On World IBS Awareness Day, I thought it would be useful to give an overview of what Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is and how best to treat it.

IBS is a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. It’s classified as a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). 

This means that there is nothing physically wrong with your bowel. The problem lies with how your bowel functions, and the primary cause for the malfunctioning is miscommunication between your gut and brain. The gut and brain are sending incorrect signals to each other, resulting in pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea.

IBS is common

Around 5-10% of the global population is affected by IBS. In New Zealand it’s closer to 15%. Chances are, as you’re reading this post, you are one of the thousands of Kiwis making up that 15%. IBS is so common that it accounts for approximately half of all referrals to gastroenterology clinics.

IBS is a complex chronic condition

IBS is a complex chronic condition which, although not life threatening, has a significant negative impact on an individual’s quality of life. Its range of severity ranges from mild intermittent symptoms to a disabling condition with a considerable loss of daily function.

IBS Symptoms

The hallmark of IBS is chronic abdominal pain associated with irregular bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation). The pain can be mild and intermittent or severe, constant, and debilitating. Other symptoms include bloating, cramping, gas, nausea, back pain. These symptoms occur because of altered gut motility, hypersensitivity of the nerves in the gut, brain-gut dysregulation, and disturbances in the gut microbiota.

How do you fix the miscommunication between gut and brain?

It’s possible to ‘fix’ the miscommunication between your gut and brain and retrain the way signals from your gut are interpreted by your brain. Research has shown that the most effective way to do this is through participation in a gut directed hypnotherapy program. In fact, research has shown that hypnotherapy for IBS can is more effective at reducing IBS symptoms than strict elimination diets, such as low FODMAP, and is more effective than medications such as laxatives and antispasmodics.

When could I expect to see results from participation in a gut directed hypnotherapy program?

Everyone is different but studies show that on average you can expect to see a reduction in your symptoms after six weeks. Certainly, that's the case with the majority of the clients who have invested in my Hypnosis4ibs Program.