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ibs supplements

This section lists over-the-counter supplements and natural remedies which can be used in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Supplements that are labeled with 'United Kingdom' are generally only found in the UK.

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. 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.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera
A plant extract sometimes used as a laxative.


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

Acidophilus
One of the most common probiotic strains.

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.

Celevac
Methylcellulose fiber tablets (United Kingdom).

Citrucel
A methylcellulose fiber.

Equalactin
Calcium polycarbophil tablets marketed specifically to IBS sufferers.

Fybogel
Ispaghula husk powder (United Kingdom).

Fiberchoice
A supplement made from inulin fiber.

Fibercon
Calcium polycarbophil fiber.

Konsyl
Psyllium fiber.

Lepicol
Psyllium fiber powder with probiotics (United Kingdom).

Metamucil
Psyllium fiber.

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.

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

L-Glutamine
An amino acid powder which is sometimes used to treat diarrhea.

Peppermint supplements

Colpermin
Peppermint oil capsules (United Kingdom).

Peppermint oil
A natural anti-spasmodic supplement.

Suppositories

Glycerin suppositories
Used for short-term constipation relief.