Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is often caused by emotional stress, unbalanced gut microbiota (more bad bugs than good), and eating trigger foods (which may differ for different people). Although IBS can make you feel you're about to die, you'll be happy to know there is no evidence that Irritable Bowel Syndrome will ever cause disease or kill you. However, complications from severe constipation or diarrhea can occur. Thankfully, holistic alternatives and medications can prevent that from happening. Also, an illness or disease can cause symptoms of IBS, so it's essential to rule out possible underlying conditions.

10-15% of all adults in the United States (more women than men) suffer from IBS.

The Different Types of IBS

IBS-D: Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Diarrhea
IBS-C: Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation
IBS-M: Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Mixed
IBSD: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Disease

The brain and the gut are so intertwined that if you have mild IBS, it's okay to help the gut first, but it's essential to simultaneously support the brain and gut for moderate to severe symptoms.

Symptoms of IBS

Gas (often painful), abdominal bloating or swelling, indigestion, acid reflux, burning mouth or throat, mouth blisters, heartburn, intestinal cramps, abdominal pain (especially after eating or drinking), constipation or diarrhea (or alternating), an urgency to move bowels without being able to have a bowel movement, a change in the form of stool, mucus in the stool, and liquid seepage from the rectum (bowel incontinence).

Possible Causes of IBS

Gallbladder disease or gallbladder removal, which, due to not enough bile, causes the inability to absorb dietary fats or fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E. K)

Digestive disorders (gallbladder, pancreas, liver problems), Crohn's Disease, and Celiac Disease (sensitivity to gluten, a protein that destroys intestinal villi, which causes symptoms of IBS)

Enzyme deficiency

Acute or chronic stress that's changed body chemistry

Food sensitivities and allergies (or sensitivities, especially to gluten)

Lack of movement or exercise or excessive exercise

Any cellular, bone, nerve, muscular, or pain disorder, such as Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Arthritis, or Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Metabolic Acidosis (pH imbalance)

Mast Cell Activation Disorder (and associated Histamine Intolerance)

Parasites

Constipation

Low hormone levels (estrogen can cause a lower pain threshold resulting in IBS stomach pain), menstruation hormonal fluctuations, low thyroid, low testosterone, high cortisol, and so on)

Obesity (associated with GERD)

Leaky Gut Syndrome, a condition where the lining of the gut (the intestines) has become permeable. When this happens, food particles and toxins meant to pass out to the body when you "poo" are reabsorbed into your bloodstream, which causes physical stress, illness, autoimmune disorders, and disease. A poor diet and stress hormones typically cause Leaky Gut Syndrome. You can usually remedy Leaky Gut Syndrome by switching to a genetically appropriate diet.

Candida, including vaginal yeast infection

difficile, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and Colitis

pylori bacterial overgrowth (a breath test can detect it)

Antibiotic and NSAIDS use. Tylenol, for example, has an antibiotic reaction and devastates gut bacteria. Advil (Ibuprofen) increases the likelihood of stomach bleeding.

Antacids reduce mucus and promote tears in the gut lining, leaving your gut with less protection from toxins.

SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) may be an issue if you have had food poisoning and have not felt normal since. There are three types of SIBO. Hydrogen SIBO is caused by an overgrowth of E-coli or klebsiella, Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth SIBO is caused by an overgrowth of archea, and SIBO Sulfide is an overgrowth of hydrogen sulfide gas by the bugs that produce it. Even minor food poisoning (caused by campylobacter jejuni bacteria) can cause a bout of SIBO, which is often treated medically with antibiotics. In severe cases, SIBO can lead to nutritional deficiencies, leading to health problems but not directly to other diseases. SIBO, like gluten-containing products, kills intestinal villi. SIBO mimics Celiac Disease (gluten allergy). Natural alternatives for SIBO are the same as for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida. Low FODMAP foods are suggested. However, this diet isn't intended to be permanent. Medications for heartburn increase the chances of SIBO, by the way. Also, taking D-mannose for bladder or urinary tract infections can feed SIBO and make it worse. And SIBO and thyroid disorders are often related. Fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, acne, Restless Leg Syndrome, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, and acid reflux can also be symptoms of SIBO. Candida (a fungal infection) can mimic SIBO. If you have SIBO, you'll be happy to know berberine is as effective for SIBO as the prescription drug Rifaximin.

