Peppermint caps question for Heather
#37375 - 01/14/04 09:35 AM
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Loriann
Reged: 11/21/03
Posts: 78
Loc: coastal southern California
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Heather, do you take these on a regular basis or only if you feel cramping, gas etc? If daily, do you take 3 a day? How about during an attack? I'm usually afraid to do anything during an attack except Levsin, which doesn't do a whole lot if the attack is moderate to bad. Also, I've heard a lot of people talking about Gerd or reflux problems - I don't have those and wonder if too many peppermint caps will cause it? I do drink a few cups a day of your peppermint tummy tea. If you don't take them on a regular basis, but only for symptoms, can you take them after a meal when the symptoms start?
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Hi - you can take as needed or on a daily basis, it's up to you. I would try just one a day and see how you do before you go up to three a day - they're very strong.
Because they don't dissolve till they reach your intestines, they won't affect you immediately during an attack. Peppermint tea is more helpful there, but taking a cap will help eventually as well. It sure can't hurt.
Peppermint won't cause GERD - you have to have this disorder first, and then peppermint can trigger the symptoms. I do think if you took too much you could give yourself temporary heartburn, though, so start gradually.
They work best as a preventative, so take before a meal you suspect might cause problems. Taking it after will help, but not as quickly as you'd like.
You might try taking one a day every day and see how you do. That might work better to head off attacks than trying to take as needed. But, if you're really well-stabilized and you'd only be taking as needed once a week or even less, then that option might make more sense.
Personally, I alternate. I take 1-2 daily if I'm under stress, or traveling, or going out to eat a lot. Otherwise I just take one when I start feeling a little dicey, or before a meal that I suspect has too much fat. Oh - and I take 3 a day right before and during my period, because I've found them to really help with the cramps.
- Heather
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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!
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Heather, thank you for that great detailed answer! It's a lot more clear now how I should use them. I didn't realize they were 'strong' - it sounds like they must be a lot stronger than a cup of tea!!
Take care, Lori
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