HONG KONG — A recent study conducted by a research team in Hong Kong uncovered a positive correlation between adopting a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study, published in the journal Gut, found that for adults in midlife and older, engaging in physical activity, getting enough sleep, maintaining a quality diet, moderating alcohol intake, and not smoking can lower the risk of developing the gastrointestinal disorder by up to 42%.
IBS is a chronic condition that affects 5% to 10% of the global population, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and abnormal bowel habits. Despite its widespread impact, the cause of the disorder is not fully understood.
The study evaluated 64,268 participants aged 37 to 73 years old who had not been previously diagnosed with IBS. After 12.6 years, 961 cases of IBS were reported among the group. The researchers defined healthy lifestyle behaviors as maintaining vigorous physical activity, eating a high-quality balanced diet daily, only consuming a moderate amount of alcohol daily, getting between seven and nine hours of sleep nightly, and never smoking.
The study also found that individuals who exhibit healthy lifestyle behaviors have a lower risk of developing IBS. This suggests that lifestyle modifications could serve as an effective primary prevention strategy for IBS.
Dr. Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld, a professor of physiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, emphasized the importance of researching primary prevention strategies for IBS, particularly since the majority of those affected are women. She noted that lifestyle choices play a key role in the development of IBS.
However, the study did not include the reduction of stress as part of the lifestyle behaviors observed, raising questions about the potential impact of stress on IBS development. Additional research is needed to further investigate the role of stress and other factors in the development of the disorder.
As researchers continue to explore preventive measures for IBS, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly in terms of sleep hygiene and gut health, could be crucial in reducing the likelihood of developing the condition. This suggests that individuals may benefit from making lifestyle adjustments to protect their gut health and overall well-being.