Intestinal motility issues (the intestines are lined with tiny muscles) can prevent the intestines from functioning correctly. Hyperthyroidism can cause increased intestinal movement.

Overgrowth of bacteria in the digestive tract can also cause motility problems. A comprehensive stool test can reveal which bacteria are lacking or overgrowing in your gut microbiome.

According to Dr. Gundry, one packet of Splenda (a sugar substitute) destroys 50% of gut bacteria.

Pesticides, chemicals, molds, and toxins of any kind

Dehydration

Poor diet or absorption of nutrients

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Associated conditions areFibromyalgia Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Crohn's Disease, IBD, Pelvic Disorder, and TMJ.

Spiritual/Psychological Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome has many different symptoms. Each symptom expresses something going on in your mind. There is gut-wrenching dread over something when it comes to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You are worried, and this may be an understatement. You may also have negative spiritual attachments, which I don't discuss on this website but are a genuine concern.

Flatulence (burping and passing gas) means something in your life makes you gulp like a fish out of water. Is there an aspect of your life you are having difficulty digesting? Are you having a hard time slowing down?

Mucus in the Stool means you're mired in the past. There are layers of confused thoughts, and you have difficulty assimilating the new.

Cramps mean there is fear of letting go of the unnecessary or unwanted in life, such as relationships that no longer work, objects, and old, worn-out commitments) or holding on out of fear of what is coming next, which may be unknown.

Associated Chakra: The 3rd Chakra/The Yellow Aura Color Personality and, perhaps, Orange

Associated Temperament: Sanguine

Associated Energy Meridians: Lung, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine

Indigestion FYI

A white tongue (not associated with pain or sores) that seems dry with teeth marks (indentations) on your tongue is often a sign of dehydration. It is also a sign of indigestion and Hypothyroidism.

Also, the feeling of something stuck in your throat, but not really, is a sign of too little stomach acid. Stress can suppress stomach acid.

Most people with indigestion are short on necessary digestive enzymes. The discomfort is from the partially undigested food sitting in the gut due to a lack of dietary enzymes. The gas from this undigested food often causes the most pain. Antacids coat the stomach, offering temporary relief to the symptoms, but you need digestive enzymes or a change in your diet to eliminate the cause. Please don't become one of those who buy antacids but continue to eat the things that are sending you to the store to purchase them.

Also, harmful bacteria eat up the mucus layer of the gut. Your gut has a slippery mucus layer that acts as a barrier to protect you from harmful organisms attaching to your gut wall. An overgrowth of bacteria can eat up this mucus lining, exposing your "underbelly" to invading micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses).

IBS Is Different Than Crohn's Disease

While no one is sure what causes Crohn's Disease, it is not the same as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, those with Crohn's Disease can suffer from IBS. If you have Crohn's, limiting high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits with skins, seeds, whole grains, and nuts, is crucial. Avoid spicy, high-fat, and greasy foods. Do not take Aspirin, willow bark, or Ibuprofen.

Lactose in milk and dairy also poses problems. Don't smoke. And, make sure you maintain levels of vitamin B-12 (take a high potency B complex with folic acid), iron (only with a doctor's permission), vitamin D3, and calcium (with at least half as much magnesium). If you have the MTHFR Gene Mutation, take methyl folate instead of folic acid.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease include chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, abdominal tenderness, and a feeling of a mass of fullness in the lower right abdomen. There may be intestinal wall thickening, strictures (scar tissue), which can lead to obstruction, or fistulas (abnormal passageways from one part of the bowel to another or nearby tissues, even the bladder or vagina). Children and teens have unpredictable episodes of severe symptoms followed by remission, which could last days, weeks, or years.

