Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different IBS Cures?

T. Webster
T. Webster

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cures vary and can require some trial and error before one that works is found. Some of the most common cures are diet changes, traditional medications, holistic treatments and stress reduction. IBS cures also can involve a combination of these treatments.

Finding IBS cures can be challenging because there is no definitive cause of this condition. Some doctors believe that it is caused by a yeast in the digestive tract, and others point to food sensitivity or an inflammation of the lining of the intestines and stomach. The symptoms of IBS can include a combination of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, weight loss and abdominal pain or cramping. Persistent symptoms of IBS should always be checked out by a medical professional so that other conditions are ruled out as the cause.

Keeping a food diary may help determine if certain foods are associated with a patient's IBS.
Keeping a food diary may help determine if certain foods are associated with a patient's IBS.

One of the most common IBS cures is changing the diet. Certain foods have been linked to IBS. Among them are wheat, greasy or fatty foods, dairy, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, soda and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Some IBS patients keep food diaries to see whether their symptoms correlate with eating certain foods.

IBS cures can be accomplished through the use of traditional medications. Some drugs alleviate cramping and diarrhea. Other drugs can treat constipation. In some cases, anti-depressants are prescribed. If using anti-depressants or other prescription drugs, one must be sure to assess any potential side effects or requirements for long-term use.

Bloating can be a symptom of IBS.
Bloating can be a symptom of IBS.

Some IBS cures are related to prescribing medications to treat bacterial infections. The intestinal tract contains many different bacteria. Some of the bacteria are good, and others can be bad if they overtake the digestive system. If this happens, bloating and a feeling of fullness often will result. In this case, medications might be prescribed to reduce bacteria growth.

IBS cures can be accomplished through the use of traditional medications.
IBS cures can be accomplished through the use of traditional medications.

IBS cures sometimes include holistic or natural treatment instead of traditional medications. This might be done if the patient does not want to take prescription drugs or if other attempts at treatment were unsuccessful. Natural cures for IBS often are accompanied by dietary changes.

Reducing stress is an important aspect of many IBS cures. This means keeping a reasonable level of calmness in the face of problems and challenges. Exercising can have a dual benefit for IBS sufferers because it aids in bowel functioning and can help reduce stress.

Fiber supplements can help treat diarrhea and relieve constipation associated with IBS.
Fiber supplements can help treat diarrhea and relieve constipation associated with IBS.

When searching for IBS cures, one must remember that it might not be possible to find a treatment plan that eliminates all of the symptoms all of the time. It also can depend on the severity of the IBS symptoms. In persistent IBS cases, occasional flare-ups still might happen.

Discussion Comments

DentalFloss

I have found success among remedies for IBS in the past with both diet and exercise and probiotic supplements. While I first tried diet and that helped, it got much better when I started taking supplements. At the same time, the supplements do not have nearly has much of an effect if I lapse for more than a few days in my diet and exercise. You might find that you also need multiple combined methods in your own treatment for IBS, but that can easy to experiment with over a little bit of time.

mitchell14

Since so many people have so many different types of symptoms with IBS, never expect what worked for someone else to work for you, even if they are a family member. My mother and I have both been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, but have different symptoms and very different forms of dealing with it.

cakes18

On the "holistic or natural treatment":

Homeopathic remedies (especially Lycopodium) have been linked with successful treatment of IBS; the remedy depending on the symptoms the patient is showing.

However, it is important to remember that gastroesophageal reflux has been linked to psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. Holistic treatments should probably only be consulted when all conventional medicine has failed as it may not address the broader picture of what is ailing the patient.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Keeping a food diary may help determine if certain foods are associated with a patient's IBS.
      By: PicciaNeri
      Keeping a food diary may help determine if certain foods are associated with a patient's IBS.
    • Bloating can be a symptom of IBS.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Bloating can be a symptom of IBS.
    • IBS cures can be accomplished through the use of traditional medications.
      By: joshya
      IBS cures can be accomplished through the use of traditional medications.
    • Fiber supplements can help treat diarrhea and relieve constipation associated with IBS.
      By: rob3000
      Fiber supplements can help treat diarrhea and relieve constipation associated with IBS.
    • In some patients, IBS is triggered by eating fatty foods.
      By: freshidea
      In some patients, IBS is triggered by eating fatty foods.