Subject: Natural Treatment for IBS

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Natural Treatment for IBS

 

Q.

What is a good natural treatment for the irritable bowel syndrome?

A.

First of all, let me define the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It

is a disorder of the large intestine that is characterized by some

combination of: (1) abdominal pain, (2) altered bowel function,

constipation, or diarrhea, (3) increased secretion of colonic mucus,

(4) dyspeptic symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia), and (5)

varying degrees of anxiety or depression.

 

IBS has been referred to in the past as nervous indigestion, spastic

colitis, mucous colitis, and intestinal neurosis.

 

There appears to be four major natural treatments: (1) increasing

dietary fiber, (2) eliminating allergic/intolerant foods, (3)

controlling psychological components, and (4) using a special

preparation of peppermint oil that is " enteric coated. "

 

Enteric coating involves coating the capsule in a manner that will

not allow the capsule to break down until after it has passed

through the stomach and into the small intestine.

 

Enteric coating is necessary, as menthol (the major constituent of

peppermint oil) and other volatile compounds in peppermint oil would

cause relaxation of

the sphincter separating the esophagus and the stomach.

 

Without enteric coating, a significant amount of heartburn can be

produced.

Several double-blind studies have shown enteric-coated peppermint

oil capsules to be a very effective treatment of the irritable bowel

syndrome.

 

Roughly eight out of people gain benefit from their IBS

symptoms. The typical recommendation for enteric-coated peppermint

oil is (0.2 ml) three to four times daily, 15-30 minutes before

meals, for one month.

 

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