Anxiety Natural Remedy

Often with those that suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) there must be a trigger present to create an abnormal function of the colon. Diet and emotional stress are often these hidden triggers. Many suffers have reported IBS symptoms have occurred mainly after a meal or during periods of suffering from stress.

What affect does Stress or Diet have on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

A major response to stress is that it stimulates colonic spasm with those that suffer from IBS. Its is not fully understood why this occurs but scientists believe the nervous system partly controls the colon. Doctors however do not associate IBS in a person to mean that they are suffering from a personality disorder. Counseling and other forms of support such as relaxation techniques, cognitive behaviour skills, IBS alternative medicine and lifestyle changes help to relieve in some people their IBS symptoms.

During the course of digestion the colon contracts. Those that suffer from IBS have the urge for a bowel movement accompanied with diarrhoea and cramps. A strong stimulus of colonic contractions after a meal includes fat in any form being animal or vegetable. The number of calories in a meal can also strengthen the response. Foods that contain fat are whipped toppings, cream, cheese, butter, whole milk, margarine, shortening, avocados, meats of all kinds, poultry skin and vegetable oil.

Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Eating a proper diet for many people helps to lessens IBS symptoms and provides a sound approach to IBS remedy. Those that are considering dietary changes should first keep a journal recording their food intake. This way certain food groups can be identified that have caused IBS symptoms and those food groups that do not trigger an episode.

Discuss your findings with your doctor or dietician so that the correct changes in your diet can be made. It might be a simple approach to lessen the intake of certain food groups to find the correct balance in your diet. Taking this approach will ensure that your diet will provide the required nutrients that your body needs to maintain full functionality.

Foods that have a high content of dietary fiber might help to ease the symptoms of IBS. A good source of dietary fiber is found in vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals and bread. Taking an over the counter supplement should first be discussed with your doctor or dietician. Eating foods high in dietary fiber prevents spasms from occurring by keeping the colon slightly distended. When you first start out of a high fiber diet you may find an increase in gas or bloating but this will soon reduce as your body adjusts to its new diet. Fiber also keeps a high content of water in the stools and this alleviates constipation allowing the softened stools to easily pass.

Herbs for irritable bowel syndrome

Psyllium
Psyllium should be added to the diet gradually if recommended by your doctor or dietician by beginning with a few teaspoons and slowly increasing the dosage over a week’s time. Taken with at least eight glasses of water a day, psyllium can help with the symptoms of constipation or diarrhoea. Discontinue use if either condition worsens.

Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-spasmodic properties known to soothe the digestive tract. Chamomile is a flower in the Asteraceae, or daisy, family. People who are allergic to ragweed, aster, or chrysanthemums may also have a reaction to chamomile. This is a rare occurrence, but anyone taking chamomile should be aware of this possibility. While no human studies have been performed on this supplement in relation to IBS, it has been proven to reduce irritation and cramping in animals. Chamomile can be taken as a tea, or as a capsule.

Acidophilus
This supplement can help the healthy gut bacteria grow, while reducing the harmful bacteria. Be certain that there are ‘live organisms’ in the pills. The preferred source of healthy bacteria is yoghurt (make sure the container says ‘contains live cultures’). Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may be added to acidophilus pills. FOS are carbohydrates that are not digestible by humans, but serve to help the beneficial bacteria to grow.

Peppermint Oil
This supplement can help reduce spasms in the colon. Peppermint oil can be taken in either capsules or tea. While more effective, capsules can cause anal irritation. Peppermint oil has even been approved for use by IBS patients in Germany.

Evening Primrose Oil
Many women with IBS report that symptoms are worse during their menstrual period. Evening primrose oil may help to improve symptoms.

Food Elimination
A food elimination diet can help discover ‘trigger foods’ that set off IBS symptoms. Keeping a food and symptom diary for a few weeks might point out problem foods. Try eliminating those foods and see what the results are. Common triggers are caffeine, high fat foods, sorbitol, and milk products.

It’s also very important to advise your doctor or dietician about any alternative remedies such as the digestion of irritable bowel syndrome herbs that are being used in conjunction with medical treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS herb and supplements can interact with prescription drugs.

As with any medical condition, it is beneficial to maintain a well balanced, low-fat diet and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

For further information we recommend Herbs For IBS.