Peppermint and digestive symptoms

Blog, Digestive health

Will a peppermint supplement help relieve some digestive symptoms? Blog article. ÉPITHÉLIA- Digestive health clinic.

Supplements and digestive symptoms: Peppermint

Does a peppermint supplement help relieve certain digestive symptoms?

Here's what the science says!

Peppermint oil is often used as a strategy for relieving digestive symptoms such as bloatingcramps and abdominal pain.

These effects are mainly due to its main active ingredient, the L-menthol. It is known to help relax the smooth muscle tissue in the intestines. It therefore helps antispasmodic effectto relieve involuntary muscle spasms. In addition, peppermint oil may also help reduce so-calledvisceral hypersensitivitythe high sensitivity of the nerves in the intestine, which is partly responsible for our perception of pain and stomach aches in the context of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), often referred to as irritable bowel syndrome. 

In various meta-analyses, peppermint oil has been shown to be effective for the overall symptoms of SII as well as for abdominal pain.   

Will a peppermint supplement help relieve some digestive symptoms? Blog article. ÉPITHÉLIA- Digestive health clinic.
Will a peppermint supplement help relieve some digestive symptoms? Blog article. ÉPITHÉLIA- Digestive health clinic.

Some products combine peppermint with other plants such asIberogast. In current literature, theIberogast has been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas and nausea associated with IBS. L'Iberogast also appears to promote intestinal motility (movement of the intestine), which is of interest in cases of functional dyspepsia or "slow" digestion.

Other products such asIBguard contain capsules with a slow-release coating, which protects it from stomach acidity and increases the chances of it reaching the intestines.

Various product options

Peppermint comes in a variety of forms. It is generally recommended to take the supplement 30 to 60 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.

  • Peppermint capsule ex. IBgard
  • Combined with other herbs in the form of drops eg. Iberogast
  • Drop of peppermint oil
  • Peppermint herbal tea

There are several contraindications associated with the use of these products. Always check with a healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist) to see if this product is right for you.

Beware of reflux and heartburn!

It is important to avoid peppermint in the presence of gastrointestinal reflux (often referred to as acid reflux) or hiatal hernia. Mint loosens the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to "rise" into the esophagus. This could aggravate reflux symptoms. Peppermint capsules (such as IBgard) are generally tolerated in people with reflux, given the enteric coating discussed above.

To learn more about the subject of reflux and nutritional recommendations, read this article: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  

 

In short, peppermint oil in its various forms can be useful for relieving certain gastrointestinal symptoms.

Obviously, a personalized recommendation is essential to determine whether this supplement is right for you.

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