medically reviewed by Dr. Israa Ismail
9 mins readLife with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is like walking a tightrope where there is little room for error. You could be feeling fine one moment, and then suddenly, WHAM!
Cramping, bloating, and uncontrollable diarrhoea occur.
Does that sound familiar? If so, don’t panic just yet; there will be help waiting for you. These awful symptoms can be dealt with. The purpose of these natural remedies is to relieve your discomfort.
The real question is, “What can I do to relieve some of my discomfort?”
At least, that’s the question many people suffering from IBS ponder on a daily basis. Little do they know, these remedies might actually be within their grasp. This guide considers herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and changes in diet. We will examine practical and holistic options for effective IBS management.
Without further ado, are you ready to take charge of your gut health? You should be and will feel much more confident about your journey after reading this. Even if affected by IBS, living well is possible. You just have to change certain aspects of your life.
We need to understand IBS before we can discuss all-natural remedies and how it affects our body system. Sometimes, IBS can be a mystery condition. You may be okay one moment and then have a stomach upset the next. But knowing what is happening in your body system will help you choose the best way forward.
It is important to note that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This term implies that although there may be nothing wrong with your gut physically, it does not perform its job as supposed or expected.
The underlying problem behind this disease lies in the defective communication between the brain and gut, which interferes with normal digestive processes that take place within a person’s body. It should also be noted that despite being non-fatal, IBS is life-altering, leading to irritable symptoms which disrupt normal life patterns on an everyday basis.
It is associated with eating or abnormal bowel movements.
Some triggers could be causing you to get hit by these flares. The most common of them are as follows:
So, can you relate to any of these? The feeling may be quite overwhelming, but luckily, there are things that can improve your condition. Now, let’s cut to the crucial part. Since the groundwork or foundation is laid for you, that is, you know what IBS is and its symptoms and causes. Let us explore the strategies you can rely on to counter IBS. Read on to learn about natural IBS remedies.
Your food is one useful resource when dealing with IBS. Right foods alleviate conditions; on the other hand, wrong ones make it worse. It is more about finding what works for you and tracking what foods might cause discomfort.
Never heard of the Low-FODMAP diet before? Don’t worry; we will break it down for you. FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that are difficult for individuals suffering from IBS to digest. What this diet does is enable the identification of which among these carbs causes sensitivities, hence avoiding them.
Low-FODMAP diet is one the most effective dietary treatments for IBS symptoms but you might have to try it out a few times before determining which foods work best for you. Have you ever tried quitting certain foods in the past? It may take some time, but you will notice a difference soon enough.
Fibre-rich foods are in popular demand in the health sector. Fibre isn’t just something that’s trending – it actually plays an important role when it comes to your digestive health. However, not all fibres are suitable for patients with IBS. Soluble fibre (the good kind) helps regulate your digestion without irritating the gut.
Water is your gut’s best friend. When you’re hydrated, your digestion is much smoother. Dehydration can cause constipation and make symptoms worse.
Try to aim for 8 cups of water a day. If you have diarrhoea, you might need even more water to keep your body from becoming dehydrated.
The best way to identify your personal IBS triggers is by keeping a food diary. Write down everything you eat and note when your symptoms worsen. This will help you recognise patterns and avoid foods that irritate your gut.
Have you tried eliminating certain foods from your diet to see if it helps? It’s a great way to test what works and what doesn’t.
You don’t need a pharmacy to manage your IBS. Nature has provided us with powerful herbs and supplements that can help. From peppermint oil to ginger, there are several natural remedies that can support your digestive system.
It can relax your muscles and reduce pain and bloating, thus making it a favourite for many people with IBS. It is helpful to people who have conditions such as IBS-C or IBS-D that are characterised by painful cramps.
Have you ever tried peppermint oil? One of the most effective remedies for symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Give it a try; this simple remedy can save you from a lot of stress related to IBS.
For centuries, ginger has been a handy home remedy for stomach upsets. It’s an anti-inflammatory, which means it calms your stomach, leading to relief from discomfort, gassiness, nausea, and bloating. Research studies also show the positive effects of ginger in gastrointestinal disorders.
What do you think; does ginger sound like something you’d enjoy adding to your diet? There are various dishes to which you can add ginger. With its strong odour and flavour, it can enhance the taste and perception of the dish.
The intestine contains both good and bad bacteria. We would rather have some helpful germs (good bacteria) in our intestines to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
If you’ve never used probiotics before, you might want to consider trying them. Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have found these supplements very useful in rebalancing their guts.
