Improve your symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome through diet and natural treatments

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common gastro-intestinal disorder diagnosed by doctors. Typical symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

If you do suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, in addition to talking to your doctor, there are dietary and lifestyle changes that can help.

You may be able to lessen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by avoiding or reducing the following:

• large meals
• wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, alcohol
• drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas
• stress, conflict, or emotional upsets

Researchers have also found that women with irritable bowel syndrome may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can worsen irritable bowel syndrome problems.

Natural approaches to irritable bowel syndrome  
While medications are sometimes used to help deal with the symptoms, there are very effective natural approaches that can help you manage your irritable bowel syndrome.

Identify your 'trigger foods' – The most common food irritants for irritable bowel syndrome sufferers are dairy and wheat products. In order to determine which foods may cause a reaction, it is recommended to follow a strict elimination diet. Eliminate dairy for three to five days while keeping a journal on how you are feeling. Following the specific time frame, re-introduce the food to test your system to see if symptoms re-occur.

Drink six to eight glasses of water or herbal tea each day – In addition to drinking fresh clean water daily, opt for soothing herbal teas such as mint or ginger tea. Avoid carbonated beverages such as sodas, which can lead to bloating and discomfort.

Watch your stress levels – If you have irritable bowel syndrome, stress can trigger spasms in your colon. The colon is partially controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which reacts to stress. This is one reason why people experience cramping or 'butterflies' in their stomach when they are nervous.


Page 1 of 2 – On page 2, learn about other natural treatments can help your irritable bowel syndrome.