IBS MD By Premium Certified Overview & Drug Interactions

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several bodily processes. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for immune system function and may help to protect against certain diseases. Vitamin D is found in a variety of foods, including fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as milk and cereal. It is also produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D supplements are available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies depending on age, sex, and other factors, and it is important to follow the dosage recommendations provided by a healthcare professional. There are several different forms of vitamin D available, with the two most popular being ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).

Perilla frutescens, an annual plant native to Asia, is valued for its diverse applications in cooking, manufacturing, and traditional medicine. Its leaves, stem, and seeds are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for their rich content of flavones like apigenin, luteolin, shishonin, and vicenin-2, as well as beneficial compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and policosanol. These components are purported to contribute to a range of health benefits, including potential anti-allergy properties that may alleviate symptoms like atopic dermatitis and airway inflammation, possibly by reducing inflammatory mediators and mast cell activity. Its anti-inflammatory effects, which may involve inhibiting cytokine production and modulating immune cell activity, align with its traditional uses for allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, perilla is said to exhibit antimicrobial effects, with its seed extract, oil, and essential oil showing potential activity against bacteria and fungi. Laboratory research suggests potential nephroprotective effects, indicating that perilla may inhibit the proliferation of mesangial cells in kidney disorders.

Peppermint is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is known for its fragrant, minty aroma and distinctive, spear-shaped leaves. Peppermint is commonly used in cooking and aromatherapy, as well as in a variety of personal care products. It has a refreshing, cool, and slightly sweet flavor. In traditional medicine, peppermint is believed to have a number of health benefits. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, and it is sometimes used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin disorders. Peppermint is also commonly used as a natural treatment for colds and flu due to its expectorant properties. Some peppermint supplements are marketed specifically towards those suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as evidence shows it can help reduce symptoms in some individuals.

Aloe vera is a plant species that is native to the Arabian Peninsula, but is widely cultivated in other hot, dry climates. It is known for its thick leaves, which contain multiple components, most notably 'aloe gel' and 'aloe latex'. The plant is used in a variety of health care products, including skin care products, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. In traditional medicine, aloe vera is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including skin conditions, wounds, and digestive problems. It is also used to improve hair and scalp health, and as a natural remedy for constipation.

Ginger is a spice native to Asia and part of the Zingiberaceae family. It has a pungent, spicy flavor and is often used to add flavor to dishes and drinks. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other medicinal properties. It is commonly used to treat nausea, motion sickness, and other digestive issues. Ginger is also sometimes used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Ginger supplements generally standardize several compounds found in the root, and are often labeled as containing a certain amount of 'ginger root extract'.

Fennel is a plant species in the carrot family and native to the Mediterranean region. Fennell seeds are often used as a spice, and other parts as food. Fennel has a distinctive, sweet, licorice-like flavor and is often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes such as sauces, salads, and baked goods. It is used in traditional medicine as a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C. It has also been used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

Turmeric is a commonly used spice and a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is native to India and other parts of South Asia and is known for its bright orange-yellow color and its warm, slightly bitter flavor. In traditional medicine, turmeric is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and other compounds, such as curcumin. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain, digestive problems, skin disorders, and respiratory infections. Most dietary supplements that utilize turmeric standardize their products based on a specific amount of curcumin (curcuminoids) per dose. Additionally, turmeric supplements are often paired with black pepper extract (piperine) to improve oral absorption.

Black seed, also known as black cumin, is a flowering plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several conditions, including bronchitis, colic, fatigue, fever, headache, toothache, back pain, and infections. Most dietary supplements containing black seed market it as supporting the respiratory and digestive system, as well as improving immune health. Black seed oil is obtained from the seeds being cold-pressed. In regard to supplements, whole black seeds contain both the oil and other components such as fiber and proteins, while black seed oil is a concentrated source of the oil only. Both can be taken as supplements, but black seed oil contains larger amounts of active components, while whole seeds can provide additional nutrients and fiber.

Indian long pepper, also known as pippali or pipali, is a plant species native to India and other parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Piperaceae family. The fruit of the plant, which has a pungent, slightly sweet flavor, is harvested and dried for use as a spice. Indian long pepper has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, pain, poor blood circulation, respiratory disorders, and fever. One of the constituents of Indian long pepper is piperine, which can have wide ranging effects, including increasing the bioavailability (i.e., rate and extent of absorption) of several different drugs. It is often combined with over-the-counter supplements, like turmeric, to increase their absorption.

Black pepper is a spice made from the dried, unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, which is native to the southwestern coast of India. It is one of the most widely used spices in the world, and it is often utilized to add flavor and heat to a wide variety of dishes. In traditional medicine, black pepper is purported to have a number of health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the body. Black pepper is also used as a natural remedy for digestive problems, such as indigestion and bloating, and to boost the immune system. Black pepper is widely used in dietary supplements, specifically, an extract from black pepper known as piperine. Piperine can affect the absorption of many drugs, which is why it has a large number of reported interactions. Oftentimes, these 'interactions' are purposeful, such as when piperine is used with turmeric, to increase its absorption.