Home Remedies for Flatulence

Flatulence is the emission of a mixture of gases called 'flatus' present in the intestine. This gas is produced by symbiotic bacteria and yeasts found in the gastrointestinal tract. Flatus is usually released under pressure through the anus which creates sound and is often accompanied by a foul odor. Flatulence, many a times causes discomfort and pain due to bloating, not to mention social embarrassment. Read more about Flatulence causes, symptoms and treatment on our blog.

Whether you like it or not flatulence is a condition that all of us experience at some point of time or the other. Flatulence can be a major source of embarrassment when it happens in social settings making for some really awkward situations. Flatulence is basically a digestive condition that occurs as a result of an excessive buildup of stomach and intestinal gas. Such an excessive buildup of gas causes a great deal of discomfort and a feeling of fullness and bloating, along with possible abdominal pain. The pressure that results from such a buildup of gas is naturally relieved through the passage of gas from the rectum –flatulence, or through the mouth with belching or burping. Severe flatulence and bloating after eating is therefore likely to have causes that can be easily addressed. Flatulence is a completely natural phenomenon for all of us, but it can become problematic when excessive. This is therefore likely to be most of problem for individuals who suffer from digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance, as well as for individuals with unhealthy eating habits or irregular bowel movements.

On an average it is believed that most humans pass gas at least fourteen times in a day, producing around one to three pints of gas daily. Flatulence itself is not a cause for worry at all. It does not pose any health risk at all, but it certainly poses a high risk of social embarrassment which is why flatulence treatment and natural remedies for flatulence are so sought after. Excessive passage of gas or flatulence is often reason enough to seek medical treatment. It should be pointed out that in most cases of excessive flatulence it is important to identify possible underlying causes and treat them to eliminate the problem. As excessive flatulence causes would stem from digestive problems that are in most cases mild or easily treatable you could simply use diet modifications as the most powerful flatulence remedy to control the problem. Lifestyle changes may also be necessary and if the problem persists it could be because of a medical condition that requires additional medical treatment.

Gas accumulation of buildup in the digestive system occurs in two ways. When we swallow any food or even water or our own saliva for that matter, we also ingest some amount of air. This mostly includes oxygen and nitrogen. This does contribute to a gradual buildup of gas. In addition to this gas is also released as part of the digestive process when food is broken down in the digestive system. Some of the gases released could include hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane.

If you’re troubled by the problem of flatulence just keep in mind that this is a natural biological process, just like breathing for that matter and it affects absolutely everyone. Both men and women experience flatulence, but men tend experience flatulence a little more often than women. Age also holds no bars and the aged, children, toddlers and adults alike all experience flatulence. Flatulence may in fact more often than not go unnoticed as you may not even realize that you have passed gas because of the small quantities released and at most times the gas passed is odorless. Foul smelling flatulence in babies, children and adults alike are caused by the presence of trace elements of sulfur. This only tends to occur however if food has not been digested thoroughly and begins to decompose. Anyone suffering from constipation is therefore also likely to pass extremely foul smelling odor.

Excessive flatulence odor and excessive gas can be controlled through dietary and lifestyle changes. It is important that you minimize your intake of, or avoid consuming foods that cause flatulence for any flatulence relief. Lifestyle habits such as meal timings, regular sleep timings and most importantly regular bowel movements are also important. Some amount of physical activity is essential for the efficient functioning of your digestive system. Also make it a point to avoid controlling or delaying bowel movements. Treatment with such simple measures can help to control flatulence odor or excessive flatulence. In almost all cases of excessive flatulence the problem can be controlled with such home treatments. In cases of severe flatulence where such methods fail to reduce flatulence it would be advisable to seek a medical diagnosis as there could be some other underlying condition that contributes to the problem.

Flatulence or Gas Symptoms

Flatulence, also known as "gas" can be identified by the following symptoms that the person may experience.

• A feeling of bloating and discomfort

• Excessive expulsion of wind

• Belching

• Pain in the abdomen

Major Cause of Flatulence is Swallowed Air

Swallowed air, though this is a major cause of flatulence, it could still be a reason. Some people swallow air as a matter of habit, this condition is referred to as Aerophagia. While the oxygen present in the air thus inhaled is absorbed by the body, the nitrogen is expelled in flatus as it is poorly absorbed by the mucous lining.

