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A recent scientific study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong found that adopting certain behaviors through a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome.

Experts at the university conducted an experiment on a group of volunteers, numbering 64,268 participants, aged between 37 and 73 years, who had not previously been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. They found that 961 cases (1.5%) of irritable bowel syndrome were reported among the group, and those Those who have not maintained any of the healthy behaviors are at greater risk of developing the disorder.

The results showed that the more healthy lifestyle behaviors study participants followed, the greater the protection from IBS-related problems.

It also showed that participants who had one healthy lifestyle behavior were 21% less likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome, compared to those who did not follow any healthy lifestyle behavior, and those who followed two healthy lifestyle behaviors were 36% less likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome.

"This suggests that lifestyle modifications have the potential to be an effective primary prevention strategy for irritable bowel syndrome," said researcher Niscent Chi Ho-chung, a professor at the university.

He added that this large-scale study confirms that a combination of healthy lifestyle behaviors significantly reduces the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. When analyzing the behaviors separately, the study team found that getting a good amount of sleep every night was most effective in reducing the risk of developing the disease. With irritable bowel syndrome.

Among the healthy behaviors identified by the researchers:

  • Maintain a high level of vigorous physical activity.

  • Eat a balanced diet daily.

  • Get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, and its symptoms include cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

It is a chronic condition that affects 5% to 10% of the world's population.

Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA)