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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet

Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects the rate at which the contents of the bowel move. Symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, rectal discomfort, headaches, backaches, depression, fatigue, weight loss or weight gain etc.

Treatment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be treated effectively by a number of natural and alternative therapies. It is very important that a doctor or other health professional diagnose IBS as other very serious conditions have similar symptoms. Several natural approaches to relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome are: increase dietary fiber, elimination of food allergies and intolerances, the use of botanicals and the treatment of stress.

Fiber supplementation

Extra fiber will help normalize bowel movements. It is safer to use sources of water-soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber in wheat bran can aggravate the condition in some people. Be sure to drink ample quantities of bottled or filtered water.

Food allergies and intolerances

The most common aggravating foods for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are dairy products and grains. An elimination diet is probably the most helpful in identifying offending foods. For example eliminate dairy from your diet for a minimum of 48 hours and monitor you condition. You could also try taking lactase supplements to help your body break down the sugars in dairy. Next, experiment eliminating grains. Start with wheat and expand from there. Repeat the same process for foods you believe to be a problem. A good idea is to keep a food journal to document everything you eat and drink to determine whether anything in particular may be causing your Irritable Bowel Syndrome to flare up.

Enteric coated Peppermint Oil reduces intestinal spasm and thus can help reduce pain from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Other herbs that may help include goldenseal, which may help promote the healing of intestinal mucosa, and slippery elm or marshmallow, which are soothing.

Reducing stress can improve intestinal function thus limiting symptoms. Exercise can also improve your overall health and reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.