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Article: Fiber, antispasmodics, peppermint oil for IBS.
- Article from:
- Nutraceuticals International
- Article date:
- December 1, 2008
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Fiber, antispasmodics and peppermint oil are all effective therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and should become first-line treatments, according to a study on bmj.com. National guidelines on the management of IBS should be updated in light of this evidence, say the authors of the report.
IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and an irregular bowel habit, and affects between 5% and 20% of the population. Because the exact cause of IBS is unknown it is difficult to treat. A wide range of therapies are currently used including fiber supplements, probiotics, antidepressants, hypnotherapy and laxatives.
Because of a lack of suitable drug ...