Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS Supplements

About Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS Supplements

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is termed a "syndrome" due to the fact that it is diagnosed by a symptom cluster and the medical cause is difficult to find. The most common issues that present are mucous in the stools, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, abdominal pain or cramping (not associated with premenstrual times), bloating and nausea. Although there has not been one single defined cause for IBS, there are many associations that are believed to be causative factors for this condition that affects around 14% of teh global population. Some of the causes are believed to be food allergies and intolerances, emotional stress and some medications. A process of elimination is important in understanding the cause of your IBS, as the causes  differ from individual to individual, and there are often more than one.

There are many supplements that can be used for the management of IBS, including probiotics, prebiotics, mucosal healing agents and natural anti-inflammatorys. It could be that another poorly recognised cause of IBS is overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and a lack of beneficial cultures throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Though research into the gut microbiome is only beginning, evidence is so far looking convincing. A review paper published in 2005 by Phytomedicine indicates that for non-serious constipation or diarrhoea cases of IBS, the first supplement or drug of choice was peppermint oil. Interestingly, this neat little substance out-performed everything tested at that time. 

Be sure to take your time in examining our IBS supplement range to find the product that suits your needs. Though you may find it advatageous to eliminate problematic foods and emotional stressors, and generally maintain a healthy active lifestyle. According to a paper published by the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journal in 2019, either a low fructose, low lactose or low FODMAP diet may prove most effective.