Some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience fast-acting symptom relief from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with benefits lasting several weeks, researchers report in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. IBS is considered functional bowel disorder because the gastrointestinal tract healthy but does not function normally. Lower abdominal pain and bloating associated with constipation and/or diarrhea are the most frequent symptoms. It is unclear what causes IBS, although it has been suggested that diet, neurotransmitter imbalances and/or infections may play a role. Earlier research suggests that CBT may help alleviate IBS symptoms. During CBT, patients evaluate the relationship between their thoughts and symptoms and learn different strategies to help cope with their conditions. The recent study included 71 adults (aged 17-70) with moderate-to-severe IBS. They were randomly assigned to 10 weekly sessions of CBT or four sessions spread out over 10 weeks. Each session lasted one hour. A third group received no treatment and served as the control. About 30 percent of people in the CBT groups were considered "rapid responders" because they reported "adequate relief" of pain and bowel symptoms and a decrease in total IBS severity scores after four weeks of therapy. The number of rapid responders was comparable in both CBT groups. The researchers found that 95.2 percent of the rapid responders continued to experience beneficial effects for three months after therapy was complete. Even though their symptoms were more severe at the start of the study, rapid responders had much milder symptoms compared to non-rapid responders after 12 weeks. However, additional research with a larger sample is needed before conclusions can be reached. Nutritional and lifestyle choices may also help prevent or relieve symptoms of IBS. For instance, eating a diet low in alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, refined sugars and fatty foods may reduce symptoms. Also, some food allergies may aggravate IBS or trigger episodes. Some common food triggers include dairy products, corn, peanuts, citrus, soy, eggs, fish, rye, barley, tomatoes and wheat products (including gluten). Eating sufficient amounts of fiber may alleviate constipation, improve diarrhea and prevent muscle spasms. Soluble and insoluble fiber can be found in foods such as whole-grain cereals and breads, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Regular exercise (especially abdominal muscle exercises) and brisk walking are recommended according to the age and physical condition of the individual. Regular exercise may help reduce stress and decrease constipation. Reference: Lackner JM, Gudleski GD, Keefer L, Krasner SS, Powell C, Katz LA. "Rapid response to cognitive behavior therapy predicts treatment outcome in patients with irritable bowel syndrome." Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journal. May 2010 Vol .8, No. 5, 426-32. This article appeared in the May 2010 issue of the Integrative Medicine Newsletter for Natural Standard