What Helps Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Probiotics are live microorganisms that naturally live in the human body. They typically include strains from the common bacteria groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as well as the yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii. Found naturally in fermented foods (kombucha, tempeh, kimchi, miso and sauerkraut) and dairy (yogurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese), probiotics are part of the microbiome or the healthy community of organisms that keep the body healthy.

Probiotics may help IBS by reducing pain and symptom severity.

Peppermint also known as Mentha x piperita is a hybrid cross between watermint and spearmint. Native to Europe and the Middle East, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes since Ancient Egypt. First cultivated in England in the 17th century, Peppermint is named from Greek mythology and has been revered for its antibacterial properties, as a digestive aid, muscle relaxer, and stimulant.

Peppermint may help IBS by reducing pain and symptoms.

Ginger is a tropical, green-purple, flowering plant from the Zingiberaceae family closely related to cardamom and turmeric. The oily resin from its rhizome contains many biochemic compounds including gingerol regarded for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been widely used throughout ancient Sanskrit, Chinese, Greek, Roman, and Arabic history for its medical properties treating ailments like colds and nausea.

Ginger may help IBS due to its antiemetic properties, but clinical evidence is inconclusive.

Psyllium is a soluble fiber made from the ground husks of Plantago ovata plant seeds. It is a prebiotic inducing the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the human body, as well as a widely-used laxative. Grown worldwide, it is most common to India.

Psyllium may help IBS by reducing symptoms, but clinical evidence is inconclusive.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid produced naturally in the human body that serves as a protein building block. Proteins are required for the structure, function and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. L-Glutamine is naturally present in foods including meat, poultry, seafood (sardines, crab, lobster), dairy (milk, yogurt, eggs), vegetables (cabbage, spinach, kale, parsley) and seeds (pumpkin, chia). It serves as a fuel source for immune cells and contributes to intestinal health.

L-Glutamine may help post-infectious IBS with diarrhea by reducing symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is a psychotherapy centered on bringing awareness to inaccurate or negative thinking, therefore altering behavioral patterns. In addition to helping individuals manage stressful situations, CBT is used in the treatment of mental health disorders including depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

As psychological processes are a factor in IBS, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may help IBS by improving symptoms, but access to treatment is limited.

A key component in Chinese medicine, Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to create a small immune response to promote circulation and healing. Known traditionally as rebalancing energy flow or “qi”, Acupuncture is commonly used to treat pain, manage stress, and for overall wellness.

As psychological processes are a factor in IBS, Acupuncture may help by affecting the visceral system, but clinical evidence is inconclusive.