I have often written 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). As we know, 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.

Unfortunately, with the festive season almost upon us, our stress levels are probably ramping up plus many of us will inevitably be overindulging in foods we wouldn’t normally eat. This creates the perfect storm for our IBS to also become more troublesome and spoil our festive season. This is where taking a combination of bio-fermented turmeric, ginger, black pepper and probiotics may be helpful.

There was a study undertaken by the University of Reading which found turmeric may be helpful in assisting with abdominal pain and flatulence related to IBS. 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)

Interestingly, one of our staff members suffers from quite severe food intolerances. She says she has found if she has inadvertently eaten a food she has an intolerance to, taking turmeric is extremely helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation.

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 to 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.

We have very good feedback on a formula containing biofermented Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper and probiotics for treating 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.

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 0244729737. Don’t forget to tune in to Bev on Go Get Healthy every Wednesday at 12.30 on 2EC.