Digestive issues are a common problem in our society today. Overuse of medications for common conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn and flatulence have added even more problems due to side effect symptoms caused by the drugs. Therefore, when digestive problems arise, it is always best to take a look at the diet first and determine if one of two things may be the cause: are you eating something that may be irritating the system or are you missing something that may be preventing the system from working properly? As research continues, investigators are finding more possible links to digestive issues that may be a result of specific nutrient deficiencies.
One such interesting finding was made with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is a chronic and debilitating functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that affects around 15% of people in the US and accounts for 2.4-3.5 million physician visits each year. Symptoms include a combination of diarrhea or constipation, bloating, urgency (the need to use a restroom in a hurry), white or yellow mucus in the stool and the sensation of incompletely passing stools. These can cause embarrassment for patients, who may live with the condition undiagnosed. The triggers and effects of IBS vary from one individual to another, making treatment difficult.
In the study, researchers from the University of Sheffield's Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group investigated the association between vitamin D levels and the severity of IBS symptoms - and particularly the extent to which IBS affects their quality of life. Out of 51 patients with IBS, 82% exhibited insufficient vitamin D levels; moreover, the vitamin D status reflected the sufferer's perceived quality of life, measured by the extent to which they reported the impact on IBS on life.
In addition to the study, they also found thirty-seven IBS sufferers who reported their personal experiences with vitamin D. Of these, approximately 70% remarked that vitamin D supplementation benefited their condition, with daily doses of vitamin D3 “as high as 5000–10000 IU.”
While this may not be a 100% direct cause-effect relationship, it may give IBS sufferers another tool in their bag to help minimize or possibly eliminate the symptoms of the condition. Along with proper water and fiber intake and the use of a good probiotic, it just may be the key to helping some people lead a more normal quality of life.
In Health,
Dr. Brad Niewierowski
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