Everyday Health: Stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Do you have any tips to help people with IBS manage stress?
Mark Babyatsky, MD (mssm.edu)
Stress is clearly related to symptoms of bowel disease. Treatments including biofeedback, trying to develop a regular, relaxed time for having bowel movements, and other stress management techniques, including counseling, have all been shown to be helpful in controlling symptoms.
Kenneth Brown, MD (kennethbrownmd.com)
IBS is a common disorder, classified as a syndrome (group of symptoms), not a disease. IBS affects the large intestine (colon), causing multiple signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
Stress and anxiety can affect the intestines by changing the motility. Sometimes when we are in stressful situations our bowels can slow down or speed up, which can result in constipation or diarrhea. There is new evidence that when stress affects the motility of the intestine, it also affects the natural bacteria in our body. This motility change results in bacterial overgrowth; it can actually be the cause for all the symptoms.
One of my favorite treatments for IBS is to consider that the cause is actually bacterial overgrowth and treat the patient by changing the overall intestinal bacteria. This has been shown to be very effective in clinical trials.
As far as managing the stress causing the motility changes, a recent study did demonstrate that relaxation techniques such as mindfulness — based stress reduction did help those people with IBS.
Christine M. Esters (adventureinwellbeing.com)
Drink more water (1 gallon daily) and fresh juice (1 quart), take a walk, breathe, sleep more, cleanse, and meditate.
Elisa Faybush, MD (bannerhealth.com)
There is proof that stress management can help prevent or ease IBS. People can use relaxation techniques (deep breathing, visualization). Regular exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a well — balanced diet helps as well.
Lisa Ganjhu, DO (wehealnewyork.org)
IBS has very strong correlations between stress and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. Depending on the type of IBS, stress can cause pain, diarrhea, or constipation. It is important to understand what specific stressors cause your symptoms and avoid them. Activity to reduce stress such as yoga, meditation, and exercise are also helpful in controlling bothersome IBS symptoms.
Brett Lashner, MD (clevelandclinic.org)
IBS is worsened by stress, but IBS symptoms cause stress in daily life. Anticholinergic medications which minimize the spasms of IBS often help bowel symptoms and can relieve some stress. Other forms of stress management, like exercise, meditation, yoga, massage and reading also can help with the troubling symptoms of IBS. Certain diets, like a lactose — free diet and a high — fiber diet can help in many people. Avoiding certain additives, like sorbitol in sugar — free chewing gum, can also minimize symptoms. So, the best treatment for IBS includes attacking it from many different sides — medications, diet, and several forms of stress management.
Lisa Pichney, MD (stopcoloncancernow.com)
To minimize stress and anxiety in patients, I often suggest massage therapy or acupuncture. I think it is important for gastroenterologists to work closely with the IBS patient's primary care provider to promote the psychological support needed. Support groups are also very useful to allow patients to share their experiences with their disease and seek camaraderie with fellow sufferers who may have found unique ways to deal with their situation.
Andrew Sable, MD (gastrohealth.com)
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a disorder of the digestive tract in which patients suffer from recurrent abdominal discomfort or pain and altered bowel habits. Probably close to 10 to 15 percent of Americans suffer from IBS but most do not seek treatment. IBS can have considerable impact on the lives of those affected. And while stress and anxiety and IBS are clearly related, how and why the interaction occurs is not completely clear. Recent studies have shown a direct interaction between the brain and the gut, labeled the brain — gut axis. The importance of this interaction is reflected in many of the treatments recommended for IBS. Coping with stress and anxiety can significantly impact the outcomes of those sufferers with IBS. Aside from medication, I may recommend self — relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, employing creative outlets like art and music and regular exercise. Learning to minimize stress and anxiety can go a long way to reducing the symptoms and flares experienced by those with IBS.
Sutha Sachar, MD (susacharmd.com)
The definition of relaxation is different for everyone. I always tell my patients to do what they enjoy and relaxes them at least twice a week. Once they see how much happier they are, I tell them to slowly increase the activity so that they are FINALLY taking time for themselves and therefore reducing stress.
AA Starpoli, MD (starpoli.com)
The development of appropriate response systems to stress is critical. Maintaining a diet rich in soluble fiber will help as well providing a foundation for proper bowel habits.
Jacqueline Wolf, MD (drjacquelinewolf.com)
Exercise, meditate, engage in a hobby, read an exciting book, massage — just doing something for oneself at least 15 minutes per day is an important way to reduce stress. Meditation and yoga are two activities that help relax tensed muscles. Acupuncture and reiki are two other activities that many of my IBS patients say helps them. It is important to find the activity that is best for the individual. Biofeedback techniques and psychological therapy are other ways to help reduce stress and anxiety. Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective therapy for many with irritable bowel syndrome.