Finding Relief: Navigating IBS with Vitamins and Supplements

April is all about awareness of irritable bowel syndrome (also known as IBS), a condition that affects millions of people, bringing along a slew of tummy troubles like bloating, cramps, and bathroom woes. While there's no magical fix for IBS, there are ways to help ease the journey, from what's on your plate to practising wellness in our daily life. Believe it or not, Vitamins and supplements might just lend a helping hand for those uncomfortable symptoms.

Probiotics

Probiotics are essential for gut health. They're live bacteria and yeasts that do wonders for your digestion.[1] If you've got IBS, your gut bacteria might be a bit out of whack. Probiotics can help restore the balance by introducing more of the essential good bacteria. Studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus[2] and Bifidobacterium[3], can reduce those uncomforting symptoms such as bloating and tummy pain.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil is often overlooked as a supplement, which is a shame, as it can really help your gut. They help calm out those tense intestinal muscles, giving you relief from painful cramps and bloating[4]. It's a natural remedy that people have been using for ages to keep their digestion in check.

Fibre Supplements

If you're dealing with constipation from IBS, soluble fibre supplements could really be beneficial[5]. Fiber can add bulk to your stool and keeps things moving along smoothly as it should. But here's the thing: not all fibre supplements are created equal. Stuff like psyllium husk is usually easy on the tummy and can help get your movements back on track without any gas or bloating.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive Enzymes are your digestive system's little helpers - chopping up your food into tiny, digestible pieces. Some people with IBS may not have enough of these enzymes, which can lead to all sorts of painful tummy troubles like gas, bloating, and feeling overall stuffed[6]. By giving your body a boost of enzymes, you can improve the way you digest and absorb nutrients, making your gut happier and more comfortable.

Remember, supplements are just a tiny piece of the puzzle when it comes to managing IBS. It's essential to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that includes dietary changes, stress management techniques, and other strategies tailored to your unique needs.

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[1] Wang X, Zhang P, Zhang X. Probiotics Regulate Gut Microbiota: An Effective Method to Improve Immunity. Molecules. 2021 Oct 8;26(19):6076. doi: 10.3390/molecules26196076. PMID: 34641619; PMCID: PMC8512487.

[2] Oh JH, Jang YS, Kang D, Chang DK, Min YW. Efficacy and Safety of New Lactobacilli Probiotics for Unconstipated Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Nov 27;11(12):2887. doi: 10.3390/nu11122887. PMID: 31783597; PMCID: PMC6950464.

[3] Terra I, Santeiro C, da Fonseca Rua J. Supplementation With Bifidobacterium and Symptomatic Control in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Evidence-Based Review. Cureus. 2023 Aug 31;15(8):e44447. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44447. PMID: 37791169; PMCID: PMC10544091.

[4] Alammar N, Wang L, Saberi B, Nanavati J, Holtmann G, Shinohara RT, Mullin GE. The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jan 17;19(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2409-0. PMID: 30654773; PMCID: PMC6337770.

[5] El-Salhy M, Ystad SO, Mazzawi T, Gundersen D. Dietary fiber in irritable bowel syndrome (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2017 Sep;40(3):607-613. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3072. Epub 2017 Jul 19. PMID: 28731144; PMCID: PMC5548066.

[6] Graham DY, Ketwaroo GA, Money ME, Opekun AR. Enzyme therapy for functional bowel disease-like post-prandial distress. J Dig Dis. 2018 Nov;19(11):650-656. doi: 10.1111/1751-2980.12655. Epub 2018 Sep 21. PMID: 30101562; PMCID: PMC6910206.