Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Brain-Gut Dysfunction

Hi Renee

There is no question that we are what we think, feel, eat, believe and so on. Our being is much more than simply an expression of the sum of its physical parts.

However, it is important keep things in perspective. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves but only under certain conditions. There are a wide variety of ailments and diseases, diabetes, sickle cell anemia and AIDS to mention a few, the body cannot cure.

Science has moved along way from the simple 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s dualist notion of the mind-body to more holistic and integrated notions that our bodies and the world around us are complex dynamic systems. How we feel and act emerges from the complicated ways our minds, organs, cells and genes interact with each other and their surroundings.

Self-help/new-age thinkers make important contributions to our well being. Sarno, the author of the Divided Mind, was educated in the old school of mind-body thinking as reflected in his writings. Others like Deepak Chopra are educated in the new school of thought. Complex systems notions are deeply embedded in their writings.

Generally speaking the gut-brain dysfunction is one of the new holistic complex systems approach to thinking about functional bowel disorders like IBS although some people still refer to it as a mind-body connection. It uses a biopsychosocial approach to understanding these disorders which includes effects from everything ranging from our genes, organs, immune and hormonal systems to how we feel and think.

Tools for balancing the spirit, mind and soul are extremely valuable way for managing IBS. I believe they are unlikely to illuminate a cure or cause.

So much for the philosophical stuff

The EFI diet with appropriate individual modifications is a great place to start managing IBS symptoms.

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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

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