Natural Remedies help Soothe Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you do
not have to live in constant discomfort. Studies have show
that through diet, supplements and lifestyle changes, one
can reduce and even eliminate most symptoms.

. Fiber matters. Adequate dietary fiber is important, but
what is more important is the adequate consumption of
soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps prevent diarrhea and
constipation as well as regulating intestinal spasms and
easing cramps and pain. Good sources of soluble fiber
include raw or steamed vegetables, apples, pears, berries,
unprocessed rolled oats, barley, rye, brown rice, psyllium
husks and seeds, and spelt products. Insoluble fiber
includes wheat, bran, nuts, legumes and salad greens, is
best avoided initially until IBS symptoms settle down.
These foods may be reintroduced later as digestion improves.

. Glutamine. Glutamine, a type of amino acid, has a
particular affinity for the digestive and nervous systems,
helping to heal an irritated gut lining and reduce allergic
responses to foods.

. Slippery elm. This herb is a bowel normaliser, meaning it
can be used for both constipation and diarrhea. It settles
the gut, alleviating cramps, wind, reflux and acidic
indigestion.

. Aloe vera. Taken just before bed, aloe vera juice is very
effective for constipation. It also has a mildly
detoxifying effect, helping to heal and soothe the
gastrointestinal tract. It can be taken together with
glutamine and slippery elm.

. Probiotics. Maintaining sufficient good bacteria in our
gastrointestinal tract is important for healthy digestion.
Probiotics can be bought in powder or capsule and should be
taken twice daily before meal. Lactobacillus plantarum is
also very effective. Boosting your digestive enzymes can
aid the absorption of nutrients in the body.

. More herbs. Strong fennel, ginger and peppermint teas
help alleviate wind, pain and nausea. They also increase
gut motility. These herbs can be taken in tablet or capsule
form if you do not like the taste of the teas.

. The right fats. Essential fatty acids (EFAs), especially
the omega 3 fatty acids, reduce the inflammation associated
with IBS. Eat oily fish regularly and/or take a fish or
flaxseed oil supplement. These oils also have numerous
other health benefits for the immune and cardiovascular
systems. Flaxseed oil also reduces allergic tendencies. If
you have a sensitive stomach, take oils in small quantities
at a time and always with food.

Foods to Avoid

. Dairy products. Many people with IBS have a shortfall of
laxtase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar. Stick to
dairy free options, such as soy, rice, almond or oat milk.
Most are available in organic and low-fat versions.

. Gluten. May present in wheat and also some other grains.

. Sugar, and artificial sweeteners, especially sorbitol.

. Red meat, which is high in saturated fat and
hard-to-digest animal protein.

. Caffeine. This causes the bowel to spasm. Choose fruity
hearbal teas, brewed beverages made from roasted carob or
nuts, or white tea, which has only a mount of caffeine.

. Alcohol, especially on an empty stomach. Alcohol-free
wine and beer are better choices.

. Soft drinks and carbonated beverages, including mineral
waters, which can cause bloating and wind.


----------------------------------------------------
Please visit Naturopedia.com, http://www.naturopedia.com
for more on natural health and healing. Click here for the
original article.