Does COVID trigger IBS?

Just last week, I warned that long COVID is still a threat.

This occurs when COVID symptoms stick around for months, if not years.

Of course, reports also suggest that a COVID-19 infection may trigger other conditions.

It’s a vicious cycle that can make you feel downright miserable.

And now, new research shows that more than 10 percent of COVID patients develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Here’s everything you need to know…

A natural approach 

Researchers are digging into how SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—triggers lasting inflammation, autoimmunity, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues. 

It turns out, nearly 18 percent of severe COVID patients report GI issues. And about 12 percent go on to develop IBS.

So, researchers set out to explore a natural way to alleviate these digestive problems.

In a new study, 16 adults with post-COVID IBS were compared to 28 IBS sufferers who never had COVID. The latter served as the control group.

Both groups received dietary guidance for a low-FODMAP diet, a common recommendation for IBS sufferers. (Learn more about this diet by clicking here.)

They were also instructed to supplement with 500 mg of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and 150 mg of frankincense (Boswellia serrata).

Over 30 days, researchers tracked symptoms using questionnaires, urine, and blood tests.

Here’s what they found…

A powerful imbalance

Both groups saw a significant reduction in bloating and abdominal pain. The treatment was not only safe, but also effective, according to assessments.

But here’s the catch—post-COVID IBS sufferers continued to suffer from gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut), as indicated by urine samples that analyzed for indicant (also known as indoxyl sulfate, a marker of intestinal health).

In other words, while diet and supplements helped, COVID’s gut damage lingered in some patients.

This falls in line with previous data that suggests a gut disturbance could continue for well over a year after an infection with COVID-19.

So, what does this mean for you?

As I’ve explained before, ongoing inflammation is a probable cause of these lingering symptoms. And taming that fire is especially crucial. But that all starts (and ends!) with prioritizing and nourishing your gut.

See, your gut is a main driver of your overall health. And an imbalanced gut is really just a hotbed of inflammation.

When your gut is compromised, you’ll eventually have even more to contend with than “just” IBS. That’s exactly why I pulled together an exclusive report for you in the March 2019 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“Your ultimate guide to a complete microbiome makeover”).

In fact, I explain the importance of gut health, expose the biggest microbiome mistake you can make, outline how to regain control, and much more. Click here to learn more!

Source:

“Curcuma and Boswellia extracts may reduce symptoms in post-COVID-19 IBS.” Nutra-Ingredients, Europe, 02/27/2025. (nutraingredients.com/Article/2025/02/27/boswelia-and-turmeric-extracts-may-improve-covid-related-ibs/)