Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent complaint with a variety of symptoms. It can cause gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, a combination of constipation and diarrhea, unusual stools which include mucous, and a change in stool appearance. It can be caused by anxiety, stress, or other psychological issues; food intolerance; excessive bran consumption; or parasitic or infectious organisms. Sometimes IBS occurs near the time of a woman’s period or if she has endometriosis. Nutritional, supplemental, and physical interventions can be considered to find some support for the person experiencing IBS.

Personal Story

Several of my family members have had Irritable Bowel Syndrome that was brought on by stress. It made life difficult for them. They had to learn how to take care of themselves and heal.

Nutrition

Irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from having daily bitter green vegetables and added dietary fiber. Bitters encourage beneficial digestive secretions that often help to normalize bowel function. Added dietary fiber may also ease the symptoms of IBS.

• Bitter green vegetables include arugula, chicory, chickweed, dandelion, endive, kale, mustard, radicchio, and watercress.
• Dietary fiber comes in many forms. Beans, fruits, vegetables, rice, and whole-grain bread all contain fiber. The use of blonde psyllium seeds or flaxseed may positively impact irritable bowel syndrome.
• For example, a seed breakfast that provides a good amount of fiber consists of linseed meal, almond meal, ground pumpkin seeds, ground sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and rice brand. Mix equal parts of these ingredients and keep them in the refrigerator. Then for breakfast, add a grated raw apple, stewed pear, apple, or plums and unsweetened yogurt (may be dairy-free). In winter, seed mix may also be added to oatmeal or rice.

Identifying foods that cause symptoms to flare up can be important, so keeping a food diary is recommended.

Nutritional Supplements

There are a few supplements to consider.

• Practitioners in the United Kingdom prescribe peppermint to safely treat IBS without the negative side effects posed by other drugs. The best form of peppermint for IBS is enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules, because they have been clinically proven to help IBS symptoms in children and adults.
• Turmeric can also be beneficial irritable bowel syndrome. Black pepper increases the effectiveness of turmeric by up to 20-fold. Turmeric can be taken in foods or as capsules.

Talk with your doctor before using these supplements. They are meant as complementary therapies.

Physical Interventions

Stress reduction is the main physical intervention. Here are some techniques that may help.

• Lifestyle choices- learn and practice time management
• Use deep breathing
• Take a warm bath with lavender essential oils
• Have a massage
• Do relaxation exercise
• Pray
• Spend time meditating on God’s word
• Journal about your life
• Attend counseling
• Seek out social support
• Balance work with times for relaxation.

Action

IBS is a signal that your body needs some support. Be intentional about following nutritional, supplemental, and physical interventions that will help you heal. See your doctor for guidance.

Resources:

Medical Herbalism, by David Hoffman

Women, Hormones, & the Menstrual Cycle, by Ruth Trickey

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Have you had any experience with IBS? What have you done to alleviate your symptoms?