Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What is it and How Can it Be Treated Naturally?

Approximately one-in-five Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is considered to be a functional disorder because there are no structural abnormalities that can be picked up by x-rays or endoscopy, and blood tests will not pick up on it.

If you have a symptom or a group of symptoms that lasts for twelve weeks in a twelve-month period, chances are you have irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms always include abdominal pain or discomfort and at least two of the three following characteristics: (1.) Pain or discomfort relieved by defecation; (2.) change in the frequency of bowel movements; (3.) change in the appearance of stools.

There is a wide array of symptoms that are associated with IBS: Cramping in the lower abdomen, mucous-filled stools, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating are pretty common in sufferers. Treating these symptoms can be inexpensive compared to prescription medications, and are generally better for our bodies.

Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are found naturally in our digestive tract. These are "friendly bacteria" and are believed to promote health by preventing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, thus improving immune function. Probiotics also help produce Vitamin K and enhances the protective barrier of the digestive tract.

Because IBS sufferers may have an imbalance in their normal intestinal bacteria with an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria, probiotics may help by reducing abdominal pain, gas, bloating, straining, incomplete evacuation, and bowel dysfunction.

Home Remedies:

Chamomile, valerian, rosemary, and lemon balm all have anti-spasmotic properties.

Chamomile: Dissolve 2-3 grams of powdered chamomile in hot water and drink.

Whole Peppermint Leaf: You may use alone or in a combination with other herbs. Effective in treating upper abdominal pain is a combination of whole peppermint leaf, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, and wormwood.

Dill Oil is said to help in digestion and its healing properties may heal IBS. Add a drop of dill oil to a teaspoon of honey. Take after every meal.

Eating indian gooseberry controls indigestion and hyperacidity and is available in pill form or you eat the raw fruit.

Drinking ginger tea or eating raw ginger reduces inflammation associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Flax seed cleans out your stomach and helps to correct digestion problems; however, you will want to find a flax seed that has been manufactured in a facility that has been approved by the FDC and GMP to ensure its safety and efficiency.

Stress increases the instance of IBS symptoms, so it is important to reduce stress in any way that you can. Using stress management skills (psychotherapy and relaxation) combined with conventional treatment is best versus conventional treatment alone.

An important thing to remember is that children and pregnant women should find alternate herbal remedies that are safe to use and are effective. They should therefore consult with a doctor before they begin any sort of herbal regiment.