We all know supplements can help relieve the symptoms of IBS, but sometimes searching endlessly for the right ones can just add to the stress of this already stressful disease! So let's break down what's been breaking down our digestive systems and uncover the supplements that can help.
- Peppermint and IBS – popping the bloat balloon
Feeling like an over-inflated balloon about to burst is pretty common among IBS sufferers. Bloating, gas, and constipation are common problems when you are living with IBS. Can fixing these awful (and embarrassing) symptoms be as simple as enjoying some peppermint in your daily diet? The evidence seems to support this notion.
But why, exactly, does peppermint work so well on these troublesome issues associated with IBS? How much of it do you have to take to get the full benefits? The reason peppermint is so effective in relieving IBS symptoms is due to its anti-spasmodic properties. To make a long story short, that means when ingested, peppermint has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscle of the intestine. When the smooth muscles do not contract, it eliminates the painful cramping that can accompany IBS. Peppermint also contains menthol, which is known for its pain-relieving properties. Menthol is a counterirritant, which means it works by “distracting” the body from pain. So, not only can ingesting peppermint rid you of the horrible bloat and cramping, but it also will help your intestines unclench long enough to allow for regular bowel movements.
Find peppermint products rated & reviewed by people who have IBS here.
- Digestive Enzymes and IBS – life’s a gas . . . or maybe not
What is up with digestive enzymes? What are they and how, exactly, can they help with your IBS? If you have scoured the Internet in search of answers after being diagnosed with IBS, you have likely come across the suggestion that digestive enzymes are an effective treatment for some of the most troublesome symptoms. But why? What makes them so special?
The short version of the explanation is that digestive enzymes help break food down into smaller molecules, so it is easier for your body to absorb them. When you have IBS, digestive “issues” are par for the course. When your body does not soak up those nutrients, they tend to get backed up in your digestive tract. And we all know what that means – gas, bloating, and cramping. It also can lead to constipation followed by the inevitable hardened, painful bowel movements. Straining to go can cause hemorrhoids, and IBS sufferers do not need the added pain and suffering those can bring. Taking a digestive enzyme supplement can help break down fats, carbs, and protein and help your body to more efficiently process foods that are difficult to digest.
Find Digestive Enzyme rated & reviewed by people with IBS here.
- Probiotics and IBS – Pro-bing the cause of digestive distress
Probiotics are popular when it comes to finding a remedy for digestive issues. That might be why they have the word pro in their name. There does not seem to be many cons to adding a probiotic to your dietary regimen. What is so special about probiotics, and are they really the miracle solution to all things gut-related?
People living with IBS often end up taking some kind of probiotics to help manage their symptoms. Why? Because quality probiotics contain the same kind of live bacteria and yeast similar to what is found in our natural gut flora. Our gut microbiome is designed to balance nutrients and recognize healthy bacteria’s role in the digestion process. The theory is that probiotics work for people with IBS because the condition tends to throw off the natural balance in the gut, resulting in the overgrowth of bacteria. When things are not in balance, unpleasant issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea are the result. Quality probiotics can inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes diseases, fight inflammation, slow down bowel movements, and reduce gas buildup. When the gut microbiome is restored, the likelihood of experiencing bouts of constipation or diarrhea is reduced.
Not all probiotics work the same for IBS. Read reviews of Probiotic supplements made by people who have IBS here.
- Psyllium Husk and IBS – Psy-ching out constipation
Psyllium is an effective soluble fiber. What makes this fiber so special compared with other sources of fiber? For starters, it is great at relieving constipation. When you are living with IBS, constipation can be a real pain in the posterior – literally. Bloating, gas, and constipation are frequent uninvited guests and can be difficult to relieve.
Research has long supported the notion that the best kind of fiber for people with IBS is soluble fiber. Why is that? It is because soluble fiber attracts water, which means it is great at removing excess fluid from the digestive tract. Without all that extra fluid, the chances of diarrhea decrease as well. When the risk of both diarrhea and constipation are removed, IBS sufferers can experience normal bowel movements. Soluble fiber is in foods like oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, broccoli, and barley. Eating the right kinds of foods containing soluble fiber without causing excess gas can be challenging. For this reason, many people living with IBS supplement with psyllium husk. It is one of the purest and most effective forms of soluble fiber available. If you are following the Fodmap eating plan for your IBS, psyllium is considered a Fodmap-friendly food. If you opt for working psyllium husk into your diet, do so slowly to avoid the risk of aggravating your IBS symptoms. Your body will need time to readjust to this fiber supplement.
Read reviews of Psyllium Husk products made by people who have IBS here.
- Activated Charcoal and IBS – the dynamic duo against toxic gut
Toxic gut is a pretty accurate description when it comes to living with IBS. If you have just been diagnosed with it, researching everything there is to know about living with this chronic condition can be intimidating (not to mention time-consuming). Activated charcoal is effective at combatting a toxic gut environment.
Does this mean you have to eat charcoal? Because that probably does not sound very appetizing. Stop worrying, because you will not find yourself adding bits of this black, flaky substance to your food or smoothies. So, what will you be doing if you add an activated charcoal supplement to your diet? Good question! Activated charcoal is a proven method for absorbing gas and toxins in the gut. It is a carbon form with small pores that are more numerous than regular charcoal (like the kind you burn in your grill when cooking the perfect steak). Because of its porous surface, it is excellent at reducing gas production in the gut. Not only will it cut down on the amount of gassiness IBS sufferers experience, but it also means that any gas that does sneak out via the normal escape route also will not smell as pungent.
Find a variety of Activated Charcoal products, rated & reviewed by people with IBS here.
