You can also relieve pain by soaking in a hot bath. Consider adding epsom salts if your IBS is making you constipated.

Alosetron is the only drug currently approved to treat IBS-D. It is thought to reduce colonic motility. There are some serious side effects associated with alosetron, such as ischemic colitis (decreased blood flow to the bowels) and severe constipation which may require hospital treatment. It can also interact with other medications, such as antihistamines and certain antidepressants. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source You can also take over-the-counter medications to deal with the symptoms. For example, take an anti-diarrheal medication. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Moderate activity includes biking, brisk walking, water aerobics, and gardening. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Make a habit of exercising so you’re more likely to do it. For example, you might try going for a jog before breakfast every day or swimming laps on the weekends.

Unlike medications or changing your diet, these learning pain management is free from side effects.

In addition to peppermint, you can drink herbal teas to relieve digestive pain. Try herbal teas that contain ginger, fennel, cinnamon, or cardamom.

Oatmeal Barley Okra Legumes: garbanzo beans, lentils, soybeans Grits Nuts and seeds Fruits: apples, pears, berries

Whole grains (unprocessed): these contain both soluble and insoluble fiber Carrots Zucchini Celery Flaxseed Lentils

Chicory root Jerusalem artichoke Dandelion greens Leeks Asparagus Wheat bran Baked wheat flour Bananas

The brands Florastor and Align are often recommended by health care professionals. Check the expiration date and make sure the supplement has at least 25 billion Colony Forming Units (CFUs). Adults should get 10 to 20 billion CFUs a day from a supplement. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Look for a USP Verified seal which means that a non-profit lab has checked the supplement for the bacteria it lists on the label.

Tempeh: fermented soybeans Kimchi: fermented Korean cabbage Miso: fermented barley paste Sauerkraut: fermented cabbage Yogurt: fermented milk with active probiotic bacteria Kefir: fermented milk Kombucha: black or green fermented tea with added fruit and spices

Try the low FODMAP diet for at least four to six weeks. You may immediately get abdominal pain relief, or it may take longer for the pain to go away. Talk to your doctor about what you should and should not eat on this diet. It is believed that short-chain carbohydrates are poorly absorbed by the intestine and rapidly fermented by bacteria in the gut. The production of gas during this process is a cause of symptoms.

Don’t forget to cut out artificial sweeteners like xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol and mannitol (which all contain polyols that irritate the digestive system). You should also avoid the these vegetables which can aggravate your digestion: artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, fennel, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions, and peas.

You can still eat soy-based yogurts since they don’t have lactose. But, you should still avoid soybeans.

Beans Chickpeas Lentils Red kidney beans Baked beans Soybeans

Bell peppers Cucumbers Eggplant Green beans Chives and green onion Olives Squash Tomatoes Roots: carrots, parsnips, potatoes, radishes, sweet potatoes, turnips, yams, ginger Greens: kale, lettuce, spinach, bok choy Water chestnuts Zucchini

Corn Oats Rice Quinoa Sorghum Tapioca

Abdominal pain and cramping that may improve after a bowel movement Bloating and gas Constipation (which may alternate with diarrhea) Diarrhea (which may alternate with constipation) A strong urge to have a bowel movement Feeling as if you still need to have a bowel movement after you’ve already had one Mucus in the stool

Mixed nerve transmissions between the brain and large intestine Problems with the way food is pushed through the digestive system (peristalsis) Depression, anxiety, and panic disorders Infections in the digestive system Bacterial overgrowths (like Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth [SIBO]) Changes in hormone levels Food sensitivities

If your doctor believes you have IBS, you’ll probably be advised about changes you need to make to your diet. Your doctor might prescribe medications (like muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, bulk-forming laxatives and anti-diarrheal medicines) to relieve symptoms. [28] X Research source

Foods that are high in fat Foods that are artificially sweetened Foods that cause gas or bloating (cabbage, some beans) Some milk products Alcohol Caffeine