Peppermint Oil

[ss017]

Has anyone tried peppermint oil for gastrointestinal issues?

Is there a certain brand that you recommend??

Also can you take it if you are taking PPI medications?

[Hidden]

Ok with ppi meds. Take before food. Mines mintec on prescription so free. Doesn't help that much but I try everything

[Fruitandnutcase]

My GP suggested I try Colpetmont - not on prescription though but I didn’t find it any help. If I feel I need to take something I use Buscopan or Zantac or Fybogel depending on which area is giving me trouble.

[Wifflesnook in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I found Buscopan brilliant but after taking it for three weeks I asked my gp if long term use ok and he said it had been linked with dementia. That scared me a bit so since the visit I’ve been trying peppermint oil but it isn’t as good as Buscopan. I’m wondering if I can just use Buscopan when symptoms partic bad?

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Wifflesnook]

Gosh, that’s a bit grim isn’t it, I remember reading something similar about antihistamines. I only ever take Buscopan as a last resort if my gut feels a bit off, I don’t find peppermint tea all that good if my gut feels bad - yet I’m ok with peppermint tea if my gut is feeling ok. Weird eh!

[Annaelizabeth]

Wonderful old-fashioned remedy for windy, upset guts. Go to a reputable health shop and buy the oil, add the drops as directed into warm water and drink.

[Neil119]

NO NOT FOR ME

[alicemarsh]

Peppermint is good for the lower gut, but not for gastro reflux type diseases that you normally use PPI for. It can cause this to worsen.

If you have an upset stomach, your first instinct may be to suck on a peppermint candy or brew a soothing cup of peppermint tea. However, while the minty treat can help some digestive conditions, like indigestion and gas, it may hurt others, such as heartburn due to gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).

Herbal teas help improve digestion and soothe many stomach problems, such as gas and nausea.

Try caffeine-free herbal tea for acid reflux, but avoid spearmint or peppermint teas. Mint triggers acid reflux for many.

Chamomile, licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow may make better herbal remedies to soothe GERD symptoms.

Licorice helps increase the mucus coating of the esophageal lining, which helps calm the effects of stomach acid. However, there’s insufficient evidence to confirm the effectiveness of fennel, marshmallow root, or papaya tea.

Be aware that some herbs can interfere with certain prescription medications, so talk to your doctor before trying an herbal remedy.

Low-fat or skim milk

Cow’s milk is hard for some people to digest and can contain a significant amount of fat. Like all high-fat foods, full-fat cow’s milk may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which can cause or worsen reflux symptoms.

If you have to go with cow’s milk products, choose the ones that are lowest in fat.

Plant-based milk

For people who are lactose intolerant or just experience an increase of acid reflux symptoms from dairy, plant-based milks are a good solution. Today, there are a variety of these products available, including:

soy milk

almond milk

flax milk

cashew milk

coconut milk

Almond milk, for example, has an alkaline composition, which can help neutralize stomach acidity and relieve acid reflux symptoms. Soy milk contains less fat than most dairy products, making it a safer choice for people with GERD.

Carrageenan is a common additive in nondairy beverages and may contribute to digestive symptoms. Check your labels and avoid this additive if you have GERD.

Fruit juice

Citrus drinks and other drinks such as pineapple juice and apple juice are very acidic and may cause acid reflux. Other types of juices are less acidic and thus are less likely to trigger GERD symptoms in most people. Good options include:

celery juice

carrot juice

aloe vera juice

cabbage juice

freshly juiced drinks made with less acidic foods, such as beet, watermelon, spinach, cucumber, or pear

Because tomato-based foods can trigger reflux symptoms, avoiding tomato juice may also reduce GERD symptoms.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way for nearly everyone to incorporate more vitamins and minerals into their diets. They’re an exceptionally good (and tasty!) option for people with GERD.

When making a smoothie, look for the same low-acid fruits as you would for juices, such as pear or watermelon. Also, try adding green vegetables such as spinach or kale.

Try this simple, low-carb smoothie that incorporates spinach and avocado. Another option is this vegan green tea smoothie with green grapes.

Water

Sometimes the simplest solutions make the most sense. The pH of most water is neutral, or 7.0, which can help raise the pH of an acidic meal.

Although this is very uncommon, keep in mind that too much water can disrupt the mineral balance in your body, which would increase the likelihood of acid reflux.

Coconut water

Unsweetened coconut water can be another great option for people with acid reflux. This beverage is a good source of helpful electrolytes such as potassium. These electrolytes promote pH balance in the body, which is crucial for controlling acid reflux.

Get a whole case online to quench your thirst!

Drinks to avoid

Some drinks can aggravate reflux symptoms and should be avoided. Examples include fruit juices, caffeinated beverages, and carbonated beverages.

Citrus juices

Citrus juices are naturally highly acidic and thus can aggravate acid reflux. Examples of citrus juices include:

lemon juice

orange juice

tangerine juice

lime juice

grapefruit juice

The citric acid that’s naturally present in citrus fruit can irritate the esophagus. While the stomach is made to withstand more acidic foods, the esophagus is not.

When buying juice drinks, check for and avoid citric acid. It’s sometimes used as a flavoring.

Coffee

Morning coffee is a daily habit for many, but people with acid reflux should avoid it when possible. Coffee can stimulate excess gastric acid secretions that may rise up to your esophagus, particularly when you drink a lot of it. This results in heightened acid reflux symptoms.

Other caffeinated beverages, such as sodas or teas, can have similar effects and should be avoided as much as possible.

Alcohol

Alcohol can negatively affect acid reflux, regardless of whether you’re drinking a glass of wine or downing a margarita. Hard liquor is more likely to aggravate reflux conditions quickly, though a glass of wine with a large or acidic meal can cause discomfort, too.

Heavy consumption of alcohol may be a risk factor for developing GERD, and it could cause mucosal damage in the stomach and esophagus.

Treatment for acid reflux

If your GERD or acid reflux hasn’t responded to purely dietary changes, other remedies and medications may offer relief.

Best drinking habits for GERD and acid reflux

As with eating, when and how you drink beverages can make a difference in GERD symptoms. The following tips can help keep symptoms at bay:

Avoid skipping breakfast or lunch, which can lead to overeating — and overdrinking — late in the day.

Give up late-night snacks, including beverages that may cause heartburn. This includes carbonated and caffeinated drinks.

Maintain an upright position during and after eating and drinking. Don’t eat for at least three hours before bedtime.

Moderate your alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can cause reflux symptoms in some people.

Reduce or eliminate spicy foods and fried foods.

Elevate the head of your bed so gravity can help keep acid from creeping into your esophagus.

By practicing healthy drinking habits and taking note of how your symptoms respond to specific foods and drinks, you can reduce your reflux symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, MD on June 14, 2019 — Written by Ana Gotter and Valencia Higuera

[one-n-den]

I use Colpermin, which is peppermint oil in enteric coated capsules, which stops it being released until it reaches your lower gut - that’s where IBS pain tends to be concentrated. Colpermin is an anti-spasmodic and relieves my IBS pains very effectively.

I prefer it to Buscopan , as Colpermin is a ‘natural’ product rather than a chemical one.

Hope that helps.

[Jellybelly55]

Is that the same as IB Guard peppermint capsules that are sold in the United States over the counter?