IBS sufferers often stay either undiagnosed, untreated, or those diagnosed are commonly disappointed with their doctor’s advice to ‘just live with it’. In the UK Hypnotherapy is a recommended treatment for IBS by the NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence). However doctors are often reluctant to refer their patients to alternative practitioners, thus patients with IBS fall through the gaps of the healthcare system.
The fact that there is no one definitive known cause and that doctors are overwhelmed by the needs of IBS patients, suggests that there should be an increase in patient education and alternative treatments that can deal with the matter effectively (for example, Hypnotherapy, CBT, and Psychotherapy).
The estimated prevalence of IBS falls between a range of 8-20% amongst adults in the western world and is more commonly found in women than men. Constant bloating and discomfort are part of this condition and can be very unpleasant in everyday activities, but also quite a turn-off for love life, for those who intend on having one. Common symptoms of IBS are:
- Bloating
- Lower abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Usually, a person tends to suffer from diarrhea or from constipation, but in some people these symptoms alternate. These symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, but also by foods. Since IBS involves the intestine, and this organ is a major factor in stabilizing our mental health (95% of our feel-good hormone serotonin is produced in our guts), issues like anxiety and depression often co-exist with IBS. In general, it can be said that people with IBS need to take more care of their intestinal health and diet. Sufferers with predominantly loose stools might be helped by reducing the consumption of the following foods to manage symptoms:
- Insoluble fiber (like in whole grains, wheat bran, lentils, beans, dark leafy greens, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes with skins)
- Greasy foods
- Very spicy foods
On the other hand, those suffering mostly from constipation can benefit if they include exactly those foods – containing insoluble fiber – listed above into their diet, which makes stools looser.
When someone in my practice first comes to see me, there is often one question that arises ‘Where does it come from, why do I suffer?’. It is very likely that a majority of IBS sufferers have one or more food intolerances or food allergies. The most common intolerances are for example fructose, lactose, sulfite, sorbitol, and histamine intolerance. However, it is questionable what was first – the intolerance/ allergy or IBS? In IBS, as in any other disease, there are probably different factors at play: genetics, lifestyle, and stress might be some of them. The last factor has been shown to be strongly affected by our life history and psychological background.
The Intestine has a Mind of its Own
Extreme emotional states often manifest themselves as physical feelings in the digestive system. If we have a closer look at how that is reflected in common figures of speech, then we will find that braveness is related to digestion: ‘to have the guts to do something.’ or fear leads to ‘sh***ing one’s pants’, just like ‘butterflies in one’s stomach’ is used to describe feelings of excitement. Based on the knowledge we have today, the body and mind are intertwined. The digestive system in particular can be viewed as a kind of brain in itself since it is overgrown with neurons. It has been found that a high number of people suffering from IBS have experienced adverse life events, that might have had a part in triggering the unpleasant digestive problems. One reason for that is that chronic stress exacerbates inflammation and acidifies the body. However, healthy gut bacteria don’t like an acidic environment at all, and so as the number of gut bacteria decreases with stress so does the ability to digest foods. Supplementation with probiotics can help undo the damage, provided one reduces stress levels as well. However, the use of probiotics is now known to not have lasting effects. Once the probiotic is discontinued symptoms often reoccur. The main reason for this might be that stress is the actual cause for the issues.
How Hypnotherapy can help
It has been found that a good rapport with their health practitioner can already make the patient feel better. They feel more in control through the education they receive from their doctor or therapist. Very importantly, the patients can talk about their concerns and problems that come with IBS in a safe environment. IBS can be triggered by traumatic life events, or growing up in a dysfunctional family and exacerbated by stress. Hence hypnotherapy can help to allow the individual to catch up on positive interpersonal experiences, something a good patient-therapist relationship can provide them with. Stress is counteracted through hypnosis and relaxation exercises. Clients are encouraged to practice those on their own. Self-empowerment plays a very important part when it comes to developing a sound body and mind.
Stress plays a major factor in IBS. This is why in hypnotherapy the main focus will be on stress management and is supported by any of the following strategies:
- Assertiveness training can help to establish boundaries, self-protection, and self-care
- Ego-strengthening helps to counteract stress by increasing awareness for strengths and resources
- Hypnosis and self-hypnosis promotes relaxation and calms down the nervous system and digestive functions
- In hypnosis suggestions for calm and comfort are given to diminish future IBS symptoms and discomfort
- Eating patterns, habits, and changes in diet are discussed
A change in public health care is already happening. IBS patients’ symptoms and needs can be especially complex but become manageable once we realize that there is a root cause. Often the overexcited nervous system has rendered sufferers overly sensitive to stress or certain foods. Once the triggers are identified, patients learn new tools to deal with stress. The tolerance to problematic foods can be increased by cutting back and reintroducing triggering foods. Hypnotic suggestions help relieve stress and discomfort. The learning of relaxation methods helps clients to feel empowered so and experience long-lasting improvements.
