Top 3 Natural Ways to Stop IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Do you have episodes of chronic abdominal cramping and pain with diarrhea and/or constipation? If, so you might have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Affecting 20% of the population, IBS can be unpredictable and embarrassing. Symptoms are usually worsened by stress with women three times as likely to be affected as men

There are no tests for diagnosing IBS or specific medications for treating it, so if you suspect you have it, what can you do? Having treated IBS for many years, here are my top 3 recommendations:

Go Gluten-Free

There is more and more evidence stating that many people with IBS have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which will improve by going gluten-free. Try going completely gluten-free for 30 days and see what you notice.

An excellent resource to learn more about the effects of gluten and what foods have gluten in them is Wheat Belly written by William Davis, MD.

IBS and Acupuncture

According to a recent meta-analysis of research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, “acupuncture exhibits clinically and statistically significant control of IBS symptoms.”

It’s especially helpful for reducing pain and relieving stress.

Reduce Stress

Many people report that IBS flares up when they are anxious or under stress so it is important to find ways to relax like breathing exercises, yoga, walking, or exercise.

IBS is not easily treated by available conventional methods. Since acupuncture is considered to be safe and effective, you may wish to try acupuncture therapy to improve your symptoms.