6 Ways to Ease Your IBS Symptoms

Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is no picnic. The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that approximately 10-15% of the U.S. population has IBS. Despite the emotional and physical distress caused by bouts of cramping, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, many people quietly suffer without a proper diagnosis.

IBS symptoms can improve with nutritional counseling and a specialized treatment plan that fits your unique health profile and lifestyle. While its specific causes are unknown, diet modifications can be very helpful in lowering the frequency and ease the severity of symptoms.

Here are 6 ways to ease symptoms of IBS:

1. Check for microbial imbalance.

Unhealthy microbes or bacteria in the wrong place can be the root cause of IBS. It is estimated that up to 78%[1] of IBS patients have Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO, a condition in which the type of bacteria normally found in the large intestine proliferates in the small intestine where it doesn’t belong. It can affect the absorption of nutrients and cause significant bloating and discomfort.

Pathogenic microorganisms anywhere in the gut can also cause IBS symptoms. At the Kaplan Center, our providers order specialized tests to find out the type and location of microorganisms in the intestinal tract. If an overgrowth is detected, this will be treated with prescription antibiotics, and antifungals or natural antimicrobials, such as oil of oregano and garlic extract.

2. Look for major triggers and irritants.

Gluten, corn, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, additives, and gums (such as carrageenan) can be major triggers. Other irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, can worsen IBS symptoms. Eliminating these from your diet for a period of time can help to ease and/or, in some cases, eliminate symptoms.

3. Eliminate high FODMAP foods.

Some healthy foods such as apples, watermelons, and broccoli can worsen IBS symptoms. FODMAPS, which stands for Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols, are types of carbohydrates that are osmotic and will pull water into the intestine. These foods may not be absorbed well and can be fermented by bacteria in your intestine, worsening IBS symptoms. Eliminate high FODMAP foods from your diet completely for 4 weeks. Re-introduce them one by one to narrow down the list of foods that cause your IBS symptoms to flare up.

4. Look for inflammation.

Try an anti-inflammatory diet for 6 weeks. Anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric and ginger can help bring down inflammation in the digestive tract, thereby easing IBS symptoms. I recommend an anti-inflammatory diet not only to address immediate symptoms but for long-term health as well.

5. Try digestive aids.

Sometimes acidity in the stomach needs to be stimulated and digestive enzymes need to be replaced. If foods are not broken down to a molecule small enough for absorption, it can affect digestive health. Natural antispasmodics such as peppermint oil can help with motility (the movements of the digestive system and the transit of the contents within it). Physical therapy and acupuncture can also be helpful for bowel function, especially constipation.

6. Introduce probiotics and nutrients.

Beneficial bacteria and certain nutrients are essential for healing the lining of the gut. At the Kaplan Center, we offer specific formulations of a variety of probiotics depending on the needs of the patient. Nutrients that are essential to gut health include zinc, L glutamine, aloe vera, DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice), and slippery elm.

If you are experiencing digestive symptoms, please give us a call us at 703-532-4892. We’re here to help you get to the root cause of your symptoms so healing can begin. 

[1] Ghoshal UC, Shukla R, Ghoshal U. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Bridge between Functional Organic Dichotomy. Gut Liver. 2017 Mar 15;11(2):196-208. doi: 10.5009/gnl16126. PMID: 28274108; PMCID: PMC5347643.