Irritable Bowel (IBS) affects 11 – 14% of the population. It is a condition in which the large intestine, or colon, fails to function correctly. IBS is associated with altered bowel habits and variable degrees of abdominal pain. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders reported to general practitioners.

An extensive literature review has found that a marker of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (lactulose breath test) was positive in a majority (84%) of Irritable Bowel (IBS) sufferers. In addition, there was a 75% improvement of IBS symptoms after eradication of this intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It was concluded that the gastrointestinal and immune effects of small intestinal overgrowth provide a possible framework for understanding the frequent observations of bloating and distension found in IBS.

Although no single explanation accounts for all of the symptoms of IBS, 92% of patients share the symptom of bloating regardless of their predominant complaint. This study suggests that the bloating may be due to bacterial overgrowth. Lactobacillus plantarum, a probiotic with anti-bacterial activity, has been shown to assist in the management of this bacterial overgrowth. The same company who manufacture “Inner Health” has produced Lactobacillus plantarum as “IBS Support”.

Aloe Vera has also been used successfully in the treatment of IBS. A trial was held at the Centre for Adult and Paediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Science, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of aloe vera in vitro on the production of reactive oxygen metabolites, eicosanoids and interleukin-8, all of which may be pathogenic in inflammatory bowel disease.  It was concluded that the anti-inflammatory actions of aloe vera gel in vitro provide support for the proposal that it may have a therapeutic effect in inflammatory bowel disease. (Note: aloe vera should not be used in pregnancy or during menstruation).

Fish Oils may reduce the rate of relapses in Crohn’s Disease patients (due to the anti-inflammatory effects of the Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) content of Fish Oils).

A study was described in the New England Journal of Medicine on the effect of fish oils and IBS.  In this randomized clinical trial enterically-coated fish oils (containing a total of 2,700 mg of total EPA + DHA) were given to IBS patients who were in remission but who had a high risk of relapse.  After one year of treatment, 59% of patients receiving fish oils were still in remission, compared to 26% of patients receiving placebos. (Note: fish oils should not be taken with blood tinning agents).

Peppermint oil alleviates the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (researchers hypothesize that the clinical effectiveness of Peppermint oil in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome results from inhibition of the hyper-contractility of intestinal smooth Muscle, thereby returning the muscle to its proper tone). (Note: in some herbal books peppermint is not recommended for pregnancy).

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

·         IBS Support

·         Blackmore’s Fish Oil 200 caps

·         Bioglan IBS Mint-Eze 90 caps