• Presence of excessive amounts of bacteria in the intestines

• Consumption of large amounts of fibrous foods

• Consumption of products that contain malt extracts

• Digestive disorders that affect the GI tract such as gastroenteritis

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Irregular bowel movements or constipation

• Food or water that may be prepared under unhygienic conditions

• A high-fat diet generates a huge amount of carbon dioxide, some of which is released as flatulence or gas

• Odorous flatulence is caused due to the metabolic breakdown of sulfur-containing proteins and amino acids in the intestines

• Persistent bloating and flatulence that is present consistently over a period may be an indication of a serious medical condition such as colorectal cancer. This may need deeper investigation and treatment

• Fat malabsorption could be another cause for flatulence. This problem produces loose and light-colored stools accompanied by gas.

Tested Methods for Treating Flatulence

Gas or flatulence can to a great extent be remedied at home using kitchen cures. Here are some of the tried and tested methods for treating the breaking wind problem:

• Mix 1/2 tsp of dry ginger powder with a pinch of asafoetida and a pinch of rock salt in a cup of warm water. Drink this concoction to get relief from gas.

• Mix 2 tsp of brandy with a cup of warm water and drink this before going to bed.

• Chew on some fresh ginger slices that are soaked in lime juice after meals.

• A drop of dill oil in a tsp of honey taken immediately after a meal should be of great help.

• Dry grind 1 tsp of pepper, 1 tsp of dry ginger and 1 tsp of green cardamom seeds. Add 1/2 tsp of this mixture to water and drink after 1 hour after meal.

• Chewing peppermint after a meal does a lot more than just freshening your breath. Peppermint contains menthol that soothes the digestive muscles. It helps in treating flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain that accompanies gas. Peppermint oil combined with caraway oil has been used since ages to treat abdominal discomfort caused by flatulence.

Avoid Foods Which Produce Gas when Consumed

No matter what course of treatment you choose even your doctor would advise you to avoid eating or to at least reduce your consumption of foods that contribute to the problem. The problem here is that this may also involve cutting back on some healthy foods like certain fruits or vegetables and whole grains and milk products. High fat foods may also need to be reduced as they can add to the problem of bloating and abdominal discomfort. While carbohydrate rich foods can be a major cause for gas as compared to foods with a high protein or fat content, fatty and protein rich foods may at times be the main culprit. The cause can vary for different people so you will have to examine your own diet and make changes accordingly. Fatty foods and protein rich foods like red meats can be a problem as they put a lot more stress on the digestive system and take a lot longer to get digested completely. This means that there is a higher likelihood of bloating, discomfort and also less room for gases to move into the small intestine, leading to a buildup of gas. The amount of gas released from digesting specific foods can also vary from person to person unfortunately which is why it would be advisable to experiment with your diet.

If flatulence is a major problem, a look at your diet is important. There are foods that inherently produce gas when consumed. You must take care to avoid such foods.

• These include foods such as beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, yeast-containing foods such as breads and cheese.

• Carbonated drinks produce gas too.

• High carbohydrate content in oats and potatoes make them the culprits for gas.

• Foods that produce negligible amounts of gas are rice, bananas, citrus, grapes, hard cheese, meat, eggs, peanut butter, non-carbonated beverages and yogurt made with live bacteria.

Eat Smaller Meals

• Eating smaller meals is a good idea rather than consuming a large meal at a time.

• Avoid meals containing a large amount of monounsaturated and essential fats.

• Chewing the food slowly and steadily is important. Avoid swallowing or gulping down food. Properly masticated food is better digested.

• Regular exercise such as walks keeps the intestinal muscles in ship shape. Regular bowel movements keep the levels of gas producing bacteria low resulting in less flatulence.

• Yoga is believed to be extremely helpful in relieving a variety of digestive problems, flatulence included. There are in fact various poses that are meant specifically to address the problem of excessive gas, abdominal discomfort and bloating and flatulence. Yoga poses in fact include a posture known as the ‘wind relieving pose’.

