A Natural Protocol for IBS

Each year in America, patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) make more than two million visits to the doctor. The knee-jerk reaction of most physicians is to whip out prescriptions for anti-diarrheals, antispasmodics, and even antidepressants. However, there are a number of safe, natural, and effective treatments for this very common condition.

Supplement Solutions

One of my top supplement recommendations for IBS is glutamine. The most prevalent amino acid in the body, glutamine is renowned for its healing properties in the gut. Glutamine is an inexpensive and easy way to protect your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bolster overall digestive health.

Chronic stress and anxiety can also exacerbate symptoms of IBS, and that’s where another amino acid—gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—comes in.

In addition to these amino acids, I also recommend probiotics for IBS. Clinical studies show that probiotic supplements help normalize the bacterial makeup of the intestinal tract, alleviating bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and other GI disturbances that often accompany this disorder.

Diet Dos and Don’ts

Diet can certainly affect the severity of IBS. Try eliminating common trigger foods one at a time to see if your symptoms improve. The usual suspects include caffeine, alcohol, sugar substitutes, dairy products, corn, citrus foods, eggs, and peanuts.

You should also incorporate more fiber (at least 30 g) into your daily diet. Eating more vegetables, legumes, and fruits is a good start, but adding a fiber supplement and/or ¼-cup freshly ground flaxseed may also be prudent. Also, cut back on excess sugars and starches. They’re a favorite food of the bacteria that reside in the gut, which is why they cause gas and bloating.

Suggested doses are glutamine, 2–3 g daily; and GABA, 750 mg 1–3 times per day as needed. Because amino acids are best absorbed on an empty stomach, you should take them 30 minutes before or two hours after meals.

Contact Dr Benson, [email protected], or call office 952-707-8588 to order and receive a 20% discount on glutamine, GABA, probiotics, and fiber supplements.

Photo by Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash 

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