Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief

Irritable bowel syndrome relief is what many reading this article are hoping to get. Read this article to learn more about irritable bowel syndrome and what measures can help manage the condition.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a condition that affects your large intestine, and symptoms of IBS include gas and pain, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. The condition is chronic, meaning it needs to be managed long-term. Mercifully, only a few individuals show severe symptoms of IBS. Managing IBS requires changes in lifestyle, diet, and stress. Medication and counseling can also treat the more severe symptoms. 

IBS does not cause changes in your bowel tissue or raise your risk of colorectal cancer.

Symptoms

The symptoms of IBS may vary, but they stay for a while.  

1. Changes in bowel movement
2. Abdominal pain, bloating and cramping
3. Changes in bowel movement frequency
4. Increased mucus or gas in your stool. 

 

When to See Your Doctor

Visit a doctor if you’re experiencing a persistent change in your bowel habits or other signs of IBS. It may signal a more serious condition such as colon cancer.

Here are other serious symptoms of IBS  

1. Weight loss
2. Rectal bleeding
3. Diarrhea at night
4. Unexplained vomiting
5. Iron deficiency anemia
6. Difficulty in swallowing

Causes

The exact cause of IBS is unknown but there are many treatments available. An overly sensitive immune system or colon may cause IBS. The condition may also be caused by a previous infection of the gastrointestinal tract. There are many possible causes for IBS, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

IBS Triggers

Avoiding IBS triggers can help you manage the symptoms. There are many possible triggers, such as stress, meals, and anxiety. 

Movement in your digestive system is controlled largely by your nervous system. Stress can negatively affect your nerves, causing an overactive digestive system. 

Avoid foods such as milk, carbonated beverages, and fried foods because they may trigger symptoms of IBS. 

Diagnosis 

There are no specific tests that detect IBS, but your doctor will check your symptoms and compare them to IBS. Some tests may be done to rule out other conditions such as: 

1. Infections
2. Medications
3. Enzyme Deficiencies
4. Inflammatory bowel diseases
5. Food intolerances or allergies

 

Here are a few of the possible tests your doctor might administer to check for IBS 

1. X-rays
2. Stool tests for infection or blood
3. Test to check for bowel muscles problems
4. Blood tests for thyroid problems and anemia
5. Upper endoscopy for indigestion and heartburn 
6. Colonoscopy to check for problems in your intestines
7. Tests for lactose intolerance and other similar conditions.

 

Home Care for IBS

Getting help for IBS can make your life easier, but there is no single treatment that works for everyone. You’ll need to work with a doctor to care for IBS. The condition can be triggered in many ways, such as stress, medicine, eating certain foods, and other lifestyle choices.  

Lifestyle changes to help you manage IBS:

Diet Changes 

1. Eat smaller meals multiple times a day
2. Avoid caffeine from soda, tea, and coffee
3. Avoid eating processed or recooked foods
4. Record your diet to find your triggers for IBS
5. Add fiber to your diet by consuming black rice and oats
6. Limit dairy products because lactose intolerance is common for IBS

 

Exercise Changes 

1. Do not smoke
2. Try meditation and breathing techniques to relax
3. Find exercises to do regularly that are right for your body and fitness level

Medications 

1. Medications for diarrhea and constipation can also help
2. Taking probiotics may help with digestion
3. You may be given antidepressants and antianxiety pills to help you cope

Mental health may play a role in your IBS symptoms. Depression and anxiety may exacerbate IBS.

Consulting a licensed psychologist may help ease your stress and anxiety, which can help relieve your IBS symptoms.

Support groups can also help you cope with stress to reduce IBS symptoms. 

Please note that these lifestyle changes may or may not be effective because each case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is different. It’s best to consult a doctor to find out which lifestyle changes will suit your particular case of IBS. 

Dr. Cook is knowledgeable about proper lifestyle practices and diet to relieve your IBS symptoms. Consult with her to find out which of the lifestyle changes will work for your particular case.

Tea

Drinking tea may help you relieve some of your symptoms of IBS. For centuries, your ancestors have been using herbs to treat illnesses, and drinking tea is one way to consume herbs. 

Below is a list of herbs that may relieve your symptoms of IBS:

Chamomile Tea

This tea may relieve your abdominal pain and gas problems caused by IBS when taken in between meals. 

Peppermint tea

The tea has a mild anti-spasmodic and anesthetic effect that may ease IBS symptoms. Drinking 4-5 cups a day between meals may soothe gas and cramps. Be warned that if you have GERD, the tea may worsen your condition.  

Turmeric

Turmeric may ease abdominal pain caused by IBS by promoting digestive health. You can make the tea by mixing turmeric powder with water.      

Please note that you cannot incorporate tea into your daily routine without consulting a doctor first. Some teas may exacerbate your condition, which is why visiting Dr. Cook is a must to ensure your natural treatments are helping your body.

Dr. Carolyn Cook specializes in natural treatments, specifically in the use of herbs to treat a variety of ailments. Dr. Cook uses her decades of experience to create herbal formulas that take the patient’s unique traits into consideration Dr. Cook can prescribe herbal prescriptions to provide much-needed relief for patients suffering from IBS. These treatments are natural and are not likely to cause adverse side effects, unlike modern-day pharmaceuticals. 

Visit Dr. Cook to learn about IBS and get natural treatments without the side effects!