Personal Story
Weston’s Personal Story: A Child’s Journey with Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders My five year old son Weston has struggled with gastrointestinal symptoms since he was born in 2010. These symptoms began as vomiting, diarrhea, failure to thrive, malabsorption syndrome, and acid reflux. The doctors first suggested that we eliminate certain foods in my diet because I was […]
Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a number of clinical studies. Hypnotherapy for IBS involves progressive relaxation, and then suggestions of soothing imagery and sensations focused on the individual’s symptoms. Improvements in overall well-being, quality of life, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating have been noted. […]
Find the Best Healthcare Provider for You – Whether your healthcare provider is a family provider or a specialist (such as a gastroenterologist), there are certain qualities to look for to help you get the care you need for your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Yoga typically combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation. Evidence suggests that yoga may be helpful for anxiety associated with medical conditions, stressful events, or symptoms of depression. Although there’s been a lot of research on the health effects of yoga, many studies have included only small numbers of people and haven’t been […]
What are complementary and alternative treatments? If conventional medical therapies prove unsuccessful or have unwanted side effects, many people choose to pursue complementary or alternative therapies (CAM). Complementary therapies are done in addition to traditional medical treatments, and alternative therapies are done instead of medical treatments. Watch Dr. Anthony Lembo 2021 NES presentation Complementary Alternative Medicine […]
Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report psychological symptoms such as depressed mood or anxiety. This occurs mainly in people who experience more severe symptoms. It is also seen in patients in highly specialized (tertiary) medical care referral centers. Emotional distress has been known to worsen IBS symptoms. Going to events that involve eating […]
April is IBS Awareness Month! Join us in spreading awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting those with IBS Join our social campaign Share the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #MoreThanAStomachache Download our IBS Media Toolkit IBS This year, IFFGD and the community raise awareness, promote understanding, and offer compassion to those living with IBS– the theme for IBS […]
Intestinal Nerves and Serotonin in Gut Function The Body’s Second Brain The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a large and complex network of nerves that manages the activity of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. These nerves talk to your real brain and also get help from your body’s stress system, immune system, and hormones. But even […]
IBS is a group of symptoms; therefore, IBS symptom treatments vary. Most medicines are aimed at only one symptom. If your IBS is interfering with your daily life, your healthcare provider may suggest or prescribe a medicine based on your most troubling symptom. Effects will vary widely from person to person. All medicines have possible […]
Abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel produce the symptoms of IBS. A “dysregulation” between the brain, the gut, and the central nervous system causes the bowel to become “irritated,” or overly sensitive to stimuli. Symptoms may occur even in response to normal events. A number of symptoms that occur together characterize […]
What are the causes of IBS? For many people, IBS is a long-term (chronic) condition that involves ongoing episodes of abdominal pain or discomfort linked to changes in their bowel movements. Some individuals—especially those whose symptoms began after a bout of food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea (known as post-infectious IBS)—may see gradual improvement over time. […]
“I thought I was the only one.” For many who experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), “I thought I was the only one” is a familiar sentiment. It is not uncommon to feel alone with symptoms that are difficult or embarrassing to put into words, that may disrupt activities, yet are invisible to others. […]