Ah, The Shituation with IBS—Where Gut Feelings Aren't Always a Good Thing!
- Diana Cracchiolo
- Jul 25, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
Dealing with IBS-C feels like constantly battling the lurking shituation inside you. With so much stubborn bloating/distention, it's like your gut decides to throw a party with its own set of unpredictable rules. The erratic surprises keep popping up like a never-ending puzzle of digestive challenges and it's like navigating a minefield of digestive dilemmas every day! I have IBS-C, which means struggling with constipation is a daily battle. Coping with IBS can be mentally draining; even something as basic as breathing can trigger bloating and everyday stress can stall bowel movements for days. Over the past few years, I've invested thousands in supplements and treatments promising relief from IBS-related bloating. The market, which I humorously refer to as "Bloat Society," inundates social media and blogs with supposed miracle solutions in the form of supplements or diets.
Through my trial and error (mostly error), I've stumbled upon a few gems that actually work. But, before I share the gems, first things first. Let's address the mind-gut connection. Calming down your backside is key. Anxiety is like an unwelcome visitor who won't leave. If you're like me, your stomach plays Twister and the crap just keeps stacking up—no pun intended, but hey, the struggle is real! Modern life resembles a Netflix series—constantly leaving us on the edge, unsure if the next episode will bring joy or suspense. It's as if our minds have been upgraded to the latest software, only to experience unexpected crashes at the most inconvenient times.
So, how do I pull myself off the roller coaster of life's constant suspense? Cue Ashwagandha, my newfound sidekick. This herb has been a lifesaver, easing those gut-wrenching IBS nerves and keeping my abdominal and mental woes in check. Ashwagandha has become my stress-busting superhero- 500mg at a time. Like a cautious herbal explorer, I started with a smaller dose (500mg) and depending on how bananas life gets, I may need 100mg more. (But trust me, that's after some serious body knowledge and not just a wild guess). Even though it's all-natural, this stuff packs a punch, so tread lightly if you're on Team Low Blood Pressure or have liver concerns and/or tricky kidneys. If you have a kidney transplant, this is not the herb for you! I now take it three times a week because that’s all my body needs. I listen closely to how I feel and am careful not to become dependent on anything herbal. I also include breathing and physical exercises in my lifestyle.
Check out the details below to geek out on the data. Remember, always chat with your doctor before diving into the supplement sea. Knowledge is power and it's also a pretty good safety net!
Keep calm and poop on my friends!
Common Side Effects: For Ashwagandha
1. Digestive Issues: Including upset stomach, diarrhea, or nausea.
2. Liver Problems: Many athletes use ashwagandha in their protein powders for better absorption. However, research has shown that taking this herb frequently and without proper supervision can lead to liver problems. Ashwagandha is potent, and its side effects may cause liver damage, as indicated by animal experiments and research.
3. Drowsiness: Ashwagandha can have a mild sedative effect on some people, causing drowsiness or sleepiness.
4. Headache: Some users may experience headaches, although this is less common.
5. Allergic Reactions: They are rare but possible, such as itching, rash, or difficulty
breathing (seek medical attention immediately if severe).
Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
1. Changes in Blood Sugar Levels: Ashwagandha may lower blood sugar levels, which can concern people with diabetes or hypoglycemia.
2. Blood Pressure Changes: It may lower blood pressure, which could be problematic for individuals with already low blood pressure or those taking medications that lower blood pressure.
3. Hormonal Effects: In some cases, ashwagandha may affect thyroid hormone levels. People with thyroid disorders should use caution.
4. Interactions with Medications: Ashwagandha can potentially interact with medications for thyroid disorders, diabetes, blood pressure, and immunosuppressants. If you take any medications, consult a healthcare provider before starting ashwagandha.
Specific Concerns for Men and Women:
● Men: There have been reports of ashwagandha causing a decrease in testosterone levels in men. While this is not universally observed and may not be clinically significant in all cases, men with concerns about testosterone levels should monitor their response to ashwagandha carefully.
● Women: Ashwagandha may affect hormonal balance and thyroid function, which could impact women differently depending on their health status. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid ashwagandha due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.
While ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated by most people, it's important to be aware of these potential side effects, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have concerns about how it might interact with your health or current medications.
The concern regarding liver health and ashwagandha is important, especially for athletes and individuals who use it regularly. Here are some key points to understand based on current knowledge and research:
1. Limited Clinical Evidence: While some reports and studies suggest potential liver
toxicity associated with ashwagandha, these findings are not well-established or
consistently observed across all studies. Most concerns arise from animal studies or isolated case reports rather than large-scale human clinical trials.
2. Quality and Dosage Matters: The quality of the ashwagandha supplement and the dosage taken are critical factors. High doses or poor-quality supplements may increase the risk of adverse effects, including on liver function. It's important to choose reputable brands and follow recommended dosages.
3. Individual Variability: People react differently to supplements, including
ashwagandha. Some individuals may be more sensitive to its effects on liver enzymes or other aspects of liver function. Monitoring for any signs of liver issues, such as elevated liver enzymes, is advisable, especially with long-term use.
4. Interaction with Medications: Ashwagandha may interact with medications that affect liver function or metabolism. Athletes and individuals taking other supplements or medications should consult healthcare professionals before adding ashwagandha to their regimen to avoid potential interactions.
5. Supervision and Monitoring: Regular supervision by healthcare providers and
periodic monitoring of liver enzymes through blood tests can help detect any potential liver-related issues early, especially for those using ashwagandha regularly or in higher doses.
6. Risk Management: While the risk of liver damage from ashwagandha appears to be low overall, caution should be exercised, particularly in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or susceptibility to liver problems.
So, while ashwagandha is popular for its potential benefits, including stress reduction and athletic performance support, users should be aware of the possible risks, particularly concerning liver health. Responsible use, proper supervision, and adherence to recommended dosages can help mitigate these risks and maximize the potential benefits of ashwagandha supplementation. I suggest consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance, especially for individuals with specific health concerns or conditions.
Knowledge is power data: Read !!
● Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8166567/
● Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8762185/
● Word-of-Mouth Innovation: Hypothesis Generation for Supplement Repurposing based on Consumer Reviews: Hypothesis ( IBS) enrichment by linking to biological databases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5977600/
Also, if you’re on Instagram, dive into the world of wellness with Jen Smiley (@wakeupandreadthelabels)! She's your go-to food coach for decoding bloating, fighting inflammation, and whipping up swaps that redefine label reading. Follow her and see how simple tweaks can transform your plate and health!
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