Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common nonspecific diagnosis for functional
lower gastrointestinal symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation,
diarrhea, and anxiety. In my experience, IBS responds best to regular aerobic
exercise (which facilitates peristalsis), cooked fruits and vegetables (which
facilitates digestion of soluble and insoluble fiber), roasted flax seeds and
sesame seeds (both of which must be chewed well before swallowing), and
discussions that explore the patient’s feelings about defecation and feces. It is
best to try these safe, natural approaches before resorting to drugs, which can
complicate, aggravate, and perpetuate the symptoms.

Competing interests:
None declared