For gas, bloating and abdominal pain-X Extra Strength Softgel for quick gas relief. iBGard for the dietary treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Iberogast dietary supplement to support the digestive system. Antidiarrheal medication tablets to relieve multiple symptoms of Imodium.
Some over-the-counter treatments can help improve both diarrhea and constipation due to IBS. Peppermint oil, probiotics, vitamin D, and betaglucan fiber are among the most popular options. However, peppermint oil and probiotics are the only over-the-counter products recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology for IBS. Some over-the-counter products may help with symptoms of IBS.
Products such as peppermint oil and probiotics can help alleviate general digestive symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea. Calcium causes mild constipation, and has been shown to be effective in patients with IBS who suffer from diarrhea. You can take calcium as a supplement, but you may take too much, so be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and check with your doctor first. Psyllium is a seed, also known as ispaghula, that has a high soluble fiber content.
This means that if you mix a little psyllium husk in a glass of water, a gel will form very quickly. This gel can help thicken loose stools and add hydration to dry stools, making it useful in both diarrhea and constipation situations. In addition, psyllium is not very fermentable, which means that gut bacteria won't generate a ton of gas from it. Which is good, because in IBS this gas production can cause pain if the intestinal nervous system is hypersensitized.
Sounds good, but what do the tests say? Psyllium is the only fiber that has a solid evidence base for use in IBS. The Canadian Gastroenterology Association agrees that it may be useful. Psyllium is a great way to increase fiber intake in such a gentle way for the IBS gut, as some fibers can make IBS symptoms much worse.