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Home Remedies for Gall Bladder Disorders

The symptoms of gall bladder disease can be quite distressing, with the most dreaded being gallstone attacks. The gallbladder is an important organ that plays a valuable role in the digestive system. The gallbladder is situated towards the upper right side of the abdomen just beneath the liver. Bile, which is produced by the liver, is essential for digestion, particularly of fats. The gallbladder works as a storage facility for bile and it releases it whenever food is consumed to facilitate digestion. Gallbladder surgery or gallbladder removal is therefore not always the best treatment for gallbladder disease and should only be used as a last resort. In some cases in fact it has been found that gallbladder symptoms persist even after removal of the gallbladder. An appropriate gall bladder diet can often help counter the symptoms and even facilitate healing. The gallbladder is susceptible to some common disorders, the most prevalent being gallstones, cholecystitis, and gallbladder cancer. They are often collectively referred to as gallbladder disease. Natural treatments and self care are an essential aspect of treatment which is why gall bladder home remedies and gall bladder disease diets are so sought after.

Gallbladder Symptoms

The main problems which afflict the gallbladder are an inflammatory condition known as cholecystitis and the presence of gallstones in the gall bladder. The latter condition, gallstones in the gallbladder, is called cholelithiasis. The former often leads to the latter. Gallstones are usually caused by disturbances in the composition of the bile.

The development of gallstones is the most common problem causing an inflammatory condition referred to as cholecystitis. Digestive problems, like bloating constipation and indigestion, or intolerances to foods like fats are common gall bladder symptoms. The symptoms of gall bladder disease generally include severe abdominal and epigastric pain, and pain radiating and extending towards the back and around the right rib cage. This primary symptom of gallbladder inflammation and pain is often referred to as biliary colic. The symptoms of gall bladder disease are not always obvious however, and many patients may in fact experience no symptoms at all. Stones in the gall bladder symptoms in women can sometimes be mistaken for premenstrual cramps. Gallbladder disease could be a lot more threatening than it appears as in some cases the condition can cause life threatening complications like peritonitis, biliary cirrhosis, cholangitis and pancreatitis. Gall bladder infection symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of gall bladder stones and so it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Gallbladder disease is a rare phenomenon in children, but at the same time it is not something unheard of. Unfortunately the incidence of such conditions has been found to be increasing in recent years and it would be advisable for parents to be watchful for any gallbladder symptoms in children. Gallbladder symptoms during pregnancy like back pain may be confused with other common pregnancy symptoms. Gallbladder symptoms while pregnant will simply add to the discomfort and fatigue that you are already experiencing, which is why it is important to report any symptoms, no matter how normal you may consider them, to your health care provider.

Gall Bladder Symptoms

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Attack Symptoms

Analyze gallbladder symptoms for gallbladder problems. Choose perfect diets for gallbladder problems with diagnosis of gallbladder attack symptoms. Cure Acute cholecystitis with proper treatment of gallstones in gallbladder. If there is any suspicion of gallbladder disease it would be wise to seek a thorough medical diagnosis. This would mean that you need to provide your health care provider with a thorough medical history and information on any symptoms of gall bladder problems that are present. There will also be a need for a physical examination and some tenderness may be observed in the upper right abdomen. Diagnostic tests also help make an accurate diagnosis and would be particularly handy when the symptoms of gall bladder disease are not so evident. Imaging tests like ultrasound scans can help identify and locate the presence of gallstones, while a hepatobiliary scan, which is a nuclear scan, can help identify any gallbladder obstruction or the presence of cholecystitis. CT scans or MRI scans of the abdomen could also help in the detection of gallbladder cancer, or also to rule out any such suspicion.

Causes of Gallbladder Disorders

Acute and Intermittent Pain in the Abdomen

The main diseased gallbladder symptom is acute or intermittent pain in the abdomen. Indigestion, gas, a feeling of fullness after meals, constipation, and nausea are the other usual symptoms. Other gall bladder symptoms include intolerance to fats, dizziness, jaundice, anaemia, acne, and other lesions. The main cause of gall-bladder disorders is overnutrition resulting from excessive intake of refined carbohydrates, especially sugar. Overnutrition also leads to increased cholesterol secretion. Meals rich in fats may cause an attack of gall-bladder pain or gallstone colic. Other causes are chronic constipation, poor health, hereditary factors, and stress. The Chinese relate gall-bladder disorders with the emotion of anger.

