Two All-Natural Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be debilitating in persons who are unfortunate enough to suffer from this common syndrome. At its worst, the characteristic symptoms abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, abdominal distension, and diarrhea can make it difficult to carry out daily activities, although symptoms vary widely from very mild to quite severe. Although the exact cause of this syndrome are unknown, it's believed to affect up to twenty percent of the population in some form or other. Although there are prescription medications used in the treatment of IBS, there's considerable interest in finding natural irritable bowel treatment options that are less costly and have fewer side effects.

Two natural irritable bowel treatment options appear to have some potential in treating the symptoms of this common syndrome. British researchers recently did a comprehensive analysis of previous medical studies that looked at natural treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome. After analyzing over six hundred studies, they concluded that peppermint oil and fiber appear to be better than a placebo at controlling the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This was published in the online edition of the British Medical Journal on November 14, 2008.

This isn't the first time that fiber has been recommended as a natural irritable bowel treatment option. Many physicians routinely recommend that their patients get more soluble fiber in their diet if they suffer from IBS. Fiber appears to reduce the frequency of constipation which is a frequent symptom experienced by IBS sufferers. It appears to be less effective at reducing the abdominal bloating and pain and may even make these symptoms worse in some cases.

Peppermint oil has only recently been looked at as a potential natural irritable bowel treatment option. Peppermint appears to have the ability to relax the smooth muscle in the intestinal wall of the gut, reducing the cramping and abdominal pain associated with IBS. It also seems to reduce abdominal bloating and distension in some patients. Unfortunately, if you suffer from acid reflux symptoms, peppermint oil can make these symptoms worse by altering the esophageal sphincter pressure that separates the stomach from the esophagus allowing acid to enter the throat. It should also be kept in mind that peppermint oil in excessive doses can be toxic to the kidneys.

Should you consider adding peppermint oil and more soluble fiber to your diet if you have irritable bowel syndrome? It's best to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications if you've been diagnosed with IBS. Although these natural irritable bowel treatments look promising, the results may vary depending upon what type of symptoms you experience with your IBS. Your doctor should be able to give you proper guidance.