Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Children

With millions of Americans being treated each year for a condition known as irritable bowel syndrome, there are many children who have been affected by this condition as well. Irritable bowel syndrome in children should be treated with as natural of remedies as possible. These natural remedies are primarily dietary, and can be implemented at any time, without any risk to your children.

The Best Way To Treat IBS

Treating irritable bowel syndrome in children should be done primarily through dietary changes when at all possible. Using the medications that are commonly prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome can inflame and aggravate irritable bowel syndrome in children, instead of helping it. Also, using the laxative and anti-diarrhea medications that are often prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome can create a dependency in children, who may be unable to relieve themselves naturally, after extended periods of time on these medications.

Dietary changes alone are typically more than enough to treat irritable bowel syndrome in children. Simple changes, such as avoiding certain foods, and increasing fiber in your child's diet are easy to implement. And many children do not even notice the change. It is important that you do not use over the counter fiber products to treat irritable bowel syndrome in children. These products are specifically labeled as not safe for children.

Adding extra fiber to help treat irritable bowel syndrome in children is as easy as making certain that they eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The old adage of "an apple a day" is one of the best ways to increase the fiber in your child's diet. Apples are high in natural fiber, and eating at least one a day can help to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in children.

Other foods high in fiber include broccoli and spinach, as well as foods containing whole grains and bran. If you are trying to use dietary changes to treat irritable bowel syndrome in children, there are many products on the market that you can use to substitute foods you already have in your home. Your children will never know the difference.

Also, treating irritable bowel syndrome in children should include avoiding foods that are high in lactose, such as whole milk and ice cream; as well as avoiding any foods that are high in fat content. These foods can aggravate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in any adult, and the symptoms can be even more pronounced in children.