Irritable bowel syndrome is a problem for as much as 20% of the population. It includes a wide variety of symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, gas, and abdominal bloating. While there’s no one test for IBS, people diagnosed with it are tested for other possible conditions which are ruled out.
For many people, IBS is associated with a lack of healthy bacteria in the gut. Your body needs bacteria in order to digest food properly and protect your body from harmful illness.
When you don’t have enough healthy bacteria, the entire system can be off track. In addition, you may have more inflammation throughout your body which increases symptoms of IBS. There are so many antibiotics used, chemical preservatives, and antibacterial products that many people suffer from too little gut flora.
While these products are designed to eliminate bad bacteria, they can’t tell the difference between good bacteria and bad bacteria. In effect, your gut may need more healthy bacteria in order to normalize.
One of the best ways to improve your gut flora is to add fermented foods to your diet. While you can certainly take a probiotic supplement, the best way to improve your health is to add beneficial foods.
Fermented foods are those that contain healthy bacteria your body needs. They include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, and many more. These foods are very easy to find in your supermarket or to make yourself if you so choose.
It’s important to incorporate fermented foods on a daily basis so that you can get the benefits. You may not see improvement in your IBS symptoms overnight. However, within about three months you should begin to notice that your bowels move more regularly and you have fewer symptoms.
You’ll need to continue to eat fermented foods to maintain the improvements. You may even want to experiment with fermented foods such as kimchi and kombucha which are popular throughout Asia and are rising in popularity worldwide because of their beneficial health effects.
In addition to adding fermented foods, you’ll want to avoid processed foods that contain chemical additives such as preservatives, flavorings, and colors. These foods can strip the gut of healthy bacteria and cause a return of problems.
If you’re suffering from IBS and are looking for a natural solution to help heal your gut, fermented foods should be one of your first options. These foods promote a healthy digestive system and overall wellness.
