous system and the muscles of the digestive tract. Stress often brings on a bout of IBS, especially in children. Diet also affects IBS and individuals usually have certain trigger foods. Food allergies are another potential reason behind IBS. Poor diet over the years may be part of the problem as well. Diets high in processed foods and low in fiber and nutrients may lead to IBS and other health conditions.
Natural Remedies for IBS
While there is no cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and conventional treatments may not always provide complete relief, there are various natural remedies that individuals can explore to manage their condition effectively. These remedies aim to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being, allowing individuals with IBS to maintain a better quality of life. Additionally, effective management is crucial not only to address the uncomfortable symptoms of IBS but also to prevent potential nutritional deficiencies that can result from poor nutrient absorption.
Some noteworthy natural remedies for IBS include:
– Peppermint: Peppermint oil has been found to have antispasmodic effects on the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.
– Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may help ease digestive discomfort and reduce inflammation in the gut.
– Chamomile: Chamomile tea is often used for its calming properties, which can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of IBS.
– Caraway: Caraway seeds may aid in digestion and help relieve symptoms such as bloating and gas.
– Anise: Anise has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive issues, including bloating and indigestion.
– Slippery Elm: This herb may provide relief by coating and soothing irritated tissues in the digestive tract.
– Marshmallow: Marshmallow root has demulcent properties, forming a protective layer in the digestive tract and potentially reducing inflammation.
– Fennel: Fennel seeds are known for their potential to alleviate bloating and digestive discomfort.
Food Diary and YOUR IBS Menu
Journaling your food intake and making note of IBS episodes will help you determine what your trigger foods are as well as identify potential food allergies. You’ll want to eliminate suspect foods one at a time and see if your condition improves. You can test the theory by reintroducing the suspected foods (again, one at a time).
If your diet has been somewhat unhealthy, try to make some modifications. Choose complex over processed carbohydrates. Aim for 5-7 servings of vegetables per day and a few servings of fruit. Avoid processed vegetable oils, processed foods (which are loaded with harmful additives) and foods high in sugar.
Stress Management for IBS
Stress management is two-fold. You need to learn how to manage stress in times of crisis, but you also need to adopt a lifestyle that prepares you for life’s stressful times. Activities such as hobbies, sports and regular exercise can help you face these challenges in a new light. You may begin to perceive stress differently. The little problems seem to fade away and the big problems are more easily conquered. Regular and routine relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can also help. Yoga and tai-chi are also great ways to manage stress.
In times of crisis, try removing yourself from the situation just long enough to close your eyes and take some deep, slow breaths. Music is also a great way to ward off anxiety.
Colon Cleansing for IBS
A colon cleanse can clear the colon of dried fecal matter and soothe the digestive tract, both of which will promote a smooth running digestive system. The Ultimate Digestive Health 30-Day System is an ideal approach to colon cleansing since it is thorough yet safe and gentle.
The system includes:
• Ultimate Cleansing Fiber – Gently loosens and pulls residual waste through the elimination process
• Ultimate Anti-parasite Support – Kills intestinal parasites and “bad” bacteria that impact nearly 1/3 of the population
• Ultimate Herbal Cleansing Tea – Flushes any remaining dried fecal matter or dead parasites
• Probiotic Supplement – Helps to establish regular bowel movements by delivering over 10 Million “good” bacteria to your digestive system daily
All four components of this system work together to restore health to the entire digestive tract. Best yet, Ultimate Digestive Health is made from all natural ingredients that have been used for hundreds of years to heal and soothe digestive systems versus to the over-the-counter meds that are filled with chemicals, dyes and sugars.
IBS often comes with fibromyalgia and myofascia syndrome. In my case I have battled them both since 1995. Tho I have managed to continue to work full time and Have found my own answers through much seeking and trials, I continue to look for new ways.
Hi Leah – IBS is very tricky. No one seems to know it’s cause or have a proven method to get relief. I applaud you that persevered in investigating new ways to ease your symptoms and remain productive. Bravo!
leah im 30 years old and im starting to think i have fibromyalgia which is causing me to have IBS for more than a year now,can you give me some advices to manage my symptoms cause this illness really is affecting my life..thank you and godbless.
Hi Melvin,
Thank you for writing in. I can make some recommendations that may help you.
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition that affects the digestive tract, and common symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, excessive bloating and changes in bowel movement. In addition to standard drugs used for managing IBS, natural supplements like Lactobacillus acidophilus (probiotic) may also help better control this disease. However, always seek medical advice before taking any new supplement
1. Avoid gas-producing foods. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and beans often increase gas. If you choose to eat them, make sure they’re cooked or steamed, which makes them easier to digest. Do not drink carbonated beverages such as soda and beer. Eat slowly to avoid swallowing excess air.
2. Increase the amount of fiber in your diet gradually over several weeks, states MayoClinic.com. Eat foods high in fiber such as fresh fruit, vegetables or properly prepared whole grains. Bake or cook fruits and vegetables if eating them raw causes abdominal distress. Understand increased fiber relieves constipation, but often makes cramping and bloating worse. Drink plenty of water when increasing daily fiber intake
3. Consume small amounts of raw dairy products if you are lactose intolerant. Take an over-the-counter enzyme supplement to help digest lactose. Drink raw grass-fed milk instead of commercial milk – raw milk contains lactase enzymes to help break down lactose. Most lactose intolerant patients are still able to eat yogurt.
4. Avoid vegetable oils, which are highly inflammatory processed oils. Select grilled or baked meats and boiled vegetables with healthy fats, such as saturated animal fats, coconut oil, avocado and olive oil.
5. Keep a diet journal to identify IBS trigger foods. Record your diet for several weeks, including all meals, snacks and beverages consumed. Write down the time you eat, how much and if you experience symptoms of IBS.