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Natural Treatment for IBS

One of the most natural ways to treat IBS is through modifying the diet and there are some simple guidelines that can be beneficial for most people suffering with IBS.

Increase the amount of soluble fibre in the diet
Eat regular meals
Drink plenty of water
Eliminate or reduce foods that make the symptoms worse

It also makes sense to take more exercise, to get enough sleep, and to reduce the amount of stress in your life. However, beyond that it becomes more a case of tackling the worst of your symptoms and finding out what works for you. Just as there isn’t a single cause of IBS, there isn’t a single treatment that works for everyone either.

What is interesting is that although there is no single cause of IBS there are some identifiable triggers. Some people, for example, can relate the onset of their IBS symptoms to a stressful situation or period in their lives. Others have found that their symptoms of IBS began after an infection such as gastroenteritis. For some, it is certain foods that trigger their IBS. However, there are still many people for whom there is no obvious trigger at all.

Dealing with stress

Stress is known to exacerbate IBS so avoiding stress or learning how to deal with it is essential. The link between the brain and the digestive tract is obvious, just imagine the feelings experienced in the gut when nervous or when facing a challenging situation. Relaxation techniques may help as will exercise or perhaps taking up yoga. If you are overly anxious or are feeling depressed then some form of therapy may be beneficial.

Bacteria in the gut

For those that can relate their symptoms to an infection, the suggestion is that some sort of imbalance of bacteria in the gut might be responsible, particularly if antibiotics were prescribed as they are known to destroy both good and bad bacteria and upset the delicate micro-flora in the gut. For these people, probiotics may prove helpful, which can be found in some yoghurts and drinks.

However, it is important to remember that not everyone who has experienced an infection develops IBS and not everyone with a bacterial imbalance has had an infection.

Eliminating trigger foods

Some people have also found that they are sensitive or allergic to certain foods which they find difficult to tolerate so reducing or eliminating these foods would in theory make a difference to their symptoms.

Other natural ways to deal with IBS

Getting the right essential fatty acids in the diet is essential for overall well being. IBS is associated with inflammation and Omega 3 from oily fish or fish oil supplements can help combat inflammation. However, if your IBS is diarrhoea predominant then introduce it slowly as any type of oil acts as a lubricant and can increase the number of bowel movements.

There are also many natural preparations that could possibly offer some benefit to some IBS suffers. For example, Artichoke leaf extract has proved beneficial for some people as has Chinese herbal medicines, peppermint oil and even the herb turmeric.

The most important thing to remember is that no two people will respond the same way to any preparation and even natural remedies can product adverse reactions and severe side effects in susceptible people. Before embarking on any self-treatment programme, consult your doctor for expert advice.