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Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can significantly disrupt daily life. This common functional gastrointestinal disorder manifests through a range of symptoms, such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms are often unpredictable, which can lead to heightened anxiety, stress, and even depression.
Many individuals with IBS might feel embarrassed by their symptoms, causing them to withdraw from social activities, avoid meals with friends and family, and experience a diminished quality of life. These feelings will continue to have power over the IBS sufferer and cause them to believe that food intake is the sole cause of their distress. Seeking out nutritional help is common before exploring the brain-gut connection to IBS.
The Role of Diet in Managing IBS
One of the first steps many individuals take when dealing with IBS is to restrict their diet from foods that they suspect are triggers. A popular and well-researched approach is the low FODMAP* diet developed by Monash University. The Canadian Association of Gastroenterologists, clinical practice guidelines, suggest offering the low fodmap diet to reduce IBS symptoms. Studies have shown that the low FODMAP diet is effective for approximately 75% of IBS sufferers. However, this leaves about 25% of IBS sufferers still struggling with their symptoms despite making significant dietary changes. The other challenge is that most IBS sufferers will not seek a dietitian’s help to navigate the three phases of the Low FODMAP diet protocol and end up with a nutrient-deficient diet and disordered eating patterns.
The Biopsychosocial Model
To better understand and treat IBS, many healthcare providers now consider the biopsychosocial model. This approach looks beyond just the biological aspects of the condition and considers psychological and social factors as well. The biopsychosocial model recognizes the gut-brain connection. This connection plays a crucial role in IBS, where individuals with “visceral hypersensitivity”, meaning their gut is overly sensitive to normal stimuli. Recognizing the gut-brain connection explains the low FODMAP diet is not the only solution to IBS symptom management.
The Science Behind Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH)
Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is a therapeutic approach that has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in managing IBS symptoms. One of the first major studies on GDH, known as the “Manchester Protocol”, was conducted in 1984. This study demonstrated that hypnotherapy could effectively treat IBS symptoms when other treatments had failed. Over the years, numerous studies have reinforced these findings. Recent research highlights the success of the Manchester and North Carolina protocols, which have significantly improved IBS symptoms and quality of life for sufferers.
Author
Keren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from McGill University in Montreal, as well as a Masters Degree in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa. She is a Registered Dietitian in Ontario, Canada and a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario. She holds the Monash University’s certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. With over 20 years of experience, Keren believes that with the right tools and resources, healthy eating can be easy and free of angst.
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