Can St John’s Wort cause flatulence? (5+ tips)

This article will explore whether Saint John’s Wort causes flatulence. It will discuss research findings on this topic and mention factors that may increase farting while taking St. John’s Wort, including lifestyle factors, concurrent medications, and medical conditions.

The article will also provide suggestions on what to do if you suffer from flatulence while taking St. John’s Wort. 

Can St John’s Wort cause flatulence?

Yes, Saint John’s Wort (SJW) may cause flatulence in some people. Flatulence isn’t specifically listed as a side effect of SJW, but research suggests that it commonly causes GI discomfort, including symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and bloating [1]. 

Saint John’s Wort is a herb that has a lot of benefits. It is known for its effectiveness in enhancing mood and treating depression. It also helps in wound healing, managing viral infections, and enhancing the actions of certain antibiotics.

SJW generally has a very good safety profile, and its GI side effects are usually mild and tolerable. However, SJW-induced flatulence and farting are very undesirable. While not everyone will experience this while taking this herb, it is still important to understand this side effect and manage it.

Thus, if you experience increased farting while taking SJW, you may need to change some of your habits and see if there is another cause for your flatulence. If St. John’s Wort-induced flatulence persists despite lifestyle modification, exploring alternative herbs is recommended.

What does research suggest?

There isn’t any research on or case studies of Saint John’s Wort-induced flatulence. However, there’s one study that investigates the neurotransmitters involved in the development of IBS, which is a syndrome characterized by bloating and flatulence [2].

This study found that most people suffering from IBS and flatulence had increased serotonin levels. Researchers stated that serotonin is the main neurotransmitter responsible for the transmission of signals from the central nervous system to the gut [2].

Therefore, it was suggested by the study that a change in serotonin levels can lead to GIT disturbances like flatulence.

Furthermore, multiple studies demonstrate that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly associated with flatulence. For instance, it was found in a trial that 64% of SSRI-treated patients suffered from flatulence [3].

Saint John’s Wort actions also include inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and increasing its availability. Thus, while there isn’t any research that directly or specifically addresses flatulence caused by St. John’s Wort, studies have found a link between its effects on serotonin and flatulence.

What factors influence St. John’s Wort-induced flatulence?

Multiple factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing flatulence while taking St. John’s Wort. These factors are mentioned below:

• Taking a high dose of SJW or jumping to a higher dose without applying proper dose titration can lead to intolerance and increase GI side effects like flatulence.

• People who tend to eat large meals and fatty foods are also more likely to get bloated while administering SJW.

• Carbonated drinks, alcohol, and cigarettes can also increase the likelihood of flatulence while taking SJW.

• Eating certain foods, like eggs, beans, broccoli, or cabbage, can increase the production of gases in the intestines and lead to St. John’s Wort-induced farting.

• High-protein diets can cause flatulence in people who are also taking St. John’s Wort.

• Food allergies or intolerances may also impair digestion and increase gas production, which can result in farting.

Medications and conditions that influence St. John’s Wort-related flatulence

The concurrent administration of other medications that increase gas production can increase the risk of flatulence and farting while taking St. John’s Wort. Some conditions can also increase the likelihood of experiencing this side effect. Some of these drugs and conditions are mentioned below [4]:

What to do if you experience flatulence while taking SJW?

Certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce St. John’s Wort-related farts. These lifestyle adjustments include:

• Try to eat small, frequent meals rather than big ones. You should also eat and drink slowly; take your time chewing. This is more digestion-friendly and will reduce the likelihood of gassiness and farts.

• Engaging in regular exercise can also improve digestion and prevent flatulence.

• Avoid foods that are known to cause farting, such as eggs, cow milk, and beans. Moreover, identify the foods that you usually experience flatulence after eating and avoid them.

• Herbal drinks may aid in improving digestion, which can reduce gassiness and flatulence. The drinks include anise tea, green tea, chamomile tea, and ginger tea. 

If you still experience increased farting after trying these management strategies, you should discuss this with a doctor. They may assess your symptoms, medical history, and medication history to determine if SJW is the reason for your flatulence.

They may also adjust your dose and monitor your response to the dose adjustment. Moreover, some OTC anti-gas medications can be recommended, such as simethicone or bismuth.

Understanding the link between St. John’s Wort and flatulence

Based on my research, I found that Siant John’s Wort may cause farting in people with bad eating habits or those with a history of gastrointestinal issues. However, I believe that St. John’s Wort-related flatulence is manageable and tolerable.

If taking St. John’s Wort led to increased farting, I recommend assessing your lifestyle and eating habits. For example, eating and drinking slowly, eating small meals, drinking herbal teas, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding flatulence-inducing foods may help.

You should also identify the specific foods and drinks that you are most likely to fart after consuming and avoid them. and avoiding the foods and habits that increase your bloating may also be helpful.

If St. John’s Wort-induced flatulence persists, you may need to consult with a healthcare professional. They will assess your risk factors, like allergies, intolerances, lifestyle, medications, and the presence of gastrointestinal diseases, and determine the suitable management strategy for your flatulence.

References