The Benefits of Peppermint Oil and Probiotics
Both peppermint oil and probiotics have become quite popular in recent years as natural ways to improve digestive health. Peppermint oil is known for its ability to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Probiotics contain healthy bacteria that are thought to bring the gut microbiome into balance. With both of these supplements trending, a common question arises - can you take peppermint oil and probiotics together safely and effectively?
How Peppermint Oil Works
Peppermint oil contains the active ingredient menthol, which has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties that relax intestinal muscles. This can relieve painful IBS symptoms like cramping and bloating. The oil also reduces diarrhea by slowing transit time in the small intestine. Research shows peppermint oil capsules taken daily are effective for reducing total IBS symptoms in 75% of patients after 4 weeks of treatment.
The Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. They help repopulate the intestinal tract with good bacteria to compete against bad bacteria and influence digestion in positive ways. Studies show probiotic supplements can reduce abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea symptoms in those with IBS. The healthy bacteria may also strengthen the gut lining barrier and modulate the immune response.
Are Peppermint Oil and Probiotics Safe to Take Together?
There are no known interactions or safety concerns with taking peppermint oil capsules and probiotic supplements together. Both are extremely safe natural products that are widely used for digestive issues. They actually have complementary mechanisms of action in the gut and taking them concurrently could provide added relief for those struggling with IBS.
How Peppermint Oil and Probiotics Work Together
Peppermint oil is thought to provide quick symptomatic relief by relaxing intestinal smooth muscle while probiotics work longer term to balance the microflora environment. Peppermint helps ease acute symptoms like painful cramping and diarrhea episodes. Meanwhile, probiotics strengthen the integrity of the gut lining, improve immune function and prevent overgrowth of bad bacteria. Together they offer both fast-acting and sustained benefits for optimal digestive health.
Evidence for Taking Peppermint Oil and Probiotics Together
While specific research has not been conducted examining the effects of taking peppermint oil with probiotics, studies have found benefits to combining other IBS therapies. Patients using peppermint oil along with fiber supplements and antispasmodics experienced greater improvement in IBS symptoms than those using just one of the treatments alone. This suggests a multi-pronged approach provides better outcomes. There is no evidence that peppermint oil interferes with probiotics, so taking both should only enhance overall digestive symptom relief.
What to Look for in Supplements
When shopping for peppermint oil capsules and probiotic supplements to take together, be sure to choose high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. Look for enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules to prevent the menthol from being released in the stomach and causing potential heartburn symptoms. For probiotics, seek out a multi-strain formula with colony forming units (CFUs) in the billions and refrigerated formulations for maximal potency.
Recommended Peppermint Oil Supplements
Some top-rated peppermint oil capsule products include:
- Heather's Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules
- Zarbee's Naturals Baby Digestive Relief with Peppermint Oil
- Nature's Way Pepogest Peppermint Oil
Recommended Probiotic Supplements
Some highly recommended probiotic supplements to try include:
- Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic
- Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
- Align Probiotic Digestive Support
How to Take Peppermint Oil and Probiotics Together
Dosage Recommendations
Always follow dosage instructions on the individual supplement labels. Most high-potency probiotic supplements recommend taking 1 capsule daily. For peppermint oil, common IBS dosing is 0.2 to 0.4ml, which is equal to 200-400mg of capsules standardized to contain 0.2ml peppermint oil. This is often 2 to 4 capsules, one to three times per day between meals.
Time of Day to Take
Take peppermint oil capsules about 30 minutes before meals to prevent symptoms during and after eating. Probiotics are best taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach which allows the bacteria to reach the intestines alive to colonize. You can take an additional probiotic dose right before bedtime as well.
While these supplements are very complementary, you may find taking both new supplements simultaneously aggravates symptoms initially. If this occurs, introduce them separately first. Once tolerated well individually after a week or two, you can start combining them to enhance efficacy.
Other Ways to Improve Digestive Health
In addition to supplementation with peppermint oil and probiotics, making certain lifestyle changes can also alleviate IBS issues. Follow these healthy digestion tips:
Dietary and Eating Habit Changes
- Eat more fiber - add fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Avoid problem foods - dairy, gluten, artificial sweeteners
- Drink more fluids - aim for 8 glasses of water daily
- Eat smaller, slower, mindful meals
Stress and Lifestyle Modifications
- Exercise regularly - try walking, yoga or Tai Chi
- Practice relaxation techniques - meditation, deep breathing
- Get enough sleep nightly
- Reduce stress triggers
Following an overall healthy lifestyle along with peppermint oil and probiotic supplementation can best help manage irritable bowel syndrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there side effects to watch for?
Peppermint oil may rarely cause heartburn or anal/rectal irritation. Probiotics generally produce very few side effects aside from temporary gas, bloating or diarrhea when first starting. Always speak with your doctor about any concerning side effects.
How long until I feel better?
While some get relief within days, it can take 4-8 weeks of consistent peppermint oil and probiotic use to see full effects. Give supplements an adequate trial before judging effectiveness.
What if I have SIBO or Candida?
Talk to your doctor before taking probiotics if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or candida overgrowth. In certain cases they could make these conditions worse. Test for these issues first if IBS symptoms persist despite treatment.
FAQs
Can peppermint oil be taken with probiotics?
Yes, peppermint oil and probiotics can safely be taken together. There are no known interactions between them. In fact, research shows combining peppermint oil and probiotics can be beneficial for relieving IBS symptoms.
What are the benefits of taking peppermint oil with probiotics?
When taken together, peppermint oil and probiotics work synergistically to improve digestive health. The probiotics balance gut bacteria while the peppermint oil relaxes GI muscles to reduce cramping and pain. Studies show this combination is highly effective for reducing abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation and diarrhea associated with IBS.
When should I take peppermint oil and probiotics?
The best time to take probiotics is with food, as this helps the live cultures reach the gut. Peppermint oil capsules should be taken on an empty stomach between meals. Space out your dosage of peppermint oil 2-3 times throughout the day for optimal effect.
Are there side effects to taking peppermint oil and probiotics?
Both peppermint oil and probiotics are very well tolerated with minimal side effects. Peppermint oil can cause heartburn in some people. Probiotics may initially lead to mild gas or bloating as the gut flora change. These symptoms usually subside within a week or two of use.
Can I take peppermint oil and probiotics long term?
Yes, for people with chronic IBS, taking peppermint oil and probiotics together on an ongoing basis is likely safe and helpful for maintaining remission. You may be able to reduce the peppermint oil dose once your symptoms start to stabilize. Periodically changing probiotic strains will keep them effective as well.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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