Iirritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sometimes called spastic colon, affects at least 10 percent and probably in excess of 20 percent of the American population. That is a lot of sufferers and it represents a very large market. Since few pharmaceuticals have any effect on the condition it is not well treated by orthodox doctors and a large number of over the counter drugs and alternative medicines have been made to meet the demand for relief.

I have always found some degree of food intolerance to be involved and relief can be swift and lasting when this is remedied. However, besides this the two treatments that seem most effective are probiotics and digestive enzymes. Of course improving overall lifestyle is always recommended and this will include relaxation (stress relief where necessary) and exercise and these certainly are beneficial in dealing with IBS.

Now, according to a study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2005;22:387–94), the use of probiotics has been well supported by research evidence. This new study is the largest and longest clinical trial of probiotics for IBS to date and is important since results of previous studies have been mixed.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 103 people with established IBS. Each person was randomly assigned to receive either one probiotic capsule (containing a blend of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus LC705, Bifidobacterium breve Bb99, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS) or one placebo capsule daily for six months. Subjects' gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded. Total symptoms in the probiotic group were reduced by 42% compared with 6% in the placebo group.

If you have IBS, or know someone who does and can pass this along to them, this information may be very helpful to you. Remember that even though your doctor may be unable to help, IBS can be relieved and eliminated so don't lose hope.