Discover how IBS and mental health are connected, the impact of stress on gut health, and strategies to break the cycle.
IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Has IBS been diagnosed and your symptoms overlooked because, well, “It’s just IBS”?
IBS is a functional intestinal disorder and one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal conditions today, which I myself suffered from for quite some time. I too was unfortunately told these same words, leaving me feeling hopeless with the thought that there was no solution to feel better.
What is IBS?
The diagnosis of IBS is based on the Rome IV criteria and is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Abdominal bloating
- Alterations in bowel movements (diarrhoea – IBS-D, constipated – IBS-C, or alternating between both – IBS-M)
However, these symptoms are not unique to IBS. Other diseases can exhibit similar symptoms, and these overlapping manifestations are now categorized under “IBS-like disorders.”
Common Conditions Overlapping with IBS
Conditions that fall under the broad umbrella of “IBS” include:
- Celiac disease
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)
- FODMAP intolerance (Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)
- Lactose intolerance
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATI)
- Nickel allergic contact mucositis (Ni ACM)
It is crucial to identify the root cause of your symptoms, as other conditions can contribute to similar manifestations. Don’t be discouraged if you’ve been told there is no explanation—there is always more to explore.
If this post has been helpful to you, keep reading the other articles where I talk about the main causes that lead to IBS symptoms.
IBS and Mental Health
Did you know that IBS and mental health are deeply connected? April is IBS Awareness Month and also Stress Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to understand this connection.
The Gut-Brain Axis
The enteric nervous system (the nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract) is often referred to as our “second brain.” It consists of numerous neural networks and neurotransmitters that communicate constantly with our brain. This ongoing communication is known as the gut-brain axis.
When you’re feeling nervous or stressed, have you ever noticed that your gut responds similarly? Conversely, when you’re relaxed, your stomach feels less bloated and more at ease.
IBS as a Stress-Related Disorder
IBS is often labelled as a stress-related disorder due to the continuous communication between the brain and the gut. In fact, the gut is now considered a crucial organ for overall health, influencing not only digestion but also mental health.
The Role of Gut Health in Mental Well-Being
Scientific research shows a significant connection between gut health and mental health. Imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as intestinal dysbiosis, are recognized in the development of mood disorders like anxiety, depression, and even more serious neurodegenerative diseases.
An unbalanced diet has also been linked as a major risk factor for depression and anxiety.
How Stress Affects the Gut
Stress impacts gut physiology in various ways, such as:
- Alterations in gastrointestinal motility
- Increased visceral perception
- Changes in gastrointestinal secretion
- Increased intestinal permeability
- Negative effects on the regenerative capacity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and blood flow
- Negative effects on the gut microbiota
When we’re stressed, our body produces stress hormones like cortisol and catecholamines, which directly affect the enteric nervous system, leading to changes in bowel movements (such as constipation or diarrhoea). These changes can further disrupt the composition of our gut bacteria, reducing the production of serotonin (the “happiness” hormone) and GABA (the neurotransmitter that promotes calmness).
This reduction in serotonin and GABA creates a vicious cycle where we feel more stressed and anxious, which only worsens gut health and IBS symptoms.
Breaking the Vicious Cycle
It’s important to address both the mental and physical aspects of IBS. Managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness, therapy, and dietary changes can significantly help in breaking this cycle and improving both gut and mental health.
Has stress played a significant role in your IBS symptoms? How do you manage your stress?
Dr. Giovanna Maraula
Functional Nutritionist and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner.
From battling my own health struggles to regaining balance through science and nutrition, my journey led me to create a method that’s transforming lives—naturally.
