Homemade Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), is a chronic medical condition that affects the lives of many people across the United States every day. It can basically be defined as a disorder of the gastrointestinal system. Typically, Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects sufferers during, or right after, a meal. However, the symptoms can happen at any time during the day or night. If you suffer from this condition, there are homemade treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome you can try to find relief from its symptoms.

Normally, after a person eats a meal, their digestive system moves the waste into the colon where it can be eliminated. These movements, which happen in the form of contractions, happen over and over again to move the waste along.

But people who suffer from IBS experience spasms in their colon. These spasms can cause sudden cramps, gas, or diarrhea during, or immediately after, eating. They often feel the urgency to have a bowel movement at any time. On the flip side of the coin, Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also cause constipation. Other symptoms of this medical condition include nausea and vomiting.

Although the exact cause of this condition is yet unknown, it has been determined that almost 66 percent of the people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome are females who still experience monthly menstrual cycles. It’s believed that the hormones that are responsible for the cycles also cause IBS.

People of both sexes who suffer from depression and stress are also prone to this medical condition.

The main homemade treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is to eat a proper diet which consists of plenty of fresh vegetables. Avoid eating processed and spicy foods as they can contribute to the problem. To help reduce diarrhea, include plenty of fiber in your diet. Foods that are high in fiber include broccoli, bran, whole-grains, blackberries, strawberries, bananas, kidney beans, black beans, and baked potatoes with the skin.

Eating high-fiber foods can also relieve constipation. Other natural ways to relieve constipation that’s caused by IBS is to eat dried apricots, coconut, grapes, olives, pineapple, walnuts, and mangoes.

Eating dairy products, greasy foods, chocolate, and drinking carbonated soft drinks and alcohol can bring on attacks of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Along with eating a healthy diet, you should drink plenty of water each day.

Another homemade treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is to take Peppermint Oil capsules. You can find these at your local healthfood store. Peppermint oil has been shown to be effective at getting rid of the gas and cramps.

Or, you may choose to buy some grapefruit seed extract from your local healthfood store instead. Grapefruit Seed Extract is available in capsules and in a liquid too. Studies have shown that this natural treatment helps minimize the symptoms that are associated with IBS. It treats diarrhea, constipation, gas, and cramps.

Since this chronic medical condition is thought to be brought on by stress, two other herbs, St. John’s Wort and Chamomile can be taken too. Both of these herbs are known for their natural calming powers. St. John’s Wort is taken in capsule form, while Chamomile Tea is a tasty way to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome.