Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects one in five Britons, with symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation, cramping and bloating. While doctors often offer short-term fixes, natural approaches may provide longer-term relief, according to nutritional therapist Kerry Beeson.
Abdominal pain or discomfort is the most common and debilitating symptom, often felt in the lower left side. Pain may be sharp or dull, with cramps that ease after a bowel movement. Short-term medication like Buscopan can relieve cramps in 15 minutes but may cause side effects such as dry mouth and constipation.
Probiotics can help, but not all are equal. Different strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus HN019 or Bifidobacterium lactis NCFM, target specific conditions. Adding fermented foods like live sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha or kimchi introduces diverse beneficial bacteria to support gut health.
Constipation, defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, affects one in seven British adults. Rather than laxatives, which can weaken the bowel, daily brisk walking or jogging for 30 minutes stimulates peristalsis. A study found that constipated patients who walked daily strained less and visited the toilet more often.
Beeson stresses the importance of seeing a doctor first to rule out serious conditions such as thyroid problems, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer, which can mimic IBS symptoms.
