Natural Remedies for IBS Relief: A Holistic Approach to Gut Health

Iodine

Posted by Mike (Vancouver, Wa) on 02/03/2011
★★★★☆

I was recently researching the link between iodine deficiency and anxiety. I didn't find a lot of convincing information, so I decided to try it on myself.

I've had IBS for at least a year now and strangely enough, I found it to be completely anxiety related and not at all to do with the bowels themselves. I also have regular anxiety as well, but I haven't seen any doctors about either condition because I refuse to get on the meds wagon.

Two nights ago, I painted two squares of 2.5% iodine tincture onto my wrists. I could feel the effects of that by the next day, I went the whole day without any symptoms. One important thing I did find in my research, was that selenium deficiency apparently aggravates iodine deficiency, so naturally, I took 200mcg of selenium the next night in addition to painting iodine on my biceps this time. Still no symptoms of anxiety or IBS on the third day now and I'm hoping this is the real deal. Another interesting bit, I used to take selenium regularly as part of my supplement routine and then stopped for a long time without any obvious reason (ran out and forgot to replenish.. ). For informational purposes, I'm 23, smoke regularly, drink on weekends, eat relatively healthy (always home cooked) but not a ton of fruit and vegetables in my diet.

Interesting Fact: The iodine painting deficiency test is not an indication of anything. Most of it evaporates and becomes colorless, and the rate of that is dependent on the environment that you are in. It does absorb into your system, however, in small amounts. To back that up: When you do this so-called test, wait until it disappears, then get some hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the area; you will see that the whole thing is actually still there.

Best of luck!

IBS and Parasites

Posted by Rusti1230 (Dayton, Oh, Usa) on 01/25/2011
★★★★★

I'd like to add some additional information to this post. I was hospitalized and then diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. They did a parasite test while I was in the hospital and it came back negative. I found out later it only tested for 5 parasite types. Based on some reading I did, there are over 350 different types of parasites. I did the whole medical establishment routine for a year and then the symptoms came back. I did not want to take all those meds anymore so I started trying many of the remedies on this site with mixed results.

To make a long story short, I also have 4 dogs and I ordered some food grade diatomaceous earth because they had worms (I read about FGDE on this site). After further reading regarding the health benefits for humans, I decided to take it myself. Not to be gross, but you can imagine my surprise (and I'll spare you the details) when I realized I had parasites myself. I'm hoping that now that I've taken care of this, that the other protocols outlined on this site will be more effective or that my UC will clear up now; however, I believe I also have a mycobacterium issue.

IBS and Parasites

Posted by Tommy (North York, On, Canada) on 01/14/2011
★★★★★

Hi everyone,
I just want to say that some doctors and even the big pharma still want to hide the fact that IBS, Crohn disease and other GI dysfunction are nothing but a parasitical infections. I urge all people who are suffering from these diseases to check for parasites. On stool tests is not enough. If your doctor is stupid who doesn't think out of the box ( most doctors are brainwashed by big pharma, even their books are sponsored by big pharma, their textbooks are like their bibles). Now big pharma are trying to patent Rifaximin for IBS. The reason is simply because big pharma doesn't want to admit the fact that parasites and bacteria are causing IBS and Rifaximin kills the parasites.

is also linked to lyme disease. MS is a manifestation of a bacterial infection. It's sad to see people suffering for 10 to 20 years with IBS when a simple treatment that address the cause could cure them in 1 to 2 weeks.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Coregon (Medford, Or) on 11/03/2010
★★★★★

I used to have terrible IBS. I found that avoiding dairy helped tremendously also. I no longer have IBS. I attribute this recovery to stopping my diet soda intake (it was hard, but what a difference! ) and taking 3,000 mg (or more) of MSM daily. I've heard that aloe vera juice can also soothe the gut and clear this up. * I also used colloidal silver first to clear up any bacterial infections that may be in the system. ** Note: If you are using ANY artificial sweeteners, this will worsen IBS symptoms, at least it did in my experience and in my mother's experience.

Nystatin

Posted by Dr. Brandeis (San Francisco, Ca) on 10/28/2010

I totally agree. I see this all the time with my patients. I treat hundreds of people for symptoms of 'IBS' and test everyone for intestinal infections- yeast, bacterial or parasitic. 9 times out of 10, there is an untreated infection. Once that is appropriately treated, no more IBS.

L-Glutamine

Posted by Dr. Brandeis (San Francisco, Ca) on 10/28/2010
★★★★★

True. Glutamine works in 2 ways. First, it is the preferred source of fuel for enterocytes- the cells that line the small intestine. Second, it increases sIgA (secretory immunoglobulin A), an important immune cell. If the IBS is caused by an infection such as yeast or parasites, Glutamine will be helpful. However, symptomatic relief from glutamine should make you consider testing for parasites- but not through conventional labs such as Quest or Labcorp. The best lab I've found and use with all of my patients is Metametrix. -Dr. Andrew Brandeis

Coconut Oil

Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/02/2010

Why don't you take just a spoon full of oil? Is there any benefit by taking the capsules?

Coconut Oil

Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx)
★★★★★

I have been taking coconut capsules for the digestive tract and IBS lately and they have worked wonders.

Aloe Vera Juice

Posted by Eleonora (Athens, Greece) on 09/25/2010

Hello alex! Did you stop taking aloe vera juice after 3 months and you still have no symptoms? I know two people who cured from cancer just by drinking aloe vera juice every day! I just diagnosed with ibs! I will try aloe vera juice as you did and I hope to be cured too because I cant live with this for my whole life! I strongly believe that if it can cure cancer then it can cure something far more simple like ibs!.

IBS and Herpes Virus Connection

Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 08/10/2010 392 posts

If it's a recurring issue of cold sores, its usually a virus which tends to hide in the nervous system and bone marrow. Nervous system is common, while in bone marrow tends to cause anemia now and then. The IBS might be helped with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of water, single dose. The herpes, is mostly lysine 1000 mg with glutamine 1000 mg taken hourly for 4 hours for roughly three days. If they come back it's taken again. Someone claimed that it resists every supplement I mentioned here, but I have found they work in all cases from direct experience. Zinc maybe supportive. As for candida, baking soda, potassium citrate, perhaps potassium iodide are the common supplements I might consider, along with 25 mg of sodium molybdate for a week or two, as the most promising so far. People also tend to be low in copper, which is supplemented with chlorophyll.

Ted

IBS and Herpes Virus Connection

Posted by Wydo (Ventura, Ca, United States) on 08/09/2010
★★★★★

I have IBS and nothing seems to work for me real well. I do the baking soda and EDTA. I treat for Candida regularly as well. Right now I have a little pit in the roof of my mouth and it is really sore. I think it is the herpes virus which I have had since 6 years old. I have had the IBS since 22 years old and by age 48 I thought I had kicked it. After several years of being free of it the IBS is back. I get cold sores more frequently now as well. I keep wondering if the herpes virus is part of my IBS problem. I have heard that the herpes virus is either active or dormant but I wonder if rather then going dormant it really just goes to my intestines and causes the IBS and Candida problems. I would like to know if Ted could answer this for me and if he has found the herpes virus among the people he has helped with IBS. I would also like to hear from other people with IBS that get the cold sores of the herpes virus and how long they have had both the IBS and herpes and if the herpes came first. I think there is a connection in my case but I would like to know if there is a connection with the two in other case. Thank you everyone.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Nihal (Sydney, Australia) on 06/03/2010
★★★★☆

a vegan diet definitely helps manage condition. for me this is 100% crucial in management of condition. it won't cure it, but it'll give you some breathing space and energy. a lot of animal products cause IBs and bloating/Diarrhea.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Diane (Columbia, Missouri, Usa) on 04/22/2010
★★★★★

I'm a 48 yr old, post menopausal female. I was diagnosed with IBS about 14 yrs ago. I've had flare ups off and on over the years. It got much worse after going through menopause. No prescription meds seems to work. About a yr ago, I tried acupuncture and in less than 3 sessions I was basically "cured"...until I developed a hiatal hernia. the doc gave me omeprazole for the pain. I'm pretty sure that the medicine got rid of ALL the acid in my stomach, therefore my IBS flared up big time because my stomach was unable to digest food properly. The gas, bloating, cramping and irregular stools all came back with a vengence. thanks to this website, I decided to try ACV. After the first dose, I noticed improvement. After that, I've had no symptoms AT ALL. I've been drinking it for a week now. For myself, 1tbsp in about 8oz of water 3 times a day works for me. And it's unfiltered organic ACV with the 'mother'. I also noticed an immediate increase in energy which was a huge welcome! I did have some constipation for about 3 days, but I stuck it out and now I'm regular and "normal". I also feel like I am able to breath deeper now, which I was having trouble with before.I don't use the baking soda with the ACV because I just love the taste of vinegar anyway. I wouldn't drink it straight up though, because I think it would burn like the devil. I'm sure the vinegar is why I no longer have the symptoms from the hiatal hernia too, acid reflux, etc. Trying to pass this amazing "fix" on to friends and family..Mostly I just get funny looks. Oh well, their loss. I won't be without my ACV again. ps..haven't changed my diet in the least either. Thank you EC!

