Infuriating IBS news flash. Seriously, Dr. Mayer?

Infuriating IBS news flash. Seriously, Dr. Mayer?

3 supplements for a healthier gut, per a gastroenterologist, and 1 of them increases colon cancer risks!

I read a lot of news and research studies about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and I try to pass along the most relevant, helpful, or just plain interesting ones.

But for every IBS news article I feature, there are at least a dozen I don’t, because they’re unhelpful, irrelevant, or just plain crazy.

Sometimes they’re so awful they straight up piss me off.

This is one of them.

Dr. Emeran Mayer, MD, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor in Medicine at UCLA, recently told MDLinx he recommends three supplements for a “healthier gut. “

One of them is rhubarb root.

“Another supplement I frequently recommend is rhubarb root for constipation. There is extensive literature on the active component of rhubarb root—the anthraquinones—and when used in personalized doses for limited amounts of time, there are few downsides,” Dr. Mayer tells MDLinx.

Sorry, Dr. Mayer, but I disagree.

The anthraquinones in rhubarb root are classified by the FDA as a harsh stimulant laxative.

Anthroquinones cause faster and much stronger bowel contractions.

This can mean violent abdominal cramps, painful spasms, diarrhea, and awful bloating and gas.

Especially if you have IBS.

All anthranoid laxatives (not just rhubarb root, but aloe, senna, and cascara as well) can cause melanosis coli - a black pigmentation of the colon lining.

Recent research suggests melanosis coli can increase the risk of colon cancer.1

And one study found that people with melanosis coli had a high adenoma (benign tumor that can develop into cancer) detection rate.2

Sounds like a helluva lot of downsides to me!

Just as bad, long term use of anthraquinone laxatives can cause laxative dependence3 and a cathartic colon,4 which then causes chronic constipation due to structural changes of the bowel.

Cathartic colon changes include physical damage: atrophic mucosa, degeneration of enteric nerves, and thinning of the bowel muscle walls.

The only treatment for a cathartic colon is to stop using laxatives. But even then impaired bowel function often remains a problem.

The European Food Safety Authority has reviewed the published scientific evidence and concluded anthraquinone laxatives should be considered genotoxic (damages DNA) and carcinogenic (potential to cause cancer).5

Again, no downsides?!

Honestly, no matter how “personalized the dose” or “limited” the amount of time, I would not recommend rhubarb root to anyone for “gut health.” Ever.

In fact, I’d recommend you completely avoid it.

And see here if you’re struggling to get off laxatives…

You are not alone.

Heather's IBS Newsletter can’t continue without your support. Please become a paid subscriber.

P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone. If you need immediate help please join my private IBS coaching.

XOXO

Heather

Heather Van Vorous Over 40 years dealing with IBSGet full help for IBS here