We've all had butterflies in our stomach, especially due to excitement and nervousness at the same time. Sometimes, you can also feel nauseous and lose your appetite because of overwhelming feelings. This is because the brain affects your stomach in some way or the other. Similarly, stress can have a direct or an indirect impact on your digestive health. In an interaction with Only My Health, Dr Pavan Dhoble, Consultant-Gastroenterology, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, describes this association as the 'gut-brain axis'.
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The Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, said Dr Dhoble. According to him, this communication occurs through various mechanisms, including neural, hormonal, and immunological pathways.
The doctor explained, “The relation between the gut and the brain plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes, including digestion, metabolism, immune function, and stress responses. It involves the complex interactions between the gut microbiota, gut hormones, and the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), which is the network of neurons that regulates the digestive system.”
How Stress Impacts Digestive Health And Vice-Versa?
Stress can impact digestive health in several ways. “When we experience stress, the body's natural fight-or-flight response is triggered, which can cause changes in the digestive system, explained Dr Dhoble. According to him, stress can affect the production of digestive enzymes, increase inflammation in the gut, and alter the gut microbiome. In addition, it can affect the normal contractions of the digestive tract, leading to digestive issues.
It is important to note that chronic stress can also lead to more serious digestive conditions, such as peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
According to a study published in the Journal of Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, stress and depression can increase gut barrier permeability, leading to a ‘leaky gut,’ which allows bacteria to get into the circulation, producing an inflammatory response.
Dr Dhoble said, “The gut-brain axis is also involved in the regulation of stress responses. Stress can affect the gut microbiota and alter gut permeability, leading to inflammation and changes in gut motility. These changes can, in turn, affect the brain and lead to mood and behavioural changes.”
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Digestive Symptoms Related To Stress
Stress can manifest in various gut-related symptoms. These include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Conclusion
When it comes to our overall health, every organ in our body is related in some way or the other. The brain for instance looks after several functions that not only govern our neurological system, but also other parts including the gastrointestinal tract. That said, stress can have an impact on our gut health, sometimes even leading to complications.