Green tea extract is commonly taken as a natural remedy for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), vomiting, diarrhea, and bowel disorders, including a range of GI (gastrointestinal) cancers.
Caffeine can increase diarrhea, another major symptom of IBS. High sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers designed for headache relief — check labels carefully.
But you may find it helpful to eat lean meats, eggs, fish that is rich with omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, homemade bone broth, carrots, bananas, and other low-FODMAP fruits and vegetables. Fermented foods are also good for your gut flora.
Some common at-home treatments for IBS include relaxation exercises, hypnotherapy, physical activity, dietary changes, applying heat, and consuming peppermint oil or other supplements (such as prebiotics and probiotics).
But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.
If someone with IBS tolerates dairy products, plain and unsweetened Greek yogurt is a nutritious dietary addition. Greek yogurt contains live probiotics—bacteria that offer many health benefits, including for gut health. If you are lactose intolerant, you might still be able to enjoy Greek yogurt.
Eating yogurt can help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms since yogurt has probiotics, or “good bacteria,” which helps put healthy bacteria back in your gut.
The first step in dealing with an IBS flare-up is to simply get back to basics and return to a FODMAP-free diet for a few days to a week. It can take a few days for FODMAPs to fully exit the body, so be sure to give yourself enough time to fully recover before adding these foods back in.
According to this guide, almond, hemp, and coconut milks may work for people with IBS. Just pay attention to your serving size. You may also want to try kefir. The fermentation process lowers lactose to a better level for those with IBS and lactose intolerance.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.)
EGCG has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve some of the flare-ups associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis ( 1 , 2 ).
1. Gluten-free toast. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) , a person with IBS may wish to avoid gluten in their diet. Gluten is in products that contain wheat, barley, and rye.
Chocolate (specifically dark) contains powerful antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Unfortunately, it is also known to trigger IBS symptoms (and migraines) in some people.
Research confirms white flour is better for IBS
Since gut bacteria can play a substantial role in intestinal health, eating more white bread can be assumed to have some protective effects for those with IBS.
Most probiotics used in IBS treatment fall under two main groups: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These probiotics are thought to assist the digestive system. Among other functions, they may strengthen the intestinal barrier, assist the immune system in removing harmful bacteria, and break down nutrients.
Certain grains: Gluten-free oatmeal and brown rice are usually well-received by people with IBS and provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements. Low-fat yogurt: Some people with IBS have worse symptoms after eating dairy foods.
Left untreated, long-term IBS can sometimes lead to other serious health issues. One such possibility is an impacted bowel, especially in cases where the IBS symptoms include chronic constipation. An impacted bowel occurs when stool builds up in the large intestine.
The chronic pain (pain lasting 6 months or longer) in IBS can be felt anywhere in the abdomen (belly), though is most often reported in the lower abdomen. It may be worsened soon after eating, and relieved or at times worsened after a bowel movement. It is not always predictable and may change over time.
Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, miso, or sauerkraut. Sometimes, you can also eat yogurt if you are not allergic to dairy. Try unsweetened sheep or goat yogurt. These are all foods that help your gut flora get and stay healthy.
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful.