April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month—a good time to take a look at natural products that have been promoted or studied for this condition.
- Probiotics may improve IBS symptoms such as bloating and flatulence, but there are uncertainties about the most helpful species, strains, preparations, and doses.
- Peppermint oil capsules may be modestly helpful in reducing some IBS symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating.
- The effectiveness of Chinese herbs is uncertain. There hasn’t been much high-quality research on these preparations.