Home >>  Ask a question >>  Medicines and Remedies

Irritable bowel syndrome remedy

Home remedy for IBS
(26 Dec 2007)

Irritable bowel syndrome refers to a functional disorder of the bowel that comprises of a group of symptoms. The symptoms that commonly occur are abdominal pain, pressure, cramps, flatulence, bloating and constipation or diarrhea. In some cases there is also drainage of mucus through the stools.


This condition affects the large intestine or the colon, which forms an important component of the digestive system. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known for certain. It could be possible that those who are affected by this condition have very sensitive bowel muscles. As such there may be increased contraction of the muscles while eating, which can cause cramps. Bowel movements may also affect the nerves of the area, thereby causing pain and cramping. It has been seen that irritable bowel syndrome develops after a bout of gastroenteritis in many cases. The symptoms of this disorder may worsen if the individual is under stress or during times of menstruation. The symptoms, although painful, do not cause any damage to the large intestine.

Ginger is known to provide relief from the pain and discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome. You can chop some ginger and mix with a few drops of lemon juice. This can be taken after meals to help in digestion and aid the functioning of the large intestine. Ginger must also be used regularly while cooking. Asafetida is another effective remedy for this disorder. Half a teaspoon each of asafetida and dried ginger powder can be added to a glass of water along with a pinch of salt and taken after eating. This will bring quick relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. You can also add a couple of drops of dill oil to a teaspoon of honey and drink it. This helps greatly in aiding digestion and prevents disruptions in bowel functions.

If constipation is a problem, then it is advisable to drink plenty of water and other fluids so that the consistency of stools become soft, allowing for easier bowel movements. An effective home remedy for irritable bowel syndrome is to grind cardamom seeds, dry ginger and pepper and add the mixture to a glass of water. Drink this to ease constipation and reduce irritation of the bowels. Your diet must also be regulated such that it includes plenty of fiber. Avoid spicy, fried and oily foods as these are difficult to digest. Also restrict intake of alcohol, tea and coffee and eat healthy meals consisting of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods.
answered by G M on 8 Apr 2010, 4:24:00

 

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder in the intestine that could happen at any age but would mostly occur in middle age or adulthood. There are no known causes for irritable bowel syndrome but stress is known to aggravate the condition. The most common symptoms of IBS are bloating, major discomfort and abdominal pain, diarrhea, irregular bowel movements, cramping, dryness of mouth, a decreased appetite and possible weakness in the body. You should treat IBS as soon as possible because while it will not get any worse, it is a chronic disease and periodically will cause a great deal of discomfort.

While foods per se do not cause IBS, some foods will bring on the symptoms. Hence, while treating IBS, one of the simplest things to do is to understand which foods seem to trigger an attack. Maintain a food diary so that you make an accurate diagnosis. Another good home remedy for IBS is ginger which is traditionally used as a fundamental ingredient for almost all intestinal related problems. One of these remedies is to mix ginger powder with a bit of rock salt and asafetida added to a cup of warm water. You can drink this mixture twice a day to help reduce the gas from your intestine and to calm down the irritability in the intestines. You can also peel some fresh ginger and slice it. You can have this fresh ginger with a dab of limejuice after every meal. Another effective remedy for IBS is dill oil. Dill oil has natural healing properties that can benefit the intestine as well as digestion. You can have a teaspoon of honey with a drop of dill oil after every meal for 2 weeks.

To ensure that your bowels movements are smooth, you should focus on eating food that is rich in fiber. These could include apples, citrus fruits, and whole grain bread. This will help smoothen the intestinal track and free your system of constipation. You should also ensure that you slowly add fiber to your diet because, for some people, gas is one of the side effects of increasing fiber in the diet.  Besides a healthy diet, it is also important to drink at least two to three liters of water everyday. Regular water intake decreases the irritation in the intestine and also provides relief from constipation. If possible try to eat only vegetarian food as a non-vegetarian diet may include difficult to digest foods that may irritate your intestines and could possibly worsen your IBS.
answered by G M on 7 Oct 2009, 11:09:25

 

IBS Remedies

Irritable bowel syndrome, also referred to as irritable colon, is common among the women in their 40s. It is characterised by pain or discomfort in the abdomen with a change in the schedule of the usual bowel movements.
Constipation alternates with diarrhoea, making the stools range from thin and watery to solid stools. Flatulence resulting in bloating, abdominal distension and cramps are also common. Stress worsens the situation. It fails to pose a threat to life, though it is a disorder calling for immediate attention. Muscle spasm is identified as one of the primary cause of concern. This, in turn is triggered by drugs, stress and certain medications.

Also known as irritable bowel, it requires changes in lifestyle and dietary regimen. Milk and related products are restricted. Caffeinated beverages and smoking are avoided. Relaxation is vital with adequate hydration. Fibre-rich foods with surplus vegetables and fruits are recommended. Foods such as onion, red pepper, wheat, milk and red wine acts as triggers in initiating irritable colon. Laxatives are recommended under the guidance of a physician. Antispasmodics help in controlling spasms of muscles. Symptoms are also relieved by antidepressants.

answered by Dr C on 11 Jan 2008, 4:46:55

 

Read more questions in Medicines and Remedies
 
Related Blogs
 
Top Searched Keywords
 
 
 
Send us your questions

(We do not sell your email address)