IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is characterized by a group of symptoms which include pain and cramping in the abdomen and lower intestine. Other symptoms of IBS can include chronic diarrhea and constipation, and these two symptoms can alternate. The causes of IBS are unknown, but changes in diet and the addition of specific herbs can help with the symptoms.
Changes in Diet
Sometimes when IBS sufferers consume certain foods and drinks, their symptoms will worsen. In this list are fried foods and other fatty foods, dairy products, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine and carbonated drinks. You can determine which foods are giving you a problem by keeping a diary to show your doctor on a follow-up visit.
List items that make you feel nauseated after eating them and which items cause cramping and pain. Make sure you write down the times these foods are eaten and exactly when you experience negative symptoms after eating.
Increasing fiber in the diet can sometimes help with the adverse symptoms of IBS. It helps food travel through the digestive canal more easily, but it should be added to the diet slowly. This is because adding large amounts of fiber at one time can sometimes cause discomfort and bloating due to gas production.
Herbs for IBS
Peppermint has been used as a digestive aid for centuries and can help relieve IBS symptoms, because it works to calm spasms in the stomach and intestines. This helps with pain reduction.
The fastest way to supplement with peppermint is by sipping it in the form of tea. Peppermint tea is available in teabags at most grocery stores, and some even carry the fresh leaves. Dried peppermint can be purchased in bulk at most health food stores. If using fresh leaves, they need to be dried first. This can be accomplished by laying them in direct sunlight for several hours. Make your tea by steeping 2 or 3 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves in an 8-ounce mug of water. Peppermint tea can be sweetened with honey.
Fennel seed tea can be used to combat the bloating and gas that is so troublesome in IBS. It is classified as an anti-spasmodic and also helps the stomach produce digestive juices. As an alternative to brewing fennel seeds in a tea, you can chew on the seeds for the same effect.
Before steeping several teaspoons of fennel seeds for tea, you can crush the seeds, thus intensifying their strength.
The root of ginger has also been used for centuries in treating digestive distress. It can help overcome the feeling of nausea and also acts to tone the intestinal tract. It has been used effectively to treat the symptoms of IBS as well as motion sickness, and the digestive enzymes it contains make it perfect for use after a large meal.
Slice several pieces of fresh ginger root and allow this to boil on the stove for about 10 minutes. Strain the ginger out of the tea, and let the tea cool before sipping.
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