“Stress is well-known for exacerbating inflammatory bowel disease symptoms,” says Jordan Axelrad, MD, MPHan associate professor of medicine at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine and a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center in New York City. “My patients always tell me that their symptoms feel worse when they’re stressed.”
Treatment for UC usually involves medications like aminosalicylates, corticosteroidsand immune-system suppressors to address inflammation. But finding ways to manage your stress levels could also relieve some of your discomfort if you have UC. Here are six tips that can help.
1. Try Yoga to Boost Your Quality of Life
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You may find yoga classes at many local gyms and recreation centers or via online resources and apps.
2. Take Deep Breaths to Calm Your Gut
Breathing deeply can help reduce gut pain and cramping from ulcerative colitis, says Sarah Kinsinger, PhDdirector of behavioral medicine for the digestive health program at Loyola University Health System in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
“Deep breathing elicits a parasympathetic relaxation response that physiologically helps the body relax by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the gut,” Kinsinger says.
Experiment with different deep-breathing techniquesincluding diaphragmatic breathing and alternate nostril breathing, to learn what helps you relax.
3. Try Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy uses guided meditationhypnosis, and concentration to achieve a heightened state of awareness. “Gut-directed hypnotherapy can influence gut secretions, reduce pain, and prolong remission in those with UC,” Kinsinger says.
4. Sleep Better to Recharge
Not only can a good night’s rest help you relax and reset, but it may also decrease your stress and lower your risk of a UC flare.
5. Exercise
That said, exercise may be uncomfortable for some people with UC. “However, I encourage them to push through because physical activity can improve fatigue and some disease activity,” Dr. Axelrad says.
6. Consider Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy
“It is important that [people with UC] meet with a psychologist at least once to address stress and [the] psychological impact of the disease,” says Lilani perera, mda gastroenterologist and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. “We strongly recommend integrated care, including CBT, to address psychological needs in IBD.”
