Natural Treatments for IBS

A natural remedy for IBS (aka: irritable bowel syndrome, colitis) is derived from partially germinated barley (not just the whole grain). Though it's been advised in medical journals since 1998, it has not gained widespread use by those affected by the health problem.

The Kirin beer company in Japan uses a byproduct of beer brewing which is partially germinated barley. This product is marketed in the US as Benefiber.

The partially germinated barley increases the water content of the digestive tract, increases the growth of healthy bacteria, and improves fermentation to produce butyrate, a molecule that protects the lining of the gastric tract.

Another potential natural remedy is to take oral butyrate itself. Available as a dietary supplement, butyrate is regarded as safe and is well tolerated.