group, ALE was an effective and well tolerated treatment for IBS.
....Many people report that stress or emotions can aggravate their IBS. This is why regular exercise and other stress reduction techniques can be helpful. Tai Chi, meditation, or deep breathing exercises are excellent ways to reduce stress. One patient also reported that regular chiropractic visits were very helpful in relieving his IBS symptoms. I find that many patients with IBS seek complementary treatments for relief. The general advice I give is that these treatments should not be overly complicated, expensive or take extended periods of time (6 months or more) to be effective. They should also consult their Peoples Pharmacist to ensure that any of the supplements recommended do not interact with their |
medications.
Lots of pure water helps with many digestive problems. One of the few supplements I recommend are ‘green’ drinks. These products are composed of numerous plant extracts, rich in phytonutrients. While I could find no scientific studies using ‘green’ drinks, many people, including myself, report greater energy and general well being when using these products. Because these products contain various herbal extracts, people with hypertension, diabetes, or taking anti-coagulants should exercise caution.
....Glutamine, an essential amino acid, is an important fuel for rapidly growing cells, especially muscle and small intestinal. Also glutamine is thought to play a role in maintaining a healthy intestinal structure. In theory, glutamine |
supplementation may help with IBS, but one study showed no benefit in Crohn’s disease. In this study, patients received either 21gm of glutamine orally or a placebo over a 4 week period. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference in intestinal permeability, Crohn’s disease activity, or nutritional status.
....Hopefully these suggestions will be helpful in improving the symptoms of IBS. Generally, most things that improve overall physical and emotional health will be beneficial. The daily symptoms of IBS can take a toll on one’s overall sense of well being. A Pharmacist’s empathy and helpful advice can go a long way.
Written By Ian Lloyd, Pharmacist & Chartered Herbalist |
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