Ileocolitis (most common) ~ Small intestine and colon. Weight loss, diarrhea, and cramping in the middle or lower right ab.

Gastroduodenal Crohn's ~ stomach and duodenum (the first part of the intestine). Nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite, and vomiting when narrow bowel segments are obstructed.

Ileitis~ In the ileum. Ileotis is the same as Ileocolitis, but with abscesses or fistulas possibly forming in the lower right ab.

Jejunoileitis~ Affects the jejunum, the upper half of the small intestine. There are areas of inflammation, cramps after eating, diarrhea, and intense abdominal pain. It may also cause the formation of fistulas.

Crohn's Colitis~ Only the colon. Skin lesions, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, the formation of ulcers, fistulas or abscesses around the anus, and joint pain.

Crohn's Disease results from an abnormal immune response (often found in Jewish ancestry) and implies inflammation and, possibly, ulcers or infection. Amalgams and vaccinations are possible causes of Crohn's due to mercury toxicity.

Sections of the intestine may not be able to absorb nutrients, especially B-12 and bile. Surgery may be necessary to remove the part that isn't working, but Crohn's usually returns to another section of the intestine later.

Treatment for Crohn's Disease aims to control inflammation, correct any nutritional or enzyme deficiencies, and relieve pain, fever, and diarrhea. Medical doctors prescribe anti-inflammatories, antidiarrheals, antibiotics (when an infection is present), and immune-suppressing drugs, including corticosteroids. However, antibiotics can cause a flare-up, as can NSAIDs, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and anti-inflammatory medications. Naproxen is better known as Aleve, by the way. Willow bark is the tree bark from which Aspirin is derived from. Never use Willow bark to relieve pain associated with Crohn's disease. Take Tylenol instead. Be sure to follow the directions on the label to avoid liver damage.

The spiritual and psychological causes of Crohn's Disease are comparatively similar to those of IBS (see above).

The Difference Between IBS & IBD

Irritable Bowel Disease symptoms include anemia, bleeding, weight loss, and fever. IBD causes destructive inflammation, causing permanent harm to the intestines. IBD can be seen during diagnostic imaging and increases the risk of colon cancer. Can IBS turn into IBD? No. They are two distinct conditions. However, you can have both.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not cause inflammation, and there is no sign of abnormality or disease in a colon exam. In IBS, the nerves that control the bowel's lining are unusually sensitive. It rarely requires hospitalization or surgery and poses no risk for cancer or IBD. Activated B vitamins may help sensitive nerves to work more efficiently.

How to Tell Which Part of Your Digestive Tract Is Causing Problems

Upper GI problems involve the mouth, esophagus, and upper stomach and cause symptoms such as acid reflux, nausea, upper stomach pain, and upper abdominal pain after eating. Small intestine problems cause symptoms such as bloating, nausea, distention, malabsorption, and a swift reaction to what you eat. The large intestine and colon can cause issues with diarrhea and constipation (or both). A lower esophageal sphincter separates the esophagus and stomach, the pylours separate the lower stomach and the small intestine, and the ileocecal Valve separates the small intestine and the colon.

These "separation' points keep contents separate. A problem arises when contents migrate into areas they aren't supposed to be in. Most of the gut microbiome exists in the colon. Any surgeries affecting these gateways can cause free back-and-forth flow, leading to conditions such as SIBO.

Scar tissue from gallbladder or appendix removal, Cancer surgery, Cesarean births, and Endometriosis can result in scar tissue that causes "kinks" in your digestive network, especially in the small intestine, and prevents bacteria from being able to leave that area. In other words, you can't get cleaned out.

