The 195 participants in the study were assigned to either an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy course or an online Stress Management Therapy course. Both courses lasted for 10-weeks. The courses consisted of self-help reading material along with course participants interacting with each other & a professional therapist via online messaging. Once the courses were done participants were questioned on their IBS symptoms, they were questioned again 6-months later.

The immediate results after either course suggested that both therapies provided “adequate relief”. However interviews 6-months later point towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy having the beneficial edge at 67% reporting IBS symptom control, compared to 45%  for those who took the Stress Management Therapy course.

While both therapies can be helpful & online treatment makes it more convenient for those participating, neither therapy could be classified as a cure for IBS. These therapies could go hand in hand with other mental health exercises like meditation or hypnotherapy along with diet adjustments, drugs & physical activity to better control IBS symptoms. The researchers suggest that perhaps Cognitive Behavioral Therapies geared directly towards IBS could possibly provide more benefit than many of the generalized programs currently available.

Study Link

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1. Hypnotherapy – How Can It Help You And Your IBS
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3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, The Brain & Meditation

Many suffers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome only get occasional pain and discomfort, but for some the condition can effect their lives on a daily basis. You may suffer from constipation, or diarrhea, some may even have both. Pain can vary from mild to severe and can occur at any time of the day. You may also be suffering from indigestion, nausea, cramping, heart burn and muscle pain.

There has been lots of information and research into the condition. Some research suggests that parts of the gut may be over-active, some of the contractions in the muscles can become abnormal. Other research has found that sensitivity to the amount of gas in your bowel and your genes can all contribute to the development of IBS.

Because there is no known cause for IBS there is no definite cure. There are things that can help though, although it is important to recognize that as IBS is a medical condition you should consult your doctor before trying a new method. One method that is growing in popularity is Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, both have been shown to help relieve IBS symptoms.

Hypnotherapy can help you learn how to relax and teach you new ways to manage stress. Your state of mind can influence your physical health as well as your mental health. The stress and anxiety that IBS can cause can undermine your immune system which can then fuel the IBS further. Being able to relax and control your stress can be invaluable tools in coping with your IBS.

Hypnotherapy can also help you to stay positive about your condition. By communicating with your sub-conscience mind a hypnotherapist can help you change your reactions and feeling to certain situations and feelings. Meaning you may be a much happier and positive person.

Finding a professional hypnotherapist can add to your stress and confusion though, there are no government regulations in place in the UK for hypnotherapy at the moment. This is why the website Hypnotherapy Directory was created. You can search their network of UK based, qualified and insured hypnotherapists by your postcode, town or county to find help in your area. You can also find out lots more information on how hypnotherapy can help IBS, and many other areas . This is a free and confidential service for all.

If you are looking to find a Hypnotherapist in the US check out IBSHypnosis.com’s List of Professionals.

Alternatively if you do not have access to a local Hypnotherapist try Michael Mahoney’s IBS Audio 100 Program.

Related posts:

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A recent study from McGill University in Canada has found a genetic predisposition for developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome due to infection:

“Although the exact cause of PI-IBS remains unknown, we now know for the first time that, in addition to the environmental trigger, genetic factors are also playing a critical role in the development of this disease,” explains McGill PhD Alexandra-Chloé Villani, who led the team under the direction of principal investigators John K. Marshall (McMaster) and Denis Franchimont (formerly of McGill). Stephen Collins (McMaster) also collaborated.

Link: Walkerton Tragedy: 10 years of research leads to breakthrough.

The Walkerton Tragedy involved massive bacterial water contamination & incompetence/negligence by the employees of the water utility. In the end 9 people died & 2,300 became ill, with approximately 1/3rd of those ill developing IBS like symptoms.

While on McGill’s website, I found this interesting video which covers the symptoms & treatments of IBS. It is presented by Dr. Serge Mayrand, who along with other things is the Director of Digestive Motility Laboratory at McGill. Please note that registration with their website & the Quicktime application are required to view the video, both of which are free.

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What’s in Nature’s Way Primadophilus for Children?

It contains the following probiotic strains:

• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus Casei
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium infantis
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Bifidobacterium longum

The main one we’re concerned with is B. infantis, which as been proven in studies to help with IBS symptoms. Overall, these strains all have a purpose in our gut. One thing to keep in minds is that this product does contain FOS, which can cause gas for some people.

What does Nature’s Way Primadophilus for Children taste like & how do you use it?The taste of a probiotic is not something you normally have to deal with as most are in pill form. The taste is sweet, most likely due to the FOS content. It doesn’t taste bad at all, I liken it to a mildly sweet apple flavor. Once you mix it in with water or a beverage you can’t really taste it. I would recommend mixing it with room temperature or moderately warm water. Cold water seems to cause it to clump together.

Again the nice thing about this product is that you can measure it out exactly to control how much you’re taking. I decided to start with a very small amount, 1/8th teaspoon and then double it every week until I reached maximum dosage. This is not something you can usually do with other probiotic supplements because they are in pill form and rely on the probiotics being contained within the pill before entering the lower gut. The FOS in this product, I believe, is suppose to help it get through the stomach acids and into the lower gut where it can be effective. Though, I am not certain how effective this delivery method actually is.

Keep in mind as well that this product does require refrigeration

Did it help my IBS?

Initially, I believe I was having some positive results. The first couple of days were similar to other probiotics I’ve taken, I felt bloated & somewhat nauseated. This did subside somewhat over the following weeks. I noticed a mild improvement in the regularity of bowel movements, though my symptoms were not dramatically improved. Unfortunately after about a month of use, I accidentally left my fridge door open and all my food became spoiled & perhaps my probiotics. Not wanting to risk taking “rancid” probiotics, I bought a new container. I resumed my 1 teaspoon regimen, which is where I was at, at that time. Unfortunately I got bloated and became nauseated again with this product immediately, even though I seemingly had been using it before at the same dosage. I am guessing perhaps the batch I had before was older and thus perhaps less potent.

Would I recommend the product?

Yes I would. It did improve my symptoms for a short period of time. I have a touchy system so don’t use it as an example, it may work much better for you than for me, so it’s definitely worth a shot. Taking a powdered form is good for dosage control, which is pretty much impossible with a pill.

Where can I get it?

You can check out your local supermarket or nutrition store. I found some at my local Fred Meyer’s(may also be called Kroger’s in some areas) or purchase Nature’s Way Primadophilus for Children from Amazon.com, by clicking the link.

Related posts:

1. Align Probiotics Review: First Glance
2. Align Probiotic For Irritable Bowel Syndrome Update
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