Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder marked by symptoms like pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. It’s a common condition that affects up to 15 percent of people in the United States, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.
There’s no cure for IBS. A few treatments are available, but many people instead experiment with natural ways to find relief from their symptoms. These remedies and supplements may help.
Up to 90 percent of people with IBS experiment with diet to help relieve IBS symptoms. The ACG recommends keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how you feel after to help determine which trigger foods to avoid.
Common IBS food triggers include:
- beans
- broccoli
- cabbage
- onions
- fructose
- lactose
- wheat/gluten
See a dietitian
If you have IBS, consider working with a dietitian. Together you can identify an eating plan, such as the low FODMAP diet, to help you identify your food triggers to avoid. A dietitian can also recommend ways to incorporate the right nutrients into your diet that can help provide IBS relief.
Adding more soluble fiber to your diet may help, particularly if you’re dealing with constipation. Good food sources of soluble fiber include:
- barley
- lentils
- nuts
- oats
- flaxseed
Soluble fiber can also be found in supplement form known as psyllium.
When increasing your fiber intake, be sure to go slow and drink plenty of water. Upping your intake too quickly can bring on symptoms like gas and bloating. And ingesting too much fiber and not enough water can make constipation worse.
Adding more magnesium to your diet may help provide IBS relief, especially if you’re dealing with constipation. While magnesium is available in supplement form, start by incorporating more of these magnesium-rich foods into your diet:
- legumes
- nuts
- seeds
- spinach
- whole grains
Magnesium works by drawing water into the intestines to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Though magnesium may not be the answer if you’re dealing with diarrhea. It can also lead to diarrhea if you take too much.
Ask your doctor or dietitian if magnesium may be right for you, and if so, how much. The typical dosage is up to
A
Review authors noted that, in one control trial, ginger was not proven to help with relieve IBS symptoms any better than the placebo.
Some people also find relief from a soothing cup of tea. IBS-friendly teas include:
- green
- herbal
- peppermint
When trying a cup of tea, start by keeping it on the weak side. Certain varieties, like a strong black tea, or any others that have caffeine, may worsen IBS symptoms.
Peppermint oil has been
Side effects of peppermint oil were found to be mild and temporary, including heartburn and discomfort. When compared to other solutions, the researchers said that peppermint oil could be viewed as the first go-to treatment if you have general IBS symptoms.
Just look for therapeutic-grade options, which are pretty easy to find.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland that helps with both sleep regulation and digestion. For those with IBS, melatonin works to regulate intestinal motility (the movement of intestinal muscles).
According to one
Melatonin can be found both online and at local drugstores. It’s often marketed as a sleep aid because of its wide use in the treatment of insomnia.
Probiotics are the so-called “good bacteria” found in our digestive system. Available as supplements as well as in food, probiotics are used to keep digestive systems healthy and symptom-free. In people with IBS, they may work similarly, restoring balance in otherwise troubled intestines.
Some
- bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
- inflammation
- motility
- hypersensitivity
Studies looking into which probiotics are most helpful is ongoing.
Slippery elm is known for aiding digestive health. In the treatment of IBS, slippery elm is said to be particularly useful in treating diarrhea, constipation, and digestive discomfort.
Slippery elm can be made into a tea, stirred into food, or put in capsules. You can find slippery elm powder supplements online and in drugstores.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may offer relief from IBS symptoms, too. TCM uses herbs to treat medical conditions, and those that could provide relief for IBS symptoms include peony powder, citrus, and licorice.
One
Researchers are continuously evaluating the effectiveness of existing remedies and looking into new options.
Outside of specific nutrients and supplements to try, researchers have also found that stress can take a toll in IBS. Taking daily steps to manage or reduce stress levels can help relieve IBS symptoms. In particular, relaxation techniques like meditation and mindfulness may help improve bowel habits.
Evidence also shows that regular exercise can help improve IBS symptoms, especially constipation.
Consult with your doctor or dietitian
Talk with your doctor or dietitian before trying new IBS remedies. They may be able to offer additional solutions and tips on how to get the most out of these and other remedies.
While most are available in supplement form, supplements are not regulated in the United States, so checking with your healthcare team about the best brands to choose is a good practice. Many of these remedies can also be added to your diet through food sources.
Most people with IBS experiment with various natural remedies to help relieve digestive symptoms. Work with your healthcare team to determine which options may be best help you.