Irritable bowel syndrome, which may also be referred to as spastic colon, is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system. It differs from irritable bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis despite having some overlapping symptoms. Common symptoms include abdominal cramps and pain. Treatment of this disorder may include medication and dietary changes. One supplement to the diet that is though to reduce symptoms is peppermint, which can be administered via tea, oil or extract, or capsules.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by pain and cramping in the abdomen and difficulties with bowel movements. The cause of IBS is unknown. While the intestines themselves show no structural damage or alterations in form, the muscles of the intestines in persons with IBS may function differently, being more sensitive to contractions and movement of food through the intestines. Symptoms often begin appearing in the adolescent or early adult years and more commonly occurs in females. According to Pub Med Health, one out of every six persons suffers from symptoms of IBS.
IBS Symptoms and Treatment
As reported by Pub Med Health, the symptoms of IBS vary in individual persons. Symptoms inclduing abdominal pain and cramps, gas, diarrhea, constipation and bloating may occur. While some individuals demonstrate chronic diarrhea or constipation, others may alternate between the two. Symptoms are often inconsistent, occur after meals, and may be relieved by bowel movements. While some people experience consistent pain, others experience weeks of pain followed by a period of time where they are symptom free. The diagnosis of this disorder is often made through the process of ruling out other possible gastrointestinal problems, which may require a blood test or colonoscopy.
Treatment for this disorder may include dietary changes such as eating smaller meals, consuming more dietary fiber and avoiding foods such as wheat, milk, alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the intestinal tract or be more difficult to digest. Medications to reduce intestinal spasms, relieve constipation or diarrhea, or to relax the intestinal muscles may be helpful as well.
Peppermint
Peppermint has two ingredients that actively work as an anti-spasmodic, methyl salicylate and menthol. Peppermint has a soothing effect on the digestive tract by calming the spasms of the intestines and reducing pain. The Help for IBS website indicates that peppermint can ease pain from gas, vomiting and nausea, improve muscle function in the intestines, and soothe the entire digestive system.
Peppermint can be administered as a capsule, extract or tea. Peppermint tea can be brewed from tea bags or brew dried peppermint and run it through a tea strainer, which is the more affordable option. The effects of the peppermint in combination with the heat of hot tea acts as a muscle relaxant, providing beneficial effects for IBS symptoms. Peppermint capsules that are enteric-coated allow the capsule to pass through the stomach without being digested and into the intestine before releasing its content.
Efficacy of Peppermint in IBS
According to the Help for IBS website, peppermint oil capsules have been shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective in working to relax the intestines and relieve the pain of IBS spasms. Even candy that contains peppermint oil can prove beneficial in providing soothing effects for IBS pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies have demonstrated that peppermint capsules can help with the pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea of IBS. They report that in one study, people with IBS who took peppermint capsules twice daily for one month showed a 75 percent improvement in symptoms compared to a control group. While some research has demonstrated the efficacy of peppermint in treating IBS symptoms, they also report that some studies have shown no effect for IBS patients. It appears that peppermint can prove beneficial in reducing IBS symptoms, but only work only for specific patients.
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