Holistic Alternatives for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (in general)

First and foremost, purchasing over-the-counter dietary enzymes may eliminate all of your digestive upsets. You can find these supplements at most health food stores and through The Tarotpothecary. Secondly, take prebiotics and probiotics.

Keep a journal. Negative feelings, especially those negative feelings we have over control issues (especially lack of control), sit in the gut. It is also helpful to write down what you eat every day. Remember that it can take up to 72 hours to suffer a reaction from something you eat or drink today. Being able to look back over the past few days can be very helpful in establishing any diet sensitivity patterns.

Gentle stretches and exercises performed regularly to tone the back and abdomen help increase the gut's tone and function. In between flare-ups, get moving. Do some stretching (reach for the sky) or walk. Bend over and touch your toes (or your ankles or knees), hang there for a few seconds, and let your head dangle and relax. Breathe. Slowly come up to standing and then reach for the sun. Give it a good stretch. Stand up on your toes if you can. Stretch as far as you can. Then, bend over again and touch your toes. Breathe. Do this up to 12 times. Do not strain yourself while performing these exercises. Do them slowly and deliberately. Also, see Exercise.

Chronic constipation can lead to body toxicity and all manner of diseases. It can also cause pain in the lower back and the sciatic nerve. Drink enough water. Not getting enough water could be your only problem. Drink a full glass of water every 10 minutes if you are constipated. Do this three times within 30 minutes. Then resume drinking liquids as usual. Drinking 6-10 glasses of pure water each day is suggested. However, do not drink fluids with your meal. It slows digestion. Fluids disturb and wash away necessary acids and enzymes that help digest your food. Drink as much water and other liquids as possible to avoid dehydration if you have diarrhea.

Dab on witch hazel for pain and itching or aloe vera gel for itching when you have an IBS flare that causes hemorrhoids due to straining to pass stool. Just make sure the product you purchase doesn't contain alcohol (ouch!)

For stomach muscle pain or spasms associated with diarrhea, place an ice pack or moist heat on your tummy for no more than 20 minutes, alternating up to 4 times, and then break for an hour. You may also place the ice pack or moist heat on your spine to calm those nerves stemming from your spine to your stomach. For moist heat, find a thin cloth, wet it, wring it out and place it on your stomach. Place a hot water bottle over the fabric. Never use a moist cloth with an electrical heating pad unless you have a heating pad that you can use with moist heat. You can also take Tylenol for pain but not Aspirin or Ibuprofen. While the latter are anti-inflammatories, they can be the cause of IBS.

The nerves in the lower back affect the intestines and can cause cramping. What feels like a stomach ache can be induced by tight muscles or irritated nerves along the spine. A hot bath or heating pad against the back can instantly relax stomach pain. Try an ice pack.

Eat only bland, soft foods until your diarrhea subsides.

Ensure you get enough minerals, especially calcium, magnesium lactate, and zinc, through your diet or by taking supplements. Selenium also helps to keep the Herpes Simplex Virus dormant.

Gently massage your stomach in a circular, clockwise motion (left to right). Start at your belly button and work outwards toward your pelvic bones. Do this for 2-3 minutes. You may also massage your lower back as best you can. The lower back often feels pain while the body is constipated.

Avoid eating anything containing gluten, at least for a few weeks, and see if your symptoms improve. A sensitivity or allergy to gluten (found in grain products) and prepared foods can cause constipation, diarrhea, nutrient deficiencies, such as iron and folate deficiency, bladder pain, Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), osteoporosis, gas, bloating, muscle cramps, and headache.

What to Avoid When You Have an IBS Flareup

Avoid onions, garlic, spicy or acidic foods, fatty red meat, bananas (some people are okay with bananas), and white carbohydrates (white sugar, white flour, white bread).

Avoid lectins. Lectins are naturally occurring plant chemicals in nightshade fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, which cause inflammation in just about everyone. They are particularly troublesome during IBS flares and may even be the cause of them.

