Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Natural home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)

You may know about many remedies for ibs (irritable bowel syndrome), but you might be confused with them. You might be still struggling with finding the best remedies for treating ibs that really work. Here below you can know that home remedies that really work in the management of irritable bowel syndrome.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome, shortly called as ibs, is nowadays a common abdominal concern. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with no organic underlying cause. It affects the colon and large intestine.

Symptoms of ibs

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by following six main symptoms.

• Cramping
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation.

Home remedies to treat irritable bowel syndrome

From eating fiber-filled foods to exercising more, making some simple changes can help ease irritable bowel syndrome. Although your body might not respond immediately to these changes, your goal is to find long-term, not temporary, solutions:

1. Experiment with fiber

When you have irritable bowel syndrome, fiber can be a mixed blessing. Although it helps reduce constipation, it can also make gas and cramping worse. The best approach is to slowly increase the amount of fiber in your diet over a period of weeks. Examples of few foods that contain fiber are whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. If your signs and symptoms remain the same or worse, tell your doctor. You might also want to talk to a dietitian.

Some people will follow better limiting dietary fiber and instead take a fiber supplement that causes less gas and bloating. If you take a fiber supplement, such as metamucil or citrucel, be sure to introduce it slowly and drink plenty of water every day to reduce gas, bloating and constipation. If you find that taking fiber helps your ibs, use it on a regular basis for best results.

2. Avoid problem foods

If certain foods make your signs and symptoms worse, don’t eat them. These might include alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated beverages such as coffee and sodas, medications that contain caffeine, dairy products and sugar-free sweeteners such as sorbitol or mannitol.

If gas is a severe problem for you, foods that might make the ibs symptoms worse include beans, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Fatty foods also might be a problem for some people. Chewing gum or drinking through a straw can lead to swallowing air, causing more gas.

3. Eat at regular times

Don’t skip meals, and try to eat about the same time each day to help regulate bowel function. If you have diarrhea, you might find that eating small, frequent meals makes you feel better. But if you’re constipated, eating larger amounts of high-fiber foods might help you to move food through your intestines.

4. Take care with dairy products

If you are lactose intolerant, try substituting yogurt for milk. Or use an enzyme product to help break down lactose. Consuming small amounts of milk products or combining them with other foods also might help. In some cases, though, you might need to stop eating few of the dairy foods completely. If so, be sure to get enough protein, calcium and b vitamins from other sources.

5. Drink plenty of liquids

Try to drink plenty of fluids every day. Water is one of the best fluids. Alcohol and also few beverages that contain caffeine that also stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse and carbonated drinks can produce gas.

6. Exercise regularly

Exercise helps relieve depression and stress, stimulates normal contractions of your intestines, and can help you feel better about yourself. If you have been inactive, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you exercise. If you have other medical problems, consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Apart from these remedies whenever possible, get at least 30-40 minutes of noncompetitive exercises such as walking. Exercise generally helps relieve stress, releases the natural painkilling endorphins, and keeps your body including your digestive system working smoothly.