GI discomfort

A compound called luteolin can help ease the pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, report researchers in the journal Food & Function. In a lab study, treating inflamed colon cells with luteolin halted the overproduction of enzymes and inflammatory hormones that cause symptoms. The authors explain that luteolin, which is found in vegetables like celery, artichokes, broccoli and green peppers, and in herbs like thyme, parsley and oregano, works similarly to over-thecounter painkillers to ease inflammation in the digestive tract and prevent flare-ups of diarrhea, pain and fatigue.