Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent condition that strikes millions of Australians, leading to distress, unpredictable bowel movements, and infuriating bouts of bloating and cramps. Since the cause of IBS remains unknown, the truth is the way it impacts life at a day-to-day level. Relieved symptoms is usually obtained through diet, lifestyle change, and certain foods. If you suffer from IBS, these four simple products can turn your discomfort and wellbeing around.
1. Peppermint Oil Capsules
Peppermint oil capsules are highly recommended to provide relief from IBS, as they have a natural antispasmodic property. It is the active menthol which relaxes your stomach’s smooth muscles, and cramping and bloating become things of the past. Peppermint oil has been clinically tested and shown to reduce IBS symptoms significantly, and thus it’s the most preferred choice of patients suffering from IBS.
Choose enteric-coated capsules, which will send the oil to your intestines before it’s dissolved in the stomach, and you’ll get the maximum benefit. Always, though, first speak with your health care provider before you begin using peppermint oil if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics for gut health is a solid place to begin with IBS therapy. These beneficial bacteria maintain balance in your gut microbiome, and this may ease symptoms such as bloating and diarrhoea. Probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium infantis are particularly useful for patients with IBS.
Australian grocery store shelves are stocked with high-quality probiotics that are engineered to satisfy a variety of gut health needs. Outcomes will vary, but daily consumption of probiotics has made the digestive system of most IBS patients “normal.” Be persistent, as it can be weeks of frequent use before an effect can be experienced.
3. Low FODMAP Foods
The Low FODMAP diet has been a worldwide phenomenon, and for good reason. A neat acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, FODMAPs are specific carbohydrates that make bloating and discomfort symptoms of IBS worse.
Substituting high-FODMAP foods (like garlic, onions, and wheat) with low-FODMAP foods is a major difference-maker when it comes to reducing discomfort. Low-FODMAP bread, snack bars, and sauces line every Australian supermarket shelf and health food store, so it’s never easier to get on board the diet. The low FODMAP diet is changing the lives of millions of victims of IBS, but, as with everything, it is best to begin under the dietician’s supervision.
4. Gut-Calming Teas
At times, relief is as easy as a warm, calming cup of tea. Soothing teas such as chamomile, ginger, or a refreshing spearmint tea for digestion offer natural relief from cramping, bloating, and nausea. Ginger tea, for example, helps with digestion and anti-inflammatory effects, while chamomile provides a mild calming effect to the digestive tract.
Spearmint tea works in the same manner as peppermint oil in that it results in relaxation of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract. Have these teas in between meals or during a flare-up to feel the relief. Since they have no caffeine, they are also soothing to include in your bedtime routine, causing both mental and gastrointestinal relaxation.
Discovering What Works for You
Treatment for IBS is very personal, and symptom relief will be something that will differ for each individual. These four simple products―soothing teas for the gut, low-FODMAP food, probiotics, and peppermint oil capsules―offer you wonderful ways of reducing the symptoms of IBS and improving your quality of life. With that in mind, it’s always advisable to take a little advice from a health practitioner first before you start making drastic changes to your routine. They will be able to work out the best things for your particular symptoms and get you on the path to healthier guts.
Get control of your IBS today with a mindful mindset and the proper tools in your corner. Your body (and your gut) will appreciate it.