What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It is estimated to impact 10% to 15% of the UK population, often emerging between the ages of 20 and 40. Although not life-threatening, IBS can cause significant discomfort and distress, affecting your quality of life.
Managing IBS involves a combination of dietary changes, medications, and psychological support. The condition varies greatly from person to person, so a tailored approach is essential for effective management and symptom relief.
IBS is twice as common in women as in men
1 in 20 in the UK have IBS
Psychological distress often co-occurs with IBS, directly influencing its development
Stress is a significant factor in triggering IBS symptoms, with nearly 60% of sufferers reporting stress as a main trigger
What causes IBS?
IBS is a complex condition often triggered by disruptions in the gut-brain connection, known as the gut-brain axis. This miscommunication can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits. In some cases, IBS develops after an intestinal infection, known as postinfectious IBS.
Stress plays a significant role in worsening IBS symptoms, heightening the sensitivity of the intestines. Additionally, altered gut bacteria, food intolerances, and certain medications can contribute to the condition. Hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation, as well as conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, may also increase the likelihood of developing IBS.
The symptoms and effects
The symptoms of IBS vary widely between individuals, both in intensity and duration. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation. These symptoms can severely disrupt daily activities and contribute to emotional and social challenges.
IBS can also lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, which further exacerbate the condition. It may affect your ability to work, strain relationships, and result in financial burdens due to healthcare costs and missed workdays. Understanding and addressing the emotional and physical impact of IBS is crucial for improving your overall wellbeing
How can it be managed?
Managing IBS requires a multifaceted approach. Adopting a balanced diet and identifying trigger foods—such as dairy or gluten—can help reduce symptoms. Gradually increasing fibre intake and maintaining regular meals also contribute to better digestive health.
Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, improved sleep habits, and stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and yoga, are beneficial. If these strategies aren’t enough, medications like antispasmodics and loperamide may be prescribed. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy have also shown promise in helping individuals manage the psychological triggers of IBS.
Working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalised treatment plan is essential. By addressing both physical and emotional factors, you can significantly improve your quality of life.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy, recommended by NICE for IBS, is a powerful tool for managing the condition by addressing the miscommunication between the gut and the brain. Hypnotherapy helps reduce nerve hypersensitivity, which alleviates symptoms like bloating and pain. Studies show that hypnotherapy can achieve up to a 95% success rate in treating classic IBS cases.
During a hypnotherapy session, relaxation techniques help access your subconscious mind, enabling you to reshape how your gut responds to stress. By promoting relaxation and emotional balance, hypnotherapy not only eases physical symptoms but also improves your mental wellbeing. Most people find significant relief after six or more sessions.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy (SFH) offers a holistic approach that focuses on the root causes of IBS, promoting long-term symptom relief and helping you regain control of your digestive health. Through SFH, you can enjoy a better quality of life, free from the debilitating effects of IBS.
Our IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
