Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is believed to affect up to 1 in 5 of us at some time. Symptoms include diarrhoea and/or constipation, lower stomach pain, a feeling of being bloated, tiredness, excessive wind, loss of appetite and feeling you need to go to the toilet even when you have just been.
There is no definitive cure but changing eating habits (eating smaller meals and cutting down on alcohol, rich, fatty and manufactured food) can help.
Stress can make the symptoms worse, which can, in turn, restricts daily activities.
If you have a diagnosis, hypnotherapy can be effective for reducing the effect of the symptoms and the sensation of pain.
If you think you may have IBS please seek medical advice. Hypnotherapy is a supplementary therapy and should not take the place of medical advice and treatment.
Take Away Tip
Stress-reduction techniques can be helpful. Try reducing unhealthy habits such as alcohol, smoking and caffeine and incorporating exercise into your life.