Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause a lot of misery in the form of stomach cramps, bloating, stomachaches and either constipation or diarrhea. Doctors are not entirely certain why some people develop irritable bowel syndrome, and there are relatively few medicines that doctors prescribe to ease the discomfort.
They may recommend loperamide (Imodium) to calm diarrhea. If constipation is the primary problem, they might suggest fiber such as psyllium (Metamucil). A physician might prescribe anticholinergic medicines such as dicyclomine (Bentyl) or hyoscyamine (Levsin) to stop cramping. A prescription drug, alosetron (Lotronex), could be used for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, but it can cause serious complications and only certain specially trained physicians are allowed to prescribe it.
When herbs or home remedies can help, it makes sense to utilize them. The side effects are far less frightening than those of prescription pills. Many people are enthusiastic about coconut macaroon cookies, but at least one person got fed up with them.
Coconut Macaroons Became Tedious:
Q. My wife has suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for years. Multiple tests and exams have consistently ruled out more severe disorders.
She has had success with coconut macaroons but has gotten to the point that she simply cannot tolerate their taste and texture. Can you suggest alternative forms of coconut or other home remedies?
I hear there is some form of peppermint oil that might help. What is it and how well does it work? IBS is becoming very disruptive to her life.
A. Irritable bowel syndrome is challenging. Symptoms can include flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea or constipation. We have heard from many readers that two or three coconut macaroon cookies daily can be helpful in easing diarrhea.
Since your wife now detests them, she needs an alternative. If she can tolerate dried coconut flakes, that may do the job. Some people sprinkle them on their morning cereal with success.
Coconut Pudding and Peppermint:
Another reader has a recommendation that might help your wife:
Q. Earlier this year I had a bout of irritable bowel syndrome that caused me distress and diarrhea. I had read that coconut cookies could help. I created my own recipe using instant vanilla pudding and a batch of dried coconut. Delicious and simple!
I also started taking peppermint capsules. The combination of the coconut pudding and peppermint seems to do the trick.
My elderly neighbor suffers from dementia as well as bowel problems. I have put her on the same regimen and it is working. She has no idea what she is eating, so it cannot be mind over matter. Months of discomfort and Depends are past history.
We responded:
A. Thank you for sharing your solution. Many others have reported success with coconut against diarrhea, whether it is due to irritable bowel syndrome, a more serious inflammatory bowel condition or something as straightforward as travelers’ diarrhea. We included a recipe for coconut macaroon cookies in our book Recipes & Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy. Although people around the world love coconut, scientists have conducted little research on using it to quell diarrhea. One study in rats found that it worked about as well as Imodium (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, March 2, 2010).
Peppermint Oil for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Enteric-coated peppermint oil has been used for decades to treat symptoms of IBS. A meta-analysis of nine placebo-controlled studies found that this is a safe and effective short-term treatment (Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, July, 2014). A randomized controlled trial found that peppermint oil was much more helpful than placebo in easing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Feb. 2016). The peppermint oil was in a formula designed to be released slowly in the small intestine.
Taking plain peppermint oil could add to digestive woes because it relaxes the esophageal sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus. This may promote acid reflux, causing symptoms of heartburn.
The American College of Gastroenterology recently noted
“peppermint oil may offer benefit for overall symptoms and abdominal pain in patients with IBS” (American Journal of Gastroenterology, Jan. 1, 2021).
The gastroenterologists based their recommendation on a dozen randomized controlled trials.
You can learn more about managing IBS, constipation, diarrhea and other intestinal problems in our eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders.
