Sunday, August 5, 2012

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a condition when the large intestine cramps causing severe abdominal pain, bloating, gas formation and may even lead to diarrhea and constipation. But even with these uncomfortable symptoms, there is no significant damage to the large intestine. IBS sufferers often find ways to cope with their symptoms but it may take years to control their symptoms which can lead to months and months of dealing with pain, gas and discomfort.

If you suffer from IBS, there are irritable bowel syndrome treatments that you may use. However, if you have never sought consultation for your symptoms, you need to be diagnosed for irritable bowel syndrome first. Seek your doctor’s help for any symptoms or abdominal discomfort that you may be experiencing. Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome



  • Manage stress – it is actually unknown what causes IBS but most specialists agree that stress could be a factor. Learning to deal with stress can ultimately treat symptoms and may help you live your life free from IBS. You can use relaxation therapies or natural techniques like aromatherapy, deep breathing, acupuncture, etc to manage stress.
    Avoid gas-producing foods – if you already have gas should it be best to avoid eating foods that cause it? Avoid foods like salads, raw fruits and vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
  • Use anti diarrheal medications or medications for constipation – irritable bowel syndrome treatments may be as basic as controlling IBS symptoms like diarrhea and constipation. But don’t forget to drink more water than usual. You need water to replenish the body after diarrhea episodes and water to help soften stools when you are constipated.
  • Use fiber supplements – of you don’t have enough fiber in the diet or fiber-rich foods are causing you gas, then it is best to use fiber supplements. These are purchased over-the-counter plus you may also control constipation when you sue fiber supplements.
  • Use antidepressants – your doctor may recommend using low doses of antidepressants to suppress the activity of the neurons responsible for controlling the large intestines. Lower than usual doses of antidepressants like fluoxitine (Prozac) or imipramine (Tofranil) may be used but of course the use of these medications must be completely supervised by your doctor.
  • Use “good bacteria” – research shows that IBS may also be due to an overpopulation of bad bacteria or disease-causing bacteria and what better way to eradicate and keep population of harmful bacteria away than good or beneficial bacteria. You can eat yoghurt which is actually a kind of dairy product that is fortified with good bacteria; these bacteria colonies will fight harmful ones and keep their population at bay.
  • Use antibiotics – fighting an overgrowth of bad bacteria may also be done by taking antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe the appropriate antibiotic for your symptoms and the dosage as well.
    http://www.digestivescienceibs.com/

  • IBS medications – specific irritable bowel syndrome treatments are available and these are used to suppress the normal muscle action of the large intestine to reduce IBS symptoms. There are two FDA approved medications to date: Alosetron (Lotronex) and Lubiprostone (Amitiza).

Natural Treatment for IBS

IBS is short for irritable bowel syndrome. It is a condition when the muscles of the large intestines are irritated causing mild to severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The exact reason for developing IBS is unknown but most medical specialist point to stress and anxiety as one of the main culprits. Stress and anxiety leads to stimulation of the smooth muscles of the colon causing indigestion, pain, gas formation, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. The need to rely on a safe and effective treatment for IBS is certainly the ideal treatment and this is why many are using natural treatments for IBS. Treatments however for this health condition may be symptomatic which means the symptoms are treated as they appear as well as seeking long term treatment which usually involves treatment for anxiety and stress. Probiotic Lactobacillus


  • Drinking water is the ideal treatment for constipation which is one of the common symptoms of IBS. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of filtered water each day plus taking foods like fruits and vegetables rich in water is highly recommended. Water is also needed to replenish the body from lost electrolytes when you suffer from diarrhea.
  • Taking vitamin C and magnesium are also perfect natural treatments for IBS. Eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and magnesium; you can increase your vitamin C levels up to 2000mg per day and your magnesium levels at 200mg per day through food or taking supplements.
  • Avoid processed foods and gas –forming foods which can only irritate the colon more. Foods like luncheon meats, hot dogs, foods with artificial colors and preservatives and MSG must be totally avoided.
  • Avoid lying down for two hours after eating; move and do minimal activity but do not overtire yourself. This will help improve digestion and will help your body adjust to the meal you just ate reducing symptoms like gas formation, cramping and bloating common in IBS.
  • Try colonic massage. This will help encourage your large colon to relax and move causing bowel movement. It will also help move gas towards the rectal area to be expelled. Probiotics For The Treatment Of IBS

To do colonic massage, sit on the toilet or lie down with your knees bent. Make fist with your dominant hand and massage your abdomen using circular motions with your fist. You may start from the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, this area is located just top of your left hipbone; then you may move on the lower left quadrant. You can do this as soon as you feel abdominal discomfort, cramping and gas formation. You can also do this natural treatment for IBS anytime you feel IBS symptoms.

  • Stress reduction is the most important natural treatment for IBS. Reducing stress will lead to fewer symptoms and may also allow you to manage symptoms to be able to live normally. You may do relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, drinking calming teas, acupuncture or any exercise or activity that can reduce stress. With stress and anxiety at bay, you can easily manage IBS symptoms.