An observational study in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Microbial Colonization, sponsored by DongGuk University. Recruiting at 1 site in Korea, Republic of. Open to participants aged 20 Years to 69 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2024-05-22.
Sponsored by DongGuk University · Observational
This research is a clinical trial aimed at improving the gut microbiome of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through a temple stay experience.
Participants in the study are expected to participate in a temple stay experience for a maximum of 8 days. During the temple stay experience, participants are required to fill out a daily symptom questionnaire related to irritable bowel syndrome and record their diet and bowel movements using a dedicated mobile application. Upon completion of the temple stay, participants will conduct an evaluation of personal satisfaction with the experience.
Through this, the study aims to collect and analyze data related to the Templestay experience with the goal of improving the gut microbiome of patients with IBS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent abdominal pain accompanied by abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal bloating. It is a common condition, affecting approximately 10% of the population in Korea, and its chronic gastrointestinal symptoms significantly impact patients' daily life and quality of life.
Factors such as changes in the intestinal microbiota and the intestinal ecosystem are crucial in its etiology. Modern individuals, who are often exposed to numerous stressors, frequently experience persistent intestinal hypersensitivity and inflammation. Foods that are not well digested and fermented in the intestines, producing a significant amount of gas - such as those rich in seasonings, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol - are known to trigger symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested that a controlled environment like a Temple Stay, which provides both dietary regulation and stress control, could lead to meaningful symptom improvement. However, there is currently a lack of objective scientific research on this.
Our research team hypothesizes that a Temple Stay experience of more than a week could consistently change the microbiome and stabilize psychosocial factors. This might control chronic intestinal inflammation and hypersensitivity, leading to subjective symptom improvement and enhanced treatment satisfaction for patients.
Through this study, we aim to validate the hypothesis that the dietary changes in a Temple Stay environment will drastically alter patients' dietary intake, enrich the composition of the gut microbiome, and consequently reduce the symptoms of IBS, thereby improving the quality of life.
Patients aged 20-69 with diarrhea-predominant or constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Exclusion Criteria:
We plan to observe a group of patients aged 20-69 with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome who have voluntarily agreed to participate in a temple stay for up to 8 days. Observations will be made before the temple stay, immediately after, and then followed up for 4 weeks after the experience.
Behavioral: Temple stay experience
Temple stay experience includes diet and behavior changes, such as vegetarian meals (ex. Balwoo Gongyang), mindful eating, no overeating, meditation, participation in daily monastic tasks.
IBS-SSS
symptom score for irritable bowel syndrome
Time frame: before the event, during the event, 4-weeks after the event
Fecal microbiome
Fecal microbiota composition, microbiome, diversity, Difference in the proportion of the species of primary interest
Time frame: before the event, during the event, 4-weeks after the event
Plan to share: Undecided — Conditionally considering upon reasonable request.
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