Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief Treatments

Did you know that women are more likely to develop IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) than men? It’s true, and many believe this is because of the different hormones that the female body produces throughout the monthly menstrual cycle. So what happens when menopause begins?

Once this period of life begins, the hormones that are produced by the body change, and so will the problems you have with IBS and the related symptoms. If you consider the way hormones work through a woman’s fertile years, you might understand how the hormonal changes of menopause affect IBS.

Irritable bowel affects up to fifteen percent of the population of the United States, and it is estimated that 70-75 percent of patients are female. Those with this condition suffer from bouts of cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. This is something that is usually diagnosed before age 50, and some go through life dealing with it, but not realizing that they have a medical condition. There is no real cure for IBS, but there are a number of lifestyle changes and medications that seem to help some patients.

The symptoms and flare ups of IBS tend to be worse for all women when they are having their period. Fluctuating hormones seem to be the culprit, with the rise in progesterone during this time being one of the more influential triggers. This means that a woman with IBS will have far more trouble symptoms and bouts of bloating, diarrhea, and cramping. Because of this, not only do more women get IBS than men, it also means that they are going to have a harder time dealing with it.

Pregnancy can bring about a whole new set of problems for those women with IBS as well. Pregnancy will do many things to a women’s body, and what will happen with IBS seems to be different for every women. Hormones start raging through the body, and many of these are the same or are much like the ones related to menses. For some women, their IBS is much more under control while they are expecting, and for others, the opposite is true.

The good news is that the hormones that are associated with IBS flare-ups will subside substantially when menopause happens. Women with IBS can expect they will begin to feel much better, and their symptoms will be more comparable to men with the condition. Women with IBS generally begin to feel better around age 50 to 55, depending on when they go through menopause. They may notice a sudden improvement when menopause begins, or it may take a while for symptoms to slow down. It is important to remember that while going through menopause, the fluctuations of hormones can be dramatic. This might make IBS worse for a time, but it should pass. Either way, this is a time when a woman can expect to gain some relief from her IBS symptoms at least.

Sign up for the free newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more on dealing with IBS and menopause symptoms.

Herbal remedies can truly be an effective way to control IBS symptoms, but before you resort to taking herbs, you may want to take a close look at your diet.  Studies have found that the cause of IBS may be closely related to food sensitivities, as IBS sufferers appear to have higher levels of antibodies to foods than healthy individuals. 

Thus, the food you are ingesting may be aggravating your already sensitive gut.  Although you may be aware of and avoid one or two food products that set off your IBS, you’d be surprised at how many other food can add fuel to the fire.

Discovering what foods you are sensitive too requires the creation of a food diary.  Recording each morsel of food you eat and the symptoms you experience after each meal will help you determine what foods trigger an IBS attack.  You should create your diary with the help of a professional such as a nutritionist or your health care provider, so that you have effective guidance and results.

Although food sensitivities may vary for each IBS sufferer, the following is a list of foods that are known to trigger IBS symptoms, particularly diarrhea –
• Sugar – natural (I.E. honey) refined (I.E. chocolate) artificial (I.E. sweeteners)
• Carbonated beverages
• Alcohol
• Dairy
• Fried and fatty foods
• Dark meat and poultry skin
• Red meat
• Shortening
• Egg yolks

Foods that are linked to symptoms of gas include:
• Bananas
• Raisins
• Broccoli
• Cabbage family – cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
• Leeks
• Onion
• Beans
• Garlic
• Nuts

Despite all of the different food products that can lead to symptoms, it has been found that most food sensitivities felt by IBS sufferers are related to:
• Fructose (sugar found in dried fruit and fruit juice)
• Sorbitol (sugar replacement)
• Lactose (milk sugar)
• Wheat bran

Unlike lactose intolerance, which is actually quite a common condition among IBS sufferers, the other food sensitivities listed above cannot be discovered through allergy testing.  Thus, a food diary can help detect such sensitivities, so that they can be eliminated from the diet in an effort to improve symptoms.

Furthermore, it is essential your diet contains sufficient fiber.  There are two types of fiber: Soluble and insoluble.  Insoluble fiber is harder on the system and moves faster though the digestive tract.  Therefore, it is better to ingest soluble fiber instead of insoluble fiber, as soluble fiber is slower moving through the digestive system and can reduce symptoms. 

Soluble fiber helps to prevent spasms in the intestinal tract and keeps the colon slightly distended.  Fiber also helps you absorb water which can prevent constipation.  However, keep in mind that eating a high-fiber diet can increase gas, bloating and diarrhea.  Therefore, you should try to keep your diet regulated with fiber.  You can find soluble fiber in barley, lima beans, barley, currants, brown rice, oatmeal, oat bran, figs, pasta, prunes, soy, rice, etc.

When it all comes down to it, many people with IBS find that by keeping their diet high in carbohydrates (I.E. vegetables, fruits, rice, pasta, cereal and whole-grain bread, etc.) and low in fat, they have an overall improvement of symptoms.  In addition, it was also found that instead of eating three large meals per day, eating several small meals daily helped to reduce symptoms.

