Home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome
Published On: September 11, 2009, 1:38 am
By Megha Batra
By Megha Batra Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to an illness that includes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea. A person has to go through a lot of discomfort and distress because of IBS. Usually, it doesn’t lead to a permanent harm or any sort of serious problem to the intestines. Generally, people get rid of such illness with the help of a healthy diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. But for numerous people, it becomes difficult to stay at social events for longer periods of time, or to work continuously, or to travel to long distance places.
Symptoms
Though the symptoms of IBS may vary from individual to individual, some of the common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and discomfort, mucus in stool, constipation, changes in bowel habits, cramping in lower abdomen and diarrhea. In some cases, these symptoms may come and go while others may have to suffer from them constantly. These symptoms may get worse in some women during their periods.
Causes
Causes of IBS are not very clear. But it has been noticed that colons of IBS patients are more sensitive than normal people. Their muscles may contract soon after meal and cause cramping or diarrhea. The nerves may also be sensitive to the bowel movements. This illness is common in people aged 35 years or less.
Home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Here are some effective proven home remedies for IBS:
• Selected herbs like chamomile, valerian, rosemary and lemon balm are a good cure to IBS due to their antispasmodic properties.
• Make a habit of drinking ginger tea or eating raw ginger so as to reduce inflammation. Indian gooseberry is effective in controlling indigestion and hyperacidity.
• Eat a healthy diet, including fresh vegetables and fruits. Prefer eating fiber-rich food as fiber enhances proper working of intestine and stabilizes the symptoms of IBS.
• Avoid intake of carbonated beverages. It has been noticed that the gas produced due to their consumption worsens the problem of IBS.
• Eat foods rich in carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta, etc.
Here are a few homemade recipes for curing IBS:
(a) Mix half a teaspoonful of dry ginger powder with a pinch of asafetida and rock salt in a cup of lukewarm water and drink it. It is an effective remedy for gas in intestine and also helps curing the irritability in the intestines.
(b) Peel and slice some fresh ginger. Add some lime juice in it. Take it after every meal. It is beneficial in IBS treatment.
(c) Grind some pepper, dry ginger and green cardamom seeds. Take an equal proportion (ration or proportion) of all three of them. Have half a teaspoon of this mixture with water and drink it one hour after each meal. It helps in digestion and lessens the irritability of intestines.
(d) Dill oil is said to be one of the best home remedies for IBS. Take a teaspoonful of honey, add a drop of dill oil in it, and take it just after every meal. Dill heals the intestinal diseases and helps in digestion too.
(e) Mix two teaspoons of brandy in a cup of lukewarm water. Drink this mixture just before going to bed at night. This is one of the most simple and effective home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome.
A few changes in your lifestyle may also be a good remedy for IBS illness. Some of them are:
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid mental stress.
• Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day.
• Eat small meals at frequent intervals rather than eating a large meal.
• Avoid intake of caffeine and fat as they may increase the intensity of cramps in intestines.
• Certain Yoga postures are effective in reducing IBS symptoms.
• Avoid too much intake of laxatives.
It is very important to keep your body fit and healthy. A physically fit body is more capable of digesting foods. It is equally important to keep your mind stress-free and relaxed. Stress is considered to be the chief cause of several digestive problems, including IBS.
Note: Avoid resorting to any of the above remedies in case you are allergic to them. Consult your doctor in such a case.
You can now ask questions to our experts and get your queries resolved.
