7 WAYS TO HEAL IBS NATURALLY

IBS causes chronic pain and is a huge emotional drain on those who have it.

Many are told that they will have to deal with IBS for the rest of their lives! But what if there was a way to get rid of IBS naturally? There are no guarantees in life, but it might be worth it to find out about each alternative and to give some of these ideas a try!

Seven tips to try:

1. ELIMINATE ALLERGENS - Eradicating gluten from your diet can be a simple yet effective way getting rid of IBS symptoms! Gluten is present in wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt. So gluten can be found in bread, cereal, pasta, sauces, crackers, cakes, pastries, tortillas and beer, amongst other foods.

Other such common allergens include dairy, yeast, eggs, corn, soy and nuts. If you get no relief from boycotting gluten for at least six weeks, eliminating one of these other food groups from your diet and then reintroducing each one over a period of 12 weeks, can also be an effective way to ascertain if your IBS has a trigger. Whatever you eat should be high quality, organic and unprocessed. Many gluten sensitivities are related to Roundup residue in the wheat. Organic wheat shouldn’t contain Roundup residues.

2. TAKE PROBIOTICS - When it comes to gut health, it is vital to have beneficial bacteria in our gut. Our immunity is connected to our gut bacteria Unfortunately however, certain life stressors such as anxiety, prescription drugs, chlorinated water, farmed meat and processed foods can throw off the natural bacteria in our bodies, inflaming the lining of the gut as a result.

Probiotics are the ‘friendly’ bacteria that keep our digestive systems healthy. Natural probiotics include sauerkraut, kefir, miso soup, kombucha, tempeh and kimchi.Apple cider vinegar is also great for ‘good’ bacteria. If you cannot consume enough of these foods, a good quality probiotic supplement can work equally as well.

3. ESSENTIAL OILS - Essential oils are one of nature’s most potent medicines. Frankincense can help to reduce inflammation in the body, by boosting the immune system and supporting the nervous system.
Peppermint oil can calm muscle spasms in the gut, while tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise can together soothe stomachaches and reduce bloating.

4. FEED ON FIBER - Taking additional fiber to keep your bowel functioning can be very effective at reducing IBS systems. Organic psyllium is an excellent choice for this purpose. A few tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds taken daily can also work wonders.

5. TREAT YOUR MIND - Many people with any unresolved emotional conflicts and stress, can have these manifest as IBS. Yoga, meditation, exercise, talking to a friend or having a more formal therapy may help with this IBS component.

6. LOW FODMAP DIET - Recent research has shown that a group of gassy carbohydrates called FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols) significantly contribute to IBS. It is therefore arguably possible to reduce the symptoms of IBS by avoiding these foods. The program is known as the Low FODMAP Diet and is now recommended as one of the most effective dietary therapies for IBS. Foods to avoid include apples, onions, milk, beans and mushrooms.

7. AMEND YOUR EATING REGIME - Eating small portions slowly and regularly can help reduce the impact and strain on the gut. In doing so, IBS symptoms can be greatly decreased.

Trying any or all of these may help you on your quest to reduce your IBS symptoms. Why not discuss them with your doctor?

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