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Meditation over Medication for Irritable Bowel Syndrome? On Exercise and Alternative Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Neuromuscular Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract (A Foxx-Orenstein, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Complimentary alternative treatment regimens are widely used in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the evidence supporting their use varies. For psychological treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy, the evidence supporting their use in IBS patients is strong, but the availability limits their use in clinical practice. Dietary interventions are commonly included in the management of IBS patients, but these are primarily based on studies assessing physiological function in relation to dietary components, and to a lesser degree upon research examining the role of dietary components in the therapeutic management of IBS. Several probiotic products improve a range of symptoms in IBS patients. Physical activity is of benefit for health in general and recent data implicates its usefulness also for IBS patients. Acupuncture does not seem to have an effect beyond placebo in IBS. A beneficial effect of some herbal treatments has been reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine and clinical nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Fredrick Asare, Stine Störsrud & Magnus Simrén

  2. University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centered Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Fredrick Asare & Magnus Simrén

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  1. Fredrick Asare
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Correspondence to Magnus Simrén.

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Asare, F., Störsrud, S. & Simrén, M. Meditation over Medication for Irritable Bowel Syndrome? On Exercise and Alternative Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 14, 283–289 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-012-0268-2

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