Because strong black coffee is a stimulant, it often helps with constipation. However, caffeine in coffee is also a diuretic that flushes moisture from the body, so, for some people, it can cause constipation. Coffee can also be a stomach and intestinal irritant due to its acidity. Limit coffee to two cups daily, and drink an extra cup of water for every cup of coffee you drink throughout the day.

Eliminate dairy. Dairy is one of the worst culprits of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Avoid it when you have an episode, as it aggravates IBS. Many folks have sensitivities to dairy products without realizing it. Dairy can cause both constipation and diarrhea. You can try lactose-free dairy and milk substitutes, like almond, oat, or rice milk. However, these should have no added sugar or imitation flavorings.

Avoid gluten. Gluten is found in products made from grain products, especially wheat. You do not have to have an all-out allergy to gluten to have a sensitivity to it that causes symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, especially diarrhea. If you stay away from most white flour products, it will eliminate much of your Gluten source. There are plenty of gluten-free bread and cereal products to substitute. Trader Joe'sis the best place to shop in the Pacific Northwest.

Try to avoid limiting foods in your diet. Many people, myself included, severely restrict their foods because everything hurts our stomachs. But this is one of the worst things you can do. Why? Because when you limit foods in your diet, you stop feeding all of your gut microbes, and some populations will die while others will overgrow. There are no bad bugs in our gut, but when too many die or overgrow, it can be bad for us. So eat as many different things as you can. The more plant-based foods you can eat, the better. Instead of saltine crackers and 7-Up all day, eat some mashed, steamed vegetables and pureed fruit. Directly below, you'll find a list of foods to eat during an IBS flareup.

Gatorade
Flat Ginger Ale
Broth (vegetable, not bone)
Tea (herbal, green, turmeric, peppermint, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, holy basil, fennel)
Turmeric tea
A little raw honey
Boiled or baked white potatoes (peeled)
Fancy mushrooms
White rice
Sweet potatoes
Spinach (cooked)
Green beans (cooked)
Carrots (cooked)
Bananas, not too raw or too ripe (may cause gas)
Lean meat (fish, chicken, turkey)
Egg whites
Mushrooms (fancy, not White)
Avocado (no more than 2 TB daily)
Coconut oil (not coconut meat and not in excess)
Good, naked bread (gluten-free if you're sensitive to gluten)
Sea salt (for seasoning)
Whey protein (I use Naked Whey)
Pure water (to prevent dehydration)
While not a "healthy" food, Soda crackers seem to work for some people.
Soda crackers (not a healthy choice, but they help some people)
Tapioca (homemade)
Gelatin

Holistic Alternatives for IBS Diarrhea

Eat baby food if you have diarrhea (especially painful) until you are well past the loose stool stage.

If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you cannot afford not to take a multi-enzyme digestive supplement. This one tip may spare you a lifetime of IBS pain. Digestive enzyme supplements help your foods digest, which means you can absorb nutrients and eliminate gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, loose stool, mucus in the stool, pressure, and pain associated with these symptoms. You can learn more about the signs and symptoms of digestive enzyme deficiency here.

Diarrhea causes dehydration, which, if severe, can be life-threatening. Even minimal dehydration can cause adverse symptoms. Stay hydrated. Drink pure water or herbal tea.

Holistic Alternatives for IBS Constipation

Chronic constipation can lead to body toxicity and all manner of diseases. It can also cause pain in the lower back and the sciatic nerve. Drink enough water to flush out toxic waste. Not getting enough water could be your only problem.

Swallow one to three teaspoons of virgin olive oil every morning until regulated.

Eat 2-3 prunes daily, or drink four ounces of the juice. Or, munch on 6 ounces of dried fruit (a mix of raisins, prunes, apricots, and figs).

Eat fruit on an empty stomach for at least 20-30 minutes before consuming other foods.

