Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a painful condition of the large intestine. The condition is also known by other names including irritable colon, functional bowel syndrome, spastic bowel and spastic colon. When a person suffers from this condition, the intestines are unable to digest the food completely.
The condition affects millions of people all over the world every year. But unfortunately medical science has not been able to find the ultimate cure for the condition. There are medications available that treat the symptoms associated with IBS. However, these medications do not treat the condition.IBS results in passing of the food through the intestine either at fast speed or at a very slow speed. Hence, the person keeps alternating between having loose motions and then painful constipation.
Many times people suffering from the condition also end up with depression. Many women sufferers of IBS find it difficult to conceive because they do not ovulate regularly. In order to keep the condition under control it becomes important to make significant changes in the diet and lifestyle. Maintaining a food diary will help you keep a track of the foods and drinks that trigger the symptoms of IBS.
Along with these changes there are certain treatments that can be done at home to reduce the pain and discomfort caused as a result of the irritable bowel syndrome.
Best Home Remedies For IBS
Water
Water is very important for sustenance of life on this planet. However, water is also important because it is the best cure for many conditions including IBS.
Water helps keep the digestive system working properly as it aids in easier movement of the food through the passage. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water helps avoid constipation. If you have diarrhea as a result of IBS drinking enough water will help prevent dehydration.
Oat Bran
Oat bran is a rich source of fiber and fiber is important for healthy functioning of the intestines. Fiber adds bulk to the food that helps in easier movement of the food through the intestinal passages. Thus, fiber rich oat bran helps keep the colon healthy.
Eating two bowls of oat bran every day will keep you full for longer periods of time and also help ease your motions. Eating oat bran ensures that you don’t suffer from painful constipation ever. However, the treatment using oat bran needs to be done regularly for a month. Only after this will you see the positive effects that oats have on your system. Eat products that contain oat bran.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are another very rich source of fiber. In fact a lot of dieticians recommended flax seeds to facilitate quick weight loss. The reason is that fiber adds bulk to your food and your body tends to remain hunger-free for longer. Flax seeds are easily available in the market and you can use them for cooking and for baking.
Add flax seeds to cereals and salads for a nutty taste. Mix flaxseeds in your cake batter for aroma and good health. You can even take one tablespoon of flaxseed with one glass of warm water at bed time or have it first thing in the morning. Fiber rich flax seeds will make the body’s waste bulkier thus reducing chances of diarrhea and constipation. Hence, it is very useful in treating IBS.
Carrots
Carrots are rich source of beta-carotene, which is very essential for maintaining good health of the intestines as well as the colon. Beta carotene ensures that your body does not suffer from diarrhea or constipation. It regulates the bulk of the waste material that is removed by the body. Carrots are best consumed in raw form.They can be added to salads and eaten as is. You can use them for preparing vegetable rice and noodles.
Drinking fresh carrot juice will also give you healthy digestive system. Do not add water to the carrots while preparing their juice. Use apricot nectar instead of plain water. You can use organic honey as well but carrots taste really well when used in combination with apricot nectar. Carrots can be cooked as well but do not overcook them or they will lose their essential nutrients.
Also Read
Preventing Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Cure
IbS Treaments With Herbal Cure
Causes Of IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet
Yogurt
Yogurt has live cultures of good bacteria that increase the body’s immunity and help it ward off the infection causing bacteria.
The good bacteria of the yogurt line up the digestive tract and reduce the effects of the symptoms of IBS. Eat one cup of yogurt 45 minutes after each meal to prevent the symptoms of IBS from taking over.
Pears
Who doesn’t like the fresh juicy taste of pears? But the fruit is also excellent for treating IBS as it is packed with essential nutrients. Buy ripe pears if you wish to consume them within 24-36 hours. Otherwise buy raw pears and let them ripe over a couple of days. A ripe pear is very healthy as it is a rich source of essential nutrients. These nutrients add bulk to the body’s waste and help in easier and faster removal of the waste from the body.
Fennel Seeds
We all know that fennel seeds are very effective in providing relief from acidity and heartburn. They are also chewed upon after meals because they help in easier digestion of spicy and oily foods. Fennel contains enzymes that help in the removal of fat from the body. These unhealthy fats are responsible for the formation of mucus within the digestive tract.
Excessive mucus in body’s waste is one of the symptoms of IBS. So, fennel prevents the formation of this mucus and keeps the digestive tract healthy. You can either chew fennel seeds throughout the day or drink 3-4 glasses of fennel tea to avoid occurrence of symptoms of IBS. Steep four teaspoons of fennel seeds in 500ml of water for 30 minutes. Strain and let the concoction cool before drinking it.
Remember, there is no cure for IBS once you get the condition. However, you can lead a stress free and pain free life if you follow the above given home remedies regularly.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.