Resources for IBS patients (My Recommended Products).
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- Evidence-based
- Written by a doctor.
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be challenging, but thankfully, there are resources available that can help manage the symptoms. This article explores some of the best over-the-counter (OTC) products and supplements that can relieve IBS patients.
Here is a summary of the product resources discussed in this page:
| Product | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| IBgard for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Reducing abdominal pain, bloating, and regulating gut motility | IBgard |
| Imodium A-D Anti-Diarrheal Softgels | Treating and controlling severe IBS diarrhea. | Imodium |
| MetaMucil | First line for treating IBS constipation. It also helps the control of blood sugar and cholesterol. | Metamucil |
| MiraLAX Laxative Powder | Treating IBS constipation and making stools softer and easier to pass | MiraLAX |
| Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic | Restoring the natural balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract and promoting a balanced gut microbiome | Culturelle |
1- Peppermint Oil (IBGard): A Natural Antispasmodic for IBS Relief
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduces abdominal pain and bloating | It may cause heartburn in larger doses |
| Regulates gut motility, beneficial for IBS diarrhea | Rare side effects include allergic reactions, headaches, and burning anorectal pain |
| Widely used and well-studied | Long-term use (over one month) should be under a doctor’s supervision |
Top Pick for Peppermint Oil: IBgard for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Peppermint oil is a popular natural remedy for IBS, known for its safety and effectiveness. The secret behind its soothing effects is a compound called menthol.
How does peppermint oil work for IBS?
Peppermint oil works wonders for IBS in several ways:
- It reduces the contractions of the smooth muscles in the colon, alleviating abdominal pain.
- It regulates gut motility, making it particularly beneficial for IBS with diarrhea.
- It helps to reduce IBS symptoms like gas and bloating.
When and How to Take Peppermint Oil
Clinical trials have shown that peppermint oil can be used as a first-line therapy for abdominal pain due to its efficacy and safety compared to other prescription antispasmodics.
Peppermint oil can be used for:
- IBS abdominal pain
- IBS gas and bloating
- IBS diarrhea
- Mild constipation
When taking peppermint oil, opt for enteric-coated capsules as they bypass the stomach and cause fewer side effects. The usual dose is 1 or 2 capsules three times daily. Please consult your doctor if you plan to use it for over a month.
Peppermint Oil Side Effects
Peppermint oil is generally safe, with minimal side effects that usually only appear in larger doses. The most common side effect is heartburn, but the capsule form of peppermint oil protects your stomach from this side effect. Rare side effects include allergic reactions, headaches, and burning anorectal pain.
For more information about peppermint oil for IBS, check out these resources:
WebMD peppermint oil drug information
A review study about peppermint oil for IBS.
Where to Buy Online: IBgard for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at Amazon.com
2- Loperamide or Imodium: The Go-To OTC Drug for IBS-Diarrhea
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective for IBS diarrhea | Not suitable for IBS constipation |
| Increases absorption of fluid and nutrients | It may cause constipation, especially with higher doses |
| Generally safe with rare side effects | Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, and abdominal cramps |
Loperamide, Imodium, is a safe and effective drug for people with IBS-predominant diarrhea.
How Imodium Works
Imodium works by:
- Slowing down the movement of your intestines, thus slowing down the passage of contents.
- Increasing the absorption of fluid and nutrients from your intestine into the blood.
- Preventing the secretion of fluids into your intestinal lumen, thus preventing the formation of loose stools.
When and How to Take Imodium
Imodium can be taken if you have IBS diarrhea with or without abdominal pain. A mixed type of IBS is also beneficial, where constipation alternates with diarrhea.
However, Imodium should not be taken if:
- You have IBS constipation.
- You are using Buscopan IBS relief.
- Your diarrhea is not due to IBS (diarrhea not associated with food, awakens you at night, or is associated with fever). In such cases, it’s better to consult your doctor.
- You have IBS pain without diarrhea.
- You have dysentery, inflammatory bowel syndrome, or membranous colitis.
According to this study, the recommended dose for IBS diarrhea is usually 2 to 4 milligrams (mg) daily. The maximum daily dose for adults is 16 mg, but it’s recommended never to exceed 8 mg daily. Each Imodium tablet contains 2 mg of loperamide and is taken once daily. You can increase the dose gradually to 4 or 6 milligrams per day until the diarrhea stops.
Imodium Side Effects
Imodium is generally safe, with rare side effects. They include constipation (especially with higher doses), nausea, dizziness, and abdominal cramps.
For more information about Imodium, check out these resources:
Where to Buy Online: Imodium A-D Anti-Diarrheal Softgels at Amazon.com
3- Metamucil: The Best Soluble-Fiber Supplement for IBS Constipation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective for IBS constipation | No benefit for IBS-diarrhea or mixed types of IBS |
| Also known for reducing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure | Must be taken with a large amount of water |
| The dose can be adjusted based on individual needs | It may cause bloating and gas in some people |
Psyllium, the main ingredient in Metamucil, is a soluble fiber used mainly to treat constipation. It also reduces blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Recent evidence suggests that psyllium can benefit people with IBS constipation. However, it has no benefit for IBS-diarrhea or the mixed type of IBS.
How to Take Metamucil
Start with a low dose of 5 gm of psyllium powder three times daily, with a large amount of water (at least 200 CCs). It can be taken with or without food. You can increase the dose gradually the next day if constipation persists (for example, 10 grams thrice daily).
Where to Buy Online: Metamucil at Amazon.com
4- MiraLAX: The Best Polyethylene Glycol (Laxative) for IBS Constipation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective for IBS constipation | Not suitable for pregnant women |
| Helps make stools softer and easier to pass | It may cause severe bloating and distension |
| It can be taken once daily | Should not be taken for more than two weeks unless prescribed |
MiraLAX Laxative Powder at Amazon.com
Polyethylene glycol, the active ingredient in MiraLAX, is an osmotic laxative. This means it retains water within your stool, making it softer and easier to pass. This randomized controlled trial showed that polyethylene glycol can help alleviate constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
How to Take MiraLAX
MiraLAX is available in powder and fluid forms and is taken with a large amount of water. It’s taken once daily. Always follow the exact amount indicated in the prescription leaf.
5- Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic: The Best Probiotic for IBS.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains clinically studied Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG | Results may vary among individuals |
| Helps restore the natural balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract | Some people may experience digestive upset when first starting |
| Promotes a balanced gut microbiome | Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before starting any new regimen. |
Probiotics have been gaining attention for their potential benefits in managing IBS symptoms. Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic stands out as a top choice among the many options available.
Why Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic?
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), one of the most clinically studied probiotic strains. It’s designed to help restore the natural balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract, which can be disrupted by diet, stress, travel, or certain medications.
How Does Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Work?
The LGG strain in Culturelle works by:
- Boosting your digestive system’s natural defenses.
- Helping your digestive system work better.
- Promoting a balanced gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestive health.
How to Take Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
Taking Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic is simple:
- Adults: Take one capsule daily. Capsules can be opened and mixed into cool food or drink.
- For optimal results, daily use is suggested.
Cultural Digestive Daily Probiotic Side Effects
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic is generally safe with minimal side effects. However, as with any supplement, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.
Where to Buy Online: Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic at Amazon.com
