July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Natural Help To Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms:

By Dr. Stuart Garber

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex condition that affects some 58 million Americans. That means that one out of every six of us has IBS, yet no one knows what causes it. It is the number one reason for being referred to a gastroenterologist (a “gut” specialist).

ABOUT IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is considered to be a functional disorder, meaning the bowel is not working as it should, rather than a disease.

IBS is twice as common in women as it is in men. It can occur at any age, but it most often begins during the teen years or in early adulthood.

The symptoms of IBS are different for everyone who has it but will consist of:

• abdominal pain

• bloating

• gas

Some people with IBS are constipated while others have diarrhea. Other still will alternate between the two.

The diagnosis of IBS is made based on the presence of these symptoms after ruling out other diseases that can produce similar symptoms. Some of the diseases that must be ruled out before making a diagnosis of IBS are:

• food allergies/intolerances

• bacterial infections or overgrowth

• intestinal parasites

• gall bladder problems

• inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

• Celiac Disease

• Endometriosis

• Ovarian Cancer

• Colon Cancer.

Although it is not clear why patients develop IBS, much attention has been focused lately on the mind-body relationship, and in the case of IBS, more specifically the brain-gut aspect.

The problem then is seen as a communication dysfunction between the two. The intestine, like all of our organs, is connected to and communicates with the brain. Signals go back and forth between the bowel and the brain which affect bowel function. The nerves can become more active during stress, causing the intestines to become oversensitive. There may also be other triggers.

TREATMENT FOR IBS

The primary goal of IBS treatment is to relieve symptoms.

Lifestyle changes can help in some cases of IBS. Getting regular exercise and adequate sleep will reduce anxiety levels and help relieve bowel symptoms.

Dietary changes will be helpful, although since every individual suffering with IBS has different triggers, there is no one specific IBS diet.

The following changes may help:

• Avoid the foods and drinks that stimulate the intestines (these can range from spicy foods to fatty foods to beverages containing caffeine.)

• Avoid large meals (eating smaller meals throughout the day is easier on the system.)

Drug treatment for IBS is woefully inadequate. There are no specific IBS drugs, only drugs that address individual symptoms and/or triggers. They range from stool softeners and laxatives to anti-diarrheals, anti-spasmodics. and anti-depressants. All of these have potentially serious side effects and some can actually worsen the overall IBS complex while attempting to address a specific symptom.

NATURAL HELP

Stress relief

As discussed above, stress is a trigger of IBS symptoms for many and therefore reducing stress may reduce their frequency and/or severity. Techniques that may be helpful include:

• Relaxation techniques such as meditation.

• Physical activities such as yoga or tai chi.

• Regular exercise such as swimming, walking or running.

Psychotherapy

Since the mind-body or brain-gut relationship plays a role in IBS, therapies that address this area have been shown to be helpful. According to some sources, hypnosis has been found to be the most beneficial. For some patients, psychotherapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may be appropriate.

Supplements

Probiotics (and prebiotics):

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that reside in the gut. They are essential for the proper functioning of the bowel and supplementing with them can be beneficial in the treatment of IBS. A number of different probiotics have been found to be effective including various species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.

Prebiotics have been overlooked until recently and are equally important. These are generally carbohydrates that the probiotic organisms eat. Many good probiotic supplements contain a prebiotic which makes the product more effective. I have run stool tests on many patients over the years that showed extremely low levels of probiotic organisms and the patient invariably tells me that they have been “taking probiotics for years.” I’m convinced this is because of the absence of prebiotic substances in the diet.

Soluble v. Insoluble Fiber:

Fiber is also very important in the treatment of IBS as it helps regulate the bowel function. Not all fiber is the same and it is soluble fiber that helps with IBS. Soluble fiber can be obtained through the diet, mostly from grains and cereals and certain fruits and vegetables and also in supplement form. As a bonus, most sources of soluble fiber act as prebiotics too.

Insoluble fiber sources such a psyllium husk are commonly used as supplements, especially for constipation. This can be very irritating to the bowel and is not recommended.

Other important supplements and homeopathic remedies:

There are many specific homeopathic remedies which address various IBS symptoms but their selection is based on an individual analysis of the symptoms being expressed which can be confusing without the assistance of an experienced homeopathic practitioner.

This is why I developed Dr. Garber’s Natural Solutions for Constipation and Dr. Garber’s Natural Solutions for Diarrhea.

They are formulated to help normalize the function of the bowel while producing no side effects. As an aid to reducing the effects of stress and to assist with the brain-gut aspect of IBS, Dr. Garber’s Natural Solutions for Depression will be of great benefit.

Herbal teas such as peppermint have a calming effect on the gut in particular while chamomile relaxes the whole body.

• For more information, visit https://www.drgarbers.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...