Sos for IBS: is irritable bowel syndrome ruling your life? Discover three treatments that can improve your symptoms

Imagine having to spend your life always making sure there's a restroom nearby. For some, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a mild annoyance, while for others, it is a disabling condition, inciting an astonishing amount of discomfort and distress. Symptoms can vary and include constipation, diarrhea, mucus with bowel movements, abdominal pain and cramping, and/or fruitless urges to move the bowels. Certain dietary culprits, including chocolate, dairy products, fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine, can worsen symptoms.

(1) Bring in the Bugs

Acidophilus and several related microbes, known collectively as probiotics, not only aid digestion, but also reduce the presence of negative organisms by competing with them for space within the gastrointestinal tract.

In a four-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 60 individuals with IBS, probiotic treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum dramatically reduced painful gas. And the benefits lasted for another year after treatment was completed. Other species, such as L. acidophilus, may also be beneficial.

Dosages of probiotics are expressed in billions of organisms, with a typical daily dose supplying about 3 billion to 5 billion of the various live organisms. Good probiotic formulas should be refrigerated and have a strain designation (e.g., L. acidophilus DDS-1), although some may not.

(2) Do the Bulk of the Work

The common bulk fiber laxative psyllium seed relieves IBS-related diarrhea and pain. Psyllium's absorption capabilities make it useful for treating diarrhea, a common IBS symptom. As it travels through the gut, the mucilage in psyllium absorbs excess fluids and soothes cramping. An English study revealed that 82 percent of its IBS subjects experienced constipation relief after supplementing their diets with psyllium powder. Studies conclude that the optimum dose is 20 g daily. Start with a small amount, such as 5 g once daily, and gradually increase the dose. People often experience changes in bowel function or gas for the first two or three weeks of using fiber. Also, do not take fiber products at the same time as other supplements or medications--fiber keeps them from being properly absorbed.

(3) Think Minty Fresh

Peppermint oil relaxes the muscles of the intestinal wall, calming cramps. The enteric coating of peppermint oil capsules postpones the effect until the remedy is further along the digestive tract, as well as lessening peppermint-tasting burps. A Taiwanese double-blind trial found that using enteric-coated peppermint oil three to four times daily about 30 minutes before meals reduced symptoms in four out of five IBS patients.

Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, DN-C, RH

natural
Rx for IBS      form to use               dose to take

Probiotics      * Powder (refrigerated)   2 Tbs. daily (mixed with
                                          water or juice) for 10 days

Peppermint      * Oil in enteric-coated   1-2 capsules containing
                capsules                  0.2 mL peppermint
                                          oil, three times daily

Psyllium seed   * Powder                  1 Tbs. (15 g) twice daily
                                          with meals or before bed

natural
Rx for IBS      misc. comments                product example

Probiotics      Refrigeration preserves the   Dr. Ohhira's
                organisms' activity levels.   Essential Formulas
                                              Probiotic 12 Plus

Peppermint      Combines well with caraway    Enzymatic Therapy
                oil, an herbal preparation    Peppermint Plus
                sold at health food stores.

Psyllium seed   Mix and take with 8 oz.       Nature's Secret
                of water.                     Ultimate Fiber

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