As the holiday season approaches, most of us look forward to indulging in tasty meals and treats. However, for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this period can be particularly challenging as they try to avoid digestive discomfort.
Understanding IBS
IBS is a common gastrointestinal issue with unclear and often contradictory symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and cramping – all without evidence of a more severe condition like Crohn’s disease or leaky gut. The main similarity between IBS sufferers is irregular bowel movements that can result from numerous factors, making it difficult to find a direct treatment course.
In integrative medicine, practitioners use a holistic approach when addressing these symptoms. It means focusing on overall gastrointestinal health to improve the condition.
Eliminating Possible Causes of IBS
Before discussing what to add to an IBS health program, it’s essential to eliminate certain factors that might be causing IBS or aggravating it. For one, IBS symptoms share similarities with gluten sensitivity, so trying a gluten-free diet might be beneficial. At a minimum, it can rule out gluten as a cause.
Stress is another significant factor that worsens IBS. A variety of stress reduction methods, such as meditation and mind-body exercises like yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, mindful meditation, and deep breathing, can help alleviate the issue.
Keys to Digestive Health
- Promote natural movement: Proper digestion depends on peristalsis, which are the muscular contractions that move food along the digestive system and help with nutrient absorption. Supporting this natural movement requires a balanced intake of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
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Support digestive flora: IBS might be caused by an imbalance of digestive flora, which comprises the bacteria essential for digestion and overall health. Eating a diet rich in probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (compounds that support these bacteria) can help improve bowel issues. Research has also found links between healthy levels of helpful bacteria and stress reduction.
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Pay attention to enzymes: Digestive enzymes in IBS patients may not be working efficiently. Supplementing with natural enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase can help restore balance. Along with these enzymes, it’s vital to consume enough hydrochloric acid (HCl), which might require additional supplementation. Drinking fluids with meals should be avoided, as it can dilute enzymes and stomach acid needed for proper digestion. It’s better to drink fluids fifteen minutes before a meal, chew slowly, and practice mindful eating.
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Increase fiber intake: Consuming more fiber can positively impact IBS as it acts as a modulator for digestion, improving both constipation and diarrhea.
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Supplement wisely: Various herbs and botanicals promote digestive health. Some of the ingredients recommended include pomegranate seed, pepper fruit, cassia bark, Chinese cardamom fruit, tangerine fruit, ginger root, and sacred lotus seed. These help support digestion, circulation, intestinal movement, and provide relief from cramping, gas, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Since IBS is an indistinct condition, its treatment may require engaging in several combined approaches. Apart from possible gluten sensitivity, more than one factor can cause the condition, so it may take multiple tactics to solve the issue. The good news is that the natural solutions mentioned above can tackle several aspects of digestive and overall health. By being mindful and adopting simple solutions, IBS sufferers can experience long-lasting relief throughout the holiday season and beyond.
