Natural IBS Remedies
Photo by Robert McDon.
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Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a great treatment for nausea and other digestive ailments. It is also commonly used to treat IBS. It not only relieves abdominal pain and bloating, it helps to eliminate gas and improve muscle function in the stomach and intestines.
Peppermint oil is often taken by placing a few drops in a glass of water however, it’s recommended that IBS suffers take it as an enteric coated capsule. This coating prevents it from being absorbed to early, which can cause heartburn. You can take too much peppermint oil and it’s recommended to speak with a physician or medical practitioner before beginning a peppermint oil regimen. It does have a few side effects and may interact with certain pharmaceuticals.
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Probiotics
Probiotics are commonly referred to as good bacteria. We often eat yogurt to increase the number of good bacteria in our digestive tract. They help suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and have a positive influence on our immune system and overall health.
It is theorized that people who suffer from IBS may have an overgrowth of bad bacteria in their intestinal tract. And studies have shown certain Probiotic bacteria to improve IBS symptoms. There are a number of different Probiotic strains and not all have shown to improve IBS however, one in particular, B. infantis, has shown great success in reducing symptoms.
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Partially hydrolyzed guar gum
One particularly distressing symptom of IBS is constipation, which is often followed by diarrhea. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water soluble, non-gelling fiber, which has been shown to reduce constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It’s also been shown to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. PHGG can be found in health food stores and markets and is generally sold as a fiber product.
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Food allergies and sensitivities
For many, IBS is caused by simple food intolerances. For example, diary and gluten are prime candidates. These sensitivities and food allergies may cause an immune response in your intestines. Your body is unable to process them effectively and becomes inflamed. This inflammation and inability to process the items may cause an imbalance in the bacteria we mentioned earlier when talking about probiotics.
Thus eliminating these foods from your diet will have a profound effect on your IBS symptoms. While dairy and grains are the most common culprits, other foods can also irritate your intestines. An elimination diet is often necessary to be able to determine which foods you’re sensitive to and are causing your IBS.
Natural IBS remedies often require strict attention to your diet, a careful supplementation regimen and a commitment to live symptom free. Many IBS suffers and practitioners recommend keeping a journal and tracking your diet, supplements and symptoms to find the optimal natural IBS remedy solution for you.
