Treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome

Jul 30, 2025

Overview of conventional medicine, holistic approaches and self-help

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. It manifests itself through symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation – without any identifiable organic cause. The quality of life of those affected can be significantly impaired. Treatment therefore requires a holistic, individualized approach.

Conventional medical therapies: evidence-based and symptom-oriented

Dietary change

• Low-FODMAP diet: According to studies, a reduction in fermentable sugars can help up to 70% of those affected to alleviate symptoms [1].
• Fiber: Soluble fiber (e.g., prickly pear ) can be particularly helpful for constipation, while insoluble fiber can worsen symptoms [2]. People who cannot consume soluble fiber through their diet can use medicinal products containing prickly pear powder, a fiber complex derived from plants. This fiber complex binds dietary fats in the stomach to form a stable fat-fiber complex, thus removing them from the digestive process. The fat-fiber complex is then excreted naturally. The swelling effect can also produce a slight feeling of satiety.
• Detoxification: Various healing clays, such as the naturally occurring clay mineral bentonite, are able to bind toxins and excrete them.

Effective helpers from nature

• Artichokes & Nettle (1.5): Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation benefit from taking artichoke and nettle extracts, as these plants contain bitter compounds that stimulate bile production and aid digestion. Symptoms such as bloating, fullness, and abdominal pain are also alleviated.
• Fennel, caraway & anise: Often used for flatulence and cramps.
• Ginger & Turmeric: Have anti-inflammatory effects and promote digestion [1].
• Psyllium husks: Regulate bowel movements in cases of diarrhea and constipation without causing bloating [3].
• Peppermint oil (enteric): antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory [3].

Psychotherapeutic procedures: Involving the psyche

Stress management

If your daily life revolves around irritable bowel syndrome and you're unable to maintain an acceptable quality of life, you need external help to reduce stress. Stress plays a central role in the development and maintenance of this condition. On the one hand, your intestines respond to worry, anxiety, and inner restlessness with diarrhea or constipation; on the other hand, irritable bowel symptoms trigger these emotions. It's a vicious circle. Serenity is required. This is where techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, breathing techniques or mindfulness training, yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can reduce stress and demonstrably reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome [1].

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Aims to change disease-related thought patterns and fears – with proven effectiveness for IBS [1]. Negative thoughts reinforce negative emotions, such as "when I drive into town, I have trouble finding a restroom in time" – these thoughts lead to unfavorable behaviors such as avoidance and isolation. CBT addresses this issue by breaking the vicious cycle.

Gut-related hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy has been proven in studies to be one of the most effective methods. In "gut-directed" hypnosis, patients learn to control symptoms through visualizations (e.g., a "calm flow" in the gut). The effect is based on the modulation of the gut-brain axis, which can reduce inflammatory markers and increase pain tolerance. Hypnosis is now recommended in many guidelines as a complementary option, especially in treatment-resistant cases. [4].

Further procedures

• MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) combines mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and yoga to strengthen self-awareness and reduce stress [1]. MBSR trains the ability to consciously and non-judgmentally observe thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the here and now.
• Psychodynamic therapy examines unconscious conflicts, emotional patterns, and formative experiences from the past (e.g., childhood). It assumes that repressed feelings or relationship conflicts trigger current psychological problems, such as anxiety, nervousness, and depressive moods, which in turn manifest themselves in physical symptoms [1].

Self-help: Active support through lifestyle

• Food diary: Like a detective, observe your body's reactions. Research which individual triggers, such as coffee, alcohol, or dairy products, trigger pain and digestive problems.
• Exercise: Moderate physical activity (e.g., walking, swimming) promotes intestinal motility [1]. Walks in the forest calm the mind.
• Hydration: Adequate fluid intake supports digestion.
• Sleep hygiene: Regular sleep promotes a healthy nervous system and stabilizes the gut-brain axis [1].

Irritable bowel syndrome is complex – but treatable. A holistic, individualized treatment approach that combines medical, naturopathic, and psychological elements offers the best prospects for success. It's important that you actively participate, inform yourself, and try out different approaches with the support of professionals.

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