Although the causes of the symptoms of gall bladder disease or gallbladder attacks may be easy to identify, the actual causes for gallbladder disease and the conditions that increase the risk of developing gallbladder disease are a lot more varied and at times vague. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and consequentially high levels of estrogen have been found to be a lot more susceptible to gallbladder disease as are women on birth control pills. As pointed out, one of the most common risk factors would be obesity or being overweight. Your diet is one of the biggest influencing factors in terms of the risk of gallbladder disease as a high fat diet that is low in fiber is found to increase the risk of gallstones and other diseases. The influence of heredity off course cannot be ruled out, but this is a risk factor that cannot be eliminated, but it can be guarded against. Studies conducted have also revealed that there is a higher risk of gallbladder disease developing among Native American or Hispanic populations. Patients with sickle cell anemia are also at a risk of developing gallbladder disease. While obesity is dangerous and poses many health risks, crash dieting and rapid weight loss are just as dangerous and increase susceptibility to gallbladder disease.

Post gall bladder syndrome is also referred to as ghost gallbladder pains and occurs after the removal of the gall bladder. In such a case, the patient may experience symptoms that are similar to gallbladder stones even after the gallbladder has been removed. In some cases, the pain may be have a psychological origin while in others it may be due to pancreatic problems. Keep in mind that in any condition of the gall bladder, cholesterol is a major culprit and cholesterol rich foods feature prominently on any list of gall bladder foods to avoid.

Home Remedies for Gall Bladder Disorders

Gall Bladder treatment using Beet

Fresh juice of beets, and the juices of carrot and cucumber in quantities of 100 ml each, are one of the finest cleansers of the gall-bladder. This combined juice has proved beneficial in the treatment of all disorders related to this organ, and should be taken twice daily.

Gall Bladder Disorder Treatment Using Pear

The pear is another excellent remedy for gall-bladder disorders. The fruit or its juice should he taken liberally by the patient with beneficial results. It exercises a special healing effect on all gall-bladder disorders, including gallstones.

Gall Bladder Treatment Using Chicory

The flowers, seeds, and roots of chicory or the endive plant are considered valuable in gall-bladder disorders. A decoction of about 30-60 ml of the flowers, seeds, or roots can be used three times daily with beneficial results in the treatment of these disorders. Endive or chicory juice in almost any combination promotes the secretion of bile and is, therefore, very good for both liver and gall-bladder dysfunctions. Chicory can be included for use as a tea or even consumed as a juice. Chicory powder can also be used to a great advantage in the treatment of gall bladder disease. Add around 30 mg of the powder to a glass or 100 ml of water and set it to boil. Strain the solution and drink it twice a day. Keep this up for a month and you should find some gall bladder pain relief.

Gall Bladder Treatment Using Dandelion

Dandelion has a beneficial effect on the gall bladder. About 125 ml each of the juices of dandelion and watercress should be taken twice daily. Combined with a vegetarian diet, without much sugar and starch, these juices help to make the gall¬bladder normal. Dandelion tea is in fact quite popular as an herbal remedy for a diseased gall bladder. You may also prepare an herbal concoction with a mixture of dandelion and milk thistle. Dandelion is believed to help stimulate and encourage bile production, which can be helpful for gallstones as it cause a contraction of the gall bladder causing any stones to be expelled. It also causes an increase in cheneoxycholic acid, which can be highly beneficial because of its effect of dissolving gall stones.

Gall Bladder Treatment Using Olive and Sunflower Oil

An oil cure has been advocated by some nature cure practitioners for the removal of gallstones. Raw, natural, unrefined vegetable oils of olive or sunflower are used. The procedure is to take 30 ml of vegetable oil, preferably olive oil, first thing in the morning and follow it immediately with 120 ml of grapefruit juice or lemon juice. This treatment should be taken every morning for several days, even weeks, if necessary. Olive oil has been highly regarded for its health benefits since ancient times, particularly in the Mediterranean area where it has traditionally grown. Olive oil can be included in a variety of recipes and is a great substitute for other unhealthy oils. You could use it as a salad dressing or in cooking. Another one of the popular gall bladder home remedies with olive oil includes a mixture of the oil with honey and lemon juice. Have a spoonful or two of this mixture around twenty minutes or so before your meals. You can also use castor oil soaked in a soft cloth and place it against the abdomen as a compress, preferably with a heating pad or hot water bottle. This should help to reduce the swelling associated with a diseased gall bladder. The gallbladder and spleen are connected and so gallstones can place a strain on the spleen. It is therefore important to avoid foods like chocolate, caffeinated beverages, processed flour, and white sugar as these foods are no easy to digest.

