Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common problem that many people deal with on a daily basis. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
While there is no cure for IBS, there are many natural treatments and home remedies that can help lessen the symptoms. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular methods for treating IBS naturally.
- Stick to a specialized diet
People with IBS often find that their symptoms are triggered by certain foods. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods make your symptoms worse.
Once you know which foods to avoid, you can stick to a specialized diet that eliminates those trigger foods. Eliminating foods that are high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) is a great place to start.
- Try herbal remedies
There are many herbs that have been shown to be effective in treating IBS symptoms. Some of the most popular include ginger, turmeric, lavender, and peppermint.
Use herbal remedies as a way of treating the symptoms —not the cause. They can help reduce abdominal pain, gas, and bloating in some people, so make sure you try different methods and find what works best for you.
- Get regular exercise
Exercise has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress levels and improving digestion. Both of these effects can help lessen the symptoms of IBS. When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which make you feel good, and can even help to reduce the crippling effects of abdominal pain related to IBS.
- Practice stress-relieving methods
Stress is a common trigger for IBS flare-ups. Therefore, it is important to find ways to reduce stress in your life. Some people find that yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises help to calm their mind and ease symptoms.
If you’re feeling particularly stressed, take a few minutes out of your day to do something that makes you happy. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family, taking a break from stress can make a big difference in your IBS symptoms.
- Try acupuncture for chronic pain
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as an integral part of Chinese medicine. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain, including the abdominal pain associated with IBS.
If you’re looking for a natural way to ease your pain, acupuncture may be worth considering. All you have to do is focus on relaxing!
- Smoke some weed
While it’s not for everyone, smoking weed has been shown to be an effective treatment for IBS. Cannabis helps to reduce pain and inflammation in people with IBS.
If you’re interested in trying this method, make sure you discuss it with your marijuana doctor first. There are many different strains of cannabis, so it is important to find one that works best for you.
If you don’t already have a marijuana doctor, and you’d like to learn more about how you can use marijuana to help treat your IBS, check out this article on Marijuana Doctors.
- Hypnotherapy
While this method is a little unorthodox, and is certainly not FDA approved, hypnotherapy has shown to be an effective treatment for IBS in some people. During hypnotherapy, you will be guided into a relaxed state of mind and asked to focus on positive thoughts and images.
This can help to ease the symptoms of IBS by relaxing the energetic tension built up in the intestines and abdomen. If you’re interested in trying hypnotherapy, make sure you find a qualified practitioner in your area.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps you to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your IBS symptoms.
It can be an effective way to manage stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for IBS flare-ups. CBT usually involves meeting with a therapist on a weekly basis for around 12 weeks. If you think CBT may be right for you, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about finding a therapist in your area.
Conclusion
While there is no cure for IBS, the above natural treatments and home remedies can help lessen the symptoms. Find what works best for you and stick with it. With a little trial and error, you can find a treatment plan that helps you live a relatively normal life despite having IBS.
