Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found that, of the 75 women with the digestive disorder involved in the study, those assigned to "mindfulness training" - a type of meditation - saw a bigger improvement in their symptoms over three months than women who were assigned to a support group.
The study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, suggests that the mindfulness technique should be an option for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), researchers said.
"This randomized, controlled trial demonstrated that mindfulness training has a substantial therapeutic effect on bowel symptom severity, improves health-related quality of life, and reduces distress," wrote lead researcher Susan Gaylord.
People with IBS have repeated bouts of abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Typical treatment included diet changes, as well as antidiarrheal medication and, for constipation, laxatives or fibre supplements.
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but anxiety and less-than-ideal coping strategies, such as avoiding going out because of symptoms, are thought to make IBS worse for many people. (MORE)
Source: Times-Colonist
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