Benefits of Yoga for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Yoga is one of the most suitable exercise methods for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There have been many studies demonstrating the benefits of yoga in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Compared with other forms of exercise, Yoga has more advantages such as:
Yoga has a beneficial effect on the autonomic nervous system, thus resolving the connection between the brain and the intestines in patients with diabetes. irritable bowel syndrome ; Yoga counteracts the effects of stress - one of the causes of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms; Yoga can control weight gain. So, if IBS patients find it difficult to maintain a diet, yoga is a good choice; The slow pace of yoga movements eliminates the risk of diarrhea in people with IBS who choose to exercise in the form of jogging.

There are 2 studies looking at yoga as a direct treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Specifically:

The first study measured the impact of 4 weeks of yoga practice on GI-related symptoms in adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome. Yoga practice includes a 1-hour instruction class, student practice, and daily home practice time. The study was limited to a small size, with only 25 participants, but the results were very promising. The teenagers who were tested for yoga were less anxious and healthier than those on the waiting list. Teens who were on the initial waiting list were then given the same 4-week yoga session. The researchers combined the two groups, comparing their symptoms before and after practicing yoga. The practice of yoga helps to significantly reduce GI symptoms and helps patients with less anxiety.

The second study looked at the effects of yoga on a small group of men with irritable bowel syndrome, mainly diarrhea. The study group was divided into 2: Subjects receiving conventional treatment with loperamide and a group of yoga practitioners. Yoga intervention includes 12 yoga postures and 1 specific breathing control exercise, which the patient practiced twice a day. Again, the results are very promising. After 2 months of the study, both groups showed a significant reduction in GI symptoms of anxiety. The loperamide group experienced an increase in GI activity, while the yoga group more strongly activated a part of the nervous system involved in calming the body. From this, the researchers concluded that yoga had an advantage over patients with irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea (IBS-D) over traditional loperamide treatment.
Although research shows promising results, it is too early to conclude that yoga is an effective treatment for people with irritable bowel syndrome. It is hoped that additional studies will be carried out in the future to accurately answer the question of whether yoga is beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and at the same time identify an effective exercise method. to reduce the patient's symptoms. Meanwhile, because Yoga brings many health benefits, everyone can start practicing Yoga right now.

Reference source: verywellhealth.com