Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cures vary and can require some trial and error before one that works is found. Some of the most common cures are diet changes, traditional medications, holistic treatments and stress reduction. IBS cures also can involve a combination of these treatments.
Finding IBS cures can be challenging because there is no definitive cause of this condition. Some doctors believe that it is caused by a yeast in the digestive tract, and others point to food sensitivity or an inflammation of the lining of the intestines and stomach. The symptoms of IBS can include a combination of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, weight loss and abdominal pain or cramping. Persistent symptoms of IBS should always be checked out by a medical professional so that other conditions are ruled out as the cause.
One of the most common IBS cures is changing the diet. Certain foods have been linked to IBS. Among them are wheat, greasy or fatty foods, dairy, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, soda and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Some IBS patients keep food diaries to see whether their symptoms correlate with eating certain foods.
IBS cures can be accomplished through the use of traditional medications. Some drugs alleviate cramping and diarrhea. Other drugs can treat constipation. In some cases, anti-depressants are prescribed. If using anti-depressants or other prescription drugs, one must be sure to assess any potential side effects or requirements for long-term use.
Some IBS cures are related to prescribing medications to treat bacterial infections. The intestinal tract contains many different bacteria. Some of the bacteria are good, and others can be bad if they overtake the digestive system. If this happens, bloating and a feeling of fullness often will result. In this case, medications might be prescribed to reduce bacteria growth.
IBS cures sometimes include holistic or natural treatment instead of traditional medications. This might be done if the patient does not want to take prescription drugs or if other attempts at treatment were unsuccessful. Natural cures for IBS often are accompanied by dietary changes.
Reducing stress is an important aspect of many IBS cures. This means keeping a reasonable level of calmness in the face of problems and challenges. Exercising can have a dual benefit for IBS sufferers because it aids in bowel functioning and can help reduce stress.
When searching for IBS cures, one must remember that it might not be possible to find a treatment plan that eliminates all of the symptoms all of the time. It also can depend on the severity of the IBS symptoms. In persistent IBS cases, occasional flare-ups still might happen.
