The month of April is officially designated as IBS Awareness Month. In this article, we examine the basics of IBS, and then look at four of the most suitable supplements which sustain the body, and enable it to be more proficient at dealing with IBS.
A Look at IBS
April is designated by the International Foundation for Intestinal Disorders as IBS Awareness Month. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is common, affecting between 5 and 10% of the population worldwide. IBS is a chronic condition of the gastrointestinal tract, with a few characteristic symptoms. These include abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating coinciding with bowel movements. Diarrhea and changes in the pattern of bowel movements also occur. There is no known sole cause for IBS, but there are various factors which can contribute to it. These include early life stress, a bout of gastroenteritis (severe diarrhea caused by a bacterial or viral infection), nervous system issues, and changes in the gut microbiome. You’re statistically more likely to develop IBS if you’re either young, female, experiencing mental illness, or have a family history of IBS.
IBS is a serious disorder because it affects a person’s quality of life, and can contribute to both depression and anxiety. Treatment for IBS centers on reducing symptoms. Lifestyle measures to manage IBS include avoiding triggering foods, getting regular exercise and sufficient sleep, and staying hydrated. A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications are often recommended to manage IBS symptoms.
Herbs and Nutrients for IBS
Specific nutrients and herbs, consumed for their beneficial properties, have the potential to support the bowels of those with IBS. Here are five supplements which could improve the symptoms and quality of life of those with IBS:
Psyllium husk is a seed, high in soluble fiber, which is available in the form of a powdered supplement. The gentle fiber in psyllium husk is one of the best aids for the diarrhea and constipation of IBS. When mixed with water, psyllium husk forms into a gel that can benefit the bowels by improving stool condition. Psyllium can help mitigate bouts of both diarrhea and constipation due to IBS. In cases of diarrhea, the gel psyllium forms can help solidify stools that are too loose, while in cases of constipation, it can loosen up stools that are too hard. Psyllium does not produce very much gas, so it is easily digestible.
Probiotics: Consuming beneficial probiotic bacteria could help improve IBS symptoms by improving the condition of the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that taking a probiotic supplement can reduce gas and abdominal pain in those with IBS. Other studies show probiotics reduce constipation and diarrhea in IBS cases where those are the single predominant symptoms, respectively. By reducing these symptoms, supplementing with probiotics could improve overall quality of life for those with IBS.
Magnesium supplementation could be helpful for those who frequently experience constipation due to IBS. This crucial mineral helps to draw water into the stool, thereby softening it and making it easier to pass.
Melatonin is a hormone known for its role in sleep and the sleep cycle. Research shows that melatonin also helps to regulate intestinal motility, which refers to the movement of intestinal muscles. For this reason, regularly supplementing with melatonin could lead to an improvement in IBS symptoms.
L-glutamine has the potential to help IBS by improving gut barrier dysfunction. Also called leaky gut, gut barrier issues are sometimes a contributing factor to IBS. If this is the case, supplementing with l-glutamine could help. Evidence suggests that l-glutamine is most likely to be of help for those experiencing IBS after a gastrointestinal infection.
If you or someone in your family has IBS, consider how these nutritive supplements could be of help. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any of these referenced natural remedies for the first time.