Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by pain or cramping in the abdominal area, gas, bloating, and frequent bouts with diarrhea and/or constipation. This makes treating it necessary if you want to be able to live a life that doesn’t revolve around being in physical agony or spending a lot of time in the bathroom.
While some health professionals treat IBS with various medications, natural remedies are also available, helping you deal with this condition without also dealing with the negative side effects associated with some of the prescriptions commonly used. Some of the most common natural treatment options include:
- Changing your diet. Certain foods can agitate IBS, primarily items high in gas (like cruciferous veggies such as cabbage and broccoli, as well as raw fruit) and sometimes gluten (a wheat protein found in many breads, pastas, and processed carbs). Research is also finding that specific carbohydrates—called FODMAPs—can also irritate IBS. FODMAPs are fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Thus, eating foods that do not contain these substances may help reduce your IBS symptoms.
- Eating regularly. Eating regularly helps regulate your digestive system, which is critical to those suffering with IBS as sporadic meal times can lead to increased diarrhea or constipation. Therefore, you should aim to consume food at regular times throughout the day. Further, adding fiber into your meals is often helpful, just be sure to increase your intake slowly so that you don’t increase your digestive distress.
- Watching what you drink. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking 6-8 glasses of filtered water each and every day to help provide your digestive tract the liquids it needs to function properly. Also, certain drinks such as alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can exacerbate the problem, which means that avoiding them is key to living with IBS comfortably.
- Exercising. Not only is exercise good for your heart, muscles, and various other organs, but it is also good for your digestive tract as it gets your bowels moving. Just make sure you get medical clearance from your doctor before engaging in any new exercise program to ensure that you don’t do more harm than good.
These are just a few natural options that can help IBS sufferers live a better life. Implement them then and you may just find the relief you’re looking for.
References
Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20024578
Irritable Bowel Syndrome. University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/irritable-bowel-syndrome
