Yoga Found to be Effective in Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Strategic Insights -

A new study has found that yoga may be effective in managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 5%-10% of the global population. The study, conducted by researchers from SGT University in India, systematically reviewed 10 studies on yogic posture, pranayama, and meditation in IBS patients. The results showed that yoga interventions led to improved gastrointestinal symptoms, reduced anxiety and depression, and enhanced quality of life compared to usual care or wait-list controls.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that yoga may be effective in managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in 5%-10% of the global population.
  • Yoga interventions led to amelioration of gastrointestinal symptoms, decreased anxiety and depression, and enhanced quality of life compared to usual care or wait-list controls.
  • The studies that fixed the change in the IBS Symptom Severity Scale scores as the primary outcome showed a moderate-large effect of yoga on the improvement of symptoms compared to controls (Cohen's d range: 0.37-3.60).
  • The researchers noted that high-quality larger sample studies are needed to confirm the findings reported in the review.
  • SGT University, led by Sunil Singh Yadav, conducted the study, which was published in Comprehensive Physiology.
  • The study was financially supported by Ministero della Salute, Dipartimenti di Eccellenza.

Statistics:

  • 5%-10% of the global population is affected by IBS.
  • 10 studies on yogic posture, pranayama, and meditation in IBS patients were included in the systematic review.
  • Yoga interventions led to a moderate-large effect on the improvement of symptoms compared to controls (Cohen's d range: 0.37-3.60).
  • 94% of patients taking yoga reported improved symptoms, compared to 60% in the control group.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Study Results from SGT University Broaden Understanding of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (The Effectiveness of Yoga for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 94.
  • Comprehensive Physiology. The Effectiveness of Yoga for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. 2025;15(5). (Publishers: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA)