Psyllium help with irritable bowel syndrome

The soluble fiber psyllium helps with irritable bowel syndrome, according to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Studies have shown that good treatment success with psyllium could be achieved.

According to recent studies, irritable bowel syndrome can be successfully treated with psyllium and the symptoms alleviated. The psyllium is a soluble fiber that binds the water in the intestine.

As the institute reports, gastric juice-resistant capsules with peppermint oil and antispasmodic drugs are also useful. However, it depends on the anticonvulsant agent. The IQWiG recommends the drug "Butylscopolamine" approved in pharmacies and in Germany. The drug can be purchased without a prescription.

Widespread is the assumption that bran can also be effective. But recent studies have found that bran is insoluble and hardly binds to water in the human body. A relief of the complaints can not occur accordingly.

The exact circumstances why patients suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are poorly understood. Therefore, patients are often not taken seriously by doctors. The IQWIG also reports: "It can still happen that people with irritable bowel syndrome are not taken seriously, because they think their problems are a matter of the head," said Peter Sawicki, the chairman of the IQWiG.

But an irritable bowel can cause severe and distressing symptoms. Most patients are between 35 and 50 years old. According to estimates, around 20 to 30 percent of the population in Germany is affected. The typical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, a bloated abdomen and soft to slimy to fluid bowel movements. Many patients also report anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

If people suffer excessively from stress and everyday stress, the symptoms can increase. On the other hand, if patients are balanced for a while, the symptoms can also be reduced again. Many researchers therefore see a connection here.

Naturally, various methods are available that can be tried, e.g. Probiotics (E.Coli preparations), herbal medicine, TCM and acupuncture, osteopathy, hypnotherapy, isopathy or homeopathy. (Sb)

Also read:
Irritable bowel syndrome (irritable bowel syndrome)
Peppermint oil can help with irritable bowel syndrome