Comments on: Irritable bowel syndrome treatments. New proof, old remedies.

By: James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor Blog » Blog Archive » Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Updated recommendations from the American College of Gastroenterology

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:11:28 +0000

[...] Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects 20 percent of the adult U.S. population. Although it does not actually harm the intestines, it can wreak havoc on the sufferer with any combination of abdominal bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation. In a recent post I reported a study showing the old standby treatments of fiber, peppermint oil and…. [...]

By: James Hubbard

James Hubbard — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:47:47 +0000

Thanks Cathy. I am glad he is able to control it well. Keep the stress down.

By: cathy

cathy — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:16:55 +0000

Great article! I’ve never heard of using peppermint oil to treat IBS. My husband has IBS. He’s been very successful managing it with diet (he knows his triggers) and exercise, but it can still flare up. Stress is a huge trigger for him. More recently, he’s been taking a probiotic blend that his doctor recommended and has seen positive results.

cathys last blog post..And the winners are…

By: James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H. — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:56 +0000

Blake, I think the same rules apply, exercise and eating healthy. She should check with her doctor before any antispasmotic meds, prescription, otc or supplements.
Thanks

By: James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H. — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:58:30 +0000

Thanks Ralph. I am sure someone is testing probiotics, but I don’t no the results.

By: Blake

Blake — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:15:55 +0000

My wife’s IBS isn’t as bad when she’s getting regular exercise and eating right. She used to be on Doxepin (I think that’s how you spell it) and I think that helped but she went off it before she got pregant. Lately she has been complaining a bit about IBS pain. Anything we should know about IBS and pregnancy? Or do same rules apply?

Blakes last blog post..Success is a Choice

By: Ralph

Ralph — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:46:52 +0000

This confirms what a lot of us feel works. I wonder when they will look at probiotics as well.

One natural thing that my wife bought at a healhth food store has helped me, it combines peppermint and antispasmodic herbs, it is called IBSuppress or IBS Suppress.

Just goes to show that expensive does not mean better. And that we may be able to get relief/help without Rx meds that have serious side effects.

Good luck to all.

By: James Hubbard

James Hubbard — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:36:15 +0000

Super Healthy Kids–Thanks for the interesting perspective. As you know, ulcerative colitis is a different disease with different treatments from IBS, but you are right. We all have to find what works for us.

By: Super Healthy Kids

Super Healthy Kids — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:46:21 +0000

This is a tough one, since everyone is so different. Interestingly I found ibprofen really exascerbated my symptoms. I have ulcerative colitis and the h.pylori bacteria. But I am almost symptom free if I don't take any type of pain medication! But like I said, everyone is different, you have to find what helps you. Super Healthy Kidss last blog post..It looks like ice cream….