Catnip, Chamomile, Basil and Yogurt

Posted by Anonymous (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Usa) on 04/05/2010
★★★★☆

Chamomile, Catnip, Basil and Yogurt help IBS

I have always had stomach/intestinal issues. Pain, gas, bloating. Probably celiac or somthing like it. For a while I drank too much coffee and at times took asprin with it. This gave me a lot of energy, but aterward my lower legs would swell a little and ache when I lay down to sleep. Aspirin always helped the pain. But it was probably eroding my stomach and such. After doing Slimfast for a year or two (which I really liked) I quit when whatever I ate seemed to just sit there. It was the kind that was supposed to curb hunger. After that quitting the Slimfast and artificial sweetner Splenda, depending on what I ate I would feel very depressed (was on Zoloft and Risperidone for two years about 2 years prior), lethargic, be absentminded, have no appetite (I'd have happily eaten nothing ever again), and at times feel absolutely great. I couldn't tell what was going on, but I figured it had to be food related. And that my digestive system was having problems. After a lot of experimentation I've come up with the following:

Make a tea of 1 tablespoon each of Catnip, Chamomile, and Basil. Cover it and let it steep about 10 minutes. While it's steeping or cooling eat a cup or so of plain (not low fat or anything) yogurt. When the tea is cool enough, drink it.

Horse Chestnut is supposed to be good for leg veins. No doubt it's good for the veins all over. I took some finally and within maybe 5 or 10 minutes my normally cold feet and legs felt nice and warm. I was amazed. After a few days I concluded that eating yogurt with/after the supplement is what caused the warm feeling. One day I took the supplement and had no yogurt. The warm feeling didn't happen. After eating the yogurt some time later, I was surprised to feel my feet and legs get warm. If the IBS is from an issue with the structural integrity of the intestine, the Horse Chestnut with yogurt and tea may be helpful.

I can't drink coffee or tea, or eat chocolate anymore, as this caused the pain in my legs to return. Also a burning sensation when urinating. Bicarbinates help the burning. Probably the leg pain too. Haven't tested that. For a while I was drinking vegetable juice of bok choy, parsley, and fennel. So the oxolates may be a contributing factor...

Dietary Changes

Posted by Sharon (Denver, Colorado) on 02/28/2010
★★★★★

I have IBS with a tendency toward diarrhea. I can't take supplemental mag. at all because it makes me worse. I try to get my magnesium from the foods I eat.

What has really helped me is a gluten-free diet. It takes 4 to 6 weeks to know whether it will help, so be patient. The other thing that has helped is powdered l-glutamine, about a heaping teaspoon mixed in water every day. It's well known as a bowel healer. Powdered vitamin-C can help too but start out slowly because too much can cause diarrhea.

I have learned to avoid what I know bothers me. At the top of this list are pain relievers (both prescription and OTC), alcohol, milk, horseradish, garlic and raw onion. I have also learned that adding fiber to the diet can make me worse, particularly commercial fiber preparations. I stick with half an apple, a little brown rice, or a very small serving of beans when I need fiber, and I don't eat them every day.

Magnesium

Posted by Natasha (Winnipeg, Manitoba,canada) on 02/12/2010
★☆☆☆☆

I tried taking magnesium before breakfast and it didn't relieve my severe IBS c. I tried up to 1000mg. since my c is severe but had no luck sadly. I'm surprised it has not helped.

Peppermint Oil

Posted by Natasha (Winnipeg, Manitoba) on 02/12/2010
★☆☆☆☆

I tried peppermint oil capsules for my severe IBS C and they gave me a severe attack. They are way to strong for my sensitive stomache sadly.

buttermilk

Posted by Zita (Chicago, Illinois) on 02/04/2010
★★★★★

Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice and Buttermilk Cure.

