IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a functional bowel disorder
of the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain
and discomfort, bloating, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation, typically
over months or years. Up to 20% of Americans have been diagnosed with IBS, and
symptoms of IBS account for over 3 million yearly visits to physicians. IBS
is most common among females, representing over 70% of complaints, and IBS patients
are more likely than others to suffer from backaches, fatigue and depression.
The cause of IBS remains unknown, although diet and stress regulation appear
to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Dietary changes that may prove helpful include the avoidance of certain sugars
and identifying and eliminating foods to which you have a sensitivity or allergic
reaction. Evidence suggests that some people with IBS don't properly absorb
the lactose (found in dairy products), fructose (found in fruit and fruit juice),
and sorbitol, and should avoid foods that contain them. Wheat bran has not demonstrated
the same benefit to people with IBS as fiber from psyllium husks has, probably
because wheat is a common trigger for food sensitivity. Fortunately, there is
evidence that certain foods, like artichoke and traditional herbal remedies,
may help with many of the symptoms.

IBS Guard Ingredients

IBS Guard contains the following botanicals:

Artichoke Leaf 4:1 Standardized Extract is rich in cynarin, caffeoylquinic
acids and flavonoids and the choleretic (bile stimulating) action of the plant
has been well documented. In one study involving 553 people suffering from non-specific
disorders (including indigestion), 70% of participants experienced reduced nausea,
abdominal pain, constipation and gas, when consuming standardized artichoke
extract.

Ginger Root has been recommended for over 2,500 years as a Traditional Chinese
Medicine for abdominal bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Ginger is considered
a tonic for the digestive tract, stimulating digestion and intestinal muscles.
The root is rich in volatile oils, gingerols, shogaols and aromatic constituents.

Peppermint Leaf was recognized in the early 18th century Europe as a carminative
(prevents and relieves intestinal gas) and for its ability to reduce indigestion
and the spasms in the intestinal tract often associated with IBS. Peppermint
leaves yield a volatile oil composed primarily of menthol and menthone.

Caraway Seed is a digestive aid that was first used as far back as 1500 BC
and is still recognized today for its carminative action and ability to relieve
discomfort, gas and bowel spasm. Participants in research studies using caraway
and peppermint together experienced overall improvement in their IBS symptoms
when compared to a placebo group. Caraway contains volatile oils rich in carvone
and limonene.