Short Answer: Cinnamon is good for IBS. Because it has cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and other compounds that can reduce inflammation, pain, gas, and infection in the intestines, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and improve gut health.
IBS is a condition that affects your digestive system, especially your intestines,
In IBS, your body has abnormal muscle contractions and nerve signals in your intestines, which can cause pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
This can lead to various health problems, such as malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, or weight gain.
One of the key factors in managing IBS is diet.
What you consume can affect your gut bacteria, which can impact your IBS symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage IBS, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid fat-rich foods like fried foods, cheese, and butter.
Now, cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.
People usually use it as a flavoring agent in various cuisines, drinks, and desserts.
Cinnamon is good for IBS because it contains cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and other compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
These compounds can help reduce inflammation, pain, gas, and infection in the intestines, which are common in IBS.
Cinnamon may also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which can benefit people with IBS and diabetes or heart disease.
One teaspoon of cinnamon can give you about 4 grams of fiber (16% of your daily needs), 68 mg of calcium (7% of your daily needs), and 1.4 mg of iron (8% of your daily needs).
Cinnamaldehyde can reduce inflammation and pain in the intestines by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory molecules.
Eugenol can kill harmful bacteria in the gut by disrupting their cell membranes and DNA.
Furthermore, cinnamon is a prebiotic, which means it can feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut and improve your gut health.
Prebiotics are good for IBS because they can help restore the balance of your gut flora, which can affect your immune system and digestion.
You can eat one to two teaspoons of cinnamon per day safely.
More than that can cause mouth sores, liver damage, or allergic reactions.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cinnamon if you have liver disease, bleeding disorders, or allergies to cinnamon or other spices to prevent worsening your condition.
Because cinnamon can interact with some medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or antibiotics, and cause adverse effects.
You can buy fresh cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose organic and pure cinnamon, preferably Ceylon cinnamon, which has less coumarin, a compound that can harm your liver.
Because some cinnamon products may contain additives, fillers, or other types of cinnamon that have more coumarin.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to six months.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing IBS effectively.
I always recommend my IBS patients to follow an IBS-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.