Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS): A Holistic Approach to Treatment

Causing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) can be debilitating to those who suffer from it. And yet it doesn’t have to be a life sentence with no hope of recovery. With a holistic approach to IBS treatment, patients can find relief from their symptoms and even put their illness into remission.

By definition, a holistic approach to IBS treatment takes all aspects of an individual’s health into account. It strives to address both the physical and psychological components of the disease in order to improve overall well-being and quality of life. In the case of IBS, a holistic approach would focus on lifestyle changes such as diet modification, stress-reduction techniques, nutritional supplements, herbal therapies, and exercise regimens that are tailored to your specific needs.

Three Approaches You Can Try Right Now

Diet modification is typically one of the most important components of holistic IBS treatment. Although the first part of this advice sounds quite obvious, it still bears saying: foods that you have found to regularly trigger your symptoms should be avoided, while nutrient-rich whole foods should be emphasized at each meal. Many people with IBS find that fiber-rich foods aggravate their symptoms; adjusting your intake of them is a good idea. Probiotics have been found to help ease some symptoms associated with IBS; incorporating them into your routine may help you feel better.

Stress management is key to controlling or mitigating IBS symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation have a good history of helping people to reduce their stress levels, which may in turn reduce the episodes of abdominal pain or discomfort associated with IBS. Regular physical activity has also been found to help, as it helps keep stress levels down.

Nutritional supplements can play an essential role in holistic IBS treatment. Vitamin B12 deficiency is quite common among those with IBS, and supplementation may be necessary in order to prevent further complications. If taken regularly over a meaningful period of time, supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids, known as ‘the good fats’, may help to reduce the inflammation associated with the disease.

What Else?

Herbal therapies have long been used as a form of holistic medicine on the back of their ability to provide relief from various conditions, without, for the most part, causing any adverse side effects. Naturally, just as with allopathic medicine, herbal therapies need to be taken as prescribed and under the supervision of a qualified holistic practitioner or naturopathic doctor. 

Herbs such as ginger root and peppermint oil are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for those suffering from the type of chronic inflammation seen in IBS. When taken regularly, licorice root helps support healthy gut flora, which can lead to improved digestion and mitigated IBS symptoms over time.

Those seeking holistic solutions to living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease should know that there are many ways to create an individualized plan of IBS management that take more than just dietary modifications into account. Taking all ingredients of a management plan into consideration, we come to understand that lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, relaxation techniques, stress reduction methods, and regular physical activity are all essential components of a holistic IBS treatment plan. Going ahead with all, or even some of the above ingredients, should not only alleviate some current symptoms, but could potentially put IBS into remission long-term, helping you live a healthier, happier life.