Peppermint may ease IBS spasms
Q. Are there any natural treatments for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)? I think they should call it cranky colon or irritable intestine or something alliterative. I’ve had it for several years, and there is little to be done for it. I have occasionally had painful rectal spasms so intense I pass out.
Doctors don’t have anything to offer, and I am tired of this socially unacceptable ailment. Do you know of anything I could try?
A. Research suggests that peppermint can ease spasms in smooth muscle, especially the digestive tract. Enteric-coated peppermint oil has been helpful for people with IBS in some trials, and it might be worth a try. One product, Pepogest, is distributed by Nature’s Way: 1-800-9-NATURE.
Another option might be beneficial bacteria called probiotics. We heard from a reader who reported that probiotics helped his IBS: “While I’m not cured, the symptoms are now much easier to handle.”
A new study showed that a probiotic product containing Bifidobacterium infantis was significantly better than placebo for symptoms of constipation and diarrhea associated with IBS. A Procter & Gamble product called Bifantis was used in the research.
Q. I have been battling nail fungus for many years. A few years ago a podiatrist removed my big toenail surgically, which was not a pleasant experience. Now the fungus is back on that nail and several others.
I cannot afford the prescription drug my doctor suggested, and I do not want to go through another surgical nail removal. What other options are there?
A. Some nails can become so thick with fungus that surgical removal seems like the only solution. This can sometimes be painful and may pose a risk of infection.
An alternate approach is to dissolve away the infected nail with a concentrated urea paste. This requires a prescription for 40 percent urea (Ureacin-40, Carmol 40 or Gordon’s Urea 40 percent). It also calls for medical supervision.
We are sending you our Guides to Nail Care and Home Remedies, with background on this treatment and natural approaches for fighting fungus. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. HR-311, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. I am interested in the natural sweetener called xylitol. I heard it can prevent cavities and ear infections. That sounds too good to be true!
A. Xylitol is a natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables like raspberries, strawberries and cauliflower. It is often extracted from birch-tree pulp for use in sugarless chewing gum, candy and toothpaste.
There is research to suggest that xylitol has antibacterial activity. This makes it useful in preventing dental decay. A Finnish study shows that children who chew xylitol gum have fewer ear infections.
Q. What can you tell me about ginger for nausea, especially during pregnancy?
A. Ginger root has been used for centuries in China to combat nausea. Several studies suggest it may also fight morning sickness. One reader reports: “I taught childbirth-preparation classes for a number of years and suggested candied ginger to my students. It has a long shelf life, especially when refrigerated. Candied ginger is inexpensive, readily available and often helpful.”