More and more patients are asking for natural solutions to combat gastrointestinal disorders. Ginger, apple cider vinegar, peppermint essential oil, Aloe Vera … This is what American doctors advise their patients.
Natural remedies for common complaints
Almost two thirds of Americans suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms (GI) such as stomach burns, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. And for almost 40 % of them, these uncomfortable intestinal symptoms are serious enough to prevent them from practicing current activities such as exercising or spending time with family.
The drugs, whether over the counter or prescription, targeting gastrointestinal disorders numerous. However, more and more patients are asking for natural solutions, have indicated doctors to Medscape Medical News and it is likely that your patients do the same.
Here are some examples of doctors explaining how they have integrated natural remedies into their practice for current complaints. Some remedies are supported by published research, others are more anecdotal but supported by the positive feedback from patients and health professionals.
Irritable intestine syndrome (SII)
For patients with SII, Dre Priyanka Hennisgeneral practitioner in Phoenix (Arizona, United States), prescribed a diet poor in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (diet poor in FODMAP).
The American Gastroenterology Association also recommends in the first place modifications to lifestyle and food, including the low diet in FODMAP. The American college of gastroenterology details what this diet is, its functioning and gives examples of rich or poor foods in FODMAP. For example, wheat, apples and milk are rich; Oat flakes, broccoli and eggs are poor. This diet helps reduce carbohydrate digestion difficulties.
Food interventions should be envisaged as an initial treatment for patients with SII.
In a study comparing a diet poor in FODMAP accompanied by classic food advice for IBS, a diet low in carbohydrates but rich in protein and fat, and medical treatment based on dominant symptoms, researchers observed a more marked improvement in groups of groups following food intervention. 76 % of patients in the FODMAP group have reduced their severity score of symptoms of at least 50 points, compared to 71 % in the group poor in carbohydrates, and only 58 % in the group receiving drug treatment. Researchers conclude that food interventions should be considered as an initial treatment for SII patients.
And if your patient confuses SII with an inflammatory intestine disease (MII), it is an easy to demystify myth, explains the Dr omar s. khokharcertified gastroenterologist at OSF Healthcare, Bloomington, Illinois: “SII is, by definition, a syndrome, a set of symptoms without identifiable organic pathology. MII is a completely different phenomenon, with active inflammation in the digestive tract causing symptoms and physiological changes. »»
For patients with SII predominantly constipation, DRE Hennis recommends slow and deep breathing.
The disturbance of the intestinal microbiota, or dysbiosis, would play a role in the IBS, confirms Dr. Khokhar, which is supported by recent research. The objective is to restore the microbiota by food changes.
For patients with SII predominantly constipation, DRE Hennis also recommends slow and deep breathing. In a study, patients who have practiced deep breathing exercises have seen an improvement in symptoms: an increase in the desire to go to the saddle, improvement of the consistency of stool and the frequency of weekly stools.
Constipation
Although psyllium and prunes are classics against chronic constipation, Kiwi also benefits from elements of scientific evidence. Researchers have spread 75 people with chronic constipation in three groups: two green kiwis, 100 g of prunes or 12 g of psyllium per day for 4 weeks. The frequency of the stool has improved in a similar way in the three groups, but the consistency of the stool has improved more with kiwi and prunes. The Kiwi group has also seen a reduction in bloating. In addition, the participants preferred treatment to the Kiwi.
Erin TotoDeputy Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania, suggests an anti-constipation smoothie, a recipe for the Intestinal Control Program of the University of Michigan, based on fresh fruit, Kéfir and ice.
The traditional advice on fibers remain valid, according to the Dr. Cynstia cheekyfamily doctor in Bowie, Maryland. American nutritional recommendations specify fiber intake depending on age and gender, with a table of fiber content in current foods. DRE ODOGWU recommends 25 to 35 g of fiber per day for adults.
It is crucial to drink enough water with the fibers, recalls Dr. Khokhar. He advises 30 g of fibers per day accompanied by 64 OZ (approximately 1.9 liters) of water.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
For GERD, the Dre Chrissie Ottintegrative and internal pediatrician in Portland (Oregon), recommends Aloe Vera. A Chinese study has shown that aloe vera syrup was safe and effective, reducing the frequency of eight main symptoms of GERD: stomach burns, food regurgitations, flatulence, belching, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting and acid reflux.
“And if there is intestinal inflammation, it is a quick way to appease,” explains the Dr. OTT. Another cider vinegar is against GERD, according to Dr. Khokhar. He recommends a tablespoon in a glass of 240 ml of water, to drink at any time of the day.
Lifestyle adjustments – weight loss if necessary, raising of bed heads, reduction of caffeine and alcohol – can also considerably reduce the symptoms of GERD. Dr. Khokhar warns his patients that many digestive disorders also come from food and advise against eating a large pasta dish just before bed.
Against excess gas, a “cocktail” without alcohol: a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, gas water (nature or flavored) and a slice of lemon.
Excess gas
Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and apple cider vinegar, can significantly improve microbiota and help patients with excessive gas or bacterial proliferation of small intestine (SIBO), explains Dr. OTT. Research supports the positive impact of fermented foods on the microbiota, some researchers suggesting that they should be an important element in human food.
She offers her patients an alcohol -free “cocktail”: a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, sparkling water (nature or flavored) and a slice of lemon. Another idea: add a few spoonfuls of sauerkraut with a dish.
Dr. Khokhar recalls that “gases are a normal and healthy by-product of digestion”. But if it becomes embarrassing, he suggests evaluating whether the patient consumes a lot of food known to produce gases: beans, cabbage, broccoli, yogurt, sugary drinks, etc.
Against nausea and vomiting, ginger is a good remedy.
Nausea and vomiting
For these symptoms, ginger is a good remedy, according to the Dr Troy Alexander-Elgeneral practitioner in Portland. Some researchers believe that it is a safe botanical option, even if the quality of the evidence available should be reinforced.
Alexander-El adds ginger in its dishes, using slices or frozen cubes, especially for vegetables like broccoli. “It can also help against gases. »»
Diarrhea
Peppermint essential oil can help relieve diarrhea and often associated cramps, says Dr. Khokhar. He recommends one to two over -the -counter capsules, one to three times a day. Research results are shared: some studies show an improvement in SII symptoms, including diarrhea, but not significantly more than a placebo. A meta-analysis deemed it effective in adults, but the authors are demanding more studies.
Talk about your intestines? Not so simple
Even if GI disorders are frequent, patients often hesitate to talk to their doctor. The American Gastroenterology Association discovered that people with digestive problems preferred to discuss politics or reveal their weight than to approach this subject with their doctor. To reverse this trend, the association launched the campaign “Trust Your Gut” (Trust your intestine) to encourage people to open and ask for help.
The DRS Alexander-El, Hennis, Odogwu, Khokhar, Toto and Ott have declared any conflict of interest.
Article translated and adapted from the American edition of Medscape.com .
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