Drinking more water can also aid in proper digestion, but you should avoid drinking water with meals as this may cause food to move faster through your system resulting in diarrhea.

Remember, the best way to determine your food sensitivities is to create a food diary.  You can get a handle over your IBS symptoms by eliminating “trigger” foods from your diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and finding ways to reduce stress.

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The right support group can not only help you cope with IBS, it can also provide you with plenty of information about the condition, as well as open your mind to alternative treatments you may not have considered.  For instance, many IBS sufferers find that herbal remedies help them manage their symptoms.

The roots, stems, leaves, flowers and berries of plants have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes in order to treat, relieve and prevent a number of illnesses.  Of course, different herbs are used to treat different ailments.  As far as herbal remedies for IBS is concerned, the following are the herbs that are most effective in alleviating symptoms.

Peppermint
Peppermint is an effective IBS treatment because mint calms the muscles in the stomach, intestines and uterus and increases gastric juice production.  Mint also acts as an effective pain killer as it helps to block pain signals to the brain and numbs the digestive tract.  In addition, mint is anti-bacterial and helps relieve indigestion, gastrointestinal cramps, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Peppermint can be taken in the form of tea.   Peppermint is also available in enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules. 

Peppermint should be taken before meals to prevent symptoms. 

Fennel
Fennel is highly effective at relieving and preventing bloating, gas, indigestion and stomachaches.  Fennel encourages gastric juice production and has anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antibacterial properties.

Fennel is light green-brown seeds and can be taken in the form of tea.  You can also chew fennel seeds.  Fennel can be taken daily, and making it apart of you daily diet will help prevent gas and bloating from occurring.

Ginger
Ginger relieves many gastrointestinal problems including indigestion and severe cramps and nausea.  It aids in digestion, improves intestinal muscle quality, and has some anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger is available in fresh and dried gingerroot, both of which are highly effective for treating IBS symptoms.  Ginger is usually taken in the form of tea.
Chamomile
Chamomile is effective at alleviating gastrointestinal spasms and tension.  It can also be useful at relieving indigestion and gas.  Chamomile is also known for its sedative properties and has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-peptic properties.

Chamomile is a flower and it is usually taken in the form of tea.  Chamomile is best taken at night before bed due to its natural sedative properties.

Note:  Chamomile is a type of daisy, therefore, if you are allergic to daisies (ragweed included) you shouldn’t use chamomile.

Caraway
Caraway is anti-microbal and has anti-spasmodic effects.  It encourages gastric juice production, sooths the muscles in the digestive tract and helps relieve gas. 

Caraway is a dried seed and is usually taken in the form of tea, or can be chewed hole.

Anise
Anise is anti-spasmodic and an anti-fungal that helps to settle the stomach and aids and regulates digestion which helps to relieve and prevent chronic diarrhea and constipation.  It also helps to stimulate the production of gastric juices, and relieves nausea, gas, bloating, and cramps.

Anise comes in the form of small, black, seeds.  It is often taken in the form of tea, but seeds can be chewed.

Oregano
Oregano is an anti-spasmodic that stimulates gastric juice production and reduces and alleviates bloating, gas, stomach cramps and diarrhea.  It is an effective muscle relaxant.

Oregano is plant leaves that are either fresh or dried and brewed in a tea.  Oregano is also available in enteric coated oregano oil capsules.

All of the above herbs mentioned are considered safe and can be taken daily without the risk of short-term or long-term side effects.  That being said, you should talk to an herb specialist about the herbs you are interested in before taking them, as well as your heath care provider.

Most herbs can be found at food and holistic stores. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for a free newsletter & discover proven natural methods to help you combat the pain and frustration of IBS. On the site you’ll also find more about the different ibs causes and how you can minimise the symptoms.

Finding relief for IBS shouldn’t only include treatment for physical symptoms such as diarrhea.  Your physical body isn’t the only part of you that suffers from irritable bowel syndrome.  Your mind and emotions are also dramatically affected by IBS, and shouldn’t be ignored.  For this reason, it is a good idea for an IBS sufferer to join a support group.

An IBS support group is an excellent way for an IBS sufferer to cope, learn and share with others all the difficulties they face in their life because of their condition. 

The following are a few reasons why joining an IBS support group can help make a difference in your world -

Make Friends – IBS can cause those who suffer from it to feel isolated, often causing them to stop social activities and confining themselves to their home.  Isolation usually results from IBS symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence that can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and debilitating. In addition, some medications for IBS can cause serious side effects that can actually increase isolation feelings. 

A support group can help relieve your feelings of isolation when you meet people who understand and truly sympathize with what you are going through, because they suffer the same.

Relieve stress – Many people with IBS have difficulty opening up about their condition to other non-sufferers, including family doctors.  The reason is because many people who are unfamiliar with the condition have mixed beliefs about it.  In fact, some people don’t even believe IBS exists and think it’s “all in your head”.  Thus, not only is it frustrating to live with IBS, it is frustrating to have to explain your condition to those who don’t believe in it or won’t understand.  This creates plenty of stress.

Talking to fellow IBS sufferers at a support group about the way you are treated by others and sharing stories, helps to eliminate some of the stress you feel. 

