Review of the use of probiotics to treat irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome treatments vary hugely as do the symptoms, which vary from mild abdominal discomfort, to severe cramping pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and gas. Nobody really knows the causes although many people believe that it is stress related and sometimes genetic.

Prescription medicines are available but many people find that these can trigger side effects such as nausea, headaches and chest pain. Low-dose antidepressants can also be helpful.

Popular over the counter medicines include anti-diarrhoea medicines such as Imodium but these should only be taken as needed. Laxatives such as bran or Fybogel are popular, these are bulk forming laxatives. However, some people find these make symptoms worse. Lactulose is an alternative to bulk-forming agents; it increases the amount of water absorbed into the large bowel but can cause wind. Stronger bowel-stimulating laxatives such as Senna should not be used routinely unless under a doctor’s advice. Antispasmodic medicines such as Colofac and peppermint oil capsules may help with pain and wind.

Increasing in popularity as Irritable bowel symptom treatments are probiotics.

These are food supplements containing live bacteria and yeasts that help restore the balance of the bacteria in the gut. Although bacteria are often thought to be harmful

There are many good bacteria that live in our bodies that keep us healthy. Good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract may prevent harmful organisms from growing in the bowel or entering the body through the intestine.

Probiotics are available as food supplements in capsule or tablet from pharmacies or health food shops. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow the recommended dosage. Probiotics can also now be bought as yoghurts or drinks.

Review of the use of aloe vera drinking gel to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is now the most common disorder of the bowel in the industrialised world and the most frequent cause for referral to a Gastroenterologist by GPs. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 people suffer from this disorder.

IBS has a number of symptoms that vary from person to person; the most common features are abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation. Although generally this does not affect the sufferers’ general health or weight, it can be an extremely debilitating and embarrassing condition and prevent them getting on with their lives. It is often associated with stress, anxiety, emotional upset and depression.

Conventional treatment is not very effective and usually consists of dietary change to an increased fibre intake, anti-diarrhoea or bulking agents, anti-spasmodic drugs, anti-depressants, counselling and/or hypnotherapy. No uniformly successful treatment exists for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Aloe Vera is often called the ‘Miracle Plant’ or the ‘Natural Healer’ Greek and Roman physicians used it as a medicinal herb as did ancient Chinese and Indian cultures. Egyptian queens particularly Cleopatra used it in their quest for physical beauty and legend suggests it was used by Alexander the Great.

Aloe is a natural healer from the inside out; the inner leaf gel contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals, 19 of the 20 amino acids needed by the human body and seven of the eight essential ones that just cannot be made. It is a natural anti-inflammatory with pain killing properties; and has a wonderfully beneficial action on bowel function which results in smooth and efficient transit of contents eradicating colicky pain. Aloe is a natural balancer in many areas but particularly inside the gut, it regulates gut flora and increases the absorption of nutrients, particularly protein. It balances the immune system and has a calming effect on the mood.

I believe that drinking Aloe Vera daily is the best treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.