Ancient healers in the mountains of Tibet once treated digestive disorders with an herbal formula, handed down through generations and still in use today as a treatment for constipation.

According to a new review of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) research, this Tibetan formula may help IBS patients relieve some of their most irritating chronic symptoms.

Digestive relief from Asia

Dr. Jianping Liu of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine recently lead a team of researchers who analyzed 75 published studies that tested the effectiveness of dozens of individual herbs and herbal formulas in the treatment of IBS. Nearly 8,000 IBS patients participated in the combined studies.

Researchers concluded that most of the studies were poorly designed. For instance, many of the studies conducted in China were not placebo controlled because Chinese researchers generally consider placebo use unethical.

Coincidentally, however, Chinese herbal formulas known as STW 5 and STW 5-II (the commercial name is Iberogast) were found to provide a significant improvement in IBS symptoms in a study conducted in Germany.

An Israeli team found similar results in a study that tested Padma Lax, an herbal formula used in traditional Tibetan medicine. Padma Lax provided considerable relief to patients diagnosed with constipation-predominant IBS compared to placebo.

Both Padma Lax and Iberogast can be easily found through Internet sources. Nevertheless, IBS patients should use these formulas only after consulting with their doctors.

What to leave in, what to leave out 
IBS patients looking for ways to address symptoms without resorting to drugs may find relief with a dietary adjustment.

In the e-Alert "Reversal of Fortune" (10/29/03), I told you about a University of Iowa study that examined how IBS patients responded to a fructose-restricted diet. The Iowa team reported that 30 of 80 IBS patients were tested and found to be fructose intolerant, a condition that triggers bloating, cramping and diarrhea.

Fructose is found primarily in alcoholic beverages, corn, and corn-based products. Unfortunately, derivatives like corn oil, corn syrup and fructose syrup are used in a wide variety of foods.

Probiotic supplements may also bring IBS relief. In the e-Alert "Gut Feeling" (10/27/04), I asked HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., about treating IBS with probiotics.

Dr. Spreen: "I absolutely would be giving probiotics for such a problem, along with any agents that might assist strengthening the intestinal wall, such as FOS (fructo-oligo-saccharides), which helps the 'good' bugs to reestablish, aloe juice, which has a long history of calming bowel problems, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes (which are usually under produced in such situations)."

FOS is a natural fruit and vegetable fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Bacterial imbalances in the intestine should not be taken lightly. So, just as with Padma Lax and Iberogast, talk to your doctor or a health care professional before using a probiotic supplement to address IBS or any other chronic digestive problem.

To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson

Sources:
"Herbal Remedies may Calm Irritable Bowel" Reuters Health, 2/9/06, reutershealth.com
"ACG: Fructose Linked to Irritable Bowel Symptoms" Charlene Laino, DocGuide, 10/17/03, docguide.com