Roman Bystrianyk, "Can aloe and probiotics help reverse IBS?", Health Sentinel, March 8, 2006,

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea. According to the website www.ibsgroup.org IBS has been reported by 10 to 20% of the adult population of the United States and IBS symptoms are responsible for over 3 million visits each year to the doctor. It is considered one of the most common functional GI disorders with 70% of the sufferers being women.

According to the FDA, “Nearly all people with IBS can be helped, but no single treatment works for everyone. The first step is a personal evaluation of history, stress level and diet. People who can identify particular foods or types of stress that bring on the problem should avoid them. For most, especially those who tend to be constipated, regular physical activity helps keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally.”

“A substantial number of Americans with IBS have more severe symptoms that often do not respond to dietary or lifestyle changes alone. Drugs that slow the function of the gastrointestinal tract and are considered to be antispasmodics, such as Bentyl (dicyclomine hydrochloride), are frequently prescribed. Antidiarrheal drugs, such as Lomotil (diphenoxylate) and Imodium (loperamide), may help people with diarrhea.”

However, with the risks of medications such as Lotronex, people have sought out alternatives to treat their illness. According to the British medical journal the Lancet, “GlaxoWellcome withdrew Lotronex from the market after the deaths of five patients taking the drug. There had been 49 cases of ischaemic colitis and 21 of severe constipation, including instances of obstructed and ruptured bowel. In addition to the deaths, 34 patients had required admission to hospital and then need surgery.” The same article chided the FDA for their failure to act appropriately in reviewing and approving Lotronex accusing the FDA as being a “servant of industry”.

Alternative therapies are being studied. For example, a recent study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting compared a probiotic with a placebo. The study found that those who received the probiotic experienced significantly normalized bowel habits.

Jillian H. had suffered with IBS for a long time. “I've probably tried nearly everything for IBS – it can be such a frustrating illness. I've had IBS for about 10 years. It got really bad about a year ago, to the point I had to change jobs and quit traveling altogether.”

Jillian suffered with her condition for many years and followed a variety of orthodox treatments to improve the problem. “I went to the hospital for all the tests, but as most of us know, there is nothing physicians can really offer for IBS.”

Growing frustrated with little to no progress following conventional approaches, Jillian began seeking out alternatives. “After being frustrated with the hospital experience, I decided to look into herbal remedies, and found some that worked great for me: an herbal aloe drink and probiotic.”

“I honestly don't have IBS symptoms anymore. I haven't had a stomachache or sharp pains in about 6 months now. It took me about 3 weeks – taking the aloe and probiotic twice a day to feel better. I actually feel 'normal' now, which is nothing short of a miracle after how sick I was. For the first time in about 10 years, I've been able to eat cheese, ice cream – things that normally would send me in a tailspin.”

“My aunt, cousin and good friend in Chicago are all now on aloe and probiotics – they all had IBS and have had great results too – no stomach aches and greatly reduced pain, bloating and reflux issues. I strongly suggest these for people who have IBS.”