Yoga has been shown to relieve symptoms of IBS by helps you become more ‘in-touch’ with your senses and developing a positive feeling. Research suggests that yoga helps to restore normal signals in the nervous system.
Pranayama (breathing control) yoga helps people with diarrhea-predominant IBS by increasing levels of sympathetic tone. Savasana, the final resting pose at the end of most yoga sessions, can help de-stress your body and provides a temporary escape from all your anxiety and stress, reducing IBS symptoms. Yoga can be practiced at-home with the aid of online instructional videos.
2. CBT
Mental health therapies can be effective at managing IBS symptoms. The gut and brain talk to one another through nerve signals, and treating the mind can improve digestive symptoms. (33)
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps patients to understand and improve the relationship between thoughts, emotions and actions. This reduces stress, negative feelings and false perceptions.
CBT can be adapted to improve symptoms of IBS. Here, the patient is guided to identify negative attitudes towards symptoms such as abdominal pain that may worsen the condition. This treatment is available as an at home through online programs. (34, 35)
1. Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy has been shown to reduce gut symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and nausea by up to 72%. With hypnotherapy for IBS programs now available through apps such as Nerva, there is now no need to leave home to access this management tool. hypnotherapy to be accessible from home. This treatment works to relax the tightness of intestinal muscles through guided relaxation and suggestive imagery.
While the low FODMAP diet has often been the go-to option for managing IBS symptoms, many people are now choosing to try hypnotherapy as a way to reduce their symptoms without avoiding foods. 89% of Nerva users report better managed gut symptoms after six weeks of the at home hypnotherapy program.
Bonus tip: Go easy on laxatives
Over-the-counter medications can improve IBS symptoms or make them worse. The Mayo Clinic recommends caution when taking IBS medications for diarrhea such as Imodium, or constipation such as polyethene glycol (also called Miralax).
The Wrap Up
There are many natural ways you can treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome from home. This saves the need to purchase over-the-counter medications or prescription medications. Safe and effective home remedies include herbal supplements, dietary changes, exercise and relaxation techniques, including hypnotherapy. These all work to restore the digestive system to normal function. However, it is also advisable to seek the advice of a doctor to assess symptoms of IBS.
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