Integrative Approaches to Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This project will test the effectiveness of an integrative medicine approach in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over the course of 18 months, we will recruit 85 participants with IBS in New York City. These participants will be randomized to either a 4-week group-oriented treatment intervention incorporating a low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet and mind-body therapies followed by an 8-week health coaching follow-up period or a waitlist control group. At the end of the 12-week study period, waitlist subjects will be offered the four-week nutrition and mind-body intervention. Over the 12-week study period, we will examine and report on the impact of this treatment intervention on IBS symptoms and quality of life in this population. The investigators will collect data on IBS outcomes as well as on depression and stress.

The hypothesis is that participants will report decreased symptoms and improved function and quality of life as a result of the four-week nutrition and mind-body intervention and 8-week health coaching follow-up period. The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost, effective integrative intervention for IBS, which can be replicated in settings across the U.S.

Objectives The purpose of this project is to examine whether a low cost, group-oriented integrative medicine approach to irritable bowel syndrome improves participant outcomes. The intervention will combine nutrition counseling on the low FODMAP diet and mind-body training with follow-up health coaching.

The hypothesis is that participants will report decreased symptoms as measured by the IBS Symptom Severity Score and improved function and quality of life as a result of the intervention when compared to usual care.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic debilitating functional gastrointestinal disorder that has a profound effect on the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with IBS. The estimated prevalence of IBS in the general population ranges from 3% to 20%, with most studies estimating that IBS affects 10% to 15% of the general population. Despite its high level of prevalence, the exact causes of IBS are not well understood. Researchers believe that IBS is caused by a wide variety of mental and physical health problems including hypersensitivity, brain-gut signal issues, bacterial gastroenteritis, depression, anxiety, food sensitivity, body chemical imbalances, and/or genetics.