Written by: Tiluka Bhanderi, BSc RD
Reviewed by: Sophie Claessens, BSc RD
Living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) can be exhausting and even debilitating. Read on to learn about a different approach to manage troubling IBS symptoms with gut-directed hypnotherapy.
Table of Contents
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions worldwide. It is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI) meaning the messages between the brain and gut are disrupted. This creates hypersensitivity and hyper-reactivity leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea 1. The symptoms can be debilitating and IBS can significantly impair one’s quality of life. There may be days where symptoms are better or worse and often flare ups can be triggered by stress, food or drink 2. Despite its high prevalence, finding effective treatments can often feel challenging. For more artciles on IBS check out; 5 best foods for IBS and Do I Need an IBS Food Intolerance Test? A Dietitian’s Guide.
The Gut-Brain Axis:
The gut-brain axis can best be described as a two-way communication network that links the gastrointestinal tract (GI) to the central nervous system (CNS). It involves intricate pathways of neural, hormonal and immunological signalling that allows a constant dialogue to occur between the gut and the brain. This in return has been found to influence various physiological processes and behaviours. In IBS, the disruptions in the gut-brain axis influence the types of symptoms and severity that a person experiences 3.
Stress, anxiety and other psychological factors can trigger maladaptive signalling along the gut-brain axis leading to an altered gut motility (the stretching and contraction movements of the GI tract) and increased inflammation within the GI tract 4. New research is also showing that a disturbance in gut microbiota can also exacerbate emotional distress 5.
This bi-directional relationship reminds us of the importance in addressing both the physical and psychological factors in IBS management. By understanding the delicate interplay between the gut and the brain, interventions such as gut-directed hypnotherapy and dietary modifications can help restore balance to the gut-brain axis which in return should help alleviate symptoms and improve living with IBS 3.
What is gut-directed hypnotherapy?
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a new and promising approach in managing IBS symptoms recommended in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for people who do not respond to pharmacological treatment after 12 months 6. This therapy harnesses the power of hypnosis to positively influence gut function and alleviate distress. By guiding individuals into a state of deep relaxation, hypnotherapists work with the subconscious mind where they are able to tap into parts of the brain that are more receptive to therapeutic suggestions 7.
By addressing underlying stressors, reframing negative thought patterns, and enhancing gut-brain communication, hypnotherapy holds promise as a noninvasive, drug-free intervention for IBS management and has been shown to reduce symptoms in sufferers 3.
How can a dietitian help me with my gut-brain axis?
Dietitians work in a holistic way providing personalised dietary and lifestyle advice. Alongside managing and addressing trigger foods, dietitians are able to help you improve your overall diet and gut health by following evidence-based interventions and learning strategies such as stress reduction techniques and mindful eating practices to manage symptoms.
At Fresh Approach Nutrition, our team of experienced dietitians are dedicated to empowering people with IBS to reclaim control over their digestive health. We understand that no two journeys are alike, which is why we tailor our approach to suit your unique needs and preferences.
If you are considering the Low FODMAP diet we’ve got you covered, check out our articles 7 Low FODMAP Plant-Based Protein Sources – Dietitian Approved, Is Chickpea Flour Low FODMAP? The Ultimate Dietitian’s Guide to the Best 8 Low FODMAP Flour Alternatives and, Low FODMAP milk alternatives.
Book a 15 minute discovery call with us to find out how we can help you.
Disclaimer: This content is purely informational and should not replace professional medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health professional, like us or your GP, if you are concerned about your symptoms.
References
- BDA. Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diet [Online]. Available:
https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/irritable-bowel-syndrome-diet.html [Accessed:
April 2nd, 2024]. - NHS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome [Online]. Available:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/diet-lifestyle-andmedicines/ [Accessed: April 2nd, 2024]. - Hypnotherapy for IBS: the gut-brain axis [Online]. Available: https://patient.info/newsand-features/hypnotherapy-for-ibs-the-gut-brain-axis [Accessed: April 2
nd, 2024]. - Gut-brain axis and Probiotics [Online]. Available:
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk/learning-lab/in-depth/mental-health/gutbrain-axis [Accessed: April 3rd, 2024]. - Limbana, T., Khan, F., & Eskander, N. (2020). Gut Microbiome and Depression: How
Microbes Affect the Way We Think. Cureus, 12(8), e9966.
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.9966 - NICE. Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management. Clinical
guideline CG61 [Online]. Available:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61/chapter/Recommendations#dietary-andlifestyle-advice [Accessed: April 3rd, 2024]. - NHS. Gut Directed Hypnotherapy For Brain Gut Axis disorders leaflet [Online].
Available: https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/seecmsfile/?id=6881 [Accessed: April 6th, 2024].
