PHGG for IBS symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterised by alterations in normal bowel function and gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and cramping. The pathogenesis of IBS and IBS triggers are highly individualised and specific to the patient.
IBS is often referred to as a dysfunction of the gut-brain axis and often patients will complain of psychological stress to exacerbate their symptoms. Other possible contributing and causative factors of IBS include recent or previous antibiotic use, recurrent gastrointestinal infections, and a SAD diet.
Partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) is a low viscous compound that has been shown in experiments to relieve both IBS-D (diarrhoea predominant) & IBS-C (constipation-predominant). PHGG has been shown to act as a prebiotic and increase the beneficial concentrations of short-chain fatty acids.
Recent RCT studies showed 6g of PHGG to improve abdominal swelling and to help normalize bowel function but not abdominal pain. In another human study, PHGG was found to increase the concentration of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species and decrease Clostridium, Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcal species.
It is hypothesised PHGG increases soluble fibre available for breakdown by bacteria. The improvement in bowel microflora then improves IBS symptoms. Thus, it has been shown through recent scientific studies that PHGG may assist in the improvement of IBS symptoms.
If you would like further assistance in managing your gut symptoms, reach out for a consult here and/or send me an email at judy.c.nutrition@gmail.com
REFERENCES
Cuomo, R., Russo, L., Sarnelli, G., Savino, I., Vozzella, L., Zito, F., & Andreozzi, P. (2015). Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: Effects of gender, age, and body mass index. Saudi Journal Of Gastroenterology, 21(2), 104. doi: 10.4103/1319-3767.153835
Niv, E., Halak, A., Tiommny, E., Yanai, H., Strul, H., Naftali, T., & Vaisman, N. (2016). Randomized clinical study: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) versus placebo in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Nutrition & Metabolism, 13(10), 1-7. doi: 10.1186/s12986-016-0070-5
Slavin, J., & Greenberg, N. (2003). Partially hydrolyzed guar gum. Nutrition, 19(6), 549-552. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(02)01032-8
