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Although very common, may people are uncomfortable talking about
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms generally associated with
IBS include cramping or abdominal pain, and differences in bowel
activity such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Unfortunately, for many years IBS was believed to be a psychological
problem instead of a physical one.
Approximately one out of
every five adult Americans suffers from IBS. In fact, more than one
out of every 10 visits to the doctor is IBS related. Most people
experience only mild signs of IBS: very few show severe symptoms or
signs.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful
for people with IBS
Various research studies have
confirmed relief of IBS symptoms when lactose intolerant people stay
away from lactose (a substance present in milk and various other
diary products). Another option is for those with lactose
intolerance to take lactase enzyme
before ingesting milk. There are a wide variety of lactase products
available on the commercial market. The specific dose required will
depend on which preparation is used.
Herbs that may
be may help people with IBS
Some IBS suffers find
bulk-forming laxatives to be useful. For example, studies have shown
psyllium, taken
three times each day in amounts of 3.25g, to be effective at
regulating normal bowel function and alleviating the symptoms of
several IBS patients.
Peppermint oil
has also been used to sooth irritation, ease intestinal cramping,
and reduce gas production in the intestinal tract. Although some
have found it to be useless, relief of IBS symptoms with the use of
peppermint oil has been shown effective in many clinical trials. One
particular study found success with the use of enteric-coated
capsules containing 0.2-0.4 ml of peppermint oil ingested three
times each day. Another trial showed a significant decrease in IBS
symptoms when a combination of 50mg caraway oil,
and 90mg of peppermint oil were taken three times a day in the form
of an enteric-coated capsule. Comparable research has shown
non-enteric-coated capsules to be just as effective.
An
explanation for contradictory findings is still
undetermined.
Supporting
Literature
Bohmer CJ, Tuynman HA. The
clinical relevance of lactose malabsorption in irritable bowel
syndrome. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1996;8:1013–5.
Hotz J,
Plein K. Effectiveness of plantago seed husks in comparison with
wheat bran no stool frequency and manifestations of irritable colon
syndrome with constipation. Med Klin 1994;89:645–51.
Jalihal A,
Kurian G. Ispaghula therapy in irritable bowel syndrome: improvement
in overall well-being is related to reduction in bowel
dissatisfaction. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1990;5:507–13.
Prior A,
Whorwell PJ. Double blind study of ispaghula irritable bowel
syndrome. Gut 1987;11:1510–3.
Leicester RJ, Hunt RH. Peppermint
oil to reduce colonic spasm during endoscopy. Lancet
1982;ii:989.
Pittler MH, Ernst E. Peppermint oil for irritable
bowel syndrome: a critical review and metaanalysis. Am J
Gastroenterol 1998;93:1131–5.
Poynard T, Naveau S, Mory B, Chaput
JC. Meta-analysis of smooth muscle relaxants in the treatment of
irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther
1994;8:499–510.
Rees WD, Evans BK, Rhodes J. Treating irritable
bowel syndrome with peppermint oil. Br Med J
1979;2(6194):835–6.
Rogers J, Tay HH, Misiewicz JJ. Peppermint
oil. Lancet 1988;ii:98–9.
May B Kuntz HD, Kieser M, Kohler S.
Efficacy of a fixed peppermint/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer
dyspepsia. Arzneimittelforschung
1996;46:1149–53.
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