Stress can affect our bodies in many different ways. It can give us headaches, impact our sleep schedules, and also take a toll on our cardiovascular system. In addition, many experts and researchers have explored the link between stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal disorder that affects about 11% of the global population. It is believed that stress is a common trigger for the chronic condition and can exacerbate the symptoms in patients.
The OnlyMyHealth team got in touch with Dr Amit Miglani, Director and HOD - Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, to understand this association and discuss ways to manage it.
Also Read: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Lead To Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a chronic condition characterised by symptoms occurring together for at least three days in a month over a period of three months, says Dr Miglani.
While the exact cause remains unclear, the doctor shares that a few factors may have a role to play.
First, abnormal muscle contractions in the gut can lead to cramping, gas, bloating, and diarrhoea or constipation. Second, problems with how the brain and gut communicate can cause pain and irregular bowel movements, even in response to normal digestion.
Finally, IBS can be triggered or worsened by gastroenteritis, bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, or imbalances in the gut microbiome (the community of microbes living in your gut), Dr Miglani shares.
Can Stress Be A Trigger?
IBS is said to involve both gut issues and brain dysfunction. While it's unclear how stress, anxiety, and depression are linked to the gastrointestinal condition, a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that an estimated 40–60% of people with IBS also suffer from stress and vice versa.
Researchers found that stress can directly impact the gut's sensitivity, its motility, and the fluids it secretes, leading to cramping, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea.
They further noted that stress also disrupts communication between the brain, gut, and gut microbiome, the bacteria living in your gut, making the gut more sensitive to normal digestion and leading to pain or irregular bowel movements.
Dr Miglani says, “Strong emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression can activate certain chemicals in the brain, which in turn can amplify pain signals in the gut and lead to reactions in the colon. Additionally, stress and anxiety might make individuals more attuned to spasms or discomfort in the colon. Moreover, stress can impact the immune system, potentially contributing to the onset or aggravation of IBS symptoms.”
Since stress plays such a big role, researchers emphasise the importance of stress management in IBS treatment. This can involve non-drug approaches like relaxation techniques and medications like antidepressants or those that target serotonin levels.
Stress Management Tips For IBS Relief
Dr Miglani says, “IBS symptoms can be managed by different techniques to help ease stomach pain by helping your body and mind relax.”
“Strategies like acupuncture, which involves tiny needles on specific parts of your body, and acupressure, which is like massage, help to relieve symptoms by improving blood flow. Besides, meditation helps to relax your mind, reduce stress, and balance your emotions. Other therapies include hypnotherapy, where a trained person helps you relax deeply,” he concludes.