5 Natural Home Treatments for Dealing with IBS

It is not unusual for women to experience irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, after having a child; though, anyone can end up having to deal with this problem. The symptoms related to IBS can vary, and may include diarrhea, constipation, and severe stomach pains. If you are dealing with IBS, there are some natural home treatments that you may want to consider using.

What Causes IBS?

The causes of IBS can vary and doctors do not have a thorough understanding of exactly what causes the problem, but they do have a few ideas. Many people that suffer from IBS have a more sensitive colon. Others may suffer from IBS due to hormonal changes – about 70 percent of people that suffer from IBS are female. IBS may also be caused by stress or infection.

Some doctors believe that IBS can be caused due to an overproduction of serotonin in the gut. They believe that this often the cause when IBS symptoms include diarrhea. Even though doctors do not fully understand the causes of IBS, they do know that it is not caused by any mental conditions. It is a real physical problem that is likely tied to your health in some form.

Doctors also know that IBS is not related to anatomical or structural problems and that it is not a type of cancer and cannot cause cancer. Some people worry that IBS may lead to other gastrointestinal diseases, but doctors are quick to point out that there is no truth to this.

IBS is difficult to understand; though, there is a general definition. If you suffer from multiple bowel or digestive problems that have continued for at least six months, then you may have IBS. Two symptoms that are always present include abdominal pain and discomfort.

If you suspect that you have IBS, you should setup a doctor appointment as soon as possible. There are many ways to treat IBS, including natural home remedies. Your doctor may even suggest that you try some of the suggestions provided below. Other potential treatments include the use of medications or even behavioral therapy.

When you are suffering from IBS, you want to get relieve as fast as possible. Here are the top 5 natural home remedies for curing IBS:

Make Changes to Your Diet

Most remedies revolve around the food that you eat. If you are dealing with IBS, you may want to make some changes to your diet. Some IBS sufferers have found that eliminating grains and sugar from their diet can help alleviate their IBS symptoms.

The removal of refined sugar has many health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, improving heart health, and boosting metabolism – all of which may play a part in the severity of IBS. If you need to find natural sweeteners to replace sugar, consider using honey. Not only is it a sweet substance, it also contains a large number of health benefits.

If your IBS symptoms include constipation, you may want to consider adding more fiber to your diet. High fiber foods include fresh produce, wheat, and whole grain products. For those that are experiencing additional gas or diarrhea, then fiber may not be an issue. When you have difficulty adding more fiber to your diet, you can also take a fiber supplement.

You should also cut down on your consumption of foods that tend to produce gas, such as cabbage or beans.

 Heal Your Gut by Consuming Gelatin

When you think of gelatin, you likely think of the translucent gelatin snacks. Many people do not realize that gelatin is a meat product. It is typically derived from the hide and bones of animals, especially cows. It is believed that consuming gelatin can help add healthy gut bacteria, while limiting the production of unhealthy gut bacteria. An imbalance of gut bacteria can lead to many of the symptoms that IBS sufferers have to deal with.

For a natural way to consume gelatin, make your own bone broth. Bone broth is prepared by boiling the bones of pigs or cows into a broth. Look for bones from grass-fed animals, if you want a truly organic bone broth.

 Manage Your Stress Level

Stress can have a major impact on your bowel movements and may increase the severity of your IBS symptoms. If you believe that stress is playing a part in your IBS problem, then take steps to relieve stress and manage your stress level.

Keeping a diary or a journal is a good way to deal with stress. This allows you to reflect on your worries and see them with additional clarity. Finding a new hobby is another way to lower your stress. Try finding a new activity to engage in, such as sewing, crafts, bowling, golf, or even bicycling. Anything that can occupy your time and help you let go of your stress is a suitable hobby.

Get More Exercise

Getting more exercise could also help to ease your IBS symptoms, as well as lower your stress. You do not need to begin an intense workout routine. Start small, by adding thirty minutes of physical activity to your daily schedule. Try going for a jog, riding a bike, or swimming for thirty minutes. Cardiovascular exercise can get your blood pumping, helping ease digestive issues and improving your overall health.

Take a Probiotic

Probiotics are foods that promote the production of healthy bacteria in your digestive system. As mentioned, an imbalance of gut bacteria could be one of the potential causes of IBS. Even if your IBS is related to a different issue, adding more beneficial bacteria to your digestive system may help alleviate some of your IBS pain or reduce the duration of your symptoms.

You can find probiotic supplement, but for a more natural way to get your probiotics, consume fermented foods, such as yogurt; though, you should limit yourself. Consuming too much fermented food may increase the severity of your IBS symptoms.

Hopefully you will be able to use some of these suggestions to deal with your IBS symptoms. Dealing with IBS can be challenging, especially when you do not know the exact cause of the problem. If you suspect you are suffering from IBS, you should first visit your doctor and then consider using the 5 IBS remedies discussed.

IBS is not a condition that you should have to put up with – take matters into your own hands, by making changes to your diet and lifestyle.