Stress and a lack of fiber and changes in gut bacteria from prescription medication are contributing factors in developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that includes abdominal pain, bloating, gas and periods of diarrhea and constipation.

Gut flora helps to break down food, absorb nutrients, and remove toxins from the body.

When the intestinal bacteria in the gut is disrupted, inflammation throughout the body can occur.

Prescription medication can disrupt the flora, microorganisms that exist in the gastrointestinal tract affecting our gut health.

One of the conditions fibromyalgia sufferers experience is IBS.

Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Two herbal supplements that can help to reduce symptoms and provide relief of abdominal pain, cramping and sluggishness are acacia senegal and slippery elm.

Acacia senegal is rich in soluble fiber. Slippery elm is a mucilage-like consistency. Both can soothe digestive systems and reduce IBS symptoms.

Slippery elm creates bulk in the stool for more comfortable bowel movements. Both are available in powder form.

After trying other over the counter powders that had additives included, I have found using both of these with a strong probiotic to be the most effective.

The acacia senegal brand I like is Heather’s Tummy Fiber Pouch. Dissolve one tablespoon into a glass of water.

Keeping travel packets in your purse or carryon can be a lifesaver when IBS symptoms occur.

Both can be found on Amazon.

I found a recipe on a health holistic YouTube channel, Yoga Lifestyle with Melissa that incorporates acacia senegal into a healthy drink and natural remedy for irritable bowel syndrome.

First thing in the morning, I make a slippery elm latte.

Initially, I drank this latte every day for a couple of months and found adding a strong probiotic helped to manage my IBS symptoms significantly.

When looking for a probiotic, make sure it is acid and bile resistant.

I tweaked the recipe for travel. If you don’t have access to a kitchen when traveling, bring a small Magic bullet blender and foldable electric kettle in your carry.

These items can be repurposed to make meals.

Elm Bark Latte

Ingredients

• Water
• Non-dairy milk
• Organic elm bark
  
• Molasses
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water to a blender.

2. Add 1/2 a cup of plant-based milk. I prefer Elmhurst 1925’s cashew milk.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of organic elm bark slipper powder.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of molasses (good source of iron for iron deficiency anemia sufferers).

5. Grate 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and cinnamon.

6. Blend all the ingredients.

7. Transfer to your favorite mug.

8. Heat in the microwave for a minute.

Optional: If you are traveling and don’t have access to a microwave, blend the plant-based milk, elm bark powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon together.

Put 1 tablespoon of molasses in your favorite mug. Add 1 cup of hot water from the foldable electric kettle and stir in the blended liquid.

Drink the slippery elm latte every day until your symptoms improve. Once your symptoms improve, switch to once a week.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up by rotating IBS elixir creations. Adding one tablespoon of slippery elm and molasses to a smoothie allows you to receive the same IBS relief.

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