By: Dr. Phil Hariram

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very common condition. It affects as much as 20% of the global population. No one knows the exact cause. There in no abnormality in the gut and there is no cure. In addition, there is no one treatment that works for everyone.

Although we do not know a cause, stress is an important trigger. Most sufferers with Irritable Bowel Syndrome will recall a time when their IBS was severe and link it to a bout of stress. They will also tell you that their Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms settled down once the stress eased. It, therefore, makes sense to control stress. Control stress and you are less likely to have severe bouts of symptoms.

There are various options available to IBS sufferers. Relaxation techniques are used by many and relaxation tapes are widely available. Some sufferers use advanced planning to cope with upcoming stressful situations. Others use alternative medicine while others have a short course of tranquillisers from their family doctor.

The best and long term treatment for stress is meditation. Not many people are aware of the great benefits of meditation. It is a safe and simple way to balance physical, emotional and mental state. Although it has been used for thousand years, only a small percent of Westerners, practice it. Many still place a religious connotation to it.

Increasingly doctors are promoting the benefits of meditation especially to treat stress related illnesses. In Irritable Bowel Syndrome, stress is an important factor. Practising meditation will definitely help Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.

We all experience stress every day in one way or other but most people are unaware of stress is in their lives. A global survey showed that 50% admitted to stress. Of the fifty that said they did not have stress, 80% were found to be stressed on further testing. The unpredictability of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms mean baseline stress is likely to be high.

Adrenaline level is increased in life threatening situations. It is a natural part of our survival instinct called the "Fight or fright reaction". Our heart rate increases, our blood pressure is high. Our breathing becomes rapid.

This is all in preparation for action. Unfortunately this reaction is also triggered in our daily lives by pressure at work, travel, home and financial problems. It can leave us in a persistently anxious state.

During persistent stress, the blood level of adrenaline, lactate and cortisone are high. This can cause long term harm. By practising meditation regularly, you will reduce your stress level by lowering adrenaline and lactate. It also affects serotonin levels and this hormone figures closely in IBS. Higher than normal level causes diarrhoea and low levels are found in constipation predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Meditation will create a state of deep relaxation and a fabulous feeling of well being. It will build your self confidence, invigorate and increase your concentration. So not only will meditation reduce stress and tension, the triggers for your Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it may even provide you with the tools to keep IBS where you want it. Under your control.

Some find meditation difficult. It is not easy to create a thoughtless mind but, with most things, perseverance will change that. Others say they cannot find the time. Stress is a killer. It is responsible for 90% of diseases. It is important you find the time. Through meditation not only can you control your stress, but may well sow the seeds for long term control of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Dr. Phil Hariram has 27 years experience treating IBS. He has a website: http://www.healingibs.com. You can download his free Ebook "How to manage IBS."

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