![\"stjohnswort\"](\"http:\/\/images1.blisstree.com\/files\/2010\/01\/stjohnswort.jpg\")
other properties, such as providing pain relief from chronic pain. In the case of IBS, the antidepressants may work because there are chemical transmitters in the brain that are also present in the colon.<\/p>\nPeople who live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often faced with trial-and-error to find treatments that work for them. One type of treatment that can be successful for some people with IBS is using antidepressant medications. This isn’t to say that IBS is related to depression, but some antidepressant medications have other properties, such as providing pain relief from chronic pain. In the case of IBS, the antidepressants may work because there are chemical transmitters in the brain that are also present in the colon.<\/p>\n
When it comes to antidepressants, some people swear by the supplement St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)<\/em>. Because of the antidepressant properties found by some people, researchers wanted to see if St. John’s Wort would be a reasonable treatment for IBS, as well.<\/p>\n The researchers studied 70 people (86% women) with IBS. They were divided into two groups and randomized to receive St. John’s Wort or a placebo. The medications were taken for three months.<\/p>\n Symptoms of IBS, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and bloating were observed. When the researchers assessed the incidence of the symptoms in both groups, they found that the people who took the placebos were actually doing better than those who took the St. John’s Wort.<\/p>\n According to the study’s authors<\/a>:<\/p>\n “The challenge with IBS is that there is no cure, no one treatment tends to be wholly effective and some treatments come with significant side effects,” explains Dr. Saito [M.D., M.P.H., gastroenterologist and lead physician scientist]. “However, well-designed studies of herbal supplements are important so that physicians and patients can make informed decisions about which supplements to recommend or try. Studies of alternative treatments are generally lacking and patients are forced to use a “trial and error” approach to over-the-counter treatments for their IBS.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n ~~~<\/p>\n Image: MorgueFile.com<\/p>\n Post from: Blisstree<\/a><\/p>\n\n