CNN —Adopting a healthy lifestyle could reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, a new study found. A research team in Hong Kong found the more healthy lifestyle behaviors that study participants followed, the higher the protection was against the occurrence of IBS. The cause of the disorder is not fully understood, but a healthy lifestyle could prevent it, researchers say. “Evidence from this large cohort suggests that life-style choices play a key role in IBS development.”Stress reductionThe study did not include the reduction of stress as part of the lifestyle behaviors observed. The study found that maintaining healthy lifestyle factors is important, Heitkemper said.

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Persons: Kseniya, ”, Vincent Chi, Chung, “, ” Chung, Beverley Greenwood, Van Meerveld, Margaret Heitkemper, ” Heitkemper, Heitkemper, ” Greenwood Organizations: CNN, Mayo Clinic, Getty, Chinese University of Hong, Jockey Club School of Public Health, “ Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, University of Washington’s, gastroenterology Locations: midlife, Hong Kong