Treatment of IBS is mainly limited to treating individual symptoms. Some people who have milder symptoms may find that a few dietary modifications and lifestyle changes are enough to cope with their IBS on a daily basis. For others, the symptoms are more severe where possibly the only relief is found in medication of some kind or another. For example, laxatives for constipation, antispasmodic medicines for stomach cramps, and antidiarrheal medicines for diarrhea.
As research is carried out on an ongoing basis, we are beginning to understand more and more about the complex nature of IBS and this has led to several studies highlighting the beneficial effect of certain supplements on IBS symptoms. Certainly many people would prefer a natural alternative to harsh medications and the inevitable side effects that often accompany them.
The following represents some of the more popular supplements and how they can help treat IBS.
probiotics
We are seeing more products in the supermarket that contain probiotics, but the reality is that most of them will do little or nothing to help with IBS symptoms. New research has revealed that it is the probiotic Bifidobacterium in particular that may help alleviate IBS symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Cork College in London conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study that found that patients given the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis experienced a significant reduction in IBS symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty in defecating around, compared with those who received a placebo, regardless of whether the IBS was predominantly diarrhea or constipation.
So what is so special about probiotics? Well, probiotic literally means “for life.” These are the friendly bacteria that help keep the gut healthy and in good working order by keeping harmful bacteria in the gut at bay. Some people have found that they developed IBS after a course of antibiotics, which is not surprising when you consider that antibiotics also kill both good and bad bacteria. Others have found that their IBS symptoms started after a gastrointestinal infection, which also shows how bacteria may be involved in the development of IBS.
Probiotic supplements containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis might offer relief to some IBS patients while improving overall health.
ispaghula shell
Ispaghula or Psyllium husk is produced from the husks of Plantago ovata seeds and Ispaghula supplements can be a convenient and effective way to get enough soluble fiber in the diet. People with IBS are likely to be advised to increase the amount of soluble fiber in their diet, regardless of whether they have diarrhea or constipation. The body needs fiber to produce healthy, regular bowel movements. Fiber draws water into the intestine, which, paradoxically, can help with both constipation and diarrhea. First, it can soften and loosen the hard stools associated with constipation, making it easier to pass, and second, since fiber also absorbs fluids, it can also help relieve diarrhea.
In the past, bran, which is insoluble fiber, was often recommended for IBS; however, research has indicated that bran may worsen IBS symptoms. It is vitally important to drink plenty of fluids when increasing the amount of fiber in the diet because of the amount of fluid that fiber absorbs.
TestAid IB
IntestAid IB is a supplement that has been clinically shown to have a beneficial effect on the digestive system in general, as well as alleviate the painful and distressing symptoms of IBS. This supplement contains nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Although they have many functions in the body, within the digestive tract, nucleotides help promote beneficial bacteria and keep the gut healthy by helping with cell renewal and repair.
Nucleotide supplementation is particularly beneficial when the body is under stress due to illness or if the diet is poor. However, research has shown that it can also help people who have IBS. So how does it work?
Studies have shown that it increases the length of the villi (the small, hair-like bumps on the surface of the intestines that help the body absorb nutrients from the diet) and also helps promote healthy bacteria in the gut.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 37 people with irritable bowel syndrome conducted by Dancey et al at the University of East London found that the nucleotide supplement IntestAid IB improved IBS symptoms and that the improvements seen were not due to psychological factors rather than physiological in nature. In other words, IntestAid IB really made a difference.
contraindications
As with any drug or medication, whether over the counter or prescription, there may be certain contraindications that may make it unsuitable for some people, such as some medical conditions or prescription drugs, etc. and dietary supplements are no different. Although dietary supplements are generally considered safe and do not have unpleasant side effects, before you decide to take any supplement, it is important to first discuss your intent with your doctor just to make sure it is appropriate for you.