Educate yourself – Support groups are a fantastic way to learn about IBS.  You can find out about different treatment methods and how a member who has undergone the treatment responded to it.  You can learn and discuss latest studies, find out if there are any clinical trials, etc.  In addition, support groups can help educate non-sufferers about IBS and provide them with understanding.

How to find an IBS support group
Due to the fact that IBS is a common condition that affects millions of people, there are many support groups available both locally and online.  Here is how you can find them –

Local Search
• Ask your health care provider/gastroenterologist about a local support group
• Call your local hospital and ask about support groups in your area
• Do an online search using your city and “ibs support group” as the keywords.
• Start your own support group by making friends with fellow patients in the waiting room who also see your gastroenterologist

Online Search
• Do a general search for IBS and see what you come up with
• Search for the keywords “ibs” or “irritable bowel syndrome” and “forum” or “message boards”, or “online support” (IE. “ibs online support group” or “irritable bowel syndrome message board”)

The following are two great online IBS support group sites -
1. ibsgroup.org – The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help Group is the largest online support community for people suffering with IBS.
2. helpforibs.com – This is another excellent online community where you can learn and find support from fellow sufferers.

An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from IBS, proof you’re not alone. Opening up to others is one of the best ways to cope with IBS.  Talking and sharing with those who understand you can make a world of difference.

If you haven’t already done so, sign up for a free newsletter & discover proven natural methods to help you combat the pain and frustration of IBS. On the site you’ll also find more about the different ibs causes and how you can minimize the symptoms.

Constipation can be a difficult IBS symptom to deal with, but so can diarrhea.  People who suffer from diarrhea-predominant IBS experience frequent bowel movements of watery and/or loose stool.  Other diarrhea-related symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, cramping, bloating, gas, nausea and dehydration. 

The following are 5 treatment options for relieving IBS related diarrhea:

1 - Diet Control
Before resorting to medications or alternative remedies, you should always consider your diet first.  Although diet changes may not entirely cure you from diarrhea, it may help reduce the frequency of attacks.  Therefore, you should monitor your diet by keeping a food diary and recording the symptoms you feel after eating different foods to determine which ones cause diarrhea and which ones don’t.

For instance, avoiding/limiting foods high in refined, artificial or natural sugar can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms.  This doesn’t only include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and sweets.  It also means foods containing fructose such as honey and a variety of fruits.  Foods high in sugar can act like a laxative to your body, especially for an IBS sufferer who already has a sensitive stomach.

You should also ask your doctor to test you for lactose intolerance, as an inability to properly digest milk sugar can cause diarrhea.

2 – OTC Antidiarrheal Drugs
Over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medications can be effective at providing diarrhea relief when used as short-term treatment.  There are two types of antidiarrheal drugs.

• Stool thickeners -these contain fruit pectin and clay which absorb toxins and bacteria in the intestine to help thicken stool (I.E. Kaopectate)
• Antispasmodic - these slow spasms that occur in the intestine (I.E. Imodium).

Although, antidiarrheals are usually effective, they may not help other symptoms such as bloating or abdominal discomfort.  Furthermore, prolonged use of antidiarrheals can result in dry mouth, constipation, and other symptoms.

Consult your doctor about OTC antidiarrheal meds for IBS treatment before taking anything.  In addition, you shouldn’t resort to antidiarrheals until at least 24 hours after experiencing diarrhea, as you don’t want to stop your body from expelling toxins in the event your diarrhea is a result of bacteria such as food poisoning. 

3 – Prescription Medications
Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants are commonly prescribed to IBS patients for abdominal pain.  These meds effectively block pain signals to the brain and don’t cause diarrhea.  However, they can cause other symptoms including constipation.

Another medication that may be prescribed is Lotronex.  This particular drug is designed to block the effect serotonin (chemical produced by the body) has on digestive system, and in so doing, soothes the colon and slows bowl movement frequency.  Lotronex has been found to be successful at alleviating IBS symptoms including diarrhea, stomach discomfort and urgency.  

Note: Lotronex has only been approved for women who suffer from severe cases of diarrhea-predominant IBS ad have not responded to previous treatment methods.

4 – Alternative Therapy
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, probiotics and herbal remedies can effectively reduce and alleviate diarrhea and its related symptoms in some IBS sufferers.    Each of these methods is designed to assist the body in healing itself by providing it with stimulation (acupuncture), healthy gut bacteria (probiotics), or herbs.  All work to aid in normal digestion.

If you are interested in learning about alternative treatments, talk to you health care provider first, and be sure to seek treatment from qualified practitioners.

5 – Behavioural therapy
Stress can actually trigger your IBS symptoms and make diarrhea worse, by causing your stomach to tense, leading to cramping and overall stomach upset.  You can help reduce the regular stress in your life, and the stress you feel towards your IBS condition by engaging in:
• Meditation exercises (I.E. Yoga)
• Relaxation therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy

It’s also a good idea to distract yourself by taking part in regular activities you enjoy.
If you haven’t already done so, sign up for a free newsletter & discover proven natural methods to help you combat the pain and frustration of IBS. On the site you’ll also find more about the different ibs treatment options.