Recently I wrote about the benefits of turmeric in relation to pain and inflammation. Generally, when we think of pain and inflammation we think of arthritis however our bodies suffer from inflammation for many reasons.
It is believed inflammation plays a quite significant role in causing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a digestive disorder, the symptoms of which can be abdominal tenderness and pain, bloating and wind and often alternating constipation and diarrhea. This inflammatory action of the bowel can often be caused by food intolerances and even stress. A study carried out by the University of Reading found turmeric may be helpful in assisting with abdominal pain and flatulence. This 8 week study involved 207 IBS sufferers with one group taking 1 tablet daily and the other group taking 2 tablets a day. Those taking 1 tablet a day found a 53% reduction in their IBS symptoms, whilst those taking 2 tablets daily experienced a 60% reduction of symptoms.[1] One of our staff members suffers from quite severe food intolerances. She has found if she has inadvertently eaten a food she has a intolerance to, taking turmeric is extremely helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation. Interestingly Ginger is also a member of the Turmeric family and is another herb which is often used for digestive problems, nausea, travel sickness and vomiting. It is also believed to be beneficial for treatment of IBS symptoms. The antispasmodic effect of ginger on the intestines has been found be helpful by relaxing the intestines when we’re suffering an IBS attack. It is also thought probiotics can be helpful in improving symptoms of IBS. Certain probiotic strains such as lactobacillus plantarum may help relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. However, as I have mentioned previously, it is more beneficial to take a combination of several strains of probiotics to get the best results. Bearing all this in mind, I believe the new bio-fermented Turmeric containing Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper and probiotics could therefore be a good option for helping IBS. When suffering from IBS our digestion can quite often be challenged. As we now know, fermenting ensures far better absorption and therefore may be more effective in treating IBS. When suffering from IBS we find it can also be very helpful to exclude certain foods from the diet including wheat and dairy. We often suggest undertaking a Low Reactive Diet for a period of time to rest the gut from those foods which may be aggravating it. To help customers follow this diet we have printed a booklet with not only a list of foods to avoid, but just as importantly, a list of foods which can replace those foods you need to avoid. This booklet also contains recipes which can be very helpful. If you wish to know more about IBS or any other health issue call down to chat to Bev and the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop in North St, Batemans Bay or phone on (02) 44729737. Don’t forget to tune in to Bev and Marianne on Go Get Healthy every Wednesday at 12.15 on 2EC. In Health, Bev Dunne Go Vita Batemans Bay [1] Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Booth J. Ailment Pharmacol Ther 2004
