Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic, painful condition that causes diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal distress. While drug therapy helps in certain cases, there are also many natural remedies to help keep IBS symptoms under control. From altering your eating habits to monitoring your intake of food, these healthy changes will benefit you whether your IBS is mild, moderate, or severe.

Dietary Habits

Some foods are notorious for worsening IBS symptoms. These include dairy products, caffeinated beverages, artificial sweeteners, and greasy, spicy, or rich foods. Foods that are high in fiber might cause cramps, gas, and bloating as well.

On the other hand, many IBS sufferers find that additional fiber actually helps ease their symptoms. The key is how you add fiber to your diet. Start with a small amount and gradually build up. You can use fiber supplements like BeneFiber or Metamucil, or consume small amounts of beans, broccoli, or other high-fiber foods.

How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Try to avoid overindulging. Eat at the same times every day to regulate your bowel movements. Small, frequent meals can ease diarrhea, while moderate portions of high-fiber foods can help with constipation.

Food Journal

To find out which foods make your symptoms worse, write down everything you eat and make a note if you experience IBS symptoms afterward. By keeping a detailed food journal, you can figure out which foods trigger your condition and which ones do not. Then you can eliminate the problem foods from your diet, or indulge in them only occasionally.

Water & Exercise

If you have diarrhea, be sure to get at least 64 ounces of water each day to keep yourself from becoming dehydrated. Water will also help soften stools and can help battle constipation.

Regular exercise is good for keeping your body systems healthy. It also causes your brain to produce chemicals called endorphins, which keep stress levels under control. Since stress can cause an IBS attack, reducing stress is one important part of keeping the disease under control.

Medications

If you have IBS, don’t take over-the-counter medications without your doctor’s approval. It might be tempting to take laxatives when you’re constipated, or Immodium or Pepto Bismol for diarrhea, but these medicines might cause more harm than good. Ask your doctor if you might benefit from a low dose of such medicines. Chances are, there are natural remedies that will help ease your pain and regulate your bowel movements.