Natural Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a digestive disorder that may affect up to one in five people in America. The syndrome is slightly more common in women than in men, but affects both sexes. Doctors have been perplexed from time to time on what causes the discomfort and symptoms of IBS; however no real research has found a cause.

Many patients suffering from IBS have a lower blood supply to their digestive tract that those that are not affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Because of this finding, many doctors believe that is the most likely contributor to the disease. It is also a syndrome that is easily accompanied by depression, anxiety and stress. For these reasons, many doctors believe IBS to be a psychological disorder.

Whatever the cause may be all research points to no specific cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There is no known abnormality that has been found to be a contributing factor among those diagnosed with IBS. Some doctors believe the pain receptors may just be a little more sensitive in patients with IBS. The digestive tract is most commonly in perfect form in the patient with IBS.

These findings that show no abnormality, no cause and no cure leave the syndrome rather mysterious. While there are various treatments available, none is proved completely effective. Some patients see results from fiber supplements. Fiber such as Metamucil and Citrucel ease the constipation that affects some patients with IBS.

Other patients with IBS have found some relief from the syndrome by taking anti-diarrhea medicines such as Imodium.

By eliminating foods that are known to cause gas, the digestive tract may be less susceptible to the pain associated with gas. These foods include vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Salads can sometimes aggravate gas as well. Even carbonated beverages such as soda can trigger gas in the intestinal tract.

Some other treatments commonly recommended by doctors include anticholinergic and antidepressant medications. Anticholinergic medicines work in the nervous system and may relieve the pain associated from bowel spasms. Antidepressants also work in the nervous system by inhibiting the neurons that control your digestive tract. Some commonly diagnosed antidepressants used to treat IBS include Tofranil, Prozac, Sarafem and Paxil.

Counseling is also a common suggestion of a doctor treating a patient with IBS. Dealing with the extra stress in life has shown to ease the symptoms of IBS.

All these facts lead to a common idea that IBS can be totally removed from your system with some powerful mind thinking. The power of ones mind is amazing. By simply ignoring any pain you feel in your digestive tract, you may suffer fewer attacks as time goes on. When you give your mind special attention to your stomach, you may feel ill even though you are not.

Also, diet control can often lead to complete elimination of this dehabilitating disease. Knowing what foods may trigger stomach upset can guide your diet and avoiding any trigger foods can remove the effects of IBS on your system. The list of trigger foods is different with each patient, and only you can figure out your list of the most problematic foods. Chart what you eat for a week, and see which foods led to Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Stop eating these foods and many of the symptoms will go away.

By knowing the simple facts about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you may be able to successful cure yourself of this disease. While there are many patients that suffer pain, many patients may suffer from simple indigestion when worried about turns into a dehabilitating disease that causes them to miss work, sleep more and feel depressed. No treatment will ever work for everyone, but this mental and diet treatment is one that is worth a shot!