Why Choose a Holistic Approach to Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort, distress, and disruption to daily life. While conventional treatments focus primarily on symptom management, a holistic approach to IBS offers a more comprehensive way to address the condition's multi-faceted nature.
What is IBS?
IBS is a chronic condition characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or both. While the exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, factors such as diet, stress, gut microbiota imbalance, and altered gut-brain axis functioning are believed to contribute to its development and exacerbation.
The Holistic Approach to IBS
A holistic approach to IBS is personalised to you as individual, looking at all the possible factors driving your symptoms, and empowering you with the knowledge and tools to address these. Here’s a breakdown of 3 Key Factors, which could influence your Gut Health:
1. Diet
Certain foods can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms. A dietitian can help identify and eliminate trigger foods from your diet, while incorporating gut-friendly options. The Low FODMAP diet, for example, has been shown to alleviate symptoms in many individuals with IBS. Additionally, focusing on healthy whole foods, staying well hydrated, and practicing mindful eating can support digestive health.
2. Wellbeing
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Holistic management emphasises stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation. These practices help calm the mind, reduce tension in the gut, and promote overall relaxation, which can have a positive impact on gut health.
3. Lifestyle
Making lifestyle changes that promote overall wellbeing is essential for managing IBS. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are key components of holistic management. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-care can also help reduce stress levels and improve symptom management.
The Importance of the Mind-Body Connection
A holistic approach to IBS also recognises the connection between the mind and body. Practices such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy can help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and address unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to IBS symptoms. They also target the gut-brain interaction, which helps the gut to function better. By addressing these factors, these therapies empower individuals to feel more control of their symptoms, and at ease.
Conclusion: Taking a Holistic Approach to IBS
A holistic approach to managing IBS offers a comprehensive way to address the complex range of factors contributing to this condition. By incorporating dietary modification, stress reduction techniques and lifestyle changes, individuals can find relief from symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. We’re all different and what works for one person may not work for another. By working closely with healthcare professionals, like myself, who can offer a holistic approach, we can tailor your plan to meet your own unique needs. While not a cure, embracing a holistic approach empowers us to take an active role in managing our IBS.
References:
Ford, A. C., et al. (2018). Irritable bowel syndrome. The Lancet, 392(10148), 1366 -1378.
Gibson, P. R., & Shepherd, S. J. (2017). Evidence-based dietary management of functional gastrointestinal symptoms: The FODMAP approach. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 25(2), 252 - 258.
Lackner, J.M., Mesmer, C., Morley, S., Dowzer, C., Hamilton, S. (2004) Psychological treatments for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(6),1100 -13.
Vasant, D.H., Paine, P.A., Black, C.J., Houghton, L.A., Everitt, H.A., Corsetti, M., Agrawal, A., Aziz, I., Farmer, A.D., Eugenicos, M.P., Moss-Morris, R., Yiannakou, Y., Ford, A.C. (2021) British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines on the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gut. Jul;70(7):1214-1240. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-324598. Epub 2021 Apr 26. PMID: 33903147.