I've been in agony trying to find a cure for this new malady called IBS. I've been reading what the subcribers here have tried and I was willing to try anything. I have IBS-D. I read about Molasses, Buttermilk, Royal Jelly and I went to the store to purchase these items to try and see if something would work. That day I was only able to find buttermilk, the Organic kind. I was skeptical but I tried it with ____ [600 mg calcium tablet] at bedtime. The next day I woke up prepared to battle the many washroom runs I'd have and try not to look too conspicuous during my marathon leaps to get there. Funny thing, it didn't happen; I was OK however, I did have irritation and sometimes urges that were nothing but still I couldn't be too sure and I'd wind up sprinting for the washroom just in case. After a month of Buttermilk in the evening with the calcium and still feeling irritations, one evening I was so thirsty; water wasn't something I wanted. I spotted a lemon, squeezed it, added a little sugar and bottled water and drank like a camel. The next day there was no irritation but I did not make the connection right away; I thought it was most likely a food item, a trigger, that I had NOT ingested. That evening and several evenings after that, I continued drinking fresh Lemon Water and I think it's the cure. I've been fine ever since...no irritation, no D or C....I'm fine!

B12, Bee Pollen

Posted by Kylwel (Gilmer, Tx) on 11/26/2009
★★★★★

Hello, Earthclinic readers. I'm a 46 y/o woman. A few years ago as I was going through a divorce, I developed severe abdominal pain. It would be located high, or near my ribs, off to one side or very low in my abdominal area. Hardly ever in the same spot. My Dr. did a few tests and sent me to radiology for a sonogram of my gall bladder, appendix and ovaries. The sonographer told me my symptoms sounded like IBS, she had it. Coincidentally, I had run out of my multi vitamins some time ago and hadn't replaced them. Sometime after that Dr. appt I did get more and noticed a few days after taking them again that the pain went away.

I was talking to a friend of mine whose granddaughter had been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and in doing her own research discovered that B12 and Royal Jelly could be beneficial. She opted to try this rather than put her 8 y/o granddaughter through the recommended surgery. It worked! The pain was completely gone in no time. I looked at the label on my vitamin bottle to find that they did indeed contain a hefty dose of B12 and bee pollen, but not Royal Jelly. Subsequently, I ran out of vitamins again and after several weeks without them - you guessed it - the abdominal pain returned! I didn't waste any time getting to the local health food store to get my multi-vitamin and sure enough, after a few days, the pain was completely gone again. I'm convinced, B12 and bee pollen or Royal Jelly must be good for the digestive system. My vitamins are Nature's ___ ___ ___. It's a whole food and chock full of good stuff.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda

Posted by Jack (Leominster, Massachusetts, Ma) on 11/25/2009
★★★★★

I was diagnosed with IBS, awful bloating, trouble breathing awful pain. The Dr had prescibed a # of meds that didn't help. I started taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. I had almost immediate results. I wish I started this 10 years ago.I take it in the Am before breakfast and before I go to bed at night.

Fennel

Posted by Firminatus (Mansal Lacy, Hereford, UK) on 11/23/2009
★★★★★

There is no doubt in my experience that stress in conjunction with lack of natural food will create IBS. I have had several bouts of this debilitating condition and have cured it by removing stress as much as possible and drinking fennel tea. Make a tea in a small stainless pot,with one large teaspoon of whole fennel seeds and a pint of spring or filtered water.Gently simmer tea for about ten minutes and allow to cool. Drink about a quarter of a pint, two or three times a day. The first cup,I usually take on an empty stomach. Sometimes if it is really bad, I make two pots and allow the seeds to meditate for a day or so which can make it slightly more potent. Don't keep it for too long. Love to you all.

Cold Showers

Posted by Moises (New York, Ny) on 11/02/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I have taken cold showers daily for a number of years. I heartily recommend them. I find that my skin is better and my resistance to colds and flu is much stronger. But, unfortunately, it had no effect on my IBS. My IBS is the same whether I take my showers cold or hot.