Fiber is essential because it helps push the nasties through and eliminate or at least reduce toxic waste. However, fiber absorbs moisture, and if you don't drink enough water with it, fiber can backfire, causing even more constipation. Try eating whole, cooked oatmeal and an apple daily or orange and yellow veggies (rather than fruit), such as squash, carrots, and pumpkin.

Swiss Krissis an herbal product that is a mild stimulant and a stool softener. You can find it at most natural health stores. There is also an herbal bowel regulator from India called Triphala. It is an Ayurvedicmedicine, which is a mixture of three fruits. It tones the digestive system without being a stimulant laxative. It's intended for regular use, and its benefits improve the longer it is used.

Ensure you're getting enough magnesium-rich foods or a magnesium supplement. The magnesium suggested for IBS-C is magnesium lactate, which is easily absorbed by a sensitive and inflamed gut. Magnesium citrate also works well.

Take probiotics or, better yet, prebiotics (or both) to restore gut bacteria. However, you'll want to avoid taking the ones that increase histamine in the body.

Holistic Alternatives for IBS Pain

Gingertea may help with stomach upset and pain.

Ensure you're getting enough magnesium-rich foods or taking a magnesium supplement (magnesium lactate).

Peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant and can be an excellent stomach soother if appropriately used. Peppermint is found in many stomach-relieving preparations, including multi-enzymes. Peppermint tea or sucking on a peppermint candy can help with bloating. But be aware that peppermint can worsen things if you have acid reflux or indigestion due to the lack of stomach acid. Peppermint relaxes the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach, which keeps food from entering the esophagus. A dysfunctional sphincter muscle is one of the leading causes of acid reflux. If you have either of these conditions and want to try peppermint for intestinal pain, use peppermint in capsule form to bypass the throat and upper stomach.

Green tea extract may help to soothe the intestinal lining. However, it may irritate a sensitive bladder.

Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) can help reduce inflammation in the body. You can drink turmeric tea or take capsules. I provide a truly delicious recipe in The Herbal Remedies Recipe Guide.

Holistic Alternatives for IBS Indigestion, Gas, Burping & Bloating

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water and drink it down. Baking soda zaps acids by making the digestive tract more alkaline.

Crush 1/2 teaspoon of Fennel seeds. Add to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-7 minutes, strain, and sip. Fennel is great for gas and constipation.

Seltzer water can help in moving gas bubbles along, too.

Place some grapefruit peel in a glass of hot water. Drink it like tea. It helps keep burps away.

Drink no fluids with your meal. Fluids slow digestion by disturbing and washing away enzymes that help digest your food.

Curcumin, the yellow coloring in turmeric, is excellent for healthy pancreatic function. It has been proven to stop cancer cells by shutting down chemicals linked to tumor growth. Arugula, onions, vitamin D, poultry, eggs, and fish (rather than red meat) are also suitable for the pancreas. Turmeric reduces gas and bloating in 87% of all cases. It is otherwise called zedoary root and originates from India.

Digestive bitters stimulate digestive secretion in the stomach, liver, and pancreas. Swedish Bitters is a 500-year-old formula (of 11 ingredients) proven to assist digestion.

Aloe vera juice, not gel, can help heal the lower esophageal sphincter and soothe mucous membranes. It also provides a great digestive aid and helps with heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and acid reflux. Drink 1/4 cup of juice 10 minutes before a meal for six weeks. Consider this fair warning. Aloe vera can taste nasty, so you should mix it with juice. Do not use aloe vera juice directly from the plant. It contains natural chemicals that cause diarrhea.

Mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with a bit of raw honey to 8 oz. of water and sip. Vinegar helps break down foods in the stomach by replacing acid that some of us no longer have. ACV is a good source of malic acid, which works well for reducing muscle pain. It also contributes to pH balance and weight loss. You can also add apple cider vinegar to a juice up to 3-4 times throughout the day. So you understand, the stomach naturally secretes acid to digest foods, particularly proteins. Some individuals have an overabundance of stomach acid and, therefore, more stomach upset when using ACV. Also, vinegar is fermented and may be an HSV trigger in some people. Those with IBS and Histamine Intolerance may do well in avoiding vinegar altogether.

