ibs supplements
This section lists over-the-counter supplements and natural remedies which can be used in treating irritable bowel syndrome.
Fiber is a mainstay of IBS treatment. Sufferers often react badly to traditional ways of increasing fiber such as eating lots of bran, and so a more gentle fiber supplement can help. There are differences between the main brands however and you may need to experiment with different types of fiber before you find one that suits you. With all fiber supplements, make sure you start off taking a small amount and increase your dose gradually to avoid excess gas and bloating.
I have written a brief guide to fiber supplements to help answer some frequently asked fiber questions. Mineral supplements such as calcium can be very useful for IBS, and Caltrate Plus Calcium is a favorite with diarrhea sufferers. Probiotics contain friendly bacteria that can aid digestion.
If you live in the UK there are also some UK-specific supplements to look at.
The supplements are listed alphabetically in the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the screen, and they are listed below by category.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera
A plant extract sometimes used as a laxative.
Anti-depressant supplements
St John's Wort
A herb used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
Digestive enzymes
Digestive enzymes
Enzymes are used to break food down in the body, and a lack of sufficient enzymes may cause digestive problems.
Probiotics
Activia
A probiotic yogurt drink which may speed up digestive transit.
Align
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 probiotic in capsules.
Bifantis
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 probiotic in capsules.
Culturelle
A probiotic containing the lactobacillus GG strain of bacteria, 10 billion per capsule.
Flora Source
A probiotic containing many difference strains of bacteria.
Florastor
A yeast-based probiotic which contains saccharomyces boulardii lyo.
Lactinex
Granules which contains bacteria from the lactobacillus strain.
LP299V
A product containing lactobacillus plantarum bactiera.
VSL3
Sachets containing 450 billion lactic acid bacteria and bifobacteria.
Yakult
A probiotic milky drink that is said to support the health of the gut.
Fiber supplements
If you have never used a fiber supplement before then have a look at the guide which helps you choose a fiber supplement. Perhaps the most important tip is to carefully check the ingredients of these supplements, because some of them contain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol which can worsen bowel symptoms.
Acacia fiber
Soluble fiber. The best-known brand is Tummy Fiber, from Heather Van Vorous.
Benefiber
A non-flavored fiber supplement made from guar gum.
Citrucel
A methylcellulose fiber.
Equalactin
Calcium polycarbophil tablets marketed specifically to IBS sufferers.
Fiberchoice
A supplement made from inulin fiber.
Fibercon
Calcium polycarbophil fiber.
Konsyl
Psyllium fiber.
Metamucil
Psyllium fiber.
Prodiem
There are different types of Prodiem, containing either calcium polycarbophil fiber or methylcellulose. Prodiem is sold as Perdiem in some countries.
Unifiber
The only fiber supplement I know of that contains an insoluble fiber (cellulose).
Flaxseed (also called Linseed)
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is high in fiber and can help with constipation symptoms in particular.
IBS-specific supplements
Digestive Advantage
Digestive Advantage is a probiotic supplement combined with an amino acid which is intended to help digestion.
Iberogast
A liquid supplement made from a number of different herbs.
Ibsacol
A plant-based supplement developed in New Zealand.
Mineral supplements
Caltrate Plus
This is a calcium supplement that has proved useful for some IBS sufferers whose main symptom is diarrhea.
Magnesium
Magnesium supplements can be used to help treat constipation.
Miscellaneous
Charcoal pills
Charcoal pills are a traditional remedy for excess gas and wind.
Fennel tea
A plant-based tea used for gas and bloating.
Ginger
A plant used most often for nausea.
L-Glutamine
An amino acid powder which is sometimes used to treat diarrhea.
Prune juice
Prune juice is known to be a natural laxative.
Slippery elm
A tree extract which is often used as a powder for digestive problems.
Natural and home remedies
This is a page of natural IBS remedies, such as using lemon juice in water to calm the stomach.
Peppermint supplements
Peppermint oil
A natural anti-spasmodic supplement.
Suppositories
Glycerin suppositories
Used for short-term constipation relief.
UK supplements
UK-specific supplements
Supplements mainly found only in the UK, such as Celevac fiber and Colpermin peppermint tablets.