Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief Treatments

Hormones are a very important factor to consider when trying to determine the irritable bowel syndrome ovarian cyst link. Since women are more affected by the irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal disorders compared to men, and ovarian cysts only affect women, gender-sensitive issues regarding diagnosis, pathophysiology and interventions have been specifically designed.

Ovarian cysts are usually considered a functional disorder, which means that they develop when a normal function of the body works abnormally, and they form only during the years that a women is ovulating regularly. It is still possible to acquire a cyst later in life, but it would have formed initially when the woman was still ovulating.

Irritable bowel syndrome is also considered a functional disorder.  There are a number of theories about the cause, and although there are trigger factors that have been identified, the cause of IBS is still a mystery.

Some studies have shown that a person, who has irritable bowel syndrome, suffers from a brain-gut abnormality due to faulty communication between the two areas of the body. It is believed that communications get confused, causing hypersensitivity in the colon.

One common symptom present in both irritable bowel syndrome and functional ovarian cysts is abdominal pain. The pain experienced by individuals having irritable bowel syndrome is mainly caused by gas accumulation from swallowed air and formation of gas from microorganisms and digested food, which exerts pressure on the intestinal tract and the colon. The pressure can make the distended intestines come into contact with the ovaries, which then also lead to pain experiences due to hypersensitive nerves in the area.

Also, as women are more likely to suffer with IBS, and that IBS has been reported to be worse during menstruation, there seems to be a link between hormones and IBS.   Women generally have more severe symptoms than men, needing more medication or treatment to relieve the symptoms.

There is an estrogen receptor in our small intestines and stomach, and when the levels of hormones change there can be a reaction. Also, during menstruation, in which most women have said that their IBS symptoms worsen dramatically, there is a high production of progesterone, which trigger uterine cramping, which can effect the hypersensitive colon and increase gastrointestinal muscle spasms.

Although it is feasible that there is a functional irritable bowel syndrome ovarian cyst link, with the one physiologically triggering the other there is little evidence to suggest this is the case.

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The right diet for irritable bowel syndrome should aim to promote proper digestion and bowel habits, as well as reduce the symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort. As irritable bowel syndrome negatively affects the process of digestion, making the colon hypersensitive and function abnormally, certain foods can be incorporated in the sufferer’s usual diet to alleviate some of the worse symptoms. Essentially, they are foods that relax the gastrointestinal tract, soothe the muscles, and clear the passageway.

Soluble fiber is considered as probably the best food to prevent or manage irritable bowel syndrome. Rich sources of soluble fiber include grain and wheat products, like rice and oatmeal. Several other foods including barley, soy, carrots, potatoes and bananas are also rich in soluble fiber.

Incorporating soluble fiber in the diet of irritable bowel syndrome patients can aid in constipation episodes by providing soluble fiber gel, which improves bowel movement. The colon is rich in gel and fluids, which are responsible for moving and evacuating fecal matter.

As soluble fiber absorbs and carries some of the natural gel that the colon produces, constipation can effectively be relieved by faster and smoother passage of the bowel and diarrhea will ease due to the concentrated fluids.

Soluble fiber is water soluble but not digested in the intestinal tract so it can prevent and improve alterations in bowel habits by increasing the bulk of stool in diarrhea patients which then adds more constitution and body. Constipation is significantly relieved as soluble fiber uses the colon gel to smooth the passageway and ease the hold of the intestinal tract on the bowel during peristalsis.

Adding soluble fiber to the diet has more beneficial effects on the colon by regulating the muscular spasms and contractions and aiding the gastrocolic reflex. Reconditioning the contractions will reduce abdominal cramping and bloating. It is also recommended that patients consume soluble fiber in small quantities four to six times a day.

Insoluble fiber also has an important role to play in the digestion process, but someone with IBS needs to be wary of eating too much in one sitting.  Insoluble fiber can help bulk and soften stools, which helps ease constipation, but as it is a strong intestinal stimulator it needs to be eaten in moderation and with other foods that lessens the effect. Ensure sufficient water in drunk to also help relieve constipation symptoms.

