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IBS Grapefruit Seed Extract

Not everyone experiences IBS in the same way so what works for one person as a treatment will not necessarily work for someone else. Many IBS sufferers have found that Grapefruit seed extract has given them some relief from their IBS symptoms.

A preliminary trial by Ionescu et al published in 1990 looked at the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract in people suffering from eczema and on the microflora in the gut. The participants were given either a solution of grapefruit seed extract twice a day or a grapefruit seed extract capsule three times a day. The capsules proved to be more effective than the solution as all of the participants taking the capsules reported improvements in bowel movements, pain and flatulence after a period of a month whereas only 20% of those on the solution felt better.

So what is it about grapefruit seed extract that appears to help the digestive system?

Grapefruit seed extract appears to have a beneficial effect on the microflora in the gut by keeping harmful organisms at bay. It has strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and helps to stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut which is important when we consider that recent research has identified an overgrowth of bacteria as a significant factor in IBS.

Grapefruit seed extract also appears to have an antifungal effect so could be beneficial for Candida. In some people though it can cause indigestion and other gastric upsets so is not a suitable treatment for everyone with IBS and other digestive problems.

Other ways of dealing with IBS

There are a number of lifestyle changes that could help combat IBS along with taking grapefruit seed extract and these include:

Identifying foods that exacerbate the symptoms of IBS and eliminating them from the diet or at least reducing them.

Cutting down on fatty foods, dairy produce, carbonated drinks and caffeine and increasing the amount of fibre in the diet in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Reducing stress and avoiding stressful situations. If you have emotional problems it may be worth talking these over with your doctor in order to get expert advice. Sometimes talking therapies are helpful.

Eating smaller portions at mealtimes and eating regularly and avoiding the temptation to skip meals. It’s also important not to overeat.

Finding time to relax each day and making more time for fun and leisure activities.

Remember that IBS is not a life threatening condition and it does not lead to other more serious conditions of the bowel, but for most people it does continue long term even though the symptoms may come and go at different times. The symptoms of IBS can mimic other more serious digestive problems so it is vital to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor before embarking on any treatment plan, you cannot diagnose IBS yourself.