What natural remedies can help treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

You need a healthy amount of stomach acid because the acid kills off most infections that try to set up shop in the gut. When you don’t have enough stomach acid, bacteria are more likely to run wild, which can aggravate IBS/ spastic colon. Antacids reduce the amount of stomach acid, thereby worsening the problem. Instead of popping antacids long term, consider using remedies such as the herb licorice and/or mastic gum for one to two months to heal your stomach. In addition, digestive enzymes will help you digest your food properly.

Watch as Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist Dr. Pina LoGiudice shares some natural treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy involves the power of suggestion during a deep state of relaxation. Early research suggests that hypnotherapy may lower the sensory and motor component of the gastro-colonic (intestinal) responses in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Better studies are necessary to make a conclusion. Use cautiously with mental illnesses (e.g. psychosis, schizophrenia, manic depression, multiple personality disorder, or dissociative disorders) or seizure disorders.

Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as "friendly germs") that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also help keep potentially harmful organisms in the gut (harmful bacteria and yeasts) under control. Most probiotics come from food sources, especially cultured milk products. Many varieties and combinations of probiotics have been studied in clinical trials for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Findings frequently report reductions of symptoms including pain, flatulence, bloating, and stool frequency. There is some evidence of reduced inflammation. The magnitude of benefit seen in most studies is modest. Not all studies, however, show beneficial effects. More studies are needed to determine the best protocols and the level of benefit that can be expected. Commonly used probiotics for IBS include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotics are generally regarded as safe for human consumption. Probiotics may cause diarrhea in large doses. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to probiotics. Use cautiously if lactose intolerant.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients frequently turn to alternative or complementary therapies ranging from herbal remedies to meditation.

Relaxation response training and meditation. Simple and easy to learn, these techniques help reduce nervous system activity and relax muscles. Therapies that induce a similar response include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, hypnosis, and even biofeedback.

Yoga. Some forms of yoga, the ancient Indian discipline that seeks to bring body and mind into balance, have proved valuable to some IBS sufferers. Yoga, like meditation, can provide a form of self-relaxation.

Hypnosis. Increasing evidence suggests that this mind-relaxation technique calms the autonomic nervous system and might contribute to improvement in symptoms.

Acupuncture. This system of applying small needles to prescribed points on the body has been used for treatment of IBS symptoms. But a review of studies on the topic by the international Cochrane Collection said the quality of the studies was too poor to draw any conclusions.

Biofeedback. Biofeedback is a mind-body technique in which participants use a biofeedback machine to see and learn to control their body's response to stimuli such as pain. Some patients who periodically lose control of their bowels, for example, have been able to improve their control using biofeedback techniques.

Herbal remedies. A growing number of people are turning to herbal remedies for the relief of IBS symptoms, including St. John's wort, fish oils, flaxseed oil, aloe vera juice, chamomile tea, and a variety of Chinese herbs. However, the number and quality of studies to support the safety and effectiveness of such remedies is lacking. One possible exception is peppermint oil. Investigators reported that 75% of the patients in their study who took peppermint oil capsules for four weeks had a major reduction in their IBS symptoms, compared with just 38% of those who took a placebo pill. Peppermint oil may work by blocking calcium channels, thereby relaxing smooth muscles in the walls of the intestine. Some evidence has emerged for the use of Chinese herbal preparations, but once again, the quality of the studies is not sufficient to recommend this therapy. Because most herbal preparations do not undergo rigorous scientific study, be alert to the possibility of unexpected side effects if you take an herbal remedy.