Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management is something that many patients struggle with. Many sufferers may not know their IBS triggers while others may not be aware of the different irritable bowel syndrome treatment options that can help reduce symptoms as well as IBS flareup frequency. While medication is a common and effective way to manage IBS, there are other treatments and tips that can ease IBS symptoms, such as:

1. Adopting a high fiber diet
Dietary changes are often the first step to managing IBS symptoms. In particular, many doctors recommend a high fiber diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, whole-grain bread, rice, and cereals to relieve symptoms and regulate bowel movements. Keep in mind that while high fiber diets may help some, about half of IBS sufferers experience painful bloating from increased fiber intake. In this case, make sure to focus on soluble fiber found in fruits and vegetables vs. insoluble fiber found in grains.

2. Regular exercise
While regular exercise may not relieve all of the symptoms of IBS, it has been shown to have a considerable effect on many common symptoms. Most notably, a half hour of exercise every day can help to reduce constipation and abdominal cramps. Exercise goes a long way to improve stress-related IBS symptoms. However, high impact exercise may cause excess pressure on your stomach and large and small intestines, excasterbating gastrointestinal (GI) issues, so stick to gentle to moderate forms of exercise (i.e., walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, etc.).

3. Manage stress
What many people may not realize is that stress can have a significant impact on the symptoms of IBS. With that in mind, reducing your stress levels as much as possible can help ease many of these symptoms (i.e., bloating, diarrhea, etc.). Many health recommended that IBS sufferers take a certain amount of time out of your day to relax and de-stress with yoga, mediation, or other forms of self-care.

4. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is probably one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to managing IBS. In fact, many studies show that this essential oil has a positive impact on many of the common symptoms of IBS (i.e., easing abdominal cramps and spasms, bloating, and the intensity of bowel movement urgency). You can find peppermint oil capsules in most health food stores.

5. Probiotics
Over the past few years, an increasing amount of research has linked probiotics to reducing IBS symptoms. Probiotic supplements and eating probiotic rich foods (i.e., miso, yogurt, kefir, etc.) helps inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria in the gut by balancing gut flora. This can go a long way in reducing irritable bowel movements and fighting gut inflammation.