Clinical trials have shown that probiotic consumption can relieve abdominal pain and other Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
Fibre
Getting more fibre, either through food or supplements, does seem to improve some cases of IBS. Foods such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are typically low-calorie and full of vitamins and other nutrients that simply help to keep things moving!
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil, pictured right, is thought to be a natural anti-spasmodic, and it seems to be beneficial, maybe not for constipation or diarrhea, but specifically for those who do have a lot of pain.
Digestive enzymes
Prescription digestive enzymes supplements were created originally for people who suffer with pancreatic insufficiency. This means that their pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes to digest their food properly. Pancreatic insufficiency usually develops from prolonged inflammation of the pancreas, cystic fibrosis or a blockage, where the enzymes can’t move properly into the intestine.
Prescription pancreatic enzyme supplements have research supporting their use and have been successfully used in treating patients with pancreatic insufficiency for many years.
As a result, companies started to create less concentrated enzyme supplements to sell over the counter intended to help people suffering with digestive health issues. These products are usually a blend of amylase, protease, lipase, and plant-source enzymes like bromelain and papain (naturally found in pineapple and papaya). These plant sourced enzymes are types of proteases, and are supposed to help break down protein.
The idea behind digestive enzyme supplements for gastro-intestinal distress is that they are supposed to help digest the food before the bacteria in the gut gets a chance to use it. In theory, it prevents the fermentation of undigested food by gut bacteria to reduce bloating, gas and abdominal pain.
Chlorella
Chlorella (pictured above) is my all time favourite super food for anyone with IBS. It helps promote the good bacteria in the gut, it is gentle on the digestive system and provides a massive amount of minerals and vitamins for the body, which in turn helps to support the immune system.
I prefer to use it in powder form with my clients simply because you can control exactly how much you need to use. Remember, this is a super food, therefore, your body can recognise it as a food, so will be able to absorb it easier than a supplement or medication. For a maintenance dose you only need half a teaspoon per day three times per day.
I would recommend you use it in coconut water or a green vegetable smoothie. I give demonstrations all the time to my clients regarding making a super green healthy smoothie that you can mix with some good super foods in.
This has such a healing effect on the gut and when demonstrated it makes people realise how easy it is to make and it really doesn’t take more than a few minutes of your time from chopping, to blending, to drinking! It’s the perfect recipe to heal the gut!
For anyone with any health concerns, or you would just like to know more about staying healthy, I now run evening sessions, talks and demonstrations in the comfort of your own home.
So why not get a group of friends together for your very own ‘health evening’!
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