Natural Solutions for IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sometimes called spastic colon or IBS, is a common digestive problem. Symptoms are chronic and include lower abdominal pain and cramping, discomfort, diarrhea, constipation or a combination of the two, and gas, bloating and nausea. IBS is a diagnosis of elimination, meaning a doctor first determines a patient is free of digestive and bowel diseases before diagnosing her with IBS.

IBS is considered a functional digestive disorder, not a disease. This means communication between the brain and the gut is flawed, leading to stomach dysfunction.  Women sometimes have IBS outbreaks in conjunction with menstruation.  IBS has no official medical cure, but a wide variety of tools are available for controlling the symptoms. Diet has a direct effect on IBS outbreaks and is one of the main methods of controlling it naturally.

Diet Triggers

In most IBS cases, certain trigger foods lead to attacks. The greatest digestive tract stimulant is fat and those suffering from IBS usually experience an attack within minutes of eating greasy, high-fat foods. Even though digestion is just beginning, the body reacts. As soon as foods such as red meat, fried foods or dairy products begin moving through the system, a gastrocolic reflex occurs and triggers an IBS attack.

Soluble Fiber

Some IBS trigger foods are not necessarily unhealthy. Raw vegetables and certain whole-grain fibers are known triggers. Those with this digestive order have a difficult time processing certain high-fiber foods. Eating foods high in soluble fiber usually eases colon function without triggering an attack. Foods containing soluble fiber stabilize the intestine, soothe and regulate the digestive tract, and normalize bowel function. Soluble fiber is as helpful with diarrhea as it is with constipation. To visualize how soluble fiber helps, imagine making a bowl of oatmeal. When the oats and water mix, it creates a gummy substance. This gel travels through the gut soaking up additional water in the intestines (preventing diarrhea) and creating a thick, wet gel which is easy to move through the system (preventing constipation). In addition to oatmeal, foods high in soluble fiber include bananas, sweet potatoes, rice cereal, white breads, pasta, carrots and papaya. Papaya also helps indigestion.

Yoga

In addition to avoiding trigger foods and eating a diet high in soluble fiber, those with IBS benefit from gentle exercise such as yoga. Yoga helps to reduce menstrual cramps, a common IBS trigger. It reduces stress and anxiety, emotional IBS triggers. It directly reduces the effects of gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, all four of which create stomach pain. Lastly, it helps improve flexibility and posture, allowing the body to move food and waste through in a gentle, efficient manner.

Probiotics

Some people find that in addition to diet and exercise, herbs and probiotics help with digestion. Probiotics are live cultures taken in pill form or consumed when eating yogurt. IBS sufferers should avoid dairy yogurt because dairy can trigger symptoms, so pills are the best option. The live cultures assist in normalizing a healthy gastrointestinal environment, which minimizes bloating, diarrhea, gas and painful cramping. Research probiotic supplements carefully, since some contain very few helpful ingredients.

Peppermint or Fennel Tea

Herbal tea is helpful for easing the symptoms of IBS, sometimes with instantaneous results. Peppermint tea soothes and aids digestion after eating. In an emergency, a peppermint candy might even ease abdominal pain. In addition to peppermint, fennel tea help helps digestion. Both peppermint and fennel have a pungent smell and taste, so experiment to see which is most effective and most pleasing to your palate.

The effects of uncontrolled IBS are devastating. Experiencing an attack at the wrong time or place leads to embarrassment and inconvenience. Those suffering from this digestive disorder might feel like prisoners of their condition, anxious about leaving their home or traveling to a place where bathrooms are scarce. Left unattended, IBS might also lead to serious digestive problems, creating permanent damage in the intestines and colon. Repeated bouts of constipation allow toxins to seep into your organs, eventually leading to other conditions. Frequent bouts of diarrhea lead to hemorrhoids and weakened bowels. Diet changes and natural remedies help you manage IBS and provide comfort without unpleasant side effects.

Though drastic diet changes are not necessary for those suffering from occasional stomachaches, these natural remedies are also effective treating occasional problems.