Digestive problems and IBS

What helps

Psyllium Husk

• Improves overall symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome — Benefit, grade A: Strong
• Relieves constipation and improves stool consistency — Benefit, grade A: Strong

Zinc

• Reduces diarrhea and infection risk in deficiency — Benefit, grade A: Strong

Low FODMAP Diet

• Eases IBS symptoms — Benefit, grade B: Moderate
• Reduces bloating — Benefit, grade B: Moderate
• Relieves belly pain in IBS — Benefit, grade B: Moderate

Probiotics

• Eases irritable bowel syndrome symptoms — Benefit, grade C: Limited
• Prevents C. difficile diarrhoea — Benefit, grade C: Limited
• Prevents diarrhoea caused by antibiotics — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Kiwifruit

• Eases constipation-related abdominal discomfort — Benefit, grade C: Limited
• Helps you have more bowel movements — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Yogurt and Kefir

• Yogurt and kefir help people with lactose intolerance digest lactose — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Carnivore Diet

• Eases inflammatory bowel disease symptoms — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Boswellia

• Shortens acute diarrhoea — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Ginger

• Helps stomach emptying (digestion) — Benefit, grade C: Limited

Mixed evidence

Peppermint Oil

• Eases IBS symptoms — Mixed results, grade C: Limited
• Relieves belly pain in IBS — Mixed results, grade C: Limited

Low FODMAP Diet

• Keeps IBS symptoms better over time — Mixed results, grade C: Limited
• Works better than other diets — Mixed results, grade C: Limited

Kiwifruit

• Kiwifruit extracts and supplements help constipation — Mixed results, grade C: Limited

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Can cause digestive side effects — Mixed results, grade C: Limited

Oats

• Can cause gas and digestive upset — Mixed results, grade C: Limited

Doesn't seem to help

Low FODMAP Diet

• Changes bowel habits — No effect, grade B: Moderate

Peppermint Oil

• Helps children with IBS — No effect, grade C: Limited