Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 people. Even with millions of people seeking help for this, the causes are still not well understood. Many look to natural remedies when traditional methods don’t provide the relief they need. Researchers believe that a combination of physical and mental health problems can cause the intestines to become damaged or sensitive to certain stressors. This can lead to a problem with the information pathway between the brain and the gut, resulting in impaired gut function.
The symptoms may be the result of an infection or irritation in the stomach and intestines from bacteria or other harmful organisms. One study showed that people who had an episode of gastroenteritis were ten times more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome. Another condition, called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is quite common in people with IBS. An overgrowth or change in the type of bacteria in the small intestine causes irritation and symptoms of diarrhea, excessive gas, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. Some gastrointestinal symptoms may be due to yeast (candida) overgrowth. Intestinal yeast infection can cause symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps, along with fatigue.
IBS can be embarrassing or downright devastating for those who suffer from it. Those who deal with this condition on a daily basis seek relief from whatever source they can find. Traditional medications consist of antispasmodics to soothe painful cramps, antidepressants to help with mental anxiety, and antibiotics to control bacteria. However, all of these come with a large list of side effects or warnings.
There are many natural remedies to help control the symptoms. One supplement that has shown some positive results is lactoferrin. It is a protective protein that stimulates immunity and kills bacteria found in all bodily fluids. It is found in colostrum and provides immune protection to the newborn against the mother. Nearly 70% of our immune function is in the gut. If your intestines are inflamed or damaged, your immune system won’t be able to work as well as it should.
Lactoferrin helps symptoms by:
1. Bonding to free iron floating around. This is important because most bacteria and yeast need iron to grow. Free iron interferes with the function of our immune cells, thereby starving harmful organisms and keeping our immune system strong.
2. Get into the bacteria or candida and damage its cell membrane. This will either kill them outright or interfere with their energy and weaken them.
3. Prevent candida from adhering to the lining of the digestive tract and remove it once attached.
4. Inhibit the action of cytokines in the gastrointestinal tract. Cytokines are proteins found in the body that cause inflammation.
5. Nourishes the digestive tract with prebiotic properties, which also help with gastrointestinal health. Prebiotics nourish the friendly bacteria that live in your digestive tract. A balance between good and harmful bacteria is needed to prevent GI symptoms
Lactoferrin has been shown to be a natural remedy for IBS. It protects the lining of your GI tract, supports your immune system, and helps destroy organisms that can cause symptoms. It has been labeled by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for the entire population, including those who are allergic to milk and milk products.
