Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the most common chronic ailment in the United States. It is sometimes called spastic colon or simply, IBS. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain and cramping, discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the two, and gas, bloating and nausea. Often, IBS is a diagnosis of elimination, meaning once a doctor has determined that a patient has no disease, they will diagnose them with IBS. IBS is a functional digestive disorder, and not a disease. This means that there is a problem with the communication between the brain and the gut, and that miscommunication causes stomach pain. Vomiting is not often associated with the condition, but can occasionally result from the sensations of nausea. Women may find that they have IBS outbreaks in conjunction with menstruation. There is no cure for IBS, but a wide variety of tools are available for controlling the symptoms. Diet has a direct effect on IBS outbreaks as well, and thus, is one of the main components for controlling it naturally.
Those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome will find that they have certain trigger foods that lead to attacks. The greatest digestive tract stimulant is fat, and those suffering from IBS will find that within minutes of eating greasy, high-fat foods, they may experience stomach pain. This may surprise people because the food has just begun to adjust. But the minute something like red meat, french fries, or dairy products begin to move through the system, there will be a gastrocolic reflex that occurs and triggers the IBS attack.
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Some trigger foods are typically considered a healthy part of an adult diet. Raw vegetables and certain whole-grain fibers may trigger attacks. Those with this digestive order may have a difficult time processing some of these high fiber foods. People suffering from
Irritable Bowel Syndrome should make attempts to ease their colon function gently by eating a diet high in soluble fiber. Foods containing soluble fiber stabilize the intestine, soothe and regulate the digestive tract, and normalize bowel function. This means that it is as helpful with diarrhea as it is with constipation. To visualize how soluble fiber helps, imagine making a bowl of oatmeal. When the oats and water mix, it creates a gummy substance. This gel travels through the gut soaking up additional water in the intestines (preventing diarrhea) and creating a thick, wet gel which is easy to move through the system (preventing constipation). In addition to oatmeal, foods that are high in soluble fiber include bananas, sweet potatoes, rice cereal, white breads, pasta, carrots, and papayas. Papayas also help to relieve and indigestion.
Along with avoiding trigger foods and eating a diet high in soluble fiber, those suffering from
Irritable Bowel Syndrome may also find that gentle exercise helps to keep their system moving normally. Yoga helps from a variety of angles with IBS. The practice helps to reduce menstrual cramps which can trigger an attack in women. It reduces stress and anxiety, both emotions which effect IBS. It directly reduces the effects of gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, all four of which lead to stomach pain. And lastly, it will help improve flexibility and posture, allowing the body to move food and waste through in a gentle, efficient manner.
Many find that along with diet and exercise, certain herbs and pro-biotics help them with digestion. Pro-biotics are live cultures that can be taken in pill form or consumed when eating yogurt.
IBS sufferers should avoid dairy yogurt and opt for soy, since dairy can trigger symptoms. The live cultures assist in normalizing a healthy gastrointestinal environment, which can minimize bloating, diarrhea, gas, and painful cramping. Educate yourself concerning pro-biotic supplements, as many on the market are not helpful and often contain very little helpful ingredients. These products do not require any prescriptions and can be found on nutrition and health websties such as MotherNature.com and GNC.com.
A variety of herbal teas may help ease the symptoms of
IBS, and many find that these remedies have instantaneous results. Peppermint is soothing, and helps aid digestion after eating. In an emergency, letting a peppermint breath-mint dissolve in your mouth may even ease abdominal pain. In addition to peppermint, fennel can also be brewed into a tea and sipped to help aid in digestion. Both peppermint and fennel have a pungent smell and taste, so experiment to see which is most effective and most pleasing to your palette.
The effects of
Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be devastating. Experiencing an attack at the wrong time or place leads to embarrassment and inconvenience. Those suffering from this digestive disorder feel they are prisoners to their condition, anxious about leaving their home, or traveling to a place where they may not be able to locate a bathroom. Left unattended, IBS may also lead to more serious digestive problems, some causing permanent damage to the intestines and colon. Repeated bouts of constipation allow toxins to seep into your organs, and can lead to other conditions. Natural remedies that soothe the symptoms of IBS and help with managing the disease provide comfort to those suffering with the disorder. Visit any of our top rated nutrition and health websites to find out more about how to acquire the natural remedies discussed in this post.