Protocol · Gastrointestinal Health
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) Support Protocol
Probiotics and Peppermint Oil (Enteric-Coated) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 10–50 billion CFU daily (strains like B. infantis 35,624, L. plantarum 299v) | Modulates gut microbiome; reduces symptoms in IBS and other FGIDs; strain-specific effects | Not graded yet | ||
| Peppermint Oil (Enteric-Coated) | Amount listed: 180–225 mg enteric-coated capsules 2–3 times daily | Antispasmodic; reduces abdominal pain and bloating in IBS; must be enteric-coated | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Fiber (Psyllium) | Amount listed: 5–10 g psyllium daily (start low, increase gradually) | Soluble fiber regulates bowel function; better tolerated than insoluble fiber in IBS | Not graded yet | ||
| L-Glutamine | Amount listed: 5–15 g daily | Supports gut barrier function; may help with leaky gut; studied for IBS-D | Not graded yet | ||
| Digestive Enzymes | Amount listed: Comprehensive enzyme formula with meals | May help with bloating from carbohydrate maldigestion; lactase for lactose intolerance | Not graded yet | ||
| Ginger | Amount listed: 250–500 mg 2–4 times daily | Prokinetic; helps with nausea and gastroparesis symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Artichoke Leaf Extract | Amount listed: 320–640 mg 2–3 times daily | May help with functional dyspepsia and IBS symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Slippery Elm | Amount listed: 400–500 mg 3–4 times daily | Demulcent; soothes GI tract; traditional remedy for digestive symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Deficiency common in IBS; supplementation may reduce symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) are conditions where the GI tract doesn't function properly, but no structural abnormality is found. The most common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but the category includes functional dyspepsia, functional constipation, functional bloating, and others.
COMMON FGIDs:
- IBS: Abdominal pain with altered bowel habits (IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M)
- Functional Dyspepsia: Upper abdominal discomfort, fullness, early satiety
- Functional Constipation: Infrequent, hard stools without IBS pain
- Functional Bloating: Distension without other IBS criteria
- Functional Diarrhea: Loose stools without pain
ROME IV CRITERIA are used for diagnosis.
LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT:
- Identify and avoid trigger foods
- Regular eating schedule
- Stress management (key trigger)
- Regular exercise
- Adequate sleep
- Low FODMAP diet (for IBS)
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night-time symptoms
- Fever
- New symptoms after age 50
- Family history of GI cancers
Probiotics* have the strongest evidence for IBS - specific strains like Bifidobacterium infantis 35624.
Peppermint oil* (enteric-coated) reduces abdominal pain and is recommended in guidelines.
Psyllium fiber* helps regulate bowel function.
Ginger* helps with nausea and motility.
Expected timeline: Supplements typically show benefit within 2-8 weeks. FGIDs are chronic conditions requiring ongoing management.