Lifestyle changes can make a world of difference in managing your IBS. It’s not just about what you consume; it’s also about how you live. Factors such as stress, sleep, and even the daily routine you follow will affect how your digestion works. The good thing is that the changes you can make are nothing difficult. Let’s check how you can adjust your lifestyle so that both your gut and your mind are content.
IBS often results from tension or anxiety. In other words, stress makes IBS worse and vice versa. Nonetheless, you can disrupt this cycle using proper stress-relief approaches:
Have you ever attempted meditation or yoga? Even a few deep breaths can have an immediate effect on your mood.
Exercise stimulates the intestines to move stool through quickly, helps reduce stress levels, and reduces feelings of bloating. You should strive to engage in moderate physical activity for 30 minutes daily, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling.
Start small, if necessary, and try to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine. It does not need to be vigorous for it to be efficient!
Good sleep is crucial for good health and digestion. If you do not get enough sleep, your gut may become more sensitive, leading to worse IBS symptoms.
Try to establish a consistent sleep routine and avoid eating large meals close to bedtime. One other golden tip in these modern times is to keep yourself screen-free close to your bedtime.
Do you wonder how IBS is addressed in other streams of medicine like Ayurveda? Confining the theories and principles of Ayurveda, conditions corresponding to that of IBS have been dealt with in detail in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda experts name IBS Grahani Roga, a disturbance of the digestive fire, aka Agni. Agni is responsible for the digestion of food and its further assimilation. However, when the Agni becomes too weak or imbalanced due to an improper diet, along with some stress and other unhealthy habits, bloating, irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, and discomfort are bound to occur.
In Ayurveda, the first step is identifying the disease-causing the disturbance and the predominant dosha:
Read Ayurvedic Solutions for IBS: Take Control of Your Gut Health for a better understanding of this.
If you need a helping hand or support from a professional team, Nirva Health is here to help. We can provide you with continuous guidance through each step of your health journey. Through the thoughtful integration of Ayurveda and Yoga, we can provide individualised attention to every customer.
We have a reliable group of experts who build specialised programs that will tackle the underlying issue of your IBS. Whether it’s through dietary plans, herbal medicine, or stress therapies, each plan is curated for your unique needs. From meal plans to meditation, there’s something for everyone. You are supported throughout the entire process.
Meet Kate from the UK, One of our Happy Clients,
“I’ve had IBS for years, and nothing seemed to work. After trying Nirva Health’s customised Ayurvedic plan, I finally feel like myself again…..
Although managing IBS may feel exhausting, it is much more feasible once you understand that it can be achieved. Self-awareness is a good starting point and will help you make sustainable lifestyle changes. These changes will, in turn, help you manage your stress levels, enabling you to take control of your life once again.
You do not have to tackle everything alone. Natural remedies, lifestyle alterations, and support from trained practitioners are just a few of the many options available to help you. Create a reliable system that works best for you one step at a time. Take your time and approach it with a lot more sensitivity as you learn to listen to your body. It is only a matter of time until you start to feel more in control of your health and self-assured.
With the help of this guide, you are well on your way to managing IBS, allowing you to take active control over your digestive health! So take a deep breath; IBS relief starts now.
Dr. Mahesh Sujan
Dr. Mahesh is a dedicated young Ayurveda doctor on a mission to educate the global community about the transformative power of Ayurveda. A passionate fitness enthusiast, he firmly advocates the principle that prevention is better than cure. With a focus on lifestyle disorders, Dr. Mahesh emphasizes how Ayurveda can play a crucial role in both prevention and management of these conditions. Additionally, he is a committed public health advocate who has made significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to promote health and wellness in challenging times. Through his writing, Dr. Mahesh aims to inspire others to embrace a holistic approach to health and well-being.
IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a functional digestive disorder that causes bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, and constipation. It may be caused by factors like stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or changes in gut bacteria.
People with high-FODMAP food intolerance should stay away from onions, garlic, beans, and some fruits such as apples and pears. Processed, spicy, and fried foods should also be avoided as they can worsen symptoms.
IBS can induce pain in the abdomen, nausea, gas, diarrhoea, or even constipation. Some individuals can also develop fatigue or mucus secretions in the stool.
Yes, stress is one of the major triggers when it comes to GIT syndrome, as it breaks the gut-brain connection, thus cramping or bringing about irregular bowel movements.