Using Acacia for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diarrhea
Answered by: Christine Dennis
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: July 24, 2008

Will acacia absorb any medicines or draw any nutrients from the stomach as it is introduced to help with IBS and diarrhea?

Acacia senegal (gum arabic) is an emulsifying agent that has been used to soothe and reduce inflammation in the bowel lining. As a result it has been effective in treatments for diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There have been some reports of acacia causing mild gastrointestinal upset. However, I have used this extensively in my practice for IBS but it is always used in combination formulas and I am not aware of any negative side effects when used in this way. When the fiber of acacia has been used, it can caused reduced absorption of nutrients but this is true of all fiber and fiber supplements. In this case, it is best to take all medications or supplements away from the time that one is ingesting acacia fibre.

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