Gallbladder Disorder diet

Gall Bladder Disorder Diet

Smaller gallstones can usually be cleared through dietetic cure. In cases of acute gall-bladder inflammation, the patient should fast for two or three days until the acute condition is cleared. Nothing but water should be taken during this period. After the fast, the patient should take fruit and vegetable juices for a few days. Carrots, beets, grapefruit, pears, lemons or grapes may be taken in the form of juice. Thereafter, the patient should adopt a well balanced diet, with emphasis on raw and cooked vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, and a moderate amount of fruits and seeds. Yoghurt, cottage cheese, and a tablespoon of olive oil twice a day should also be included in the diet. The patient should avoid meat, eggs, animal fats, processed and denatured foods, fried and greasy foods, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, products made With sugar and coffee, as well as spices, condiments, and pickles. The patient should eat frequent small meals rather than three large meals.

The effects of gall bladder removal can be quite severe, with the symptoms associated with gallbladder disease simply being prolonged, and some may become more pronounced. Gallbladder surgery is therefore a treatment option that one should be dissuaded from, unless absolutely necessary. Diet care and restrictions may need to be quite severe too after gallbladder surgery. Removing the gall bladder may only be necessary in irreversible circumstances such as gall bladder cancer or a severely infected gall bladder. In the case of any gall bladder problems, diet being the most important part of natural treatment and self care, it is only natural that beet and other fruits and veggies should feature prominently in a variety of gall bladder home remedies. Although your intake of fats needs to be limited a complete avoidance of fats could aggravate the symptoms of gall bladder disease accentuating the pain and frequency of attacks, so it would be wise to include some healthy fats in moderation in your diet. You can prepare a beet soup with some green vegetables added in and a small amount of flax seed oil. Try and include a lot of pear juice in your daily diet particularly when you begin your treatment and if you start with a fruit diet. You may later switch to having a glass or two of this refreshing juice on a daily basis.

Other Gallbladder treatment

Application of Hot Packs or Fomentation to the Upper Abdominal Area

The pain of gallstone colic can be relieved by the application of hot packs or fomentation to the upper abdominal area.

Warm-Water Enema, Physical Exercise

A warm-water enema at body temperature will help eliminate faecal acculumations if the patient is constipated. Physical exercise is also essential. Surgery becomes necessary if the gallstones are very large or in cases where they have been present for long.
Gall Bladder Removal, also known as Cholecystectomy, is a procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in your stomach and lifts the gallbladder through the incision. The gall bladder removal surgery may take about an hour or or more.
The most common gall bladder pain is Biliary Gallbladder Pain or Colic. The symptoms include acute pain in the upper or upper-right abdomen, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Gall Bladder Diet, Pancreas, Liver, Spleen, Kidney Stones

Gall Bladder diet includes more fruits and vegetables such as Cucumbers, Beet, Tomatoes, Shallots, Grapes, Apple, Pears. Striclty avoid egges, pork, chicken, fried foods and trans fat oils when you are on a gallbladder diet.
Does gall bladder disorder affect the pancreas, liver or spleen in any way? Do Kidney stones have any negative effects on the gall bladder?

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Home Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Digestive disorders are among the most common and widespread of all ailments to afflict us and there are none among us who have not experienced the occasional problems of heartburn and acidity or constipation and diarrhea. There are some more persistent problems that can be a lot more troublesome and irritable bowel syndrome is just one such condition. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable bowel syndrome affects the colon or the large intestine causing symptoms that include severe cramping and abdominal pain, as well as bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. Although irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may be a source of great discomfort and can at times be extremely embarrassing the condition does not cause any permanent damage to the colon. The condition does not pose any serious health risk that is lasting, but it can affect the quality of your life as it requires some amount of change and compromise with regard to your daily diet and lifestyle. The typical treatment for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome like diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome constipation, irritable bowel syndrome flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome bloating and irritable bowel syndrome abdominal pain can be best managed through a carefully modified or personalized irritable bowel diet treatment plan.

Irritable bowel disorder is a very common condition that in fact affects as much as 15% of the population in the United States. The condition can affect absolutely anyone, with both men and women suffering the condition, but it does tend to be more prevalent in women. The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not really understood and there are no specific tests to aid the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Testing for diagnosis generally involves stool sampling and blood tests or x-rays to detect other conditions, and the condition is identified by ruling out other possibilities. Since irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition it is a permanent disorder for which there is no known cure. Fortunately irritable bowel syndrome treatment through natural methods like diet, stress management and lifestyle changes can be quite effective in providing relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Treatment therefore aims to manage and control the condition. The main area of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome focuses on dietary changes with specific lists of irritable bowel syndrome foods to avoid. It is generally believed that there are no specific foods that cause irritable bowel syndrome to develop, but it is quite certain that there are some specific foods that may aggravate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Avoiding these specific foods can help to minimize the severity of symptoms and prevent severe bouts of the condition, but will not help to completely eliminate all symptoms.

