Can Yoga Improve Gut Issues?
Are you tired of battling with gut issues? Tried restrictive dieting & cutting out foods with no relief? Ruled everything else out with your Doctor but still struggling? Well, here’s a little secret: gut issues aren’t just about food digestion. Taking time to de-stress and calm the chaos in your gut-mind connection is key.
Trying different ways to de-stress is key
Discovering effective ways to de-stress and find balance can be a game-changer for our guts. What works for one person may not work for another, so it's all about trial and error and finding out what works for you. Maybe meditation isn't your thing but that’s not to say all is lost.
So where’s the evidence right? Rather than restrictive dieting and cutting things out of your diet, yoga has just been clinically proven as an effective technique to reduce stress and relieve gut issues. In fact, yoga has proven to be just as effective as the “gold standard” elimination diet, the low FODMAP diet, for improving stomach issues.
In a 12-week randomised clinical trial, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients were placed on either a low FODMAP restrictive diet or a yoga regiment. Results showed that yoga alone was as effective as the low FODMAP diet in reducing gut issues. We need more studies in this area but it’s looking good.
82% of yoga patients reported adequate relief from symptoms.
How does yoga help gut issues?
Well, think of it as a gentle massage for your insides. The movements and twisting postures in yoga help massage your internal organs, aiding in the release of trapped gas and promoting better digestion. Additionally, the deep breathing and mindfulness of yoga work can calm the mind and gut.
Why you should try yoga for your gut issues?
First of all, yoga is fun! Secondly, isn't it more exciting to add a new activity to your routine rather than restricting food from your diet? Plus, doing yoga with a friend can make it even more enjoyable, breaking free from the isolation that comes with strict dietary restrictions. And guess what? You have options! You can practice yoga at home or join a yoga studio class, pick longer or shorter sessions, and customise your practice to fit your schedule and mood. As an added bonus, incorporating more movement into your life comes with its own set of health benefits.
So, instead of racking your brain trying to figure out which foods are causing your gut issues, why not infuse some yoga sessions into your life and see how your gut feels? It's all about finding what works best for you. You can easily access gut-directed yoga sessions on The Gut Feeling app, specially designed to bring relief to people with stomach issues.
References
Schumann D, Langhorst J, Dobos G, Cramer H. Randomised clinical trial: yoga vs a low-FODMAP diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Jan;47(2):203-211.
D'Silva A, Marshall DA, Vallance JK, Nasser Y, Rajagopalan V, Szostakiwskyj JH, Raman M. Meditation and Yoga for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 2023 Feb 1;118(2):329-337. doi: 10.14309
The Physical and Financial Toll of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Michigan Medicine
https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/physical-and-financial-toll-irritable-bowel-syndrome