According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, affects 25 to 45 million people in the United States. Symptoms include abdominal pain and discomfort. Many people try to alleviate these symptoms by modifying their diets.

A recent study in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that blueberries may be helpful in decreasing inflammation and pain in the gut. After giving mice with inflammation blueberry extract daily for one week, researchers discovered the preventative and therapeutic effects from the extract in treating inflammation in the large intestine. Researchers say the anti-inflammatory effect of blueberry extract is due to antioxidant action and the decreasing of certain inflammatory proteins in the digestive tract.

More data is needed to determine therapeutic levels of blueberry intakes for adults to treat inflammation. However, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, is a healthful choice for managing many health conditions.

For more information on healthy eating and to find a nearby selection of blue-berries, visit the Flourtown Giant at 1874 Bethlehem Pk., Flourtown, or contact in-store nutritionist Rabiya Bower, RD, LDN, at 215-836-4300.

July 2017