Natural Approaches to Relieve IBS

October 14, 2022

Do you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome? If so, you know how unpleasant and frustrating the symptoms can be. Many people turn to conventional medications in an attempt to find relief, but these often come with unwanted side effects. There is, however, another option: natural approaches to relieving IBS.

In the points below, we’ll discuss some of the natural approaches for IBS symptoms, as well as acupuncture and natural herbal remedies for IBS in Melbourne. We hope you find this information helpful and that it helps you overcome the challenges that IBS brings!

 

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. IBS can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult for sufferers to carry out their day-to-day activities.

 

What causes IBS?

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but there are several factors that are thought to contribute to the condition, such as diet, stress, and lifestyle choices. It’s believed that these factors can trigger changes in the brain-gut axis, which is the communication pathway between the brain and the digestive system.

 

Natural remedies for IBS

There are a number of natural methods that can be used to relieve the symptoms of IBS, with some of the most effective being:

  • Dietary changes: Making dietary changes is one of the most effective natural approaches to relieving IBS symptoms. Eliminating trigger foods, such as those that contain gluten or lactose, can help to reduce symptoms. Adding probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, to your diet can also be beneficial.
  • Supplements: Taking supplements, such as species specific probiotics and digestive enzymes, can help to improve gut health and relieve IBS symptoms.
  • Stress-relieving techniques: Stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can be helpful in reducing stress levels.
  • Acupuncture for IBS: There is some evidence that Acupuncture can help to relieve IBS symptoms by reducing pain and improving gut motility.
  • Herbal remedies for IBS: Herbal remedies, such as peppermint oil, ginger and others, can also be effective in relieving IBS symptoms.

 

The benefits of naturopathy and other natural remedies to treat IBS

You’ve probably heard of naturopathy before, but you may not be entirely sure what it is or how it works. In short, naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a disease or condition. At Essendon Natural Health, our two Clinical Naturopaths Natalie Earles and Jessica Bouwmeester use a variety of holistic techniques to help their patients achieve optimum health.

While naturopathy isn’t a cure-all for every condition, it can be an extremely effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We typically start by looking at the function of the gut and whether any intolerances are present, the integrity of the gut lining and whether there is a possibility of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). We’ll run through these with you in a one-on-one tailored consultation.

If you’re suffering from IBS and conventional treatments haven’t worked for you, naturopathy may be worth considering. We’ll take all the potential causes of your IBS into account and create a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically for you.

Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to find what works best for you.

 

Acupuncture and herbal remedies for IBS at our Melbourne clinic

At Essendon Natural Health, we have a focus on embracing a holistic approach towards helping our clients achieve better physical, mental and emotional well-being through natural medicine. We’ll work closely alongside you to help you alleviate the symptoms of IBS through a combination of acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal remedies and other natural modalities.

To arrange a consultation, please contact us directly or book an appointment online.

Natalie Earles

Natalie is an empathetic and caring Clinical Naturopath who creates a relaxed and non-judgemental environment for her clients. She has a special interest in the management of skin conditions and digestive disturbances. She is registered with the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).