Alternative Treatments For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disease suffered by an estimated 25-45 million people in the United States. Symptoms include chronic abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas and irregular bowel movements. The condition can be aggravated by a number of triggers including anxiety, insomnia and stress. There are numerous alternative treatments to prescription medication that can help relieve symptoms.

Herbal Therapies
Chinese Medicine uses herbal remedies to treat a  number of ailments and diseases, including IBS.

Peppermint has been studied and used to help IBS discomfort. Because it is a natural antispasmodic, peppermint can help decrease muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. Common ways to use peppermint include peppermint tea or peppermint oil, both can be found at your local health food store.

Ginger can also be used to help IBS symptoms. Ginger works as anti-inflammatory and is thought to strengthen the gastric lining and decrease nausea. You can buy ginger tea as well as make your own by boiling water with ginger root. 

Fennel can immensely help bloating and gas. Fennel is considered a carminative, meaning it has properties that prevent the formation of excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Fennel can also help heartburn, indigestion and common stomach pain. Fennel seeds can be found in your local health food store and they can be used to make tea.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat chronic abdominal pain, bloating and other IBS symptoms. Also, acupuncture has been shown to relieve stress and anxiety, which are the main triggers of IBS and many other diseases. Hopefully, there will be more research that shows a literal causal relationship between acupuncture and the relief of IBS symptoms.

Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that normally live in your gut. It has been thought that those with IBS do not have enough probiotics in their intestinal tract. You can easily add probiotics to your diet by consuming fermented foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, sourdough bread, and miso. Probiotic supplements can be found in your local health food store.

Meditation and Exercise
Meditation and exercise are excellent stress relievers and in turn can relieve IBS symptoms that are commonly caused by anxiety. Not only does exercise release endorphins that help stress, but regular physical activity can help regulate your gastrointestinal system.

Meditation focuses on deep breathing and staying in the moment to relax the mind and body. Research done at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on meditation and IBS found that women who practiced meditation had an appproximate 38% reduction in symptoms, according to U.S. News.

Alternative medicine, including acupuncture, can largely decrease your IBS symptoms and help you live a more pain-free life! If you are struggling with IBS symptoms I hope the information here helps you find a path to relief.

Sources:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/digestive-disorders/articles/2011/05/09/mindful-meditation-might-ease-irritable-bowel-syndrome
http://www.helpforibs.com/footer/acupunct.asp#studies
http://www.aboutibs.org/site/treatment/complementary-or-alternative-treatments/
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1405-acupuncture-soothes-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs