Validating... 
It is estimated that between 25 and 45 million Americans suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Sadly, many doctors will diagnose this condition as “functional” or “psychosomatic” disease — meaning that it’s all in their head. But the people who suffer from it know the truth: the condition’s symptoms, such as bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and pain, can be so severe, it is sometimes hard to even leave the house.
And, to make matters worse, many IBS patients can suffer from these symptoms for decades without relief. At best, most doctors will write a prescription for an anti-spasm medication and send patients on their way.
But, pharmaceuticals are rarely, if ever, the best option for treating chronic illnesses. These medications typically mask symptoms (never getting to the root cause of the health issue) while giving the sufferer another set of nasty side effects to deal with.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome VS Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Perhaps you are one of the thousands of people who have not been officially diagnosed with IBS, but you very much suspect you have it. It’s important to understand there is a big difference between IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD is an autoimmune disease that, although can have severe consequences and cause debilitating pain, is in fact a functional bowel disorder, meaning, there are no significant physical conditions that contribute to the problem.
So how do you know if you are suffering from IBS or IBD?
Here are some common signs and symptoms of IBS:
- Abdominal discomfort and/or pain
- Spastic colon (spastic contractions of the colon)
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Treating IBS Naturally
If you or someone you love has been suffering from IBS, there is hope – you can treat your condition effectively with natural protocols.
Avoid Gluten at All Costs
This should really be your number one step to curing yourself of your symptoms. You may understand that going gluten-free means avoiding all forms of wheat (gluten is actually a protein found in wheat), but you may not be aware that there are a plethora of hidden sources of gluten in your diet.
Gluten can also be found in:
- Barley
- Rye
- Oats
- Spelt
Most IBS sufferers see a marked improvement of their symptoms if they avoid gluten for a couple of weeks.
Test Yourself for Food Allergies
It should also be mentioned that beyond gluten, many IBS sufferers have food allergies. Though your doctor can test you for food allergies, these tests can be expensive, so a simple period of trial and error can help you determine yourself which foods you should avoid.
For a period of 12 weeks, eliminate the most common food allergens like dairy, yeast, eggs, soy, corn and peanuts. Then, one by one, reintroduce them back into your diet to see if they cause any symptoms. This is an effective and affordable way to isolate the foods that may be causing your problems.
Get Checked for Parasites
Food allergies are not the only things that can cause IBS. Another strategy you can use to determine what may be stimulating your IBS is to have your stool checked for parasites. Some parasites, such as giardia, can often be a contributing factor that needs to be treated.
Increase the Healthy Bacteria in Your Gut
While eliminating the “bad guys” from your GI tract is important, equally important is increasing the “good guys.” Healthy bacteria keep your immune system working optimally and reduce the inflammation throughout your body. You can get more healthy bacteria into your gut by eating fermented foods such as kefir and kimchi, or by taking a quality probiotic.
It’s important to note that good bacteria can be harmed when we eat a typical American diet loaded with sugar and processed foods. If you want to support gut health, you’ll want to clean up your diet as soon as possible.
Increase Your Fiber Intake
Upping your fiber intake can also help control IBS symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea. A good amount to shoot for every day is 50 grams of fiber for each 1,000 calories you consume.
Psyllium husks are an excellent source of fiber, affordable and readily available. Psyllium is adaptogenic fiber, meaning it adapts to what your body needs. If you are constipated it will soften your stool and increase bowel frequency, and if you have loose stools, it will help with stool formation and decrease the frequency of bowel movements.
A word of caution: If you decide to use psyllium, make sure you buy an organic brand, as many (if not most) psyllium on the market is not organic. Consuming pesticides is the last thing your body needs when you are trying to cure your IBS.
Another great fiber source is whole, organic flax seed. The great thing about flax seed is not only will you be getting fiber, you will also be getting omega-3 fats, particularly ALA, which is necessary to consume on a regular basis.
Address Your Emotions
Did you know that people who suffer from IBS are frequently prescribed an anti-depressant? This is because they generally have unresolved emotional trauma or issues.
Have you noticed your IBS symptoms flair up during stressful/emotional times in your life? If so, it’s important to forego anti-depressants and instead turn to meditation, prayer, or simply speak with someone about your emotional life.
If irritable bowel syndrome has negatively impacted you or a loved one, there are natural ways to alleviate or even eliminate your symptoms. By following these suggestions, you can take control of your health and live a life that is enjoyable, fulfilling, and pain-free.
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