Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, chronic (or ongoing) gastrointestinal (GI) condition adversely affecting the functioning of the colon. It affects millions of people worldwide and can range from mild to debilitating in its impact.

IBS is characterized by a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. However, one symptom that often flies under the radar but significantly affects quality of life is nausea.

If you are living with IBS, and nausea is making your life miserable, then this blog post aims to provide you with an understanding of IBS-driven nausea, including its causes, symptoms, frequency, and treatment options, focusing on gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) as an effective solution.

How common is IBS driven nausea?

As mentioned above, nausea is less common than other IBS symptoms. However, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, it affects about 38% of women and 27% of men with IBS. So, if you’re experiencing feelings of sickness or discomfort in your stomach alongside your other IBS symptoms, you’re not alone.

How is IBS driven nausea experienced?

IBS-driven nausea refers to the sensation of feeling queasy or unsettled in the stomach that accompanies the other symptoms of IBS. It can be profoundly distressing. One of my IBS clients described their experience of nausea as 'having something heavy and rotten in my stomach.'

How often is nausea experienced?

The severity and frequency of nausea can differ based on individual factors, including the type of IBS (IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M) and comorbid conditions (see below).

The frequency at which nausea occurs can vary from person to person. A survey by the American College of Gastroenterology found that 41% of IBS patients reported nausea as a symptom at least occasionally, and for some, it can be a daily challenge. Some people experience nausea infrequently, others have persistent, ongoing symptoms, and others experience episodic nausea that coincides with flare-ups of their IBS.

Nausea can significantly affect the quality of life of individuals with IBS

The feeling of nausea may come and go, but when it’s present, it can significantly affect an individual’s daily life, causing significant discomfort and distress, making it challenging to carry out their usual activities.

Nausea can lead to:

• a reduced appetite, which may cause weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

• Fatigue. Chronic nausea can contribute to a general feeling of tiredness and malaise.

Potential causes of IBS driven nausea

IBS driven nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• IBS itself: Nausea can be a direct symptom of IBS, often occurring shortly after meals. [1] Some people living with IBS may experience nausea because of the abdominal discomfort and pain caused by IBS.

• Medication side effects: Some medications used to treat IBS, such as antibiotics and stimulant laxatives, can cause nausea as a side effect.

• Visceral hypersensitivity (oversensitive nerves in the gut's lining) is a common IBS symptom and can cause nausea.

• Changes in gut motility. The movement of food through the stomach and small intestine is too slow or too fast, leading to feelings of nausea.

• Delayed gastric emptying: Some people with IBS experience delayed gastric emptying, also known as gastroparesis. This condition slows down or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, causing nausea and discomfort.

• Comorbid (coexisting) conditions that often go together with experiencing IBS may cause nausea. For instance, gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) can often occur alongside IBS and cause nausea. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD frequently overlaps with IBS. In fact, a 2019 study found that 66% of people with IBS also had GERD symptoms. [1] GERD can cause stomach contents to flow back into the oesophagus, leading to nausea.

• Food triggers: Certain foods can worsen IBS symptoms, and trigger nausea.

• Chronic stress. The release of stress hormones and neurotransmitters in response to one or more stressors can cause nausea.

Treatment options for IBS-driven nausea

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and frequency of IBS-driven nausea is essential for its effective management. There are various treatment options available for managing IBS, including both medical and non-medical approaches. Traditionally, treatment for IBS-driven nausea has focused on symptomatic relief and managing the broader IBS symptoms.

One of the most promising non-medical IBS treatments available today is gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH). GDH has gained attention as a promising approach for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including nausea, because of its ability to influence the digestive system’s functioning.

GDH - a promising solution

GDH is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis and goal-directed suggestions and guided imagery to influence and enhance gut-brain interaction. It aims to alter the way the brain perceives and processes gastrointestinal signals.

Suggestions given during GDH program help to change the brain’s responses to gastrointestinal symptoms and improve overall digestive function. Studies have shown that GDH can alter various aspects of gastrointestinal physiology. For instance, it can speed up gastric emptying and change food/waste transit time through the gastrointestinal tract.

While traditional treatments focus on symptomatic relief and lifestyle changes, GDH offers an effective alternative that addresses both the psychological and physiological aspects of the condition. By focusing on the mind-gut connection and promoting self-healing, GDH can influence gut motility, pain perception, and improve overall gastrointestinal functioning.

Effectiveness of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

Several clinical studies and reviews have showed the efficacy and effectiveness of gut-directed hypnotherapy in managing IBS symptoms, including nausea. Individuals who undergo a program of GDH experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.

Research also shows that the benefits of GDH can be long-lasting, with many people living with IBS continuing to experience symptom relief many years after completing therapy.

A question I’m often asked, is “How soon can I expect to experience a reduction in my symptoms as a result of investing in a GDH program?” According to Riehl and Tomasino, many individuals with IBS notice improvements by the fourth session of a GDH program.

The benefits of GDH

1. Improves Gut-Brain Communication: GDH helps to correct and enhance the communication between the brain and the gut, promoting better regulation of gut function and reducing symptoms like nausea.

2. Reduces Visceral Hypersensitivity: By promoting relaxation and reducing chronic stress, GDH can help decrease the heightened sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a reduction in nausea and other IBS symptoms.

3. Alleviates Anxiety and Stress: Since worry and stressors are common triggers for IBS symptoms, GDH’s focus on relaxation and chronic stress reduction can have a positive impact on overall symptom management.

4. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: GDH is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option, making it suitable for individuals who prefer natural approaches to managing their symptoms.

Summary

IBS-driven nausea is a challenging, distressing and often under-recognised symptom of IBS that can significantly affect the quality of life for individuals living with IBS.

With a growing body of research supporting its efficacy, GDH stands out as a viable treatment option for those struggling with IBS-driven nausea. By focusing on the gut-brain connection and promoting the body’s innate ability to heal itself, GDH provides hope for those living with IBS of an improved quality of life and relief from the distressing symptoms of IBS, including nausea.

When combined with other treatments like dietary changes and medication, GDH can be a powerful tool to manage IBS effectively. Its ability to provide long-lasting relief with no strict dietary restrictions makes it an attractive option for many people living with IBS.

What next?

If you’re struggling to cope with IBS-driven nausea, and you’re curious to about how GDH can help you gain relief, reach out. I can help you explore how GDH could help you gain the relief from IBS and nausea that you desire. You can book a 30 minute consultation with me using this link.