What Could Be Missing In Your IBS Treatment

The vast majority of people with IBS have tried elimination diets like FODMAPs, GAPS, Gluten and dairy-free, etc. These diets are wonderful and provide much needed relief from symptoms. However, I often see this only offering short-term results, and many stay on these diets very long term. This can leave many people feeling restricted and frustrated.

While I completely advocate for elimination diets, I think there is a missing component that isn’t always prescribed along with these diets: gut repair!

Why do you need to repair the gut?

Many people with IBS and other digestive issues often tell me that they react to EVERYTHING. However, what I find is that there is probably one, maybe two underlying intolerances. These foods then cause inflammation, and as they are often consumed for many years, leaky gut and many other symptoms follow. Eventually everything you eat seems to cause a reaction as the gut is so damaged.

How do you repair the gut?

Removing the offending foods is essential, but only goes so far. What also needs to happen is addressing the inflammation and healing the leaky gut. The body will do this itself, however, this can take some time. Using certain herbs and supplements can aid the body and speed up this process. Taking these supplements also ensures that you are getting the required nutrients to achieve a healthy gut. Here are my top 5:

1. Glutamine: Is an amino acid (part of a protein) that is essential in gut repair as it helps to protect and heal the lining of the gut.
2. Turmeric: An amazing anti-inflammatory herb that works very well in calming any inflammation in the gut and elsewhere in the body. This is probably my favourite herb!
3. Probiotics: These help to restore the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract. Good bacteria play a role in the immune system, as well as gut function so are essential for good gut health. Antibiotics, environmental toxins and certain foods can affect the amount of good bacteria in the gut and many IBS sufferers have an imbalance. There are specific probiotics for each type of IBS (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M) and quality is also very important. Consult your health care professional to find out what is right for you.
4. Zinc: This essential nutrient is involved in around 200 processes in the body. Important for gut health, zinc, along with other nutrients heals the intestinal mucosa (the lining of the intestines). If you aren’t getting enough zinc in your diet from foods like eggs, chickpeas, cashews and seafood, supplementation can help.
5. Chamomile: Chamomile calms not only the mind, but the stomach as well and has anti-inflammatory properties. This herb can be drank as a tea or in supplement form.

These are not the only nutrients and herbs that can be used in gut repair. There are many others that can be used in combination with these 5 and there are many gut healing formulas out there. As always, consult your health care professional to find out what is right for you. This is especially important if you are on any medications or have other health conditions.

So, don’t just stop at elimination but go further with proper gut repair. This could be what your treatment is missing.

Happy gut healing!