Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Here is a list or remedies for irritable bowel syndrome. Find out what is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. What are IBS symptoms? What are the causes of irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS which is also at times referred to as spastic colon is an irritating and painful disorder that affects the large intestine or colon. The common IBS symptoms are constipation, diarrhea, feeling bloated, flatulence, mucus in the stool and stomach cramp or pain.

Even though researchers have been conduction and supporting studies on IBS, they haven't found any specific cause of irritable bowel syndrome. But they have come up with several theories, identified some IBS triggers and proposed recommendations for IBS relief. The consoling news is that IBS isn't related to any diseases, won't harm the intestines and doesn't lead to cancer.

Unless there is an underlying health issue, IBS treatment can be done at home by identifying the triggers and causes of ibs, avoiding some foods and trying some IBS diet as well as making lifestyle changes.

Remedies for irritable bowel syndrome No. 1 - Identify the IBS triggers

Be aware of what triggered the irritable bowel. Was it the food that you ate? Were you highly stressed? Do the symptoms of IBS only show up prior to your menstruation? The easiest way to determine the cause is to keep a diary or journal and record your moods, the food that you eat and other factors that you think might help you identify the symptoms. By doing this, it will enable you to determine the right treatment for IBS.

Remedies for irritable bowel syndrome No. 2 - Foods and IBS

According to researchers, there are certain foods to avoid with IBS because they contribute to the signs and symptoms of IBS. They are dairy products such as whole milk and foods that stimulate gas such as beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carbonated beverages, cabbage, onions and peppers. Citrus fruits, chocolates, spicy foods, sugar, sugarless gums and candies and wheat products may also trigger irritable bowel syndrome.

There isn't any specific diet for IBS. If eating any of those foods is the cause of IBS, then you must avoid them. Besides eliminating the foods that trigger the symptoms, foods for irritable bowel syndrome sufferers should include an increase in fiber intake gradually. High fiber foods include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, artichoke, figs, sweet potatoes and spinach. Your IBS diet should include drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily.

Make an attempt to reduce or stop consuming alcohol and smoking because these two can affect your digestive health. And cut on foods that are high in fat because they not only contribute to weight and health issues but are also difficult to digest.

Remedies for irritable bowel syndrome No. 3 - De-stress

Stress is one of the main contributors to the symptoms of IBS. If you realize that a stressful situation will irritate your bowel, find ways to release your tension. Here is a list of things or activities to do to de-stress. Maintain some of these good habits into your life to keep your stress level under control.

1. Do deep breathing exercise, meditation or other relaxation exercise to relax your body and mind especially at the end of the day
   
   
   
2. Daily physical exercise such as walking or jogging
   
   
   
3. Reduce alcohol, coffee and smoking
   
   
   
4. Take short breaks in between your day
   
   
   
5. Laugh more often
   
   
   
6. Release suppress emotions by forgiving and accepting
   
   
   
7. Listen to relaxation music
   
   
   
8. Reduce foods that trigger stress
   
   
   
9. Maintain a positive mental attitude

Remedies for irritable bowel syndrome No. 4 - Herbs for IBS

1. An article on BMJ online stated that peppermint oil has the potential to relieve the symptoms of IBS. The predominant symptom was diarrhea. The report was based on the result of studies on participants who were given 200mg of peppermint oil two and three times a day.
   
   
   
2. Dutch researchers revealed that psyllium seed husks from the plant plantago ovata have shown to be effective as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Psyllium is a soluble fiber. The 275 patients suffered constipation associated with IBS.
   
   
   
3. Based on a pilot study conducted on 500 volunteers at the University of Reading UK in 2004, it was concluded that turmeric may help reduce IBS symptoms. The participants were given turmeric extract daily for 8 weeks.

Other herbal remedy for IBS includes artichoke leaf extract, aloe vera and fennel seed.

Remedies for irritable bowel syndrome No. 5 - Probiotics

Probiotics are known to ease or lessen the symptoms of IBS such as stomach cramp, bloating and constipation. Probiotics are microorganisms that support an excellent digestive system in the small and large intestines.

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