Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder, affecting around 25-45 million Americans. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. While there’s no cure for IBS, certain supplements can help manage symptoms.
Two popular options are IBgard and Heather’s Tummy Tamers. But how do these supplements stack up against each other? Here’s a detailed comparison of ibgard and Heather’s Tummy Tamers to help you decide which is better for your IBS symptoms.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | IBgard | Heather’s Tummy Tamers |
| Active Ingredients | Peppermint oil (SST) | Peppermint, fennel, ginger oils |
| Usage | As needed, up to 3x daily | Twice daily maintenance |
| Target Symptoms | All IBS symptoms | Constipation-predominant |
| Onset of Action | 24 hours | 2+ weeks |
| Formulation | SST targets small intestine | Enteric coated capsules |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
What Is IBgard?
IBgard is a capsule supplement containing a special form of peppermint oil called SST (Site Specific Targeting). Peppermint oil has long been used to treat IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating thanks to its antispasmodic and analgesic effects.
The SST technology in IBgard delivers the peppermint oil to the small intestine where it can start working on symptoms. The capsules have an outer coating that protects the peppermint oil until it reaches the small intestines. This helps minimize heartburn, reflux and gastric distress that plain peppermint oil capsules might cause.
IBgard is designed to be taken as needed, up to 3 times per day on an empty stomach 30-90 minutes before meals. It’s most helpful for relieving the following IBS symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Urgency and diarrhea
Some key features of IBgard include:
- Clinically studied for IBS symptoms
- Non-prescription, over-the-counter use
- No serious side effects
- Fast acting relief in as little as 24 hours
- Can be taken as needed for symptom flare ups
What Is Heather’s Tummy Tamers?
Heather’s Tummy Tamers are peppermint oil capsules specifically formulated for IBS symptoms. They contain a proprietary blend of peppermint oil, fennel oil, and ginger oil.
Like IBgard, the peppermint oil in Heather’s Tummy Tamers helps alleviate abdominal pain, bloating, and spasms. The fennel oil adds extra gut-soothing properties, while ginger oil provides warming effects to ease constipation.
Heather’s Tummy Tamers are taken twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. They can help manage the following IBS symptoms:
- Pain and cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
Key features of Heather’s Tummy Tamers include:
- All natural herbal formula
- Peppermint oil in an enteric coated capsule
- Can be taken daily for maintenance
- Ideal for IBS-C (constipation)
- Non-habit forming
Also Read: Comparison Between CholestOff and CholestOFF Plus
IBgard Vs. Heather’s Tummy Tamers: Key Differences
While IBgard and Heather’s Tummy Tamers are both peppermint oil supplements for IBS relief, there are some notable differences:
Active Ingredients
- IBgard contains a specialized peppermint oil complex (SST)
- Heather’s contains peppermint oil plus fennel and ginger oils
Usage
- IBgard is taken as needed, up to 3x daily
- Heather’s is taken twice daily for maintenance
Target Symptoms
- IBgard is effective for the full range of IBS symptoms
- Heather’s is ideal for IBS-C sufferers
Onset of Action
- IBgard can act within 24 hours when taken as needed
- Heather’s takes at least 2 weeks of daily use to reach full effect
Formulation
- IBgard uses SST to target the small intestines
- Heather’s relies on enteric coating to protect the capsules
Also Read: Choose Between IntraMIN And IntraMAX.
Comparing Pros And Cons
To help summarize the key points, here is an overview of the main pros and cons of IBgard Vs. Heather’s Tummy Tamers:
IBgard Pros:
- Faster acting when used as needed
- Clinically studied specifically for IBS
- Addresses all symptoms like pain, diarrhea, urgency
- Lower risk of heartburn or reflux
IBgard Cons:
- Must be taken on empty stomach
- More expensive than Heather’s
- May take some trial and error to find effective dose
Heather’s Tummy Tamers Pros:
- All natural herbal formula
- Can be taken daily for maintenance
- Ideal for IBS-C constipation symptoms
- Less expensive than IBgard
Heather’s Tummy Tamers Cons:
- Takes 2+ weeks for full effect
- Not ideal for diarrhea or urgency
- Higher risk of heartburn or reflux
- Less studied for IBS specifically
As you can see, while both provide peppermint oil for IBS relief, IBgard seems better suited for fast-acting, episodic symptom relief, while Heather’s Tummy Tamers are preferable for long-term daily maintenance to prevent symptoms, especially constipation.
Also watch this about IBgard!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some good alternatives to Heather’s Tummy Tamers include:
IBgard – faster acting, studied for the full range of IBS symptoms
Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic – helps restore gut bacteria balance
Atrantil – specifically targets methane-producing gut bacteria implicated in IBS-C
FDgard – contains caraway oil instead of peppermint oil
Yes, Heather’s Tummy Tamers can help relieve constipation in IBS. The combination of peppermint, fennel, and ginger oils provide antispasmodic, analgesic, and pro-motility effects to ease constipation symptoms. It works best when taken regularly as maintenance.
IBgard is designed to be taken only as needed up to 3 times per day, not daily for extended periods. Using it on a daily basis long-term can lead to decreased efficacy over time. It’s better to use IBgard episodically when you experience IBS symptom flare ups for fast relief.
In clinical studies, IBgard started working within 24 hours for most IBS sufferers when used as needed for symptom flare ups. However, it may take some trial and error to find the right dosage schedule that works for your symptoms. Always follow package directions. See your doctor if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks.
Also Read: Is FDgard Better Than IBgard?
The Bottom Line
IBgard and Heather’s Tummy Tamers take different approaches to managing IBS with peppermint oil. IBgard is clinically tested for fast, episodic relief of all symptoms, while Heather’s aims for gentler daily maintenance, especially helping constipation.
Try samples of both to see which provides you the most symptom relief with minimal side effects. Be sure to speak to your doctor to rule out other conditions. With the right supplement and lifestyle changes, you can find relief from IBS symptoms.