Home Remedies and Herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, refers to a condition that affects the large intestine, also known as the colon.¹ IBS differs from inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis because it doesn’t damage bowel tissue or increase the risk of colorectal cancer.² IBS is a common condition that affects up to 10 percent of the population.³ It’s more common in those under the age of 45, and it occurs more often in women than in men.¹

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

It is not known what causes IBS. What is known is that IBS symptoms arise when the muscles in the colon contract faster or slower than normal.³ Risk increases for individuals with a history of laxative use, infectious diarrhea, emotional stress, low-fiber diet, sexual or physical abuse, and temporary bowel inflammation. Nearly half of people diagnosed with IBS also have psychological symptoms, many of which have low levels of the brain chemical called serotonin.³ 

Diet also contributes to IBS symptoms. It’s suggested that IBS may be linked to food allergies. Some foods that can trigger symptoms include:3

• Artificial sweeteners
• Chemical additives
• Dairy products
• Chocolate
• Red meat
• Fatty foods
• Alcohol
• Carbonated beverages

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can include:1, 2, 3

• Abdominal cramping
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas
• Pain relief after a bowel movement
• Mucus in the stool
• Feeling of incomplete emptying following a bowel movement

IBS symptoms can vary from person to person. For example, some IBS patients may primarily experience constipation while others experience diarrhea. Other patients may experience both extremes. IBS can lead to complications, such as affecting how the body absorbs nutrients, therefore causing nutrient deficiencies in some patients.³

Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions. These tests can include x-rays, stool sample tests, and blood tests. In some cases, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be performed.¹ To be diagnosed with IBS, you must have experienced symptoms for at least six months and at least three days per month in the last three months. Doctors also look for symptoms like pain relief after a bowel movement and a link between pain and changes in bowel movement frequency or changes in appearance of stool.⁴

Since the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, there is currently no cure. However, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can be controlled through diet and stress management as well as probiotics, medications, and herbs.¹

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/irritablebowelsyndrome.html
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20024578
3. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/irritable-bowel-syndrome
4. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/digestive-and-liver-health/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-and-functional-bowel-disorders