Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) treatment can be tough. IBS symptoms are generally characterized by abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea, or a combination of both. But, the symptoms can differ from person to person.
While medicines are available to treat IBS symptoms, many patients feel better with trying natural remedies in addition to conventional drugs. Here are 5 ways to relieve IBS symptoms naturally:
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Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir and in various supplements. Probiotics help restore a healthy gut flora. Many studies have shown that probiotics help reduce symptoms and the frequency of abdominal pain, which is one of the symptoms of IBS. Many patients even reported a reduction in diarrhoea after using probiotics daily.
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Ginger
Ginger has been in use for medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years. Ginger is known to lower inflammation, be it overall inflammation in your body or GI inflammation. Ginger is also known to aid digestion, nausea, and to relieve pain.
To treat IBS disease, ginger can be easily incorporated into your daily food regimen. Ginger can be consumed in a lot of ways, including as a ginger tea, incorporating it into a sauce, or adding it to your food.
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Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting gives your body a break from food, allowing it focus on repairing any damage. Digestion needs a huge amount of energy from many systems in your body. If digestion is eliminated for 16-18 hours, the body is able to focus on repairing the damage rather than having to pay attention to the digestive process. It can also boost your immune system in a big way. Just remember, if you are a diabetic or have blood sugar issues, this might not be the correct solution for you.
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Peppermint
Peppermint is known to be very calming for the digestive tract. It also has a numbing effect when you are experiencing gas or indigestion. You can take peppermint with your tea or as tablets or beads or with smoothies; whatever the form, peppermint will help in you case of a gas, fairly quickly.
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Magnesium Citrate
If one of your main symptoms of IBS is constipation, then magnesium citrate can help you. Taking magnesium citrate can regulate your bathroom habits, as it is known to be a muscle relaxer, which helps in the movement of the bowels too. But, to use it effectively as an IBS treatment, you will need to find the perfect dosage that works the best for you. To find to the right amount of magnesium citrate you need to take, start by dissolving 1 teaspoon in water and drink it before going to bed. If your stool is not loose enough the next morning, take 2 teaspoons, and so on, until you arrive at the correct amount. There are also different types of magnesium, so read the label carefully before buying. Avoid magnesium carbonate, gluconate, sulfate, and oxide, as they don’t absorb well into the body. You can go for magnesium malate, which is used by powerlifters who take it before workouts. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Always keep in mind that you need to remain consistent with your diet if you have IBS. As a person suffering from the IBS disease, you need to be mindful of your daily routine to make sure that your gut is functioning properly. You can opt for a diet that is low in sugar, as it will keep the inflammation in your digestive tract under control and starve the bad bacteria that feed on it. If you have IBS symptoms, it is best that you try to find a diet that best suits your lifestyle.
