Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be the most common gastrointestinal disorder. The common symptoms are bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. IBS patients are also likely to have backaches, fatigue, and other seemingly unrelated problems. The exact cause of IBS remains unknown.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: Although increased fiber intake can be helpful in IBS, many IBS sufferers are sensitive to wheat in any form, including wheat bran.1 2 3 Rye, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are high in hypo-allergenic fiber, as are vegetables and psyllium husk.
Some,4 and perhaps most5 people with IBS are sensitive to certain foods. However, these food sensitivities vary from person to person. It’s beneficial to work with a nutritionally oriented doctor to find which foods cause an IBS flare-up.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: At one time, IBS was thought to be “all in the head.” Nonetheless, those with IBS aren’t psychologically different from other people. However, stress aggravates IBS, and reducing stress or practicing stress management skills can be beneficial. Hypnosis for relaxation may also be helpful for those with IBS.6 7
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Some young women with IBS experience worsening symptoms before and during their menstrual periods. Such women may be helped by taking evening primrose oil capsules or tablets containing 350-400 mg of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), the active ingredient.8
If lactose intolerance is the cause of diarrhea in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, then supplemental use of the lactase enzyme prior to consuming any dairy products can be helpful.
Some nutritionally oriented doctors believe that acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria promote healthy digestion; use of these bacteria may lessen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual supplement for complete information.) Consistent, reproducible problems from taking evening primrose oil have not been reported. Lactase is safe and does not produce side effects. There are no reported side effects with even large intakes of acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria.
Herbs that may be helpful: Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules, providing 0.2 ml of peppermint oil, have been shown in some, but not all, studies to be an effective symptomatic treatment for IBS.9 Many people take one to two capsules three times per day, between meals. The enteric coating protects the peppermint oil while it passes through the acidic environment of the stomach. In the intestinal tract, peppermint oil acts as a carminative (it reduces gas production), eases intestinal cramping, and soothes irritation. Peppermint may also be taken as a tincture in the amount of 2-3 ml, three times daily.
Chamomile acts as a carminative as well as soothing and toning the digestive tract. Chamomile’s essential oils also ease intestinal cramping and irritation.10 It is often used for those with IBS experiencing alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.
Chamomile is typically taken in a tea form by dissolving 2-3 grams of powdered chamomile or by adding 3-5 ml of herb extract tincture to hot water, three times per day, between meals.
Supplements that combine an assortment of carminative herbs are often useful for IBS. A combination of peppermint leaves, fennel seeds, caraway seeds, and wormwood may be an effective treatment for upper abdominal complaints, including IBS.11
Some persons with IBS benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. Psyllium, mentioned above, helps regulate normal bowel activity and reduces the alternating constipation and diarrhea suffered by some people who have IBS.
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to the individual herb for complete information.) People with chronic constipation should the advice of a health care professional. Side effects to psyllium, such as allergic skin and respiratory reactions to psyllium dust, have largely been limited to people working in plants manufacturing psyllium products.
Peppermint tea is generally considered safe for regular consumption. Peppermint oil, in large amounts, can cause burning and gastrointestinal upset in some people. It should be avoided by persons with chronic heartburn. Some persons using the enteric-coated peppermint capsules may experience a burning sensation in the rectum. Use peppermint tea with caution in infants and young children as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol; chamomile is usually a better choice for this group.
Although rare, allergic reactions to chamomile have been reported. These reactions have included bronchial constriction with internal use and allergic skin reactions with topical use. While such side effects are extremely uncommon, persons with allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, aster, and chrysanthemum) should avoid use of chamomile.
Pregnant or lactating women, as well as anyone with an estrogen-dependent cancer, should avoid fennel in large quantities until the importance of its estrogen-like activity is clarified.
Short term use of wormwood tea or tincture has not resulted in any reports of significant side effects. Longer term use can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, vertigo, tremors, and seizures. Wormwood is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
Checklist for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nutritional Supplements |
Herbs |
Homeopathic Remedies |
| Fiber | Psyllium | No homeopathy commonly used for this condition |
References:
1. Cann PA, Read NW, Holdsworth CD. What is the
benefit of coarse wheat bran in patients with irritable bowel syndrome? Gut
1984;25:168-73.
2. Arfmann S, Andersen JR, Hegnhoj J, et al.
Irritable bowel syndrome treated with wheat bran—a controlled double blind trial. Scand
J Gastroenterol 1983;18 (S86):3.
3. Gaby AR. Commentary. Nutrition and Healing, Feb 1996:.1,10-11 [review].
4. Bentley SJ, Pearson DJ, Rix KJ. Food hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet
1983;ii:295-7.
5. Alun Jones V, McLaughlan P, Shorthouse M, et al. Food intolerance: A major factor in
the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet 1982;ii:1115-7.
6. Harvey RF. Individual and group hypnotherapy in treatment of refractory irritable bowel
syndrome. Lancet 1989;i:424-6.
7. Houghton LA, Heyman D, Whorwell PJ. Hypnotherapy: effect on quality of life and
economic consequences of irritable bowel syndrome. Gut 1994;35 (suppl 5):(abstract
# F231).
8. Cotterell CJ, Lee AJ, Hunter JO. Double-blind cross-over trial of evening primrose oil
in women with menstrually-related irritable bowel syndrome. In Omega-6 Essential Fatty
Acids: Pathophysiology and roles in clinical medicine, Alan R Liss, New York, 1990;
421-6.
9. Dew MJ, Evans BK, Rhodes J. Peppermint oil for the irritable bowel syndrome: A
multi-center trial. Br J Clin Pract 1984; 38:394-8.
10. Achterrath-Tuckerman U, Kunde R, et al. Pharmacological investigations with compounds
of chamomile. V. Investigations on the spasmolytic effect of compounds of chamomile and
Kamillosan® on isolated guinea pig ileum. Planta Med 1980; 39:38-50.
11. Westphal J, Hörning M, Leonhardt K. Phytotherapy in functional abdominal complaints:
Results of a clinical study with a preparation of several plants. Phytomed 1996;
2:285-91.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.