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Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Apr 29, 2019

Introduction

“It is very bothersome to face symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and incomplete emptying feeling at the same time throughout the year.” Sounds familiar? If yes, you are suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is not a disease. However, it is a combination of at least 3 abdominal symptoms (Figure 1), for 3 days in a month, in 3 consecutive months 1. In Malaysia, 1 out of 6 individuals 2 are suffering from IBS, and it is two times more predominant in women 3.

A

Abdominal Pain

B

Bloating

C

Constipation

D

Diarrhea

E

Incomplete
Bowel Emptying

F

Flatulence

Figure 1: A to F Symptoms of
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Treatment of IBS
Conventionally, IBS is treated symptom by symptom (Table 1).

Symptom Medication
1 Abdominal Pain Pain Killer
2 Bloating Antacid
3 Constipation Laxative
4 Diarrhea Anti-Diarrhea
Table 1: Treatment of IBS

Probiotic to Relieve IBS

Instead of relying on medication, there is a powerful probiotic which can alleviate the IBS symptoms at a time – Lactobacillus plantarum 299v. This strain has been clinically proven to reduce the frequency and severity of IBS in just 4 weeks3 by these three special mode of actions:

1. Unique Instestinal Binding4
  • Lactobacillus plantarum 299v has unique binding to mannose specific receptor, thus preventing the colonization of pathogens (bad bacteria).
2. Modulate gastrointestinal immunity5
  • Lactobacillus plantarum 299v triggers the secretion of mucus and anti-microbial agent to inhibit the pathogens.
3. Produce Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA)6
  • Lactobacillus plantarum 299v produces SCFA which serves as the nutrients for good bacteria. SCFA also lower intestinal pH to create unfavorable environment to pathogens while stimulate the growth and survival of good bacteria.

Health Tips to Overcome IBS

  1. Eat 6 small frequent meals and snacks instead of 3 large main meals.
  2. Include high fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
  3. Limit fatty foods, milk and milk products, caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.
  4. Drink at least 8 glasses of plain water throughout the day (especially for people with diarrhea).
References
  1. Lacy, B., & Patel, N. (2017). Rome Criteria and a Diagnostic Approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 6(11), 99. doi:10.3390/jcm6110099
  2. Tan, Y., Goh, K. L., Muhidayah, R., Ooi, C. L., & Salem, O. (2003). Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in young adult Malaysians: A survey among medical students. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 18(12), 1412-1416. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1746.2003.03212.x
  3. Ducrotté, P. (2012). Clinical trial:Lactobacillus plantarum299v (DSM 9843) improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 18(30), 4012. doi:10.3748/wjg.v18.i30.4012
  4. Adlerberth, I., Ahrne, S., Johansson, M-L., Molin, G., Hanson, L.A., and Wold, A.E. (1996). A Mannose-Specific Adherence Mechanism in Lactobacillus plantarum Conferring Binding to the Human Colonic Cell Line HT-29. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 62: 2244-2251
  5. Mack, D.R., Michail, S., Wei, S., McDougall, L. and Hollingsworth, M.A. (1999). Probiotics inhibit enteropathogenic E. coli adherence in vitro by inducing intestinal mucin gene expression. American Journal of Physiology, 276: G941-G950
  6. Johansson, M-L., Nobaek, S., Berggren, A., Nyman, M., Bjorck, I. Ahrne, S., Jeppsson, B. and Molin, G. (1998). Survival of Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843 (299v), and effect on the short-chain fatty acid content of faeces after ingestion of a rose-hip drink with fermented oats. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 42: 29-38.
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