The only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Zelnorm (a.k.a. tegaserod) was recently withdrawn from the market.

Zelnorm side effects After analysis of almost 30 placebo-controlled trials, the use of Zelnorm was linked to a statistically significant increase in angina and stroke.

Once a relatively rare problem, IBS now affects between 20 and 30 percent of Americans, sending them to the doctor for erratic and painful intestinal contractions, constipation and/or diarrhea, and digestive malfunctions including food allergies.

Zelnorm alternatives Natural solutions that may help address underlying causes of IBS include:

• high-fiber diet (legumes, raw and lightly cooked vegetables, and whole grains, although flaxseed is preferable to wheat bran)
• digestive enzymes
• probiotics (products containing at least 4 billion active, friendly bacteria, such as acidophilus and bifidus, that support digestion)

Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy (except for yogurt), fructose, refined sugar and wheat, and trans fats. And drink plenty of pure water. [source: Taste for Life]