Adopting Healthy Habits May Lower Risk of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Study Shows
A recent study suggests that following a healthy lifestyle could decrease the chances of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Researchers found that adults who engaged in regular physical activity, maintained good sleep habits, ate a balanced diet, drank alcohol in moderation, and didn’t smoke had up to a 42% lower risk of IBS.
IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits. It affects 5% to 10% of the global population, but its exact cause remains unknown.
The study, conducted with over 64,000 participants, highlighted the importance of combining multiple healthy behaviors for maximum protection against IBS.
Getting enough sleep was found to be particularly influential in reducing the risk. Interestingly, moderate alcohol consumption, when combined with other healthy habits, also contributed to a lower risk.
Although the study did not include stress reduction as a factor, stress is known to play a role in IBS development.
Therefore, managing stress through techniques like meditation could complement a healthy lifestyle in preventing IBS.
While more research is needed to fully understand the link between lifestyle and IBS, the findings underscore the importance of prioritizing health habits for gut health and overall well-being.
This information is sourced from CNN.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/20/health/ibs-prevention-healthy-lifestyle-study-wellness/index.html