Research reveals mindfulness helps ease IBS symptoms. Want natural relief? Learn about this promising approach in our latest article!
An 8-week mindfulness program significantly reduced irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in adult women, with benefits lasting up to 12 months. Anxiety and depression symptoms also improved, according to a study published in Mindfulness.
IBS, a common digestive disorder, affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. While the exact cause is unclear, stress, diet, and gut bacteria imbalances may play a role. Flare-ups can be triggered by certain foods or emotional stress.
Though there’s no cure, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and stress management can help. Probiotics, fiber supplements, or doctor-prescribed medications may provide relief, along with regular exercise and proper hydration. Treatment is often tailored to individual needs.
The study compared mindfulness training to a social support group, hypothesizing that mindfulness would offer longer-lasting symptom relief. It included 75 women with IBS, excluding those with other serious health conditions. Sixty-six participants completed follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months.
Mindfulness Training for IBS: Study Details and Findings
Both intervention groups attended small weekly sessions for two hours over eight weeks, along with a half-day retreat after the sixth session. The mindfulness program was led by an instructor with over a decade of experience in mindfulness-based stress reduction, adapted specifically for women with IBS.
Assessments included IBS symptom severity, quality of life, visceral sensitivity, psychological distress, and mindfulness levels. Data was collected at enrollment, two weeks, three months, six months, and twelve months, with analysis focusing on the six- and twelve-month results.
Six months after the study began, significantly lower IBS symptoms were observed in the mindfulness group compared to the social support group. While the difference diminished by twelve months, the advantage remained with mindfulness training.
Improvements in visceral sensitivity were noted in the mindfulness group at both six and twelve months, whereas no significant changes were seen in the social support group. Psychological distress and quality of life measures also favored mindfulness training.
“Beneficial effects of an 8-week MT [mindfulness training] program tailored for IBS persist for up to 12 months after the training.”
Since outcomes were self-reported, awareness of treatment assignments may have influenced responses. The Hawthorne effect could not be ruled out, as participants might have adjusted answers based on perceived expectations.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-024-02435-1
Summary
A randomized controlled trial examined the lasting effects of an 8-week mindfulness program (MT) versus support groups (SG) in 75 women with IBS. At 6 months, MT participants showed significantly greater reductions in IBS symptoms (−123.79 vs. −51.82 points) and improved visceral sensitivity compared to SG. While effects diminished slightly by 12 months, the MT group maintained clinically meaningful relief (−88.93 vs. −33.63). Anxiety and depression also improved significantly in the MT group at 6 months. Findings suggest mindfulness training offers durable benefits for IBS management, with effects persisting for at least a year post-intervention.
- 6-month results: MT reduced symptoms 2.4x more than SG
- 12-month results: MT maintained 61-point advantage over SG
- Additional benefits: Reduced visceral sensitivity and psychological distress
“Beneficial effects of an 8-week MT program tailored for IBS persist for up to 12 months after the training.”