Even though we kick off April with a few laughs on April Fools, this is a very serious time for many medical professionals. Psychologists and gastroenterologists will be most interested in Stress Awareness Month, but really, we should all pay attention. April is also Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month; this is an appropriate coincidence since IBS can be brought on by and confounded by stress.
In today’s blog we’ll be exploring the intricate relationship between stress and digestive conditions, and how taking a few moments of self-care will help you spend less moments on the porcelain throne.
Stress As An Evolved Safety Feature
More precisely known as the flight or fight response, stress is an evolutionary mechanism designed to keep us safe from predators. When the body detects a stressor, the nervous system automatically produces a response that prepares our bodies for a fight for our lives. While this built in response has been a great advantage in dealing with predators, war, famine-induced thievery, etc., this evolutionary response has not adapted as well to our modern day world, where much of our day to day stressors are about deadlines and financial troubles— and our bodies pay the price.
How Stress Affects Our Bodies
Aside from making us feel generally unwell, stress has a cacophony of effects on our bodies— some of which we don’t even fully understand yet. One of the most common effects of stress is anxiety, a prolonged irritation likely caused by the body’s inability to distinguish everyday stress from life-threatening circumstances.
Stress, anxiety, and bowel problems all seem to be interrelated. There is even evidence that stress and our gut microbiome— a critical component in bowel health— are intertwined; according to a study from 2017, “the gut microbiota has been implicated in a variety of stress-related conditions including anxiety, depression and irritable bowel syndrome.”
Stress, IBD, and IBS
So can stress cause conditions like IBS? It can absolutely be a factor in your ongoing struggle, whether you’ve been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease or IBS. Many patients notice more intense symptoms and flare-ups during a particularly stressful time in their lives. One thing seems to ring true for everyone, though: reducing everyday stress is an excellent place to start. There are many ways to reduce stress in your life, but not all of them will be feasible. Start by making a list of what causes you stress during your day and reducing the impact that these moments have on your mental well-being.
Reducing Stress For Your Bowels
Many patients find relief by practicing meditation and yoga, adding exercise as an outlet, seeking therapy for trauma, seeking financial assistance, and dissolving toxic relationships. Never be ashamed of seeking psychiatric help— the benefits of talking with a qualified psychologist alone can help you feel seen and heard, thereby reducing stress in and of itself.
This year for Stress Awareness Month, we should all pay close attention to our bodies and mental health to relieve stress. Curious about how to optimize your efforts this month to relieve your bowel problems? Reach out to our amazing staff of bowel experts for a consultation.