How to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Naturally

By John Weller

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is one of the most common problems of the digestive track. Even though millions of people suffer from IBS, there are no cures for this condition. Natural remedies, however, can help alleviate the symptoms dramatically.

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps. Usually, combinations of these symptoms happen in a cyclic pattern, in which patients experience constipation and diarrhea back and forth. IBS does not lead to intestinal bleeding and does not lead to cancer.

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. Diet, daily stress, genes, and personality are all thought to contribute to the syndrome. IBS, therefore, is very much like a personal trait. Some people tend to get frightened easily, while some people just struggle in the bathroom.

Even though irritable bowel syndrome is mild compared to other diseases, a person's every life can be affected by the condition. Because an IBS patient tends to be irregular in bowel movements, cramping, gas, and pain can hit him or her in important situations. This could be a source of embarrassment.

IBS may be incurable, but its symptoms can be treated. While sudden symptoms can be treated with common OTC drugs, chronic use of them should be avoided as they could lead to dependency. The best way to manage the symptoms is through natural treatments.

Natural remedies for IBS come in two forms: diet and herbs. Many people find certain food groups trigger or worsen their IBS symptoms. These foods could be dairy, sugar, wheat, or seafood. The patients could simply try different diets to see what works best for them. Diet rich in fibers also helps with constipation and diarrhea. However, fibers do not seem to help with the IBS pain.

On the other hand, herbs and herbal supplements have demonstrated to be useful as natural treatments for IBS. Herbal teas, peppermint, and dill, for example, control many of the IBS symptoms. Supplements extracted from the aloe vera plant have shown to improve the overall intestinal health, making IBS symptoms less frequent and less severe. - 30193

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here