(NaturalNews) Irritable bowel syndrome, otherwise known as "IBS," is a condition that afflicts millions of Americans in large part because of our highly processed low fiber diets. It is an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing condition that is marked by bloating, gas and a feeling of never quite being fully relieved after bowel movements.
It is common for a person with IBS to have intermittent bouts of diarrhea followed by days of constipation. Many times those with IBS just never feel quite "right" because their digestive and elimination system is always in flux and they are always in some kind of discomfort.
Some end up turning to prescription medications that have other undesired effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and changes in appetite. Most of the time; however, IBS can be treated by using natural methods, remedies and lifestyle changes.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil, which is the minty flavored oil extracted from leaves of the peppermint plant, has been one of the most popular natural remedies for IBS, gas, bloating and stomach upset. This is because it has a natural calming and "cooling" effect on the stomach and the digestive tract.
It is thought that peppermint also may help ease intestinal discomfort, gas and bloating by helping slow down the contractions of the intestinal walls. This can help make digestion and elimination more effective and a whole lot more comfortable.
Digestive enzymes
A good digestive enzyme supplement can also help ease IBS by improving the efficiency of your digestive system. When food has not been digested as much as possible before reaching the small intestine, it can cause great discomfort and hinder the entire elimination process.
Taking a high quality digestive enzyme supplement that contains components such as bromelain (naturally found in pineapple), lipase, pancreatin, papain and pepsin can really help increase the efficiency of digestion. By breaking the food down as much as possible earlier in the process, you may avoid a lot of the uncomfortable symptoms that come later on in the intestine.
Avoid or minimize cheese consumption, increase real fiber intake
Cheese is probably one of the most "binding" foods you can eat. It makes your stool sticky and hard and often can interfere with your bowel movements for days if you consume a lot of it. This is particularly true for those with
IBS since they already have sluggish and often intermittently overactive bowel movements.
Increasing your real fiber intake is crucial if you want to be regular and comfortable. I say "real fiber" because this does not mean a supplement or fiber-enriched processed foods. Real
fiber consists of foods like apples, mangos, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach and other minimally cooked leafy greens. High fiber fruits and vegetables are the key to healthy digestion and elimination.
Probiotics
Probiotics are vitally important to the health and function of your colon and intestines. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy and operating smoothly.
They can be attained through eating certain fermented foods or some dairy products such as yogurt. If these types of foods are unappetizing to you, there are also ways to supplement with probiotics. There are various drinks, capsules and powders that contain these microscopic organisms.
Keeping your body supplied with probiotics helps keep the lining of the intestines healthy. These organisms also help to keep gas-producing "bad" bacteria to a minimum, so they are invaluable as a tool for prevention and treatment when it comes to colon, intestine and digestive health and comfort.
Sources for this article include:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndromehttp://altmedicine.about.com/cs/digestiveproblems/a/IBS.htmAbout the author:Danna Norek founded Aura Sensory All Natural Body, Skin and Hair Care. Visit the informative site to learn more about what chemicals & ingredients to avoid in your beauty and personal care products at
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