Pain relief solutions for IBS
There is no question that IBS can be very difficult to manage for some. Pain can vary in intensity and occurrence between individuals. It sometimes feels hard to pintpoint what really is triggering your IBS symptoms. Understanding the physiological and psychological factors that can lead to IBS can help map out the best way to manage your specific symptoms. The following four solutions to relief IBS pain is helpful to investigate and try out.First, I want to discuss low FODMAP eating, I’ve written a post on this, you can read about it here EASY, DELICIOUS RECIPE TO BEAT IBS BLOAT & DISCOMFORT. This is worth trying as reducing fermentable carbohydrates can reduce bloat and cramping. Every individual is unique, and you will find some foods that effect you more than others. This way of eating is not meant to be permanent as it might reduce diversity and number of healthy bacteria in the long run. When I followed this temporarily it helped me discover foods that cause me upset tummy and which ones I tolerated the best & from there I was able to reintroduce some foods back with awareness of portions and frequency.Second, specific strains of probiotics can be beneficial for IBS sufferers ; according to GI Society for Intestinal health
- Three studies have looked at Lactobacillus plantarum 299V (Tuzen®) in IBS, involving a total of 112 patients. Not all of the studies looked at each symptom, and the results were as follows: overall symptoms improved for patients in one of two studies, pain improved in one of two studies, and gas improved in one of two studies. There was no significant improvement in constipation.
- One study looked at 40 patients using Lactobacillus acidophilus SDC 2012 and 2013 strains and found significant improvement in pain and straining, but no change in frequency of bowel movements. Another study looked at a different strain of Lactobacillus, acidophilus LB strain, in 18 patients and found improvement of symptoms after 6 weeks.
- Two other studies looked at Lactobacillus acidophilus species in combination with other probiotics in a total of 146 patients. In one study, pain and gas improved while there was no overall difference in relief of symptoms. The second study used a combination of probiotics that also included Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium longum in 30 subjects. The probiotic mixture was significantly more effective in improving overall IBS symptoms, pain, and gas but not bloating. Another study, which also used Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, showed a decrease of overall symptoms of 55% with treatment versus 14% for placebo, but did not do any statistical testing to show this was effective.
- Two studies looked at a combination of products containing two Lactobacillus rhamnosis strains (GG and Lc705) plus Propionibacterium freudenreichii (subspecies shermanii JS) plus a strain of Bifidobacterium, from a company named Valio, in a total of 172 patients. Both studies showed an improvement in IBS symptoms and pain but no change in constipation or diarrhea. Only one study showed an improvement in gas or quality of life.
- Two negative studies looked at Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 in 54 subjects and Lactobacillus casei(strain GG) in 24 subjects.
- Two studies looked at Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (Align®) in 437 subjects. Both showed improvement in pain and IBS symptoms. One of two studies showed improved frequency of bowel movements. No improvement in overall quality of life was noted.
- One study examined Bifidobacterium animalis DN 173010 (Activia® yogurt) in 274 patients with IBS and constipation. While the overall results were negative, when researchers confined their analysis to subjects with less than three bowel movements per week, they noted an improvement in symptoms, pain, constipation, and quality of life. However, since this analysis was done after the original study and only on a subgroup of the patients, it should not be considered conclusive.
- Two studies looked at Escherichia coli DSM 17252 in almost 600 subjects (in one of the studies it was combined with Enterococcus faecalis DSM 16440). Both studies showed an improvement in overall symptoms and pain, while one study showed an improvement in bloating and stool consistency.
- Another study looked at Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086 in 44 IBS patients with diarrhea. After treatment, abdominal pain scores were improved in 7/7 weeks in the treatment group, versus only 2/7 weeks in the placebo group. Similarly, bloating improved with treatment in 7/7 weeks versus none of 7 weeks with placebo.
As you can see, results are mixed & research continues to evolve in understanding effective solutions for IBS. But since IBS causes are multifaceted, it is understandable that probiotics alone might not be the end all be all solution. One of my favorite probiotics is Probiophage by Designs For Health. It is formulated to target unhealthy bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria in the right places. Third, is the use of peppermint oil to help with bloat & cramping. I found peppermint oil to be very effective for that. You can buy them enteric coated in a softgel and taken internally, I like this brand Intesol. I have also done it topically where I apply drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil and rubbed it on my stomach especially in the lower intestines and colon region. Finally & I would say most importantly is practicing relaxation techniques. IBS sufferers are prone to anxiety and vice versa. Now that we have some understanding of the gut brain connection, and that is why the gut is called the second brain. That connection can not be ignored. Relaxation techniques are an excellent tool for turning off the stress response (fight or flight). Visualization, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga are amongst the main techniques that can be helpful. The use of relaxing visualization helps to distract the mind from its perception of threat. Deep breathing and muscle relaxation create a body experience that is the exact opposite of what is needed in times of stress. which communicates a message of safety to the brain which allows the brain to “slow down” and turn off the parasympathetic response. Ofcourse, what works for one might not work for another, so find what works for you, it will probably take some trying and experimenting.
