IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon. The symptoms of IBS alternate between annoying diarrhea to severe constipation causing a host of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, cramping and indigestion.
The colon becomes irritable and irregular thus disturbing the person’s bowel movements. Lifestyle habits like a poor diet, stress and intense emotions like sadness, anger and depression can trigger an attack of IBS.
While it can cause acute discomfort, it is not a very serious condition and can be easily alleviated with the help of some home remedies.
Home Remedies For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Reduce Stress
Stress can trigger an attack of IBS so ensure that you stay stress free. Practice deep breathing and meditation for long term relief from IBS. Yoga can improve your digestive health and this can have a positive influence over your symptoms.
Avoid Food Triggers
There are some food triggers which always precipitate an attack of IBS. These include dairy, coffee, spicy foods and processed foods.
Keep the intake of these foods to the minimum. Identify the possible food triggers by keeping a food diary. You will soon be able to identify the offending culprits and be able to weed them out from your diet.
Minimize Fats
Fats can either cause diarrhea or lead to severe constipation by clogging the intestines. Switch over to healthier substitutes or go on a fat free diet for some time. Eating bland foods may give relief from the symptoms.
Fruits and Veggies
Consume plenty of fruits and veggies. If you are constipated, tackling it with fiber is a good home remedy. Fruits are high on fiber and have vital macro nutrients to give you immunity and strength.
You can also eat other fibrous foods like oatmeal and sweet potato all of which are great for de-clogging the intestines and leading to a smoother bowel movement.
Drink Water
Warm water will effectively deal with both the symptoms of IBS. It can prevent dehydration in case of diarrhea and soften the stools in case of constipation. You can have other fluids like soups and coconut water which replenish lost electrolytes like potassium in case of a severe attack of diarrhea.
Exercise
Nothing works better for the digestion than indulging in some exercise every day. Go for a long walk or take up a sport of your choice.
Being physically fit has helped plenty of IBS patients to overcome their symptoms. There is no cure for this problem. The symptoms can only be managed with proper care.
Cut Down on Smoking
The nicotine and tar from cigarette smoke irritates the stomach lining and causes a flare up of symptoms. Smoking is not good for overall health. It makes you swallow in a lot of air leading to the formation of gas pockets in the stomach and this in turn can cause bloating and discomfort.
Peppermint Tea and Chamomile Tea
Drink a lot of chamomile tea and peppermint tea as they are both soothing to the stomach and give a cooling sensation. The same goes for ginger tea which gives relief from cramps.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.