I’m 40 years old, and in recent years, I began experiencing troubling digestive issues. My doctor diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The symptoms would become especially severe during the summer months, when fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant. As someone who truly enjoys eating fresh, raw produce, it was frustrating to notice that as soon as I consumed them, I would suffer from bloating, abdominal rumbling, intestinal spasms, and constipation.
Despite following my doctor’s advice, the discomfort persisted. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and explore natural ways to support my health. I began by carefully observing which foods were triggering my symptoms and eliminated them from my diet. For example, I stopped eating beans, peas, cabbage, and smoked or fatty foods, as I noticed they caused the most problems.
Instead, I shifted to a more gut-friendly diet — I started eating more wheat porridge, yogurt, and cottage cheese. I also became mindful of the temperature of my meals, making sure that everything I consumed was warm — not too cold and not too hot.
Another key habit I adopted was eating smaller meals multiple times a day, rather than overeating in one sitting. Through trial and error, I discovered that stress had a significant impact on my digestive system — whenever I was anxious or upset, my symptoms would return immediately.
Ultimately, what brought me real relief were natural, plant-based remedies. They made a remarkable difference in my digestive health. Here are some simple but effective home treatments that worked for me:
1. Pumpkin Stem Decoction
- Crush and chop the stem of a pumpkin.
- Take 3–4 tablespoons of the chopped stem and pour half a liter of water over it.
- Boil for 15 minutes, then let it cool.
- Drink it throughout the day.
This simple decoction helps reduce intestinal gas and calms the stomach.
2. Fennel Seed Infusion
- Take 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them.
- Let it steep, then drink it in place of water during the day.
Fennel is excellent for relieving bloating and gas, and it supports digestion gently but effectively.
3. Fresh Potato Juice
- In the morning, on an empty stomach, drink half a glass of freshly squeezed raw potato juice.
- Do this daily for 10 days.
Raw potato juice may sound unusual, but it has powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the digestive tract.
4. Follow-up with Carrot Juice
- After 10 days of taking potato juice, switch to fresh carrot juice — again, half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach for the next 10 days.
- Carrot juice provides a wealth of vitamins and fiber, helping to restore balance to the gut and support normal digestion.
Thanks to these simple and natural remedies, I now feel significantly better. I can confidently say that my digestive problems have completely disappeared. I no longer suffer from abdominal discomfort, bloating, or irregular bowel movements. Best of all, I didn’t need to rely on medication.
Doctor’s Commentary:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder involving abnormal intestinal motility and sensitivity. It manifests with symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, gas (flatulence), abdominal pain, and bloating, which often improve after a bowel movement. IBS is especially common in women between the ages of 25 and 45, though it can also affect the elderly and even children.
A significant contributing factor in IBS is the state of the nervous system. Emotional stress, anxiety, or nervous tension can aggravate symptoms — as the patient described, her condition worsened during times of emotional strain. Therefore, managing stress is just as important as adjusting diet and lifestyle.
These types of plant-based and dietary approaches, especially when combined with emotional self-care, can be incredibly helpful in alleviating IBS symptoms. However, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
