What are some stress relief strategies that may provide relief of IBS symptoms?

What are some stress relief strategies that may provide relief of IBS symptoms?

Lin Chang (UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases) gives expert video advice on: Will my IBS symptoms get better?; Is there a cure for IBS?; What treatments can relieve IBS symptoms? and more...

I think there's various stress relieving strategies for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and they can really vary. Some patients benefit from relaxation, deep breathing, trying to avoid or reduce environmental or through personal stressors that seem to exacerbate the symptoms. They may change their work or their personal daily activities to accommodate their symptoms, so for example, if their symptoms are worse in the morning, they may choose to take classes later in the day or they may choose to work at home so they are near a bathroom. So there's different lifestyle modifications a patient can make. Also to try other things that haven't actually been proven in IBS, but can reduce stress just in general, such as Yoga or exercise. Some people actually seek behavioural or psychological therapy to help manage a reduction in their stress levels.