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Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder characterised by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable organic cause. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements. Diarrhoea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate. IBS may begin after an infection, a stressful life event, or onset of maturity without any other medical indicators.
IBS does not lead to more serious conditions in most patients. However, it is a source of chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms and contributes to work absenteeism.
“Researchers have reported that the high prevalence of IBS, in conjunction with increased costs, produces a disease with a high social cost. “
It is also regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of a sufferer’s life. The organisation IBS Network estimates that it affects one third of people in the UK at some point and to some extent, and one in ten people have symptoms bad enough to visit their doctor. The exact causes of IBS are unknown although sufferers usually have no physical abnormalities in the bowel, so it has been suggested that there is a strong link between stress and IBS.
A diet rich in soluble fibre such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods and drinking plenty of water can be extremely beneficial. Some foods that have been known to worsen IBS symptoms are caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, citrus fruit and wheat. Foods which have been known to help symptoms are bio yoghurt, probiotic yoghurt drinks and capsules, peppermint tea, cod and chicken, soya milk, asparagus, carrots, bananas and artichokes.
Hypnotherapy can help with IBS as it is often triggered by stress. Hypnotherapy is a pleasant and relaxing experience which will help you to relax, completely easing symptoms which are triggered by stress.
“Powerful visualisation techniques are taught to relieve symptoms. There is a re-programming of the brain to create a positive reaction to stress.”
Right from the start with the 1 hour initial consultation you will be given an understanding of how the brain works, how we can suffer in the way that we do and what we can do about it. You will be given a recording which will help and can be used in between sessions to keep the mind focused on the healing process.
Contact Melanie today for an appointment online in confidence to suit you or in private and professional surroundings.