8 Natural Ways to Control a Spastic Colon

Sometime your body can change and something that you used to take for granted becomes a problem. Having a healthy bowel movement may suddenly stop happening and instead you are all of a sudden dealing with chronic diarrhea or constipation as well as bloating, indigestion, nausea and sometimes acid reflux. 

This can be the case when it comes to developing a spastic colon or, more technically, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The reason ‘spastic colon’ is used, is that it describes the spastic or muscle spasm symptoms that may occur after eating when your body is attempting to digest your food. However, sometimes there is are no spasms at all but other symptoms can indicate IBS. 

Find out how these 8 natural ways to control a spastic colon may hopefully reduce your discomfort and, maybe, eliminate this condition altogether.

Spastic or Not

People who suffer with IBS often feel a ‘rumbling’ or other vibrations in the stomach or abdominal area which may indicate a motility compromise. Motility is how well your digestive muscles work to help you digest your food. A spastic colon is considered to have dysmotility which is when these muscles do not work as they should. They can spasm and gurgle making for an uncomfortable experience, however, sometimes dysmotility has minimal symptoms which present with little or no spasms at all. Yet, the result may be the same which is primarily struggling with diarrhea or constipation. 

Very Well Health describes the active symptoms of dysmotility,

 “…dysmotility in the upper parts of the digestive system (esophagus, stomach) are likely to cause upper abdominal pain, burning or discomfort, and possible vomiting. Dysmotility further along the digestive tract (small and large intestines) is more likely to result in lower abdominal pain, cramping, and bowel movement problems (e.g. diarrhea or constipation).”

It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing chronic (everyday) spastic colon symptoms. Once your doctor rules out any other cause you will most likely be offered prescription or OTC (over-the counter) medicines. These may include antispasmodics, anti-depressants, anti-diarrhea or constipation. Many who take these medications have reported that they are not sufficient enough and need something else. This is when more and more turn to these 8 natural ways to control a spastic colon. 

IBS Constipation Remedies

If you are struggling with constipation due to IBS related dysmotility, these remedies may help:

• Hydrate – When constipation occurs it is often due to low hydration. Sometimes drinking plain water is not enough so some recommend drinking something with more electrolytes like some athletic drinks (try to avoid sugars or dyes) or the brand Pedialyte. Sometimes prune, apple, or pear juice can also help.
• Flaxseed – This nutty little seed has been shown to help alleviate constipation associated with diabetes. According to a study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism, “In constipated patients with T2D [type 2 diabetes], flaxseed consumption may relieve constipation symptoms as well as decrease body weight, glycemic and lipid levels.”
• Triphala – Derived from India’s alternative remedies in Ayurvedic medicine, triphala is a combination of three indigenous fruits, amalaki, bibhataki, and haritaki. This combo is linked to strengthening the gut and alleviating IBS symptoms including constipation.
• Magnesium – If you are low in this mineral, a daily supplement may help get things going. Magnesium is associated with relaxing soft tissue, particularly muscles in the intestines that respond by absorbing more water and relieving constipation. 

The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study titled, ‘Association between dietary fiber, water and magnesium intake and functional constipation’ which concluded, 

“Low intakes of water from foods and magnesium are independently associated with an increasing prevalence of functional constipation among a population whose dietary fiber intake is relatively low.”

IBS Diarrhea Remedies

If you are struggling with diarrhea due to IBS related dysmotility, these remedies may help:

• Calcium – IBS sufferer’s claim an excellent anti-diarrhea response by taking calcium supplements. These are observational reports with no backed studies at this time. Therefore, it is important to check with your doctor before taking calcium as it may be contraindicative especially if you are taking medications such as: antacids that contain aluminum, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diuretics, heart medications, and medication for osteoporosis.
• BRAT Diet – The BRAT (Bananas, Rice Apple Sauce, Toast) diet is recommended if you are suffering with a long bout of diarrhea. This diet is believed to “re-set” your digestive track and hopefully nudge your intestinal muscles back into gear. It has been attributed to going bland so as not to tax your already compromised system as well as adding pectin a beneficial intestinal compound. One study of children with chronic diarrhea published in the journal Gastroenterology concluded that, “Green banana and pectin are useful in the dietary management of persistent diarrhea in hospitalized children and may also be useful to treat children at home.”
• Re-hydrate – Be sure to rehydrate your system as diarrhea can quickly deplete your body of fluids. Dehydration can lead to cognitive, muscular, and digestive compromise. 
• Probiotics – When your intestinal micro-flora falls out of balance it is the toxic bacteria that often takes over. As a result your body responds by developing diarrhea, a sort of cry for help. Adding probiotics to your daily supplement routine could significantly help diarrhea associated with IBS. Probiotics are best tried in a low million count at first and then moving to a higher count if needed. 

These 8 natural ways to control a spastic colon work on easing associated symptoms. However, it is important to avoid foods that can increase IBS discomfort. These include processed/packaged foods, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, and wheat.