What supplements should I use for certain conditions?

The following sections describe several common gastrointestinal complaints, and provide nutritional and herbal suggestions for each condition. Only the most common disorders are mentioned -- please consult your pharmacist for information about other digestive problems.

You should also discuss supplemental dosages with your pharmacist.

Bloating, flatulence, and gas

Intestinal bacteria create gas (flatulence) as they break down fiber, leading to a bloated sensation if the gas cannot be released. Bloating may also be caused by constipation.

Abdominal bloating is usually caused by the formation of intestinal gas. Bacteria produce gas when they digest materials that cannot be processed in the stomach and small intestine. As gas production increases, so does the size of the abdomen. The only way to relieve bloating is to release the gas.

Bloating may also be caused by the accumulation of fecal matter, as in constipation. The use of probiotic nutrients like L. acidophilus and bifidobacterium may contribute to proper intestinal function and relief of excess gas.

Herbs that may be useful for gas and bloating include anise seeds, caraway oil, carob, chamomile, and fennel.

Constipation

Too little fiber or water may cause constipation – difficult, dry and infrequent bowel movements.

Perhaps one of the most annoying symptoms; constipation occurs when fecal matter becomes dry and impacted, failing to move through the colon at a normal rate. While constipation is usually not a serious condition, it can cause diverticulitis and other problems.

Some research indicates that chronic constipation throughout life weakens blood vessels and may contribute to colon cancer. Following a healthy diet, with plenty of fiber and water, will help to prevent constipation. Nutrients like flaxseed oil and bran may also be useful.

Herbs that may be useful for constipation include cascara, fennel, psyllium seed, and senna.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea – excessively watery and frequent stools – results when the small intestine or colon cannot properly remove water from fecal matter. This may lead to dehydration.

Like constipation, diarrhea is a symptom – not an illness in itself. But unlike constipation, diarrhea may become very serious if left untreated. Let’s consider diarrhea caused by a virulent strain of E. coli, which has led to numerous deaths in the past decade. A child may eat an undercooked hamburger contaminated with E. coli, then develop diarrhea within 48 hours. If not treated properly, this diarrhea could cause severe dehydration and eventually death.

Proper treatment of diarrhea includes replacement of fluids and treatment of the underlying infection. While most healthy adults cope fairly well with diarrhea, the very old and very young can suffer life-threatening consequences.

Certain supplements may be useful for treating diarrhea and replacing lost nutrients. These include folic acid, brewer’s yeast, and L. acidophilus. Carob powder may also be useful for diarrhea.

Heartburn

A very common condition, heartburn results from the splashing of acid into the esophagus, and can be triggered by a variety of events.

About 25 million adults suffer from heartburn daily. Heartburn occurs when acid and other stomach contents splash into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation beneath the breastbone, that may move upward to the throat. This type of pain can easily be mistaken for a heart attack -- hence the name – “heart” burn.

Certain conditions tend to bring on heartburn, including ingestion of fattening meals, drinking coffee or alcohol, smoking, being overweight, lying down, or bending over. Avoiding these heartburn “triggers” is an important aspect of treatment.

Heartburn that has been allowed to continue over the long-term could lead to erosion of the esophagus and other serious disorders. Certain nutrients may help to regulate stomach acid, including phenylalanine, L-arginine, and flavonoids. People with heartburn may also have low levels of vitamin B12.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease can be classified as two types: Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.

Crohn’s Disease

Those who suffer from Crohn’s disease know that it’s a lifelong illness, with symptoms that come and go throughout the months. These symptoms range from mild to intense, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and feelings of fullness and swelling in the abdomen.

The often-disabling symptoms of Crohn’s disease result from intestinal inflammation, which disrupts food absorption and processing. Several nutrients may be useful for easing inflammation and reducing damage to the intestinal lining. These nutrients include fish oils, selenium, iron, glutamine, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K and vitamin B12.

Ulcerative Colitis

Another inflammatory disease, ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the colon lining, leading to formation of sores. This differs from Crohn’s disease in that it only affects the colon; whereas Crohn’s can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

People who suffer from ulcerative colitis may experience bloody diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, fever, lower abdominal pain, and pain upon bowel movement. Several nutrients may be useful for reducing inflammation or replacing lost nutrients, including copper, beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, and folic acid.

Chamomile tea may be useful for easing inflammation associated with both conditions.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome results from miscommunication between the brain and the digestive tract, causing sporadic episodes of intestinal disturbance.

Only until recently has a name been given to the intestinal symptoms that affect many, but mysteriously seem without cause. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a disease, infection, or mechanical malfunction; but instead results from miscommunication between the brain and digestive system.

Patients may experience constipation or diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and abdominal pain, usually after meals. Sometimes the stool may contain mucous. Irritable bowel syndrome seems to be aggravated by stress or anxiety, and may affect up to 20% of adults. Several nutrients may improve intestinal conditions, including evening primrose oil, L. acidophilus, and bifidobacterium. Peppermint oil and anise seed may also be useful.