7 Natural Remedies for IBS (that really work)

If you have IBS then I don't have to tell you it's inconvenient, uncomfortable and even downright embarrassing at times, to say the least.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, causes pain, cramping and gas. People who have it may get constipated or get sudden diarrhea. Many suffer from both.

IBS is a chronic condition. Once you have it, you need to learn to live with it. That means knowing what will trigger an attack, and what to do to prevent one.

What Can Cause an IBS Attack?

Nobody knows what causes IBS, but there are some things known to cause its symptoms. These include:

• Stress
• Hormone changes such as menstrual periods
• Some foods, including wheat, dairy, citrus fruits, cabbage, beans, soda. There’s a group of foods known as FODMAPS, or “fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols” that can cause IBS symptoms. These foods include grains, produce and dairy.

There are drugs you can take to treat IBS, but many find their side effects are as bad as IBS itself. A lot of people find that natural remedies help.

Top 7 Natural Remedies for IBS

1. Prebiotics

These are nondigestible carbs that help good bacteria grow in your gut.

Foods that contain prebiotics include:

• raw asparagus
• onions
• garlic
• bananas

2. Probiotics

These are live bacteria found in fermented foods and supplements. The best sources are Greek yogurt and kefir. Both can be found in your local market’s dairy case.

3. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is known to prevent spasms by relaxing smooth muscles.

4. Fiber

Though fiber can make symptoms like bloating or gas worse, some IBS patients find that adding psyllium to their diet can help them feel better. This is especially true for IBS patients whose symptoms include constipation.

Try adding fiber-rich foods, including beans and fresh produce, though it's a good idea to introduce these foods slowly.

5. Exercise

Studies have shown that exercising helps reduce stress. At the same time, it helps your intestines function normally.

6. Iberogast

Iberogast is a liquid that is made of plant extracts that have been shown to relieve IBS spasms and pain.

7. Stress Relief

Studies have shown that stress makes IBS symptoms worse, and can often be the cause of them.

Patients are encouraged to add yoga, relaxation exercises and mindful meditation to their daily regimen. Doing so can help reduce anxiety and increase the ability to cope with challenging situations.

Avoid these foods that can make anxiety worse!

It can be hard to get the nutrients you need while paying attention to your IBS, but smoothies can help.

2 Smoothie Recipes to help with IBS

IBS Green Smoothie

1 cup butter lettuce
2 celery stalks
½ banana
1 cup papaya
1.5 cups Greek yogurt or kefir

Blend all ingredients and enjoy!

Low FODMAP Green Smoothie

1/2 Cup Spinach
½ Cup Kale
1 Orange peeled
1 Tablespoon of Ground Flaxseed
1 Tablespoon of Ginger Juice or ½ inch of raw ginger
Kefir or yogurt to desired thickness

Blend all ingredients and enjoy!

Yours in health and happiness,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and loved ones and I invite you to comment below too. What works for you when IBS strikes?