Drug-Free Help for a Common Digestive Condition
24 April 2008
A new review offers good news for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): therapies that use diet, herbs, probiotics, and behavioral strategies may help ease symptoms and be useful additions or alternatives to medications.
IBS, one of the most common conditions diagnosed by doctors, affects approximately one in five Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. IBS may cause annoying and uncomfortable symptoms such as cramping, pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Its exact cause is unknown but stress and diet may trigger symptoms.
Treatment often focuses on the use of various medications designed to control intestinal spasm, diarrhea, or constipation. However, these medications often fall short of fully addressing symptoms. The review looked at the effectiveness of the following nondrug therapies:
• Diet: There is substantial evidence from randomized controlled trials that eating more soluble fiber may reduce IBS symptoms and improve constipation more effectively than placebo. Elimination diets, in which a person avoids certain foods for a period of time and then reintroduces them one by one, may help determine if certain foods are contributing to symptoms. One study found that people who followed an elimination diet had improved symptoms compared with those not on the diet.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are microorganisms, such as “healthy” bacteria, that can benefit a person's health. The review found that in one randomized controlled trial IBS symptoms and quality of life improved for people who used a probiotic formula (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) compared with placebo.
• Herbs: Herbs such as lavender, licorice, peppermint, and chamomile have been studied for their role in alleviating IBS. Certain herbal preparations may reduce symptoms, but further studies are needed.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: People who participate in cognitive behavioral therapy and educational sessions, along with reading self-help material, may experience relief from symptoms and fewer doctor's visits.
• Hypnosis: A systematic review that included 644 people with IBS found that 80% who underwent hypnosis reported improvement in symptoms.
The review also noted that the American College of Gastroenterology supports the use of behavioral therapies including relaxation techniques, hypnosis, and psychotherapy to help improve IBS symptoms.
(J Fam Pract 2008;57:57-58)
Jane Hart, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, serves in a variety of professional roles including consultant, journalist, and educator. Dr. Hart, a Clinical Instructor at Case Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, writes extensively about health and wellness and a variety of other topics for nationally recognized organizations, Web sites, and print publications. Sought out for her expertise in the areas of integrative and preventive medicine, she is frequently quoted by national and local media. Dr. Hart is a professional lecturer for healthcare professionals, consumers, and youth and is a regular corporate speaker.