IBS symptoms can be uncomfortable to experience, but natural home remedies can help to alleviate the pain!
Do you have IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome involves abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. It’s quite frequently linked to stress, depression, anxiety, or a history of infections in the intestines. It’s quite possible for anyone to get IBS, but there are groups of people who are more susceptible and vulnerable. These groups include women, people under the age of 45, people with a family history of IBS, and individuals who suffer from a mental health problem. It’s been said to affect about 20% of Americans.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but here are some of the most commonly experienced signs:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Excessive gassiness
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Mucus in stool
Causes
It is unanimous that there is a wide range of factors that cause IBS, and that for the most part, it relates to certain everyday activities and lifestyle. Intestinal walls are lined with layers and layers of muscle which undergo a systematic cycle of contraction and dilation, to push food from the intestines to be excreted at the rectum. However, those with IBS have an abnormal contraction/dilation cycle. For one, they could have contractions that are stronger/last longer than usual – resulting in gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Alternatively, weak contractions mean a slow passage through the intestines and excretory system, and leave you with dry and very hard stools when you finally use the bathroom! Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by specific types of food, such as pop, beans, fruits, alcohol, or even chocolate. Hormones and stress also play a significant role.
Effects
Once again, depending on the individual, the effect of Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be drastic or hardly noticeable at all. In many instances, it has caused weight loss. This can occur due to the cramping pain which can be so severe as to make your eating habits irregular, followed by diarrhea which leads to the inability to digest the necessary nutrients. In other instances, IBS can result in weight gain which results from the temporary die down’ of symptoms which can cause you to overeat in a short period of time.
Natural Home Remedies/Treatments
Natural and home remedies have proven to effective solutions when dealing with IBS.
- Dietary changes make a huge difference. Elimination of the “triggering” food groups discussed earlier, and greater incorporation of fiber is essential. There have been a few studies done that show a decreased amount of stress helps treat IBS.
- Try to eliminate unnecessary sources of stress in your life. Meditate for 20 minutes every day, or take up a yoga class!
- There is growing support for artichoke leaf extract helping with IBS. It’s best when taken around or during meal time.
- Probiotics can help normalize healthy gut bacteria, and eliminate bloating and constipation.
- Peppermint supplements. They help to dilate the muscles that aid in digestion/excretion.
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