Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very real problem for the almost 50 million people plagued with uncomfortable, often disabling symptoms like bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and pain. Yet, many people with IBS have suffered for decades without relief and have even been told “it’s all in your head” by those who couldn’t find the cause of the illness.
Some people are told to simply add more fiber to their diet, or are prescribed sedatives, anti-spasm drugs, or antidepressants. To effectively treat IBS, the underlying causes must be addressed to restore normal digestive function and health. Causes may include food allergies, a lack of digestive enzymes, parasites, or overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, yeast overgrowth, zinc or magnesium deficiency, and heavy metal toxicity. If you have questions about your bowel health, it’s important to reach out to your health care provider.
Article written by Roger Rose, RPh, Director of Pharmacy Services