Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) plant-based alternatives
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that affects how the brain and bowel communicate with each other, which can cause changes in bowel habits, intense discomfort, and extreme pain. Currently, there is no cure for IBS, and antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic medicines are typically prescribed to treat symptoms, but recently, patients report significant symptom improvement with natural, alternative IBS treatment.
Am I eligible?![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.datocms-assets.com%2F77923%2F1702548056-2015-06-14-13-24-18.jpg%3Fauto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dcrop%26h%3D473%26w%3D804&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_424kdVjEDQM2kfFoy4NKXEjm1YrQ)
“The Releaf+ subscription simplifies the entire process of my plant-based treatment.“
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Nigel, Releaf Patient
October 2023
Symptoms
Cramping
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Inconsistent bowel movements
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Trouble gaining/retaining weight
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
There are a number of treatments that can be used to help manage or regulate the fluctuating symptoms commonly experienced by those IBS patients, but typically making dietary or lifestyle changes are the first thing recommended by GPs. Sometimes IBS goes away on its own, or the symptoms become manageable, but for some the opposite can happen and medications or prescribed treatments are required to help with IBS. Releaf offer legal, plant-based IBS treatments to suitable patients in the UK, who have exhausted most conventional therapies.
Antidiarrhoeal medicines
Antispasmodic medicines
Laxatives
Loperamide
Mebeverine hydrochloride
Linaclotide
Polyethylene glycol (PEG))
If you are struggling to manage your symptoms and have already tried two conventional treatments for IBS, natural, alternative treatments may be suitable for you. Use our free eligibility tool to find out now.
Am I eligible?A word from our specialist
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Dr David Tang
Clinic Director
Can natural treatments help IBS symptoms?
Nature, and plants in particular, contain many powerful chemicals that can be harnessed or utilised by humans. Some of these can be particularly helpful in treating common ailments and conditions because of the way they operate, or act, when they enter the body.
When Releaf’s plant-based products are absorbed into the bloodstream, they can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance. From the ECS, these chemicals can then move around the body and target specific areas in crisis, and in the case of IBS, this often results in reduced pain and or inflammatory responses.
Small scale research has also shown certain natural plant compounds may have the ability to reduce colonic motility, which reduces the frequency of bowel movements, whilst others can relieve stress and anxiety which typically exacerbate IBS symptoms, or increase their likelihood of occurrence.
At Releaf, our specialist doctors can legally prescribe plant-based IBS treatments to UK patients if they have been struggling to manage their symptoms with conventional medicines, and are here to support patients through their new treatment journey. To find out if this course of treatment could be suitable for you, fill out our free online eligibility checker today.