For reflux and Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach sack), celery, potato, or cabbage juice, calcium carbonate, aloe vera juice, and deglycerized licorice lozenges can help.

Holistic Alternatives for Crohn's Disease

When you have Crohn's Disease, limiting high-fiber foods, raw vegetables, fruits with skins, whole grains, nuts, and seeds is essential.

Avoid excess lactose (in milk and dairy products), processed foods, and spicy, high-fat, and greasy foods.

You'll want to avoid refined sugar and excess fruit juices. However, raw honey may be beneficial.

Don't smoke, and do not inhale secondhand smoke.

If you find eliminating grains from your diet creates remarkable improvements or complete remission, you will likely have Celiac Disease, a strong sensitivity or allergy to gluten. Some individuals, while not necessarily sensitive to gluten, are, in fact, responsive to the chemicals in processed grains used for preserving and adding flavor.

Suggestions for easing IBS also help to manage and ease Crohn's symptoms.

Supplement Suggestions, in General, for IBS

Magnesium (at least 500 mg daily) and other minerals are essential for healthy intestinal functioning. Magnesium supplements draw moisture to the intestines. 500 mg daily divided into two doses, morning and night, should be enough. You can safely take up to 1000 mg per day. You can take magnesium without taking calcium. Magnesium lactate works best for sensitive digestive tracts.

Calcium supplements help reduce gas pain. When taking calcium, take magnesium as well to avoid calcium build-up.

Probiotics and prebiotics help restore the healthy flora in your bowel, relieve Colitis (mucus in the stool), and improve digestion, mood, and mental clarity. Histamine Intolerance can cause constipation and diarrhea. Certain foods. Prebiotics and probiotics encourage the release of histamine.

Garlic's allicin (an anti-microbial) wards off infection. Eat one raw clove daily for two weeks, then twice weekly. There are limitations to how much garlic you should consume. It is a potent herb. If you don't care for the taste of garlic, you can take odorless supplements, but follow the directions on the label. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, ask your doctor before using garlic supplements.

Flaxseed oil (1 tablespoon per day) or ground flaxseeds (2-3 tablespoons per day) and omega-3s (as directed on the label) from omega-3 fish oil, Krill oil and flaxseed oil can help calm tightly-wired nerves causing Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Take a B-complex with folic acid for healthy nerve function. Muscles can't work without healthy nerves, including nerves and muscles that help eliminate waste from the bowel.

Probiotics & Prebiotics

Prebiotic and probiotic supplements re-establish healthy gut bacteria. The bacteria that live in and on us far outnumber the cells in our bodies. We can't survive without a healthy balance of gut bacteria in our gut microbiome. There are no good or bad bacteria. They all play a role in our health and wellness. However, when certain bacteria overgrow, they become a problem. For example, E. coli isn't a problem until it overgrows and causes a bladder infection. You have various microbiome communities throughout your body, including the brain, lungs, and bladder. Bacteria help the body perform its miraculous functions.

Healthy bacteria produce short-change fatty acids essential for health and happiness. A diet high in fiber and rich in plant-based foods increases beneficial gut bacteria (and short-change fatty acids), while high protein, high fat, and low carb diets adversely affect the microbiome. Ideally, the way to restore a healthy microbiome is to eat a wide variety of plant-based foods and healthy portions of meat, dairy, fats, and fiber.

You have the option of taking prebiotic and probiotic supplements. Prebiotics "feed" healthy bacteria in your gut so they can repopulate themselves, which can take 3-6 months. Probiotics, on the other hand, are replacements and work while you're taking them, but they don't work to regenerate or feed healthy bacteria. Probiotics leave the body relatively quickly. Probiotics are helpful when you know you're deficient, especially after taking antibiotics. They'll keep you going while your prebiotic supplement works to repopulate beneficial bacteria.

