Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists, is also one of the least understood. The American College of Gastroenterology recently took a look at what may — and what probably won’t — help manage the condition.
Getting the thumbs up: peppermint oil and certain prescription drugs (hyo scine, cimetropium, and pinaverium) provide short-term relief of abdominal discomfort; and, for overall improvement, phyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (is paghula husk), and probiotics containing bifidobacteria in combination or as a single ingredient.
In general, the ACG experts advise that colon imaging and testing for food allergies is not recommended for people with typical IBS symptoms. Data also showed that dietary wheat or corn bran and the probiotic Lactobacilli are un likely to be of benefit.
For the complete report from the American College of Gastroenterology, visit nature.com/ajg/journal/v104/n1s/index.html.
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