Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, occurs when your intestinal muscles contract too quickly or too slowly. Sufferers may experience periods of diarrhea, constipation and cramping. Apple cider vinegar is thought by some to benefit the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in several ways. However, insufficient scientific evidence exists to prove the effectiveness of vinegar in the treatment of IBS.
Definition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized by the irregular contraction of muscles in the large intestine. IBS affects twice as many women as men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Irritable bowel syndrome may negatively affect the quality of your life, but does not result in permanent intestinal damage or disease. At some time, 10 to 20 percent of the United States population will suffer from IBS, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome may manifest itself in several ways. You may have cramping in your lower abdomen, gas and bloating. Diarrhea or constipation may occur alone or simultaneously. Mucus in the stool is also a common symptom. In addition, you may have the urge to move your bowels upon awakening and after meals, along with the feeling that bowel movements are incomplete. Sufferers of IBS usually feel relief after having a bowel movement.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome remains mostly unknown. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that IBS may be caused by a disturbance in intestinal muscle movements. Investigations have also pointed to a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract as a possible culprit, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. In addition, stress is often believed to aggravate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Production of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is produced through the fermentation of raw apples in wooden barrels. Doctor of Chiropractic and CEO of the Global Healing Center Edward F. Group recommends using raw organic and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with "the mother." Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar retains all the nutrients of the original apple, says Group. Mother is a structure of protein, which you can actually see, that adds fiber to the vinegar.
Effects of Vinegar on IBS Digestion
Apple cider vinegar is believed to help ease the digestive symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Apple cider vinegar contains components important for proper digestion, such as fiber, beta-carotene and potassium. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking a fiber supplement -- like the pectin found in apple cider vinegar -- to decrease gas, pain and cramping associated with IBS. Diagnose-Me.com recommends taking 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar before meals to assist the digestive process.
Effects of Vinegar on IBS Calcium Absorption and Infection
Apple cider vinegar may ease the pain of IBS by combating infection and increasing calcium absorption. The NDDIC reports that patients with gastroenteritis, a bacterial infection, sometimes develop IBS. Apple cider vinegar is said to fight infections, according to nutraceutical researcher Jon Barron. IBS sufferers appear to be adversely affected by calcium-containing milk products. Registered dietitian Gayle Povis Alleman states that the high acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar may help ease the absorption of essential minerals like calcium.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diagnose-Me: Vinegar
- Baseline of Health Foundation: Natural Anti-Virals, Anti- Pathogens, Anti-Bacterials to Fight Infection
- Global Healing Center: The Benefits of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
