Are you plagued by the frustrating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? You’re definitely not alone! It is estimated that 5-10% of people worldwide suffer from IBS (1). If you’re determined to take control of your IBS, supplements might just be the answer you’re searching for. But how do IBS supplements work? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of IBS, what can trigger symptoms, and how IBS supplements can help you get your gut back on track.
Symptoms of IBS:
The symptoms of IBS are known to be unpredictable, as they may vary from day to day. While some days you may encounter multiple symptoms, other days may bring a sense of relief with fewer or no symptoms at all. Furthermore, the specific symptoms experienced by individuals with IBS can differ significantly. These are some of the most common symptoms of IBS (2):
Different Types of IBS
Similar to the unpredictability of IBS symptoms, the categorization of IBS also varies from one individual to another. Here are the three most recognized types of IBS (3):
IBS-C – Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation. It is characterized by hard stools that are difficult to pass. People with IBS-C will usually have more constipation than diarrhea.
IBS-D – Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diarrhea. It usually presents itself through loose and watery stools. People with IBS-D will usually have more diarrhea than constipation.
IBS-M – a combination of both IBS-C and IBS-D, meaning that the individual experiences both constipation and diarrhea on a regular basis. This type of IBS is the most difficult to manage, as the symptoms can vary greatly from one day to the next.
IBS Triggers
An IBS flare-up has the power to throw your entire day into chaos, striking you unexpectedly and without warning. While the causes of IBS are often unknown, there are some triggers that seem to be common amongst IBS sufferers, most notably stress and diet.
Stress
Stress can trigger IBS by causing changes in the way the digestive system functions. The gut-brain axis, which connects the central nervous system to the enteric nervous system in the gut, is affected by stress. This can lead to alterations in gut motility, sensitivity, and permeability, resulting in the symptoms associated with IBS such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (4).
Diet
Diet can also be a trigger for IBS. Eating foods that are high in fat, fiber, or sugar can cause cramping, bloating, and other digestive issues. Common triggers include certain spices, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and processed foods (5). Eating large meals or eating too quickly can also cause digestive distress. Additionally, certain food allergies or intolerances like dairy (6) or gluten (7) may cause an IBS flare-up.
So, How Do IBS Supplements Work?
IBS supplements can work in a variety of ways to soothe the symptoms associated with the condition as well as help prevent future IBS flare-ups. A high-quality IBS supplement will not only aid in controlling diarrhea or constipation by providing soluble fiber or natural laxatives, but will also help ease intestinal spasms. These supplements achieve this by incorporating ingredients like Peppermint, Fennel, and Ginger, which have antispasmodic properties and can significantly reduce painful cramps. Additionally, a beneficial IBS supplement will include digestive enzymes that help break down difficult-to-digest carbohydrates like lactose or fructose, which can cause bloating and discomfort. These enzymes improve gut mobility and lessen gastrointestinal discomfort. Lastly, IBS supplements may contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like Turmeric, which helps combat inflammation in the gut that leads to bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.
Below, we look more closely at the ingredients in effective IBS supplements and how they work with the body to manage IBS symptoms.
Ingredients to Look For
The key to a truly effective IBS supplement lies in its formula. You want to make sure to choose a supplement that contains a combination of different ingredients that target various symptoms associated with IBS. These are the essential ingredients you should look out for:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining optimal intestinal health. Those with IBS tend to have lower levels of Vitamin D (8).
Psyllium
Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with IBS. It can help regulate bowel movements, improve gut motility, and alleviate constipation or diarrhea (9).
Perilla Leaf
Part of the mint family, this leaf is known to help improve digestive health and gastrointestinal issues (10).
Peppermint Leaf
Peppermint has been shown to soothe cramps and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (11).
Aloe Vera
Used for its soothing effects on the intestinal lining, which can help reduce abdominal cramps, alleviate gas and bloating as well as provide natural constipation relief (12).
Ginger Root
Used for centuries for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support digestive health (13).
Turmeric
Widely used for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Turmeric has also been shown to help reduce symptoms associated with IBS (14).
Long Pepper
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, this plant is an effective ingredient for managing the discomfort and pain caused by IBS (15).
Fennel
Assists in promoting peristalsis, the sequential muscle contractions of the intestinal walls that move food through the digestive tract (16).
Cumin
A spice that is widely used for its ability to help relieve constipation or diarrhea in IBS patients (17).
Natural Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to help reduce bloating and promote regular bowel movements (18).
BioPerine®
Helps enhance the bioavailability of nutrients, resulting in a more effective supplement (19).
How To Choose The Best IBS Supplement
When looking for the best IBS supplement, it’s essential to ensure that it contains all the necessary ingredients listed above. Furthermore, it’s crucial to choose a supplement company that adheres to stringent cGMP guidelines during production and conducts third-party testing on all ingredients. Additionally, a company that offers a 100% money-back guarantee demonstrates confidence in their product’s effectiveness.
IBS Relief by Research Verified® is an exceptional formula that meets all of the above criteria. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out the real customer reviews to see how IBS Relief has helped people just like you find relief from their IBS symptoms.
