Researchers wake up to complementary IBS treatments

Wednesday, July 24, 2013 by: Katie BrindAmour
Tags: IBS, natural remedies, healing foods

(NaturalNews) Research on alternative and complementary treatments for a wide variety of chronic health conditions has proved worthwhile. As scientists turn their attention to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), prospects for home remedies, dietary modification, and complementary treatments may offer millions of people hope for symptom management. Recently, a French researcher in Brussels summed up the state of research on alternative therapies for people with IBS.

According to Gerkins' assessment of the data, a number of holistic therapies top the list of truly promising treatment options. Among them are diet assessments and tailored plans (testing for food allergies, incorporating probiotics, etc.), the use of herbs (such as peppermint) for analgesic properties, hypnotherapy, and conscientious patient-centered relationships with healthcare providers. Although many individuals with IBS choose to use these therapies in addition to pharmaceuticals, further research may enable many people with IBS to effectively manage their symptoms exclusively with natural remedies.

Simple home-based treatments for IBS

Beyond herbal therapies and alternative treatments, home-based remedies for IBS can be very helpful for symptom management. Some of the easiest strategies are common sense, but because IBS is influenced considerably by lifestyle, they can also be highly effective.

Start with exercise and stress relief techniques. Keeping stress under control is essential for minimizing the frequency and severity of flares. Exercise can help naturally regulate stress, although individuals with IBS may have to build up slowly to a regular exercise routine. In addition, stress relief techniques can be personalized and incorporated throughout the day to maximize their benefits. Meditation, yoga, progressive relaxation, and music therapy are just a few options for stress relief.

Build an individual diet plan based around a food diary. Try tracking every snack, drink, meal, and symptom (time and severity included) for two weeks. Eliminate any "trigger" foods. Many individuals with IBS also have gluten and/or lactose sensitivities. Furthermore, people with IBS-diarrhea may benefit from a low-fiber diet, while people with IBS-constipation may benefit from a high-fiber diet.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23091952
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/ibs-home-remedies-that-work
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/

About the author:
Katie BrindAmour is a Certified Health Education Specialist and passionate health and wellness freelance writer. She enjoys cooking, yoga, gardening, searching for the perfect wine and chocolate combination, and spending time with friends. She has a Masters in Biology and is currently pursuing her PhD in Health Services Management and Policy. She also enjoys blogging for Women's Healthcare Topics and Healthline Networks.