Other foods that will initially need to be restricted from the diet are those that cause a lot of gas, as bloating and gassiness can trigger IBS symptoms due to the hypersensitive reaction.  This means steering clear of carbonated drinks and soda, and foods like cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.

The presence of soluble fiber in a diet for irritable bowel syndrome can improve the condition of the digestive tract and reduce abnormal contractions of the intestines. It is one of the best additions a person can make to relieve diarrhea or constipation and help sufferers gain more control over their bowel movement pattern.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t joined already, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on how to get started with an effective diet for irritable bowel syndrome.

If you ask the majority of people who have IBS when they get pregnant, they will tell you that there is definitely a link between irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy.

For some people the symptoms alleviate, but unfortunately, for many the symptoms get worse, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.

The cause seems to be linked to the hormonal changes that a woman is going through during pregnancy. The knowledge of the link between hormones and IBS has been around for a while, and it is self evident in those whose IBS symptoms deteriorate on or around menstruation.

Up to 20% of people are thought to have irritable bowel syndrome, with about 3 out of 4 of the number being women. This again could point to hormonal link to IBS as hormone levels in women fluctuate considerably during the month, where as men’s remains relatively level in comparison.

There are however no hard and fast rules about whether IBS symptoms will get worse during pregnancy or they may actually improve.  However, there does seem to be a trend that follows the pattern below.

1st Trimester – In this trimester, symptoms can often be alleviated.

2nd Trimester – As the changes promoted by the increase in hormonal activity taking place in the body become more apparent it is not unusual to see IBS symptoms return and sometimes get worse.

3rd Trimester – As with the second trimester, it seems the IBS symptoms can be aggravated by the hormonal activity, and also the physical discomfort the women is feeling.  Also, during this period, as there is more progesterone released, which is a muscle relaxant, the symptoms of IBS are more likely to be constipation related as the muscles that push the waste through the system are weakened.

If a person want to avoid taking medication during pregnancy after talking with their doctor there are some simple lifestyle methods that can be introduced that help to alleviate the symptoms.

Ensure the diet is rich in fiber, especially soluble fiber.  Both insoluble and soluble fibers have a place in the diet, bulking, softening and lubricating the passages.

Make sure that sufficient water is drunk, at least 8 glasses per day, and if possible more than 10, especially if you’re active or it is hot.

Reduce the levels of gassy foods like cabbage and broccoli in the diet.  This can help reduce bloating.

Help your body digest food better by fully chewing foods and eating little and often.  The digestion process actually starts in the mouth, and food should be well chewed before swallowing.  This will also reduce the levels of air being swallowed and reduce bloating and trapped wind.

There is a connection between irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy, although as the symptoms can be varied from person to person, all that a woman can do is know the methods to alleviate symptoms in case they strike.
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A herbal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome can be incorporated and included in most of the treatment plans prescribed by a doctor.  However, it is always worth checking with a medical professional to ensure that any herbal options chosen do not interact with current prescriptions and you are aware of any side effects.

The methods described in the article are age tested and have been shown to be beneficial for many sufferers of IBS.  However, each person is different and what has helped one person with IBS may not help you.

To use these remedies you probably won’t have to search further than your kitchen or the shelves at the grocery or local health store.

The first step to overcoming IBS is to have a “healthy” diet.  Although some of the specifics about the diet may be different from person to person, in most cases a diet high in fiber like oat bran, which is mild and colon friendly is beneficial.  It helps to bind, soften and bulk the stool, and can help with constipation and diarrhea.

Start with small proportions of oatmeal and increase over time.

Consume vegetables like carrots and lettuce but avoid having cauliflower, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables as they can increase gas production.

Trying fruits like pears, which are rich in nutrients and high in fiber.  They are also a light food that means that they are not hard to digest, so also make an ideal snack.

Live yoghurt can be an excellent source of active bacteria.  This bacteria, often referred to as friendly bacteria or probiotics, can help restore and maintain a healthy gut flora, a deficit of which is believed to be one of the symptoms of IBS.

