Supplements aid women's digestive woes

Supplementing with key nutrients can help reduce common digestive issues that women face, according to Elizabeth Lipski, Ph.D., CCN, CHN, director of doctoral studies and educational director, Hawthorn University, who spoke at the eighth annual Natural Health Research Institute (NHRI) symposium.

According to FDA, in 2005, more than half of all Americans didn't get the recommended daily amount (RDA) for calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium and vitamin B6. These bad eating habits along with lack of exercise, stress, food sensitivities and parasites lead to digestive ailments, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Lipski said.

IBS symptoms include constipation, bloating, stomach pain and reduced quality of life. In her practice, Lipski said she recommends probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Lactobacillus casei) to reduce IBS symptoms. She noted several studies show these beneficial bacteria have positive effects (World J Gastroenterol. 2012 May 7;18(17):2067-75; Int J Clin Exp Med. 2012;5(3):238-44).

SBIO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) is another common digestive ailment Lipski said she sees in her female patients; it often comes with IBS (Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Dec;95(12):3503-6). SBIO is characterized by bloating, flatulence and diarrhea and is also associated with fibromyalgia (Ann Rheum Dis. 2004 Apr;63(4):450-2) and restless leg syndrome (Dig Dis Sci. 2008 May;53(5):1252-6).  Again, Lipski said she recommends probiotics for those with SBIO, but she also suggests botanicals (peppermint oil and anti-microbial herbs).

Also associated with IBS and SBIO is leaky gut syndrome, Lipski said. Leaky gut also increases the risk of a slew of other ailments, such as liver injury, HIV, asthma and eczema. Fortunately, Lipski can offer many supplements to her patients to address its symptoms. Her top choices include glutamine, quercetin, fish peptides, vitamins A and C, marshmallow root, enzymes and aloe vera.

For constipation, Lipski suggests patients increase their magnesium intake; magnesium deficiency can also lead to irritability, menstrual and muscle cramps, and noise sensitivity.

Digestive ailments such as these can increase the risk of developing infectious, inflammatory and functional gastrointestional diseases, as well as extraintestinal diseases such as immune-mediated and metabolic disorders (BMC Med. 2011 Mar 14;9:24). Lipski also noted digestive issues are linked to psychiatric disorders such as depression (Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008 Feb;29(1):117-24), and mood and anxiety disorders.

Along with supplements, Lipski said it's important for women with digestive ailments to follow a whole foods diet that addresses their specific needs. She suggested women try gluten- or dairy-free, a GAPS or a specific-carbohydrate diet until they find the right diet for them. She added bone broth offers a great deal of nutrition (protein, calcium, hyaluronic acid, etc.) for those with digestive ailments.