Peppermint Oil

Posted by Moises (New York, Ny) on 11/02/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I have tried enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules numerous times and they had no effect on my IBS.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Kathy (Bowling Green, Ohio, USA) on 09/07/2009
★★★★★

Black Strap Molasses cured my IBS. I have suffered with alternating constipation and diarrhea for ten years. In the last few years mostly diarrhea at least once everyday. I started taking BSM for my anemia after reading your website and was pleasantly surprised to find that it also cured my IBS. And it got rid of any PMS issues. I have no pre-menstrual symptoms at all. Mine was never terrible, but what little I had was gone. I was so excited that I shared this info. with my sister who has the same issues as me with the IBS and she has worse PMS...and she was thrilled with the results! Wow! I take 1 tbls. each night before bed. I use the sulphured molasses...tastes nasty to me, but it's worth it!

Peppermint Oil

Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 06/21/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I had no success with the Peppermint Oil. Although I've tried Caprylic Acid, and alot of it, that had no effect either.

I have some kind of fungal infection, probably candida, could be a different fungus though. I've had success with two things so far:
1. Mega-Garlic (to the point that you smell offensive).
2. Coconut Oil (2 TBSP, morning and evening)(this is a bunch of calories, though). I'm sold on the coconut oil

I suspect mega-iodine (see Sporotrichosis for doseage) may help, but I can't confirm yet. Iodine is twice as strong of an antibiotic as Chlorine, less toxic, disolves starches(and yeast), and heavy metals. I've seen some success in the mouth with iodine, where success has been dificult to come by.

Buttermilk

Posted by CheeMiss (Toronto, Ont) on 05/26/2009
★★★★★

I know that this might sound to simple, but please try CERTIFIED ORGANIC BUTTERMILK.

I have been in such IBS intestinal pain, gas, bloating, burping, D etc., ....all this came about after I finished an IBS study for meds (4mths), incl CBT (cognitive behavior therapy.) The meds gave me nasty side effects and the CBT although nice, but also not effective. You have no idea all the natural things & meds that I have tried all these years. Nothing worked.

Our local health food store recently started to carry the NEW and ONLY one out there...Certified Organic Buttermilk. I could not find this before. The conventional buttermilk just did not help me as it did prior to the late 60's. I grabbed the last 3 liter cartons and drank 1 liter that day and started on the others first thing on an empty stomach in the mornings. By the afternoon of the 2nd day....everything started to subside drastically. After the 3rd liter (3rd day), I could not believe that all my IBS attacks symptoms had vanished. All these years of suffering with next to no remission time.

I ordered 4 more liters and drank 1 liter per day. It has now been 2 weeks and I am IBS free. My D stopped on the 2nd day, along with the intense cramping. My tummy has greatly reduced in size and I am not gassy, burpy or acid reflux, and my D is gone.

I have been eating all my trigger foods with no problem. If I feel a twinge coming on, I merely pour a very large glass of this amazing thick, rich buttermilk and drink it all in one shot. Do not sip at it. It seems to work best when you drink it all at once.

I can't seem to get enough of it. My body is craving it like nothing I have experience before. I advance ordered another 4 liters. THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CERTIFIED ORGANIC BUTTERMILK AND THE CONVENTIONAL ONE.

Research the ingredients for yourselves and you will see. This type of buttermilk is like the product my mom use to give me when was a kid to settle down my IBS. Nothing has worked like this since until now. Check out Harmony dairy in Ontario. They seem to be the only ones supplying it so far. (btw: the ACV almost killed me and although I have been using coconut oil for the past 2 yrs., it too has not settled down my IBS.) I hope this remedy helps someone as much as it has helped me.

Probiotics

Posted by Amy (Burlington, VT, USA) on 05/27/2009
★★★★★

Perioral Dermatitis - Acidophulis... I've sufferred from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for 25 years and perioral dermititis and roseacea for about 10-15. Probiotics have cured the IBS and greatly improved/nearly cured the dermatitis. I eat a high probiotic count yogurt everyday and take a high quality probiotic supplement every day. I use a yogurt mask every other day. I tried the ACV and couldn't stand the taste or the smell and it didn't seem to be doing anything. I do now occasionally drink kombucha tea (2-3 times a week) which seems to be very similar to ACV in terms of types of probiotics, but slightly more palatable and I occasionally use it on my face as well (not nearly as stinky as the ACV). This site was great for encouraging me to take matters into my own hands and see what would work for me. Thanks! And good luck to all.

Aloe Vera Juice

Posted by lyn (grapevine, tx) on 04/28/2009

Please keep in mind that aloe vera can deplete potassium from your body. Just a little fyi. I have seen it on lab values affect a patient's potassium level and she swore by aloe vera juice for everything.