Take Your Prescribed Recommendations for IBS-D
To alleviate symptoms and improve bowel movements in those suffering from IBS-D, supplements and prescribed medication may be helpful. But, not all supplements are equal.
This article will cover the most recommended medications and supplements for managing IBS-D symptoms and improving digestive health. However, because everybody is different, it's crucial to follow the supplement and medication routine prescribed by your Salvo Health provider.
If you're considering any changes to your routine, please consult with your doctor in Chat before taking any new supplements.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that dissolves in the gut to form a gel-like substance. Dietary supplementation is both safe and effective in improving IBS symptoms. Dietary fiber acts on the gastrointestinal tract by bulking up the stool, improving the movement of gut contents through the intestine, promoting beneficial bacteria, and even regulating the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Dietary fiber can have other health benefits as well including lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, and helping promote a healthy weight.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a functional food high in both soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed may be useful for both constipation and diarrhea due to its laxative and stool-bulking properties respectively.
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid, produced by the body and consumed in protein-rich foods from both plants and animals. Glutamine is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the gut lining, but stores can be depleted during times of illness, stress, or infection leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. Supplementation with L-glutamine has been shown to aid in cellular repair and decrease IBS symptoms when accompanied by an IBS-friendly diet.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a well-known plant often found in households, appreciated for its ability to heal wounds. It contains more than 75 compounds that possess numerous therapeutic properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. Analysis of several studies shows that aloe extracts may be beneficial in reducing overall symptoms of IBS.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant - a common herb used to flavor food and as a fragrance in personal care products. When taken orally, peppermint oil has been shown to safely reduce the discomfort experienced with IBS. This is because the L-menthol found in peppermint oil relaxes the smooth muscle in the gut leading to fewer spasms and less pain. In fact, peppermint oil is recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology to reduce the discomfort and overall symptoms associated with IBS.
Rifaximin
Because altered bacteria in the gut play a role in IBS symptoms, antibiotics have been used to try to “weed out” some of the unhelpful bacteria. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that works locally in the GI tract. In fact, less than 1% of rifaximin is absorbed systemically into the body which may explain why side effects are similar to placebo. Research shows that rifaximin can provide significant relief of IBS symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, and loose or watery stools, and is recommended as a first-line treatment by the American College of Gastroenterology for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Loperamide
Loperamide is an over-the-counter medication that slows down movement through the gut giving your body more time to reabsorb fluid which leads to firmer stools. When taken episodically for those with diarrhea as their predominant IBS symptom, this medication can improve stool consistency and frequency, while decreasing overall discomfort.
Eluxadoline
Eluxadoline also works by slowing down transit through the gut, but unlike loperamide which is taken as needed, eluxadoline is taken on a daily basis. For patients with IBS-D, treatment with eluxadoline led to a significant decrease in diarrhea symptoms over a 6 month period. Pancreatitis is a rare side effect that was observed in patients taking Eluxadoline. If you have a history of heavy alcohol use or had your gallbladder out in the past, your doctor may suggest something different.2
Tricyclic Antidepressants
It is becoming increasingly obvious that there is a profound connection between the gut and the brain, disruptions of which may lead to symptoms of IBS. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline are especially useful in treating the abdominal discomfort associated with IBS, likely due to their effect on neurotransmitters that regulate pain such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Tricyclic antidepressants are well tolerated in low doses and have been shown to be effective in improving symptoms of IBS.2,3
Probiotics
A growing body of evidence suggests that alterations in the microbiome, or bacteria living in the gut, contribute to the onset and symptomatology of irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics, or “good bacteria” may be useful in treating IBS. Studies show that certain strains of bacteria are more effective than others at reducing symptoms including Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus faecium, and Bifidobacterium.