Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be challenging, especially when certain foods that were previously tolerable suddenly become problematic. Have you ever wondered why this happens? Or why you go on vacation and are suddenly able to tolerate foods that usually tie your bowels in knots? It turns out that stress can mimic the symptoms triggered by certain foods. Understanding this connection can be empowering and provide additional strategies for managing IBS.
Many individuals diagnosed with IBS also experience stress or anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms. While addressing food intake, including the low FODMAP diet, and incorporating gentle movement can be helpful in managing motility and stress levels, sometimes these measures may not be enough.
It’s essential to prioritize self-care, the newest buzzword, as an ongoing process to promote well-being, IBS or not. Engaging in enjoyable activities, such as spending time with friends, immersing oneself in nature, or pursuing personal interests, can be beneficial. However, there are instances when these methods may not cut the mustard. In such cases, considering other options can be worthwhile, such as ensuring adequate sleep, practicing gut-targeted yoga poses, seeking talk therapy, exploring psychiatric treatment, or considering gut-directed hypnotherapy. I’m a ‘walking and noticing the flowers’ person myself (as evidenced by my IG account).
Ensuring regular, restful sleep can greatly contribute to overall well-being and mental health. Specific yoga poses can help with motility issues and promote overall well-being. Talk therapy can assist in identifying life stressors and provide effective tools to manage stressful situations. Medications prescribed by psychiatrists can address anxiety, depression, and gut-related problems simultaneously.
One alternative approach worth considering is gut-directed hypnotherapy. This may conjure mental images involving pocket watches and swinging chains, but no. Gut-directed hypnotherapy involves working with a specialized hypnotherapist. These professionals can be found both in-person and through virtual appointments, and it is worth checking if insurance covers the sessions.
If meeting with a hypnotherapist doesn’t appeal to you, there is an alternative option: the Nerva app. It offers a self-guided six-week program, requiring just 15 minutes per day. Each session consists of a hypnotherapy audio recording, psychology-related educational content, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Typically, results become noticeable between the fourth and sixth week and can last from six months to five years. The program costs $79 for three months of access, allowing for some flexibility in case of skipped days or the need to restart. Feel free to reach out to me for more details and a discount code before starting.
By considering these options, you can explore alternative strategies if food triggers are only part of the problem, or not the problem at all!