Nutrient Hack for IBS Sufferers (Real Relief!)

When you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your quality of life takes a MAJOR hit.

People with IBS often battle anxiety, depression, increased social anxiety, reduced intimacy, and more.

And it’s no wonder—especially when you never know when your next bout of pain, bloating, or diarrhea will suddenly strike.

Fortunately, researchers recently identified a surprisingly simple nutrient hack that could improve the quality of life for people with IBS… offering much-needed, real relief.

Research shows that IBS sufferers are often deficient in vitamin D.

For example…

• In 2015, a study found that 82 percent of adult participants with IBS were vitamin D deficient as opposed to 31 percent of those without IBS.
• Then, in 2017, another study, this time on children with IBS, found just seven percent had adequate D levels and 50 percent were deficient.

But can boosting your D levels make a difference in your condition?

It turns out… it can.

In a new meta-analysis that included 12 different studies, researchers found that when IBS patients who were deficient in vitamin D increased their blood levels of vitamin D, they experienced significant improvements in their quality of life.

The exact reason for this improvement wasn’t clear, although the evidence suggests it may be due to reduced symptom severity.

And earlier research could reveal why…

A 2022 study established that vitamin D may play a vital role in gut health by maintaining the mucosal barrier of the intestines, which could head off IBS symptoms. While other research that same year links D deficiency to some of the same mental health challenges that IBS sufferers often face.

But whatever the reason, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is something we should ALL take seriously, whether we have IBS or not.

If you DO have IBS—and you’re looking for ways to improve your quality of life—getting your vitamin D levels into a healthy range is a great place to start.

Aim for at least 20 minutes of afternoon sun daily to get adequate vitamin D—although you may need more based on the time of year and where you live. Testing can confirm if you’re hitting the mark.

P.S. Are vitamin D supplements a waste of money? CLICK HERE to find out.

SOURCE:

Cara, K. C., Taylor, S. F., Alhmly, H. F., & Wallace, T. C. (2024). The effects of vitamin D intake and status on symptom severity and quality-of-life in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1–14