Intestinal inflammation can come in many forms and is gut-wrenching. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea. It should be noted that these symptoms can be associated with a variety of conditions. Irritable Bowel Syndrome ("IBS") is one form of inflammation, whereas more severe forms are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBS is different from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in that it affects the large intestine and does not cause changes to bowel tissue or lead to colorectal cancer.
IBS sufferers can have several triggers, such as certain foods, allergies, stress, hormonal issues and other illnesses. Many times, doctors recommend prescription drugs such as eluxadoline (Viberzi) to treat forms of IBS. However, these prescriptions often try to reduce IBS through differing methods and can be quite hard on one's body.
An alternative solution to prescription medication is an enteric-coated peppermint capsule. These capsules are very useful for preventing abdominal pain in the first place. The enteric coating allows the capsule to pass through the stomach without breaking down. By the time the capsule reaches the intestines, the enteric coating will begin break down, and the peppermint oil will release, thereby soothing and reducing any inflammation along the intestinal walls (i.e. the source of the discomfort).
Enteric-coated peppermint capsules can be found in any health-foods store or online (e.g. Amazon). Some brands will infuse a combination of peppermint oil, fennel and ginger oil to maximize the anti-inflammatory properties. These capsules should be taken on an empty stomach and never chewed, unless directed otherwise. This allows the peppermint oil to be efficiently delivered into the intestines without affecting the stomach. Overall, peppermint capsules can be a more effective alternative to prescription drugs, with a lower risk of side effects.
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Note
The author of this article is not an MD, and this advice should not be treated as such. Always consult with your physician about any medical issues and prior to using any supplementation.
For more information on digestive relief, contact the author.