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According to David Hoffmann in his book Healthy Digestion [Storey Books, 2000] "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It might manifest as constipation or diarrhea or swing between both and can result in headaches and anxiety."

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR THE IBS PATIENT

1. Peppermint - enteric coated peppermint oil capsules may help reduce the symptoms of gas, crampy pain and bloating associated with IBS. The enteric coating allows the capsule to pass undigested through the stomach and reach the intestines. If the capsule were to digest in the stomach side effects such as heartburn would likely occur.

2. Fennel and dill - these two herbs have been used for years to help treat colicky babies. Fennel and dill seeds can be brewed into a calming tea which helps to reduce the symptoms associated with gas and bloating.

3. Ginger - this spice can be used as a digestive regulating herb. It helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness and indigestion. Ginger may cause heartburn in certain susceptible individuals.

4. Cinnamon - this spice can be used to help prevent diarrhea. It can be sprinkled on top of food, such as oatmeal and buttered toast. As an added benefit, cinnamon is also reputed to help lower cholesterol levels and help keep blood sugar levels stable.

The irritable bowel syndrome patient may want to research non-culinary herbs including bayberry, mugwort, valerian, meadowsweet, slippery elm and wild yam.

FOODS TO AVOID

Certain foods may trigger an attack of IBS. Anyone living with this disorder may find it helpful to keep a journal of when they have an IBS attack. The journal can be used to help pinpoint certain factors, such as what foods had been eaten during the day, which may have contributed to the attack. IBS sufferers should avoid the following foods, or at least indulge in them in moderation, as they may trigger an attack of the disorder:

Dairy products - many IBS patients are lactose intolerant. Soy milk, almond milk and rice milk are available in plain, vanilla and chocolate flavors and make wonderful, non-dairy milk substitutes.

Fiber - extreme amounts of fiber, such as bran or beans, may trigger an attack. Most IBS patients can tolerate flax seed. Ground flax seed can be sprinkled on top of foods.

Caffeine - products that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola may trigger an attack.

Greasy/fatty foods - excessive amounts

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