Irritable bowel syndrome can be quite difficult to live with. Many people find it limiting as to where they can go and at what time. The pain, diarrhea, cramping and other symptoms really take away from their lifestyle. While prescription medications are often used, they aren’t necessarily helpful. More of these individuals are turning to natural remedies to help cope with these symptoms.
There are a number of these natural remedies that a person can try. Peppermint oil is one of these products that can help to reduce the pain and bloating. This is potentially due to its calcium blocking characteristics. By not allowing the calcium molecules to move into the intestine muscle cells, the peppermint oil eases up the muscle contractions therefore preventing some of the pain. It is also a carminative herb, therefore eliminating the excess gas that may be found in the intestines. Individuals deciding to take this product should consult with a naturopath as it might interfere with other medications and can cause various side effects if taken in excess.
Probiotics can also help with the symptoms of IBS. These are friendly bacteria that help remove harmful bacteria from the body as well as assist in the digestion of the food. Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria found in the intestine region making for a healthier digestive system. Not all probiotics work in the same way. Anyone looking for such products to help in particular with IBS is recommended to look for bifidobacterium infantis in the list of ingredients.
Increasing the intake of fiber can help to regulate the bowel movements for IBS patients. It may reduce the level of constipation but it can also slow down the level of diarrhea that the patient is suffering. Wheat bran is one recommended source of fiber although individuals may want to be sure that they don’t have a wheat intolerance first.
