Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a bowel disorder associated with abdominal discomfort, constipation and several other symptoms. IBS, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders among Americans, and it usually affects women more often than men. Dietary supplements are an often safe and effective method of treating this health problem, but you should avoid treating your IBS with supplements until you have talked with your doctor.
IBS Background Information
IBS is a condition that affects your large intestine and is a chronic, or long-lasting, health problem. FamilyDoctor states that IBS causes food to move too quickly or too slowly through your intestinal tract, causing the pain and other symptoms--cramping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea--that characterize this disorder. Other common IBS-related symptoms include mucus in your stool, the feeling of incomplete stool evacuation after a bowel movement and a strong urge to defecate.
IBS Supplements
Two of the safest and most effective IBS supplements may be Lactobacillus acidophilus and peppermint oil, states Joseph Pizzorno, a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine." Other supplements that may commonly be used in treating your IBS include essential fatty acids, quercetin, proteolytic enzymes, N-acetylglucosamine, garlic, L-glutamine, chamomile and fenugreek. Many of these supplements are time-honored treatments for IBS, although not all of these supplements may have been extensively studied in a laboratory setting.
Supplement in Focus
N-acetylglucosamine, or N-A-G, may be one of the safest and most effective dietary supplements in treating your IBS. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," N-A-G, a glucose derivative, is a principle component of your intestinal wall and the barrier layer that guards the lining of your intestines from digestive enzymes and other injurious intestinal contents. N-A-G has been used in treating several autoimmune conditions.
Warning
IBS, though not life-threatening, can lower your quality of life and keep you from working, traveling or attending certain social events. If you suffer from IBS, meet with your health care practitioner to discuss safe and effective strategies to help combat your condition and to regain control of your life. Always discuss dosage, side effects and possible medication interactions with a clinical nutrition specialist before taking dietary supplements to help treat your IBS.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- FamilyDoctor.org: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
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