Abdominal distention, bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea characterize irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, a chronic, functional bowel disorder, according to Medline Plus. The number of people who suffer from IBS is 10 to 15 percent of the US population and nine to 23 percent of the world population, according to The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Probiotics
Probiotics provide live bacteria to the gut. The purpose for providing live bacteria to the gut is to restore normal gut flora in hopes of improving digestion. Studies show improvement in symptoms with use of probiotics. Lactobacillus plantarum is an example of a probiotic that reduces flatulence, according to the "American Journal of Gastroenterology." A probiotic cocktail of various bacteria showed less bloating in the "Alimentary, Pharmacology and Therapeutics" journal. Another study indicated that treatment with Lactobacillus salivarius and Bifdobacterium infantis reduced pain and bloating in 2005 "Gastroenterology" journal. .
Prebiotics
Prebiotics can alleviate symptoms. Prebiotics can optimize or improve the ecology of the gut. The fiber nutrients migrate to the colon undigested to exert their beneficial effects: to promote beneficial bacteria growth. Researchers encourage prebiotics as they improve IBS symptoms as explained in the 1998 "British Journal of Nutrition." The fiber found in onions, asparagus and bananas feature the same type of fiber found prebiotics.
Glutamine
The goal of healing IBS symptoms involves improving the gut and promoting growth of the stomach lining; glutamine assists in this process. Glutamine, a non essential amino acid, plays a role in protein metabolism. It can improve gut integrity, as well as reduce inflammation in the gut. Inflammation in the gut is prominent in IBS sufferers as evidenced by symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea and discomfort. Glutamine serves as the fuel for the stomach cells and regulates stomach barrier function. Sources of glutamine include fish, meat, beans and dairy products. Glutamine can also be found in supplement form and should be taken as directed by a physician.
References
- Medline Plus: Medical Dictionary
- The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Statistics
- American Journal of Gastroenterology; Alteration of Intestinal Microflora is Associated with Reduction in Abdominal Bloating and Pain in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Nobaek S., et al.; 2000.
- Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- "Gastroenterology"; Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptom Responses and Relationship to Cytokine Profiles; O"Mahoney L, et al.: 2005
- "British Journal of Nutrition" Dietary modulation of the human gut microflora using prebiotics; Gibson GR, et al., 1998
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