For better results, you can mix half a teaspoon of psyllium husk (easily available in any medical stores) with the yogurt and consume about an hour after your meals.

Drink plenty of liquids. Water helps with dehydration and diarrhea. It is recommended that people suffering from IBS should consume plenty of fresh, pure water, sipping small amounts so as not to dilute the stomach acids. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water or more if diarrhea symptoms are bad.

And while you are in the kitchen, have a look at your spice rack. It has certain ingredients that not only help add taste to your food, but also can help ease IBS symptoms and improve digestion.  Some of the ones that may prove helpful include fennel seeds and flaxseeds that help in elimination of the fats in the digestive system.

As those with IBS know, if not treated properly it can prevent you from leading a normal life. Impacting on a person both physically and psychologically.

Remember the golden rule that prevention is better than cure, and being aware of the triggers for your IBS is important.

The above list of natural and herbal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome suggested is not exhaustive, in fact there are many more that have shown promise in relieving IBS symptoms. Various herbs and ayurvedic medicines like trifala and amla have been used for centuries, but before you test or try any herbal treatments it is best to consult with your doctor.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t joined already, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other natural home remedies for IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. It is not disease but a combination of a number of symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort, flatulence or bloating and alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. The increase in frequency and number of intestinal contractions disturb bowel movement patterns, which is the most likely cause of the alterations in bowel pattern. A variety of interventions are available for irritable bowel treatment, alleviating symptoms and improving overall level of functioning.

Dietary changes are important when dealing with alterations in bowel habits. Because the episodes can be constantly changing, either hard lumpy stools or soft watery ones may predominate an incident, the diet should consist of foods that specifically help to alleviate the abnormal pattern that are present at that time. The main result being sought is to lessen contractions and gut motility to reduce diarrhea and increase contractions and lubrication for constipation.

Soluble fiber from supplements and whole foods are necessary to aid in the process of digestion and to move matter through the intestine without straining or spasms.

The aim of the additional fiber is to soothe and relax the muscles that are responsible for the contractions to reduce pain experiences. Peppermint tea, chamomile and anise are also good sources that can be incorporated in an irritable bowel syndrome diet to aid digestion and help with bowel functionality.

Gastrointestinal spasms can return to normal and pain levels generally will have significantly decreased after ingesting soluble fiber for a few days. Severe cases of diarrhea or constipation can also be minimized. If there is not sufficient soluble fiber in the diet then taking a soluble fiber supplement with lots of water to facilitate proper draining and flushing of the bowel can help. Also, exercise can be very helpful in eliminating bloating and gassiness.

Soluble fiber can dissolve in water, which has beneficial effects in stool formation and elimination. The colon is filled with fluids and gel-like substances, which can be readily absorbed by the fiber to stabilize diarrhea as it adds form and integrity to the stool.

On the other hand, it also can readily add water to stool during constipation to lessen lumpiness and firmness which then facilitates easier passage through the intestine and colon.

Rice, pasta, potatoes and oatmeal are good food sources of soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber like green leafy vegetables and fruits are beneficial for constipation relief. However, spasms and contractions are usually more likely with insoluble fiber.

Both soluble and insoluble fiber must be incorporated in a healthy diet. Some food sources like wheat, apples and cereals have insoluble fiber covering a soluble fiber content which is why most fruits and vegetables are better eaten with the skin on for a mix of both fiber types.

However, some types of insoluable fiber may have ‘trigger risks’ so a number of preparations like peeling may be effective to avoid hypersensitivity reactions. It may be a case of trial and error to see if you can eat fruits and vegetables with the skins on or off.

Soluble fiber is generally considered one of the most effective foods for IBS. Treating the disorder with whole foods or supplements should ease the gastro-colic reflex and relax the gastrointestinal muscles and so reduce spasms and contractions.  This simple irritable bowel treatment can ease diarrhea and constipation significantly.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t joined already, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other Irritable Bowel Treatment options.