Can Yoga Calm A Grumpy Gut?

FRIDAY, Aug. 7, 2026 (HealthDay News) — For millions of people living with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, relief may come from an unexpected place — the yoga mat.

IBS causes abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits.

A new clinical review of 10 published studies found that people with the condition who practiced yoga experienced fewer overall digestive symptoms along with lower levels of anxiety and depression.

The benefits may lie in the gut-brain axis — the communication network linking the brain and digestive system.

In people with IBS, its signals can become especially sensitive, allowing stress to trigger or worsen digestive symptoms.

Researchers think yoga, which combines movement, controlled breathing and mindfulness, helps activate the body's "rest and digest" response.

And as stress levels fall, digestion may function more smoothly.

First author Dr. Francesco Pavan of the University of Milan and his team say certain yoga poses and breathing exercises may be especially beneficial. Seated forward folds, for example, may help calm the nervous system.

While more investigation is needed, the findings suggest yoga may be a promising complementary approach for managing IBS.

The review was published in the journal Comprehensive Physiology.

More information

The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation has more on yoga and digestion.

SOURCE: HealthDay TV, Aug. 7, 2026