Improving gut health in IBS patients through a temple stay experience

Temple Stay Improves Intestinal Microbiome Profile in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Observational DongGuk University · NCT05999500

This study is testing whether an 8-day stay at a temple can help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome feel better by focusing on diet and stress management.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 69 Years
SexAll
SponsorDongGuk University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do)
Trial IDNCT05999500 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the impact of a temple stay experience on patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Participants will engage in an 8-day temple stay where they will complete daily symptom questionnaires and track their diet and bowel movements using a mobile app. The study aims to analyze how this controlled environment, which emphasizes dietary regulation and stress management, can improve the gut microbiome and alleviate IBS symptoms. The research seeks to provide objective data on the effectiveness of this unique intervention for IBS management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20-69 with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with constipation-predominant IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, or other significant gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to significant improvements in the quality of life for patients suffering from IBS.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited objective scientific research on this specific approach, similar interventions focusing on dietary and lifestyle changes have shown promise in managing IBS symptoms.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 20-69 with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

* Monk
* history of irritable bowel syndrome (constipation-predominant), history of inflammatory bowel disease, history of colorectal cancer, history of gastrointestinal resection,
* abnormal blood test (liver function test: AST or ALT more than 1.5 times the normal limit, total bilirubin increase of more than 1.5mg/dL, CCr \< 30 mL/min, platelets less than 100,000, PT/aPTT increase of more than 20% of the normal upper limit),
* uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes

Where this trial is running

Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Irritable Bowel SyndromeMicrobial Colonization
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.