Home Remedies for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a problem with the functioning of the digestive tract which leads to a variety of symptoms that include diarrhea, constipation, cramping, bloating and gas. If you suffer regularly from these symptoms, there are home remedies for IBS that can bring you a great deal of relief. You should, however, always talk to your doctor so that he or she can monitor your IBS over time.
Lifestyle Home Remedies for IBS
For a great many people, dietary and lifestyle changes can make a huge difference with IBS. Moderate exercise, for instance, stimulates more regular functioning of the digestive tract and can reduce IBS problems. Drinking lots of water throughout the day and maintaining a fiber-rich diet will also help.
Avoiding certain foods that are IBS triggers can help. The most common offenders are dairy products (particularly milk), citrus fruits, chocolate, refined sugars and foods high in fat, especially fatty meats which are hard to digest. Eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals will also help control IBS symptoms. Try not to drink liquids when eating, as this inhibits the digestive process. Instead, drink lots of fluids between meals.
Caffeine is a known cause of IBS symptoms, so try to cut out black tea, coffee and sodas. If you want to try decaffeinated coffee, you may have some success, but some people can’t even drink decaf without having symptoms. You’ll need to decide for yourself whether a few cups of coffee each day is worth it.
It may be difficult, but try to avoid stress, which often causes IBS flare-ups. Some of the best home remedies for IBS are those that reduce stress, such as massage therapy, meditation and even simply relaxing with a heating pad or hot water bottle over your abdomen.
Foods that Help Regulate IBS
There are also several foods you can add to your diet that are home remedies for IBS:
- Drink cabbage juice daily
- Eat carrots each day, whether raw or cooked, regulate diarrhea and constipation
- Snack on fresh or dried pears for a healthy, tasty way to soothe the stomach and intestines
- Eat yogurt every day for the healthy bacteria. For an even greater impact, eat a cup of yogurt with ½ teaspoon of psyllium husks after meals
- Fennel seeds can be tossed in a salad or eaten roasted to aid digestion and relieve colon spasms
A soothing cup of peppermint or flaxseed tea will relax a spastic colon and is one of the best ways to relieve IBS inexpensively and easily. You can also try stirring one half teaspoon of ginger powder into warm water and sipping every afternoon.
One of India’s favorite home remedies for IBS is a simple concoction you should take after every meal. Simply stir a drop or two (no more) into a teaspoon of honey and swallow after each meal to keep your digestive system functioning properly.
Hopefully a combination of a better diet, more exercise and a few simple cures from the kitchen cabinet will bring your Irritable Bowel Syndrome under control.