Treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be an exhausting and frustrating process.

There are two primary types of IBS: One that causes constipation (we’ll call this type one) and one that causes diarrhea.

My wife was diagnosed with Type One IBS in 2011, after having irregular movements for months. During those months, my wife would turn to friends and family for suggestions. Most suggestions sounded like this: “Well take some laxatives or get an enema.”

Unfortunately powerful laxatives didn’t work for her and I’m sorry, but who wants to perform a daily enema?

We decided to visit the doctor, where she was prescribed the most powerful medicine on the market. The medicine worked for a few weeks, but quickly lost its potency after my wife’s body became conditioned to it.

After a few more months of frustration, we decided to take a more natural approach through juicing. We bought a Big Mouth juicer and went to town. We tried all sorts of recipes and concoctions (some tasted better than others). After a few weeks of experimenting, we started juicing spinach, kale, and other greens.

The result was amazing. My wife had regular movements without the need of heavy medication and chemicals. That being said, juicing can be extremely inconvenient with so many parts to clean. The following recipe is for a smoothie that can be made in any blender.

Before I jump into the actual recipe, let’s talk about some natural foods that help produce bowel movements.

Fresh Spinach

Research studies show that ingesting spinach, in juice form, is actually the healthiest way to consume it. Spinach eases constipation and protects the mucus lining of the stomach, so that we stay free of ulcers. It also flushes toxins from the colon.

The abundance of vitamins and minerals in spinach can bring us quick relief from dry, itchy skin and leave us with a beautiful complexion. It’s recommended to regularly consume fresh, organic spinach juice to help maintain skin health.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are super low in Cholesterol and Sodium. They are also a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and a very good source of dietary fiber, thiamin and manganese. One unique feature of flaxseeds is their mucilage (gum) content. Mucilage refers to water-soluble, gel-forming fiber that can provide special support to the intestinal tract.

The strong fiber content of flaxseeds—including their mucilaginous fiber—help to delay gastric emptying and can improve intestinal absorption of nutrients. Flaxseed fibers also help to steady the passage of food through our intestines.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber. In fact, with 10 grams of protein in only 2 tablespoons, we  can receive one-third of the daily recommended fiber intake per day.

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. The high antioxidant profile also helps them have a long shelf life.

They last almost two years without refrigeration. Chia seeds are also gluten free and do not need to be ground in order to obtain their nutrient replacement benefits.

Fresh Kale

Kale is a great detox food. Kale is stuffed with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.

One cup of kale has 3 ½ times our daily beta-carotene needs and has tons of vitamin C to help boost our immune systems.

Smoothie Recipe

3 oz filtered water

3 oz organic orange juice (pulp recommended)

1 c. spinach

½ c. kale

1 T. chia seeds (soaked in 2 T. water)

4 oz. frozen organic mango chunks

Directions:

In a high-powered blender, first add water and orange juice, followed by spinach, kale, chia, and mango. Blend on low gradually increasing speed until reaching high (for 30 seconds). Stir if necessary. Pour into two glasses and enjoy! Take one Verdezymes for additional digestion power.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

Sign up for our (curated) daily and weekly newsletters!

Apprentice Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock/ Editor: Jenna Penielle Lyons

Photo: elephant archives