The outlook or prognosis for irritable bowel syndrome varies greatly among individuals too. Some may experience no symptoms at all for months on end and they may suddenly flare up without any warning and with no apparent cause.

Despite the lack of understanding about the causes and any cure for irritable bowel syndrome most individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome find that they can quite easily cope with and control the condition. The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are severe only in a small percentage of those affected. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome typically appear when a person reaches early adulthood, somewhere around twenty to thirty years of age. Although the causes of irritable bowel syndrome may be unknown most health care experts speculate that it could be triggered by stress related disorders or a problem with the functioning of the immune system. The condition could also stem from the manner in which the muscles involved in the movement of food through the stomach and bowels function.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a functional disorder of the intestine. It can occur at any age but occurs mainly at adulthood or middle age. Mainly women suffer from IBS. Fortunately irritable bowel syndrome is not very serious like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease that can also cause inflammation and changes in the bowel tissue often increasing the risk of the development of colon cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome poses no such risks and with some effort to manage dietary and lifestyle changes you can cope with the condition.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

Symptoms of IBS may vary from person to person. The primary symptoms of IBS are bloating, abdominal pain, and discomfort. Some other symptoms of IBS are mucus in stool, constipation, changes in bowel habit, cramping in lower abdomen and diarrhea. For some people symptoms of IBS may come and go but for some it may be constant. The symptoms may worsen in women during their periods.

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are very similar to those caused by a number of other digestive ailments, which is why the condition will very often go unrecognized for quite a while. The most common symptoms are the feelings of fullness and a bloated sensation along with abdominal pain and cramping. Flatulence is another common symptom that can be a source of great embarrassment, particularly if the symptoms suddenly flare up when you are out at some social gathering. Diarrhea and constipation are just as troublesome and are also equally common. For many people these symptoms remain mild and will not cause much of a problem, but severe flare ups can be quite disabling. There is no way of knowing for certain whether you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or some other digestive disorder, which is why it is important that you visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Causes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are Yet not Known

Causes of IBS are yet not known. It has been found that colons of people suffering from IBS are more sensitive than normal people. The muscles may contract soon after meal and thus cause cramping or diarrhea. The nerves may be sensitive to bowel movements.

The intestinal walls are lined with muscles that are crucial to the digestive process as the rhythmic relaxation and contractions of these muscles helps to move food from the stomach through the intestinal tract and also out through the rectum. Any abnormality or dysfunction in these muscles causing a disruption to this rhythm could cause the condition. If the contractions of these muscles are stronger or more prolonged than normal, then food may be forced through the intestines a lot more rapidly, inhibiting and compromising digestion, causing a buildup of gas and symptoms of diarrhea and bloating. In case the opposite happens, then there is a slowing down of the passage of food, as a consequence of which stools harden and dry causing severe constipation, and again gas, abdominal discomfort and so on. Abnormalities of the nervous system could also cause heightened sensitivity with the individual experiencing abnormally high levels of discomfort from the normal stretching of the abdomen from gas.

Symptoms in most cases are mild but may be aggravated by stress, hormonal changes, and certain other medications.

Herbs like Chamomile, Valerian are Effective Due to their Antispasmodic Properties

Take peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules. Herbs like chamomile, valerian, rosemary and lemon balm are effective due to their antispasmodic properties. Drink ginger tea or eat ginger raw to reduce inflammation. Eat indian gooseberry to control indigestion and hyperacidity.

Eat Fiber Rich Food

Eat fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat a fiber rich food. Fiber improves working of intestine and stabilizes the symptoms. Avoid caffeine and fat. They may cause cramps in intestine. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Avoid carbonated beverages. Gas produced due to their consumption will worsen the symptoms. Eat small meals frequently instead of a large meal. Eat foods which contain good amount carbohydrates e.g. rice, pasta and so on.

Other Suggestions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Exercise regularly. Do not take tension. De-stress your life. Do not take laxatives too often.

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