Keeping a food and symptom diary is a good way to trace foods that lead to IBS attacks. The food diary should include not only time and foods eaten, but also where they were eaten, and frame of mind or mood. It is important to include every food (even the candy you eat from the bowl on your co-worker’s desk) and how it was prepared (i.e. "fried chicken", not just "chicken"). The diary should be filled out several times a day, or at the very least each evening, so nothing is forgotten. After several weeks, a physician or dietician can help in reviewing the diary to find trigger food patterns. Starting with a bland diet of "safe foods" and gradually adding a new food each day can also help in the search for specific food triggers.
Are there any supplements that help IBS symptoms?Many people with IBS may turn to supplements to augment or replace traditional medical therapy. There are supplements that may help with IBS symptoms, yet it is important to note that they may also have side effects, and their use should always be reported to physicians like any prescription drug.
Acidophilus. Acidophilus is the “good bacteria” that lives in your colon. This supplement can help the healthy gut bacteria grow, while reducing the harmful bacteria. Another source of healthy bacteria is yogurt (make sure it contains live cultures). Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may be added to acidophilus pills. FOS are carbohydrates that are not digestible by humans, but serve to help the beneficial bacteria to grow. Acidophilus comes in a capsule form, and the bacteria must be alive to be effective.
Chamomile. Chamomile is a known anti-spasmotic and can soothe the muscles in the digestive tract. While no human studies have been performed on this supplement in relation to IBS, it has been proven to reduce irritation and cramping in animals. Chamomile can be taken as a tea, or as a capsule.
Ginger. Ginger has long been known to help with nausea, and may also be helpful in stimulating peristalsis and reducing painful cramps. Ginger may be taken as a tea, a capsule, or even in food (such as Asian dishes) ginger ale (be sure to check the label to ensure the product contains a significant amount of real ginger).
Peppermint Oil. Peppermint can relax muscles throughout the digestive tract. This does help reduce spasms in the colon, but it can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause heartburn or exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux disease. Peppermint oil can be taken in either capsule or tea form. While they are most effective, capsules may cause anal irritation.
Are there any complementary or alternative therapies for IBS?Hypnosis. A ground-breaking study in 1984 showed that IBS patients treated with hypnotherapy demonstrated not only significant improvement in their symptoms, but also did not suffer relapses during the 3 month study period. Gut Directed Hypnotherapy was developed specifically for IBS patients and has been proven to reduce symptoms in 80% of cases. During a hypnosis session the patient is generally asked to relax and listen closely to the hypnotist. The hypnotist will give post hypnotic suggestions to reinforce new attitudes and perceptions that will stay with the patient after therapy has ended.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Behavior therapy helps redefine the associations between worrisome circumstances and a person’s typical reaction to them. Cognitive therapy examines the relationship between thoughts and symptoms. Together these two treatments are known as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In 1995, a study showed that people with IBS who completed 8 weeks of CBT had fewer symptoms than those who had no therapy, or who participated in a self-help group. Therapy may begin with a diary of IBS symptoms, then move on to biofeedback, positive self-talk, and reducing negative responses to stress.