When looking for a prebiotic, look for fructoligosaccharides.

There are many strains of probiotics, each with its unique properties. When looking for a supplement, look for the following bacteria on the label, depending on your need.

Lactobacillus acidophilus - Produces lactase to break down milk sugar, mineral absorption, and vaginal health (BV)
Lactobacillus rhamnosus - For diarrhea, vaginal yeast, anxiety (mood stabilizing)
Lactobacillus reuteri - For Leaky Gut, UTI/Cystitis, dental health, and H. pylori
Bifidobacterium bifidum - For constipation, allergies (reduces the release of histamine)
Bifidobacterium Longum - For gluten defense (combats inflammation), liver support, and immune support

L acidophilus and B. bifidum work well together to fight against the harmful effects of antibiotics. They don't increase histamine levels in the body. If you have Histamine Intolerance, you'll want to avoid certain strains of bacteria. Specific prebiotics and probiotics encourage the release of histamine.

Be Wary of Supplementing With Hydrochloric Acid

If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, do not experiment with hydrochloric acid supplements if you have a pre-existing condition, such as heartburn, acid reflux, or peptic ulcers, without speaking to your doctor first. The stomach naturally secretes this acid to digest foods, particularly proteins. Some individuals have more stomach upset when their enzyme product contains this ingredient. Others say it helps. Dietary enzymes not carrying this ingredient have not been known to cause any side effects.

Soluble & Insoluble Fiber

Soluble fiber slows things down in the digestive tract and helps to stop diarrhea. In contrast, insoluble fiber speeds things up and helps alleviate constipation. Depending on whether you are suffering from IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-C (constipation), or IBS-M (mixed). With IBS-M, your guess on which to use is as good as mine. I suffer from IBS-M, so I don't worry too much about minding my fibers. However, I pay more attention when I have strictly one or the other. For IBS-C (constipation), try apples, berries, oatmeal, carrots, squash, and pumpkin. However, some of these are known HSV triggers.

About IBS & Fermented Foods

According to Monash University, fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kefir, soybeans, spelt wheat, and pickled vegetables, have gone through a fermentation process (carbohydrates are processed to alcohol or organic acids) by adding yeast or bacteria to ferment the foods to preserve them, fostering beneficial probiotics. Probiotics help to maintain a healthy, balanced microbiome. However, fermented foods may make IBS symptoms worse in some people. Start with a teaspoon or two of these food items and slowly increase weekly. If you experience symptoms, back off and try again or omit them altogether. In most instances, it’s not the food that's the problem. Imbalances in your gut microbiome are causing all the fuss.

Antibiotics

Prescription antibiotics are sometimes used to treat overgrowth of certain bacteria in the gut causing IBS and other intestinal disorders. Antibiotics are antibacterial. They can wipe out bacteria that has overgrown and is harming the body, such as E-coli. But antibiotics don't just wipe out harmful bacteria. Antibitocs wipe out all bacteria, even the health y ones we need to keep our immune systems strong. I had severe IBS for three years, which was followed by a bladder infection from hell. Because th einfection was so severe, I wound up taking two courses of antibiotics. At the end of that time, I had no IBS. It was a "lightbulb" experience for me. It was the bugs in my gut that had caused my IBS. Now, I use natural antibiotic herbs to help maintain my gut bacteria. I discuss natural antibiotics under Herbs in The Wellness Corner.

Other IBS Helpers

Glutamine repairs the intestinal lining
Peppermint oil capsules ease pain (they ease intestinal pain, but don't take them if you have GERD or heart problems)
Bentonite clay (detoxifies)
A not-so-holistic remedy for IBS, when it’s caused by mast cells (and the release of histamine), is low-dose prescription Naltrexone. you can learn more about Naltrexone here.