FYI Health Tip
IBS sufferers, try eating a kiwifruit. It's a delicious way to relieve symptoms!
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Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can be anywhere from annoying to downright debilitating making everyday situations fraught with anxiety. Millions suffer from IBS, which can cause on-going constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or any combination of the above. But good news, IBS sufferers, there’s new relief in town — and you can get it at your local grocery store. Kiwifruit! A study from Taipei found that IBS suffers who ate two kiwifruit a day for four weeks had less constipation and a general lessening of symptoms than those who didn’t.
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Loading ...The study found that kiwifruits helped the IBS sufferers who had constipation the most. Kiwi is high in fiber and has a high water content, which makes it a useful tool to get the bowels moving. As a side note, one fruit also gives you all the vitamin C you need in a day and is high in potassium. All in just 45 calories.
Since not all IBS treatments work for everyone, here’s a brief list of other research on tools to reduce IBS symptoms:
- Yogurt
- Peppermint
- Increased cardio physical activity
- Rifaximin, an antibiotic
If you have an irritable bowel, it’s a good idea to keep a food, feelings and symptoms journal. Write down what you eat, your mood throughout the day (stress or anxiety could contribute to IBS), and the symptoms you have. Also, always write the time down to help you identify your IBS triggers. And have some kiwi while you do it!
The supporting research
Kiwifruit Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common bowel problem. Patients suffering from it complain of belly aches with diarrhea and/or constipation. This study attempted to look at the effects of consuming kiwifruit in IBS patients with constipation. After taking the fruit for four consecutive weeks, patients reported better bowel movement per week. It was also seen that these patients developed faster movement in their intestines, thus decreasing the stagnation within the bowels that commonly leads to constipation. Authors concluded that kiwifruit “improves bowel function in adults diagnosed with IBS.”
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