Anxiety Induced IBS – Holistic Ways You Can Improve Your IBS Symptoms
1 in 7 people experience IBS-type symptoms
Approximately 30% of people who experience IBS will consult physicians for symptoms management.
Of these people who do seek advice, research has found that 50-90% of these patients have a psychological disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder and depression.
If this is you, perhaps some stress management techniques can be a beneficial addition to traditional management strategies such as the low FODMAP diet.
YOGA
A randomized control trial with 97 IBS sufferers highlights significant improvements in symptom severity and quality of life after a 12-week remedial yoga intervention.
MEDITATION
A pilot study on meditation and IBS showed significant improvements in symptoms, anxiety and overall quality of life after 15-20 minutes each day for a 9-week period.
EXERCISE
A randomized control trial involving 76 patients concluded an increase of physical activity such as walking, aerobics and cycling, of 2 hours per week significantly improved IBS symptoms and quality of life.
PSYCHOLOGISTS
Multiple randomized control trials have proven cognitive behavioural therapy to be an effective treatment for people with IBS, improving both IBS symptoms and quality of life.
References
Kavuri V. Remedial yoga module remarkably improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome patients: A 12- week randomized control trial. (2015) Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382015300561
Park SH. Relaxation Therapy For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. (2014) Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1976131714000450
Johannesson E. Intervention to increase physical activity in irritable bowel syndrome shows long-term positive effects. (2015) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4294172/
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/05/meditation-may-relieve-ibs-and-ibd/
