talkhealth forums

I have IBS and have suffered with it for quite a few years now. Recently everything I eat makes me bloat. I was talking to someone who recommended taking Aloe Vera. Taking a couple of tablespoons on a daily basis helped the bloating. Is this true?

Don't know if this is true, but from what I have read on other forums they always said to avoid as causes even more problems.

Hi Keri

The National Institiute of health and care excellence (NICE) guidelines advise health professionals not to encourage use of Aloe Vera. You can read what it says here

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61/c ... yle-advice

If you need more information you could open the copy of the full guidelines as it has more information. It can in some circumstances make symptoms worse.

I hope this helps

Julie

Hi Keri

Julie is absolutely correct about the NICE guidelines. There doesn't seem to be much good scientific evidence to support the use of aloe vera - although anecdotally I have several patients who swear by it!

Peppermint oil capsules (e.g. Mintec or Colpermin) can be very effective for bloating at a dose of 1 or 2 three times a day. Other options are a trial of probiotics or charcoal tablets.

Asking your GP to refer you to a dietician may also help identify a cause for the bloating - for example FODMAP-containing foods tend to get fermented by bacteria in the gut producing gas